EDM festivals have always been more than just music. They’re a burst of colour, freedom, and community. But post-COVID, everything’s changed — from ticket prices to travel costs to the size of the lineups.
Yet here we are in 2025, and the dancefloor still pulses.
Festivals may be less frequent and smaller in scale, but the energy’s still there. Fans are adapting, getting creative, and finding new ways to keep the magic alive — without breaking the bank.
From Massive to Minimal: The New Festival Landscape
Before 2020, the EDM calendar was packed. Every month, somewhere in the world, a crowd was waving glowsticks under the stars. Then the pandemic hit. Events paused. Lineups disappeared. And when they came back, everything cost more.
In 2025, you’re likely seeing:
- Smaller festivals with tighter budgets
- Fewer big-name DJs, more regional talent
- Higher ticket prices, fewer one-day passes
- Extra fees for things that used to be free (like lockers, shuttles, or parking)
Even some iconic mid-size festivals have scaled down or gone quiet. But don’t worry — fans are making it work.
How Festival Fans Are Doing It Smarter
The diehards didn’t disappear. They just got strategic.
1. The Rise of Micro-Festivals
Local and underground events are booming. They’re cheaper, more intimate, and often have better vibes than the mega-shows. These smaller fests focus on community, sound quality, and shared experience instead of giant stages and pyrotechnics.
Tip: Follow local collectives on Instagram or Reddit. That’s where these micro-fests often announce first. Word-of-mouth is everything.
2. Group Economics
Going solo is expensive. In 2025, smart ravers are planning in packs.
- Group camping cuts down gear and food costs
- Shared rides or split rentals save on travel
- DIY crews bring their own lights, speakers, or even decor
Plus, rolling deep just makes the experience better. More people, more energy, more memories.
3. Budget-Friendly Packing
The key to surviving multi-day fests without blowing your bank account? Pack smarter.
Here’s what works:
- Reusable water bottles (most fests have free refill stations now)
- Energy snacks like protein bars, instant noodles, and trail mix
- Compact sleeping gear — air mats and foldable tents save space and effort
- Pre-packed outfits (trust us, it avoids overpacking chaos)
Also, bring a portable charger. Nothing kills the vibe like a dead phone and no way to find your friends.
4. Plan Your Schedule
Gone are the days of seeing every set. With fewer stages and tighter schedules, you’ve got to prioritise. Check the timetable early. Mark your top 5 acts and let the rest flow naturally.
Bonus tip: leave some buffer time. Spontaneous sets in side tents are often the best part of the weekend.
Protecting the Vibe and Your Rep
Festivals are about expression — dancing, dressing up, letting go. But that freedom comes with a new kind of risk: being filmed or posted without your permission.
In today’s hyper-online world, a 10-second clip can follow you for years. If something goes sideways and lands in search results tied to your name, services now exist to remove negative search results and clean things up.
The best move? Party freely, but stay aware. What you do for fun shouldn’t become a future headache.
Post-COVID, the Heart of EDM Is Still Beating
Even with fewer festivals, the spirit of the scene is strong. People are hungry for connection. DJs are experimenting with new sounds. Fans are chasing sunsets and lasers like it’s the first time all over again.
Whether you’re in the crowd at a massive return like Creamfields or dancing barefoot at a forest micro-rave with 300 people, the magic’s still real.
It’s just changed form.
Make the Most of What You’ve Got
Festivals may be smaller. They may be rarer. But that makes them even more special.
“It’s the same feeling I had in theatre,” says producer James Simon. “You look around and realise everyone came here for something bigger than themselves — to feel alive, together, even if just for one night.”
Get creative. Pack smart. Find your people. Dance like the world isn’t broken. Because in that moment — in the middle of the crowd, lights flashing, beat dropping — it’s not.
The scene isn’t dead. It’s just evolving. And you’re part of what keeps it alive.
