Every year, hundreds of thousands of people descend upon Miami for the craziest party week of the year, Miami Music Week. Between the massive Ultra Music Festival, which has expanded to two weekends this year, and a full schedule of pool parties and late night throwdowns, there is almost too much stuff to do in just one short week. That’s where we come in, giving you this easy to follow guide to make sure you can catch everything you want to do throughout the week.
The Main Event
What: Ultra Music Festival
When: March 15-17, March 22-24
Where: Bayfront Park
Who: Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Tiesto, Carl Cox, Calvin Harris, Afrojack, Deadmau5, Swedish House Mafia more.
Why: Ultra Music Festival is the grand daddy of them all – the main event of Miami Music Week. All the biggest names will be performing – Armin van Buuren, Tiesto, David Guetta, Above and Beyond, Bassnectar, and more. Besides top DJs, Ultra has a live stage featuring unique live sets from diverse acts like Snoop Dogg, Sleigh Bells, Azealia Banks, and more. Also – Swedish House Mafia is closing down the festival with what promises to be their last set ever.
The Pool Parties
What: All Gone Pete Tong Pool Party
When: 3/16 and 3/22 11am-11pm
Where: The Surfcomber Hotel
Who: Pete Tong and Friends
Why: Pete Tong is known for his Essential Mix radio show on BBC, which has made him one of the most famous radio DJs in the UK. He’s blown up so many up and coming DJs through his radio show, and his list of friends who show up should be awesome.
What: Anjunabeats Volume 10 Pool Party
When: 3/16 12pm-10pm
Where: The National Hotel
Who: Mat Zo, Seven Lions, Norin and Rad, Andrew Bayer, Jaytech, Maoer Levi, Beckwith
Why: Above and Beyond’s Anjunabeats label recently released the Volume 10 mix, and it’s a banger, featuring unreleased tracks from many of the artists on this line-up. Check out the next wave of progressive trance superstars before they blow up.
What: Circle Talent Agency Pool Party
When: 3/16
Where: 10am-10pm
Who: Flux Pavilion, Datsik, Doctor P, Lucky Date, Carnage, Heroes x Villians, Feenixpawl, Plastik Funk, The Disco Fries, Digital Lab, More
Why: The dirtiest pool party in all of South Beach will surely be this one, featuring three of the biggest names in dubstep – Flux, Datsik, and Doctor P.
What: Perfecto Pool Party
When: 3/16 2pm-10pm
Where: SLS Hotel
Who: Paul Oakenfold and Friends
Why: Perfecto Records founder Paul Oakenfold is a legend in EDM circles. Check out his label’s pool party showcase at the brand new SLS Hotel.
What: R3hab and Friends Pool Party
When: 3/17 12pm-10pm
Where: National Hotel
Who: R3hab, Adventure Club, TJR, GTA, Bassjackers, David Solano, Carnage, Gregor Salto
Why: Afrojack’s former protege R3hab is taking to MMW with a pool party of his own, bringing along some awesome friends as well. Check out this lineup, which is a mix of electro, dubstep, and trap.
What: Chris Lake b2b Michael Woods
When: 3/18 2pm-10pm
Where: SLS Hotel
Who: Michael Woods b2b Chris Lake, GTA, Congorock, TJR
Why: See two rising stars share the booth with a b2b set at SLS. Support lineup is solid as well.
What: Bingo Players Pool Party
When: 3/19 12pm-10pm
Where: The Pool @ The Shelbourne
Who: Bingo Players, More TBA
Why: The Bingo Players have burst on the scene over the past few years, cementing themselves as some of the biggest names in electro. Hits like ‘Rattle’ have been played by nearly every major DJ at some point, and these guys are only going to get bigger.
What: The Elektro Freshman Class of 2013 Pool Party
When: 3/19 12pm-10pm
Where: The National Hotel
Who: DJ 3LAU, Danny Avila, Deniz Koyu, Carnage, Pierce Fultan, Audien, Sazon Booya, More
Why: Check out the best rookies to come out over the past year show their show at Elektro’s Freshman Class pool party. These young guns were hand chosen as the next wave of EDM superstars – see them all in one place.
What: We’re All Friends! Beach Party
When: 3/20 1pm-9pm
Where: Raleigh Hotel
Who: Body High, Boys Noize Records, Bromance, Fools Gold, Mad Decent, Smog, We Did It, OWSLA
Why: Major dance music labels owned by a whose who of superstars are all teaming up for this giant pool party. Even though no names are announced yet, these labels are run by Skrillex, Diplo, A-Trak, Boys Noize, Gesaffelstein, and more so expect a sick turnout.
