Lights All Night was an absolutely incredible experience and the perfect kickoff to 2016. From top-notch production to some of the world’s biggest DJs and performers, the two-day Dallas event was truly something special. The festival relocated this year from the Dallas Convention Center to the Dallas Market Hall, making for a more intimate environment.

The New Year’s Eve throwdown featured performances from headliners Hardwell, Galantis, and Porter Robinson, while  Yellow Claw, Flosstradamus, and Kaskade took over on New Year’s Day. The sound system was fantastic, the bass hitting you square in the chest throughout the event.

[Colton Carlyle] 

The event took place across three stages: Mothership, Satellite Stage, and Super Disco. Each one had its own distinct look and feel. Mothership, being the main stage, had by far the largest production, with a dozen LED screens and a raised platform. Satellite stage, being next in line, had several LED screens to provide a visual experience of its own. The Super Disco had a few screens and lights to add to the experience of a silent disco.

The gates opened each night at 6 PM to a crowd of early arrivals waiting to pass through security. Once inside, it was a short walk to the stages where the fun began.

Hardwell took the main stage at 8:30. Despite the early show time, he didn’t disappoint. Throughout the set he had the crowd jumping, clapping, cheering, and singing along with the music. Over on the Satellite stage, Jauz threw down a fantastic set, complimented by a visual experience including Mario-themed animations. DJ duo Galantis rang in the new year on the Mothership stage. The music turned down as the countdown started, but quickly turned back up when the clock hit midnight to keep fans raging into the new year. Baauer welcomed 2016 on the Satellite stage to a round of heavy applause and cheers.

[Hardwell]

Following Galantis on the main stage, Porter Robinson played an equally impressive set, backed by his familiar anime-inspired visual production. At the same time, Datsik had the bass hitting hard on Satellite to the joy of the crowd jumping and fist pumping to the beat.

The festival carried on New Year’s Day with Black Tiger Sex Machine and their LED-lit helmets on the Satellite stage, getting everyone amped and ready for the remainder of the evening.

[Black Tiger Sex Machine]

Over on the main stage, Yellow Claw turned the lights down and asked for everyone to pull out their lighters and turn on their phone’s flashes, which could be seen to the back wall. By the time EDM/trap duo Flosstradamus hit the main stage, the crowd had grown enormously. Even with the Mothership stage being full, Claude Vonstroke had a huge crowd over at the Satellite stage. The festival came to an end with Kaskade filling the Mothership stage with music, fire, fog, and confetti, while Big Gigantic closed out the night on the Satellite stage.

[Kaskade]

[Claude VonStroke]

Words and Photos by Andrew Dolan. Full Gallery: