Miami music festivals bring the heat and the beat

Farruko performs at Vibra Urbana on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition Center. Photo Credit // Alexandra Fisher.

Music, lights, dancing, sweat — Miami is a global hotspot for music festivals. Whether it’s the massive crowds at a well-known festival or the intimate vibes of smaller local raves, Miami offers many one-of-a-kind experiences with diverse music and unforgettable moments with friends and family.

Miami music festivals offer a range of music that reflects its diverse population. Miami’s creativity and energy are fueled by its rich mix of Latin, Caribbean and North American influences. 

The city offers a cultural phenomenon for international attendees and locals. With its nightlife, fusion of cultures and warm weather, the city becomes a perfect place for music festivals.

Many festivals offer multiple stages, art installations, creative festival fashion, international crowds, epic production and, of course, nonstop energy. Miami’s concertgoers are a connected community, united by their shared love for music and the experiences that come with it. 

Let’s dive into some of Miami’s most popular music festivals and what you can expect.

Ultra

In 2025, Ultra, one of Miami’s most famous electronic dance music (EDM) festivals, will return to Bayfront Park. The festival will take place from March 28-30, with Friday’s hours running from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from noon to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.

General admission 3-day tickets are currently available for $399.95 and VIP 3-day tickets are $1,499.95.

With cutting-edge production and a steady stream of headline acts from across the globe, many locals, University of Miami students and people from other states attend. The festival will have over 150 acts over the three days.

Famous DJs such as Tiësto, John Summit, Dom Dolla, Martin Garrix and Zedd will be headlining. Get ready for trance, techno and house music, along with visual effects on large stage screens and mixes of songs from hundreds of different artists.

“The upbeat music, friendly crowd and generally vibrant community presence are why I like music festivals and raves so much. That’s also why I decided to buy Ultra tickets,” Jason Hugh, freshman computer science major, said.

Hocus Pocus

Halloweekend in Miami gets scary with Hocus Pocus at the Factory Town venue. The three-day EDM fest occurs during the weekend of or before Halloween, promising multiple stages, a haunted house and performances from over 75 DJs. The festival is in the open air from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Because Hocus Pocus is Halloween-themed, wearing a costume is the way to go. Whether you’re repping your favorite pop culture icon or going for something more spooky, creativity knows no bounds. Make sure your costume is comfortable for hours of dancing, singing and walking around the venue. 

“I really enjoyed the set up at Hocus Pocus. I liked the different lights and stages and how each stage had its own vibe,” Lucas Velasquez, freshman computer science major, said.

Even if you missed it this year, plan ahead to get your tickets and plan your costumes for next year.

Rolling Loud

Rolling Loud will celebrate its 10th anniversary from Dec.13-15 at Hard Rock Stadium with a star-studded lineup. This year, the show will feature headliners such as Future, Travis Scott and Playboi Carti. 

The festival was founded by Tariq Cherif and Matt Zingler in Miami, a city with a long history of being a hub for hip-hop culture. With the city’s diverse population and prominent Latin and Black communities,  the event celebrates some of the biggest names in rap, trap and drill music.

Rolling Loud’s success in Miami set the stage for its rapid expansion, with shows now in Los Angeles, New York and even internationally in Europe and Asia.

In addition to these big names, fans can expect a mix of performances, from trap and drill to underground hip-hop. 

The stadium venue will provide ample space for three stages with simultaneous performances, merchandise stands and food vendors. If you decide to purchase a VIP or VIP Munchie pass, you will get fast entry, front row viewing, dedicated lounges, bars, vendors and more. VIP guests also get complimentary beauty service, tattoos and haircuts—a totally unique festival experience.

Rolling Loud’s fashion is deeply rooted in streetwear culture, which is also a huge part of hip-hop. You may see people wearing oversized hoodies, baggy pants, graphic tees and sports jerseys. With this, you may also see classic festival outfits with neon and sparkles.

III Points

Located at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center, III Points offers a more intimate vibe than Miami’s more prominent festivals. Because the festival is in Wynwood, famous for its street art and trendy galleries, it has a more artsy and unconventional feel. 

The festival typically happens over a weekend in late October, with multiple stages spread across numerous city blocks. It offers everything from live band performances to electronic DJ sets and visual art installations.

Some of the most well-known artists who have performed at III Points include SZA, Tyler the Creator, A$AP Rocky and Dom Dolla. 

If you missed it this year, look out for the eventual drop of tickets for next year’s show.

Jingle Ball

Ready to show off some holiday spirit?—attend iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball. Along with nine other cities, Miami will host Jingle Ball on Dec. 21. The Kaseya Center will host the show offering a lively, upbeat atmosphere packed with holiday cheer and mainstream music from some of the biggest names in pop. 

In years past, stars like Shakira, Pitbull and Maluma have performed, creating a culturally relevant atmosphere that resonates with Miami’s international crowd. 

This year, Jingle Ball Miami will feature Camila Cabello, The Kid LAROI and Benson Boone. 

“I’m a huge fan of everyone on the lineup,” The Kid LAROI said to Billboard during the lineup announcement party.

As with any large concert, expect heavy crowds and be watching for any collaborations between different artists. The event will be held inside and is a great way to celebrate the holidays with friends or enjoy performances from your favorite musicians.

Country Bay Music Festival

If you’re looking for a break from EDM, Miami’s Country Bay Music Festival could be right for you. Join a sea of cowboy hats and boots for a night filled with country music and acoustics. 

The event blends the charm of country music with the energy of Miami’s diverse crowd. The festival encourages a fun, family-friendly environment with lots of line dancing and sing-alongs.

The 2024 festival took place recently on Nov. 9-10 at Miami Marine Stadium. If you missed it, buy a pair of boots and get ready for next year. The lineup included artists such as Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, Dustin Lynch, Diplo, Chase Rice and Chris Janson.  

The festival is a perfect way to experience the best of country music with the bonus of Miami’s tropical charm.

Festival Attire

Don’t forget—before you hit the dance floor, festival attire plays a crucial role in setting the tone for your Miami music festival experience. Choosing and wearing an outfit you love can be just as fun as attending the festival. 

Because of Miami’s year-round heat, most people wear lightweight, breathable clothing. Expect to see concertgoers in vibrant, neon rave gear. This can include glitter, sequins, patterned pashminas, crop tops, colored glasses and flashy jewelry.  

Wear practical footwear as the festivals often last long hours and involve lots of dancing and twirling in your sequins.

Stay safe, have fun and sing your heart out.