What: Kings of Ace Pool Party
When: 3/20 12pm-10pm
Where: SLS Hotel
Who: Afrojack, Sidney Samson, Quintino, Shermanology, Bassjackers, Bobby Burns, Chocolate Puma, Leroy Styles, More.
Why: The Ace Agency brings all of their artists to one pool party, featuring megastar Afrojack and his entire crew – Quintino, Shermanology, and more. This pool party was a banger last year, see what happens this year.
What: The Dim Mak Pool Party
When: 3/21 12pm-10pm
Where: Raleigh Hotel
Who: Steve Aoki, Datsik, Dmitri Vegas and Like Mike, Dirtyphonics, Felix Cartal, Autoerotique, Clockwork, PeaceTreaty, Yolanda Be Cool, more
Why: Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak records has released music by some of the biggest names in EDM over the past few years. See Aoki assemble his crew for this huge showcase at The Raleigh.
What: The Mixmash Pool Party
When: 3/21 12pm-10pm
Where: The National Hotel
Who: Laidback Luke and Friends
Why: Laidback Luke’s MixMash Pool Party is always one of the most in demand parties of the week. Last year, all types of special guests showed up – this year, expect nothing less.
What: Size Matters
When: 3/21 3pm-11pm
Where: Fontainebleau Ocean Lawn
Who: Steve Angello, Thomas Gold, AN21 and Max Vangeli, Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano, More
Why: The swanky Fontainebleau turns their Ocean Lawn into a unique dance music experience. See Steve Angello’s Size Matters crew take over the hotel.
What: Skrillex and Friends Yacht Party
When: 3/21 3pm-8pm
Where: 400 SE 2nd Ave
Who: Skrillex, Crookers, Congorock, 12th Planet, Alvin Risk, Koan Sounds
Why: Skrillex is bringing a bunch of friends to the high seas for this yacht party. The main event: Skrillex b2b Crookers b2b Congorock b2b 12th Planet. Four insane DJs sharing the stage.
What: Subliminal Sessions Pool Party
When: 3/21 12pm-10pm
Where: The Pool @ The Shelbourne
Who: Erick Morillo and Special Guests
Why: House music legend Erick Morillo has been around seemingly forever, and he’ll be taking over The Shelbourne with his friends for what will surely be a highlight of Miami Music Week.
What: Dirtybird Players BBQ
When: 3/21 12pm-10pm
Where: Villa 221
Who: De La Soul, Claude Von Stroke, Justin Martin, Eats Everything, Catz N Dogs, French Fries, More
Why: Dirtybird became famous for legendary barbecues in San Francisco’s Golden Gate park.
What: HARD Miami Pool Party
When: 3/22 12pm-10pm
Where: The Raleigh Hotel
Who: Felix Da Housecat, Baauer, Skreamizm, Clockwork, Just Blaze, Alex Metric, Destructo, Surkin, Oliver, More
Why: The guys at HARD know how to throw a real party – see: Holy Ship. This line-up has a little bit of everything, with Chicago house legend Felix Da Housecat, viral superstar Baauer, and dubstep innovator Skream.
What: Dirty Dutch Pool Party
When: 3/22 2pm-10pm
Where: Hyde Beach
Who: TBA
Why: No official lineup has been revealed yet, but the Dirty Dutch label is home to house superstars like Chuckie and Gregori Klosman.
What: Perfecto and APA Artist Showcase
When: 3/22 12pm-9pm
Where: The Clevelander
Who: Paul Oakenfold, DJ Bl3nd, Brass Knuckles, Lazy Rich, Project 46, Spencer and Hill, Starkillers, More
Why: Paul Oakenfold’s Perfecto label joins force with APA to showcase some up and coming names. Solid lineup all around.
What: No Sugar Added
When: 3/22 and 3/23 12pm-5am
Where: Nikki Beach
Who: Arty, Chris Lake, Dmitri Vegas and Like Mike, Dennis Ferrer, Bassjackers, Quintino, Sidney Samson, Tommy Trash, Swanky Tunes, John Dahlback, EDX, Showtek, Funkagenda, Danny Avila, Marco Carola
Why: This monstrous two day mini festival at the world famous Nikki Beach features two distinctive themes and a slew of top notch artists. Day 1 is full of deep house legends headlined by Dennis Ferrer and marco Carola, day two features hard hitting electro from the likes of Sidney Samson and Tommy Trash.
