This year’s Ultra Music Festival, set against the stunning backdrop of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami’s skyline, was a sold-out triumph, drawing 165,000 people over the weekend of March 22-24. EDM fans from over 100 countries made the trek, making it a melting pot of nationalities and cultures.
Founded in 1999 by Russell Faibisch and Alex Omes, Ultra has evolved from a one-day event to a three-day festival that’s been hailed as “The World’s Premier Electronic Music Festival.” And with good reason. It’s a multi-sensory spectacle with towering LED displays and synchronized pyrotechnics, cutting-edge sound systems, and choreographed drone displays that put those mysterious New Jersey drone sightings to shame.
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Sure, it rained on the first day of the festival this year and it had to shut down temporarily. But the fact that Miami got hit with thunder, lightning, and 2.34 inches of the wet stuff — a record for the city — didn’t dampen spirits, incredibly.
One thing that separates Ultra from most other festivals is the cutting-edge #ULTRALIVE stream, which has had 2.3 billion views since its inception. While a live stream of a festival you can’t attend seems like it might be lame, Ultra does an exceptional job of making you feel like you’re part of the celebration.
We haven’t even mentioned the music yet.
World-renowned Scottish DJ, producer, and singer-songwriter Calvin Harris returned to the Ultra stage after an 11-year absence, and Kill Safari, the new project by Bro Safari and Kill The Noise, made its world debut. Hell, even Jon Bon Jovi made a surprise appearance during Armin van Buuren’s mainstage set, singing along to the DJ’s remix of Bon Jovi’s 1992 hit, “Keep the Faith,” showing everyone that even 1980s hair metal and EDM can get along.
Ultra isn’t our “Best Festival” because of music and atmosphere alone, though. Its award-winning Mission: Home program was on display throughout the weekend, with more than 50 initiatives to reduce waste and prevent pollution; inspiring attendees to save the Earth — and Miami’s beaches — while dancing their asses off.
Unlike other music festivals, this one isn’t owned by a big corporate entity. It’s always been independently run, and more festivals should follow suit.
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