Eat, sleep, rave, repeat.
This is the motto that will ring out through the city of Miami this week as it undergoes its most party-fueled week. Monday marked the start of its famed Miami Music Week, where dance floors will be packed with an eclectic mix of partygoers and club movers for around-the-clock programming.
But amid all of its daytime pool parties, late-night club gatherings, and beach soirées, it’s the grand finale — Ultra Music Festival –that will surely close everything out with a bang. Spanning every genre across the electronic music sphere, Ultra Music Festival will welcome over 150 acts from around the globe to celebrate the festival’s sold-out 24th installment at Miami’s Bayfront Park this weekend.
Fans can expect main stage closing sets from Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Under Construction (FISHER x Chris Lake), RESISTANCE Megastructure stage performances by Amelie Lens, Peggy Gou, Eric Prydz, a Worldwide Stage A State Of Trance takeover with a special b2b from Armin van Buuren and Oliver Heldens, a special sunset set from Tiësto, and plenty more.
To ensure you can make it through the jam-packed week and all three days of Ultra, we tapped some of this year’s artists to tell us their Ultra travel essentials and how far they are coming from around the world to make it to the flagship event.
Kölsch (@kolschofficial)
What’s Your #1 Travel & Festival Essential At Ultra Music Festival?
My #1 Travel & Festival Essential is Cuban coffee. I’m a big coffee fan, and it just keeps me going through the day. Especially after the jetlag hits. Add a Cuban sandwich to that, and you’re good to go.
What’s Something That All Fans Should Pack For Ultra?
Other than the sunscreen, earplugs, water bottle, and a perfect outfit, I’d have to say a smile. If you approach anyone at Ultra with a friendly smile, you will have friends for life.
How far are you traveling to get to Ultra Music Festival this year?
I’m coming directly from Tomorrowland Winter in the French Alps and two shows in Brazil. My last set there is Thursday, so I’m speeding in to play my set at Ultra on Friday.
Maddy O’Neal (@maddy_oneal)
What’s Your #1 Travel & Festival Essential At Ultra Music Festival?
A bag full of sunglasses