What: Gareth Emery and Friends Pool Party
When: 3/23 12pm-10pm
Where: Raleigh Hotel
Who: Gareth Emery, Mord Fustang,
Why: Gareth Emery is all over Miami Music Week this year, but he’s got a solid supporting cast here including Mord Fustang, Funkagenda, and Michael Woods
What: Wolfgang Gartner and Friends Pool Party
When: 3/23 12pm-10pm
Where: National Hotel
Who: Wolfgang Gartner, Tommy Trash, Kill The Noise, Tokimonsta, Clockwork, Dallas K, Just Blaze
Why: Wolfgang Gartner’s thrown together a solid line-up for this Saturday pool party. One of Gartner’s only appearances during the week.
What: Dirty Dutch Pool Party
When: 3/24 10am-10pm
Where: The Shelborne
Who: Chuckie, Adventure Club, Betatraxx, Gregori Klossman, More
Why: Another pool party with Chuckie and the Dirty Dutch crew to bounce around if your not heading to Ultra. Also, special guest: Slash.
The After Parties
What: Porter Robinson and Mat Zo
When: 3/15
Where: Mansion
Who: Porter Robinson, Mat Zo
Why: Rising star Porter Robinson just got off a huge tour, and he’s joined here by recent collaborator Mat Zo for a huge party at Mansion.
What: Fanfare Miami featuring Thomas Gold
When: 3/15
Where: Space (Terrace)
Who: Thomas Gold, Otto Knows, Feenixpawl
Why: Thomas Gold has cemented himself as one of the biggest names in EDM over the past several years. He’s joined by a solid cast of up and comers for this rager at Space.
What: Datsik
When: 3/15
Where: Space (Main Room)
Who: Datsik, Dieselboy, Terravita, XKore, Schoolboy
Why: Dubstep superstar Datsik headlines this show which is sure to be the hardest pounding show at Space all week. Dieselboy, Terravita, and XKore are among the top notch support acts.
What: Kaskade
When: 3/15
Where: Story
Who: Kaskade
Why: Kaskade always has a few big shows during Miami Music Week and this is his first. While his festival sets and tours and well choreographed, he tends to let loose a little more behind the decks in Miami.
What: Steve Angello
When: 3/15
Where: LIV
Who: Steve Angello
Why: One third of the Swedish House Mafia, which are making their last ever appearance together at Ultra, will hit the decks at LIV. When Swedish House Mafia wrote ‘Miami 2 Ibiza’, they were talking about LIV, which seems to be their home away from home.
What: Pretty Lights Music Showcase
When: 3/16
Where: FDR @ The Delano
Who: Michael Menert, Paul Basic, Supervision, Special Guest
Why: Superstar DJ Pretty Lights has been putting out solid music through his own label for the past few years, giving acts like Michael Menert and Paul Basic an outlet for their latest music. See them, as well as a very special guest (wink wink), at this showcase.
What: Axwell
When: 3/16
Where: Story
Who: Axwell
Why: Even though they’ll be broken up after this week, you’ll still see these Swedes everywhere solo. Axwell will be holding down the decks at Story for his first Miami Music Week event.
What: Sander Van Doorn
When: 3/16
Where: LIV
Who: Sander Van Doorn
Why: Sander Van Doorn seems to get bigger every year, after a busy 2012 that saw the producer hit numerous music festivals including Ultra, 2013 is shaping up to be an even bigger year.
What: Thomas Gold and Friends
When: 3/16
Where: Wall @ The W
Who: Thomas Gold, Deniz Koyu, and Sick Individuals
Why: Continuing his Miami takeover, Thomas Gold stops at the intimate Wall at the The W. Special guest Deniz Koyu provides support.
What: Zedd and Guests
When: 3/17
Where: Mansion
Who: Zedd, Alvin Risk, Funkagenda, Seven Lions, Alex Metric
Why: Zedd may have been this year’s breakout artist. After signing to Interscope Records, releases like Spectrum and Clarity crossed over to the mainstream, even garnering an appearance on Late Night With David Letterman. He’s got a solid group of special guests to ensure this party at Mansion will be one for the ages.
What: Markus Schulz
When: 3/17
Where: Space (Terrace)
Who: Markus Schulz
Why: Last year the DJ Times voted Markus Schulz as America’s #1 DJ, and for good reason. 2012 saw top notch collaborations with heavyweights Ferry Corsten and Armin Van Buuren among a slew of top notch releases. See him tear up Space’s legendary Terrace all night long.
