Ultra Music Festival: Miami’s iconic electronic dance event

Alina Baum of Germany dances as confetti sprinkles the crowd during the third day of Ultra Music Festival in downtown Miami. [Photo by Matias J. Ocner / Miami Herald]

The Ultra Music Festival, one of the world’s premier electronic dance music festivals, is being held at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami from March 28 to 30.

Held annually in Miami since 1999, Ultra attracts the biggest names in EDM and thousands of music lovers from around the world. The festival marks the official start of Miami Music Week, a citywide celebration of electronic music.

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The festival is known for massive stages, high-energy performances, cutting-edge visual effects and state-of-the-art sound production. Multiple stages showcase a diverse lineup performing house, techno, trance, bass and hardstyle.

The Main Stage features such headliners as David Guetta, Tiësto, Martin Garrix, Calvin Harris and Armin van Buuren. The Live Stage highlights live electronic acts and crossover performances. Resistance Miami focuses on underground house and techno artists such as Carl Cox, Adam Beyer and Charlotte de Witte.

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Ultra is a hotspot for exclusive artist collaborations, surprise guests and unreleased music debuts, making it a must-attend event for EDM fans.

Ultra started as a one-day beachside event in 1999 and has evolved into a three-day international festival, drawing over 165,000 attendees annually. The festival’s brand has expanded globally with Ultra events in Europe, Asia, South America and Australia.

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Ultra moved to Virginia Key in 2019, but after logistical challenges it returned to Bayfront Park in 2022. The return reaffirmed Ultra’s strong connection with downtown Miami, despite occasional conflicts with residents over noise and traffic.

The festival is part of Miami Music Week, during which clubs and venues across the city host pre- and after-parties with Ultra artists.

Tickets for the festival itself sold out months ago.