Dominican Holidaze is officially underway, opening on Friday afternoon with perfect weather, ocean-side music, and Caribbean culture. The Cloud 9 event, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, is celebrating their 11th year as a destination music festival with one of their most exciting lineups yet. The festivities opened up yesterday with early evening sets from The Motet and GRiZ, before a “Welcome Toast,” full three-hour shows from Umphrey’s McGee and STS9, and a late-night SunSquabi performance. Between the music, fans are encouraged to explore the Breathless Resort & Spa and neighboring Now Onyx all-inclusive experiences with endless pools, fine dining, and beachfront activities. With the main stage in the sand, and DJ sets in the pools, it doesn’t get much better than celebrating the holidays with Dominican Holidaze.

Saturday’s lineup begins with a poolside set from Wolf + Lamb, followed by Umphrey’s, Lotus, and GRiZ at the Main Stage before a full three-hour Disco Biscuits set and a Tauk late-night set. Brendan Bayliss of UM will kick off Sunday’s lineup with a poolside set, and STS9 will follow with an afternoon set at the Main Stage. Next, the Biscuits and Umphrey’s will both play full three-hour performances, after which Spafford will keep the jams going late into the night. Finally, on Monday, December 4th, DJ Naysayers (a.k.a. The Motet saxophonist Drew Sayers) will kick off day four with a poolside set, followed by and afternoon Disco Biscuits performance, full three-hour shows from STS9 and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead and a late-night by Wolf + Lamb.

Check out the gallery from Friday night’s fun below, courtesy of photographers Josh Timmermans and Dave Vann.