What: Benny Benassi
When: 3/18
Where: LIV
Who: Benny Benassi
Why: Benny Benassi’s been around seemingly forever. Satisfaction feels like the first song ever created. But he keeps putting out good music and playing huge shows, and the people keep coming.
What: Dirty Dutch Featuring Chuckie and Waka Flocka Flame
When: 3/18
Where: Story
Who: Chuckie, Waka Flocka Flame, Dmitri Vegas and Like Mike, Mord Fustang, Gregori Klosman, Betatraxx
Why: Chuckie knows how to throw a party, and just having top notch DJs as support is clearly not enough. He’s bringing along Waka Flocka Flame for a special live performance as well.
What: Axwell
When: 3/19
Where: Wall @ The W
Who: Axwell, No_ID, Sick Individuals, Hook and Sling
Why: Axwell stops by the intimate Wall for a solid show. See this Swedish House Mafia member tear down the house.
What: Dirty South
When: 3/19
Where: LIV
Who: Dirty South, Michael Brun
Why: On the heels of his latest album, Speed Of Life, Dirty South takes over LIV. The man responsible for several past Ultra anthems is back after a year of touring in support of ‘City of Dreams’, his last single with Alesso.
What: Skrillex
When: 3/19
Where: Story
Who: Skrillex, Brodinski b2b Gesaffelstein, Crookers, Jack Beats, Alvin Risk, Alex Metric
Why: Look at that lineup! Besides the headline spot for Skrillex, Brodisnki and Gesaffelstein always kill it in the booth together, and every name down the line is solid. This is going to be a banger.
What: Knife Party Presents Haunted House
When: 3/20
Where: Mansion
Who: Knife Party, Kill The Noise, Tommy Trash, Candyland, Walden
Why: Knife Party have made quite the impact over the past few years, vaulting to superstar status and huge shows all across the country. They bring their ‘Haunted House’ show to Miami with a slew of awesome guests at Mansion.
What: Gareth Emery “Extended Set”
When: 3/20
Where: Space (Main Room)
Who: Gareth Emery
Why: Gareth Emery knows how to throw down monstrous sets on the regular – so if they need to warn us that this one is ‘extended’, then you know it’s going to get crazy.
What: Roger Sanchez Presents Stealth Miami
When: 3/20
Where: Bamboo Miami
Who: Roger Sanchez, Todd Terry, Prok and Fitch, Mike Vale
Why: Turntable legend Roger Sanchez will be showing off at Bamboo with his ‘Stealth’ crew.
What: Super You and Me
When: 3/20
Where: LIV
Who: Laidback Luke, RL Grime, Martin Solveig, Showtek, Henrix
Why: Laidback Luke’s superhero themed ‘Super You and Me’ party is always one of the craziest during Miami Music Week. This year, he’s bringing along Martin Solveig, RL Grime, and Showtek along for the ride.
What: The Modern Love Affair
When: 3/20
Where: Wall @ The W
Who: Pete Tong, Art Department, Damian Lazarus, Luca C.
Why: Ultimate song selector Pete Tong is bringing some friends to Wall for a huge event.
What: Hardwell Presents Revealed
When: 3/21
Where: Mansion
Who: Hardwell, Dannic, Dyro, Firebeatz, Jordy Dazz
Why: Hardwell brings some friends to Mansion for one of the hottest shows of the week. Tickets are in high demand for the Dutch producer who was ranked #6 on last year’s DJ Mag Top 100 list.
What: Fedde Le Grand vs Mark Knight
When: 3/21
Where: Space (Terrace)
Who: Fedde Le Frand, Mark Knight
Why: Fedde and Mark Knight are set to put on a clinic with a marathon set that promises to go into the early hours of the morning.
What: Ferry Corsten And Friends
When: 3/21
Where: Space (Main Room)
Who: Ferry Corsten, Tritonal, Bassjackers
Why: Trance legend Ferry Corsten brings a solid lineup to Space’s Main Room. Ferry’s sets in Miami for Ultra weekend are always incredible, so expect nothing less.
What: Sebastian Ingrosso
When: 3/21
Where: Story
Who: Sebastian Ingrosso, Tommy Trash, Otto Knows
Why: Sebastian Ingrosso is bringing along two of his collaborators along for this huge show. Ingrosso and Trash are responsible for the banger ‘Reload’.
