The Festival Insider Guide to Miami Music Week
As March draws closer, so does the anticipation for the first Miami Music Week (MMW) in what seems like forever. Just under 50 days until dance music's most debaucherous week returns after going virtual last year due to the pandemic.
This weeklong marathon of electronic music takes place the last week of March and is full of parties day and night all over Miami. Pool parties, nightclubs, popups, boat parties, and oh so much more. MMW culminates with the Ultra Music Festival, a three-day, award-winning event on March 25-27th.
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of MMW, and since everything is happening in person, promoters and performers are doing it up big this year. Check out our list of must-attend events.
Gray Area returns for Miami Music Week with a slew of pool parties at the gorgeous National Hotel full of delicious house and techno. The Descend Pool Party is where it all starts. Set in the heart of the Art Deco Historic District, this massive opening party features the latest and greatest in avant-garde techno curated by Miami-based Descend Records. It's the perfect beginning to an epic, party-filled week.
Thursday brings the Dark Matter Pool Party to The National, featuring your favorite tech house duo with an album of the same name. The smash hit "For A Feeling" co-producers are prepped to bring those slinky poolside vibes that you're unlikely to find anywhere else on Miami Beach. They've also got a few special guests on deck, so you don't want to miss this.
Friday features iconic producer MK and his friends, bringing you all the house music your little heart desires. Acts like Christoph, Dillon Nathanial, Dombresky, Kyle Walker, LP Giobbi, HoneyLuv, Will Clarke, and Bryan Estefani will make this is one pool party to remember.
On Saturday, Green Velvet and a few of his friends will take you down to La La Land. Get ready for a day full of bumping beats, tasty drinks, and tons of fantasy. If you've been to any of his other La La Land events, you know this party is unlike any other. He's also got a few tricks up his sleeve with regards to the lineup, making for one great show.
March 23-27
Gemma Parker
DJ Mag Pool Party
This year, DJ Mag is back in Miami as part of the Epic Pool Parties series. A highlight to every Miami Music Week with previous hosts like Amnesia and Defected. The series is a five-day takeover held at the super stylish Sagamore Hotel. DJ Mag will partner with various brands over the five days. Wednesday's opening event features ANTS head and Ibiza regular Andrea Oliva and Edible Records boss Eats Everything, who'll go b2b Liverpool's Melé, to give you a taste of who you can expect.
March 24
Drumcode at Space
After a brief hiatus, another tradition returns to Miami this March. Adam Beyer's Drumcode showcase takes over the Terrace at Club Space. This party goes from dark until dawn, giving partygoers the full day and night experience. He's got some friends joining him on the decks, but you have to attend to get the full lineup.
Mana Wynwood Warehouse
CircoLoco Miami
CircoLoco is also returning to Miami this year with a massive warehouse takeover at the incredible Mana Wynwood Warehouse. Located in the heart of the arts and entertainment district, the space is home to a wonderful array of murals and art pieces. And on March 24 it will be full of house and techno. Catch Seth Troxler, Chloé Caillet, TSHA, and Damian Lazurus bringing Ibiza to Miami.
Anjuna Boat Party
After being postponed due to Covid, Burmuda returns with the Anjuna family Boat Party atop the Musette Charter. This is the biggest boat party to date, with a lineup featuring DJs like Jaytech and Kev Blundy, the latter of which will throw down classic Anjuna. Sail around Miami as Anjuna provides the perfect soundtrack for some fun in the sun.
Defected Miami
DiskoLab presents Defected North America on The Lawn at Island Gardens. If you're looking to get your house fix, this event is for you. This is an all-day takeover, with acts like Catz N' Dogz, Eats Everything, LP Giobbi, and more TBA.
March 25
Where Are My Keys?
Where Are My Keys is a boutique event that happens around the world, and it's touching down in Miami once again for Music Week. Named after one of the most uttered lines by partygoers, Where Are My Keys takes over the 94th Aero Squadron with multiple indoor and outdoor stages. Featuring Life of Death and House of EFunk, DJs will play for 15 glorious hours, so be sure to wear your dancing shoes.
A State Of Trance
A State of Trance is also returning to Miami for ASOT 1000. Touted as a double anniversary edition, ASOT takes over the Ultra Worldwide Arc stage, a plan that should've happened in 2020 had the pandemic not hit. Armin Van Buuren's radio show reached its 1000 episode last year, and this is the 10th year that ASOT has hosted its stage at Ultra, hence the 'double anniversary.'
March 25-26
BPM Miami
Hot off the cancellation of its Costa Rica edition, The BPM Festival is officially returning to Miami. Partnering with Humans Alike, this is an open-air two-day event at Little River Studios. Keep in mind that while this is a BPM event, it's not a BPM festival, so the lineup will be smaller but still packed with heavy hitters.
March 25-27
Ultra Music Festival
All these events will prepare you for the party of all parties: Ultra Music Festival, held at Bayfront Park. Miami Music Week culminates with this three-day event and features over 100 artists spread across several stages. This year's lineup features exclusive sets from Carl Cox, Gareth Emery, Knife Party, Kygo, Madeon, Sofi Tukker, Ookay, and Sulivan King. It also features a hard dance stage for the first time hosted by the Dirty Workz label. Ultra signifies the beginning of festival season, and while most US states are still dealing with winter, Miami is usually sunny af and the perfect place to party day and night. So celebrate the return of Ultra with hundreds of thousands of your closest friends.