What: Smog Vs Basshead
When: 3/21
Where: Mekka
Who: 12th Planet, Adventure Club, Doctor P, Dirtyphonics, Caspa, Flinch, Goldie, UZ, Craze, Carnage, Bro Safari, Koan Sound, Zomboy, More
Why: Who isn’t on this lineup? The craziest bass fueled lineup of the year is at Mekka, featuring some of the biggest names in dustup, trap, moombahton, and drum and bass filtered over 5 stages.
What: Richie Hawtin Presents Enter
When: 3/22
Where: Mansion
Who: Richie Hawtin, Gaiser, Paco Osuna
Why: Richie Hawtin has been bringing his ‘Enter’ production across the country this year, trying to present underground dance music to a wider audience. He’s bringing Paco Osuna, who is one of the most successful producers from Spain, along with a live set from Gaiser for this epic show.
What: FUCK ME I’M FAMOUS
When: 3/22
Where: Story
Who: David Guetta, Nicky Romero, Daddy’s Groove
Why: Electronic Dance Music as a genre owes much of it’s success to David Guetta, who’s crossover hits were some of the first EDM tracks to be consistent radio hits. See him spin all of the classics and some special mixes at Story.
What: Danny Tenaglia Classics: Past, Present, and Future
When: 3/22
Where: Score
Who: Danny Tenaglia
Why: Legendary DJ Danny Tenaglia takes the decks for his yearly ‘Classics’ show at Score.
What: Kaskade
When: 3/22
Where: LIV
Who: Kaskade
Why: Kaskade’s second big show of the week, this time at LIV. He always throws down here so try to catch this one.
What: PRYDA
When: 3/22
Where: Space (Terrace)
Who: Eric Prydz, Fehrplay, Pete Tong, Joris Voorn b2b Nic Fanciulli
Why: The legendary Eric Prydz is responsible for some of the biggest dance music hits of all time. He’s bringing an all star cast to Space’s Terrace for this awesome show.
What: JACKED
When: 3/23
Where: Mansion
Who: Afrojack, Quintino, Shermanology, Bobby Burns, Leroy Styles
Why: Afrojack’s bringing the whole Jacked crew to Mansion for this throwdown. Last year’s Jacked party was one of the most talked about of the whole week.
What: Boys Noize Records – Miami Noize
When: 3/23
Where: Therapy
Who: Boys Noize, Zeds Dead, Para One, Le1f, Destructo, Franki Chan,
Why: Boys Noize’s latest album was fantastic, which is par for the course for this producer. He’s joined by Zeds Dead and a host of other artists, in addition to some promised special guests.
What: Erick Morillo Birthday Party
When: 3/23
Where: LIV
Who: Erick Morillo, Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano
Why: Erick Morillo’s birthday parties are always one of the biggest events during Miami Music Week – you never know who’s going to show up. Expect nothing less from this one.
What: Gareth Emery Presents Garuda
When: 3/23
Where: Arkadia
Who: Gareth Emery, Ben Gold, Blake Jarrel, Craig Connelly
Why: Gareth Emery is really all over Miami Music Week this year, but this is probably the most intimate chance to catch the producer and his Garuda crew.
What: Thomas Gold
When: 3/23
Where: MYNT
Who: Thomas Gold
Why: Thomas Gold is another guy who’s all over the place this year, and this is a great chance to catch him in a smaller venue.
What: APRES
When: 3/23
Where: Mekka
Who: Mimosa, Griz, Michael Menert, Break Science, Keys N Krates, Grandtheft, Thugli, Gladkill, Paul Basic, More
Why: This monstrous lineup was put together by Pretty Lights Music, Embrace, TSIS and Headtron. Check it out because it’s insane.
What: Markus Schulz b2b Ferry Corsten
When: 3/24
Where: Mansion
Who: Markus Schulz b2b Ferry Corsten
Why: The two legendary producers, responsible for co-producing the banger ‘Loops And Tings’, come together for what is sure to be a legendary set.
What: Armin Van Buuren
When: 3/24
Where: Story
Who:Armin Van Buuren, W&W
Why: It only makes sense that the world’s #1 DJ closes down Miami Music Week. This show is going to be insane.
What: Showland
When: 3/24
Where: Wall @ The W
Who: Swanky Tunes, Hard Rock Sofa, Special Guest
Why: Hard hitting electro house is taking over Wall with Swanky Tunes and Hard Rock Sofa manning the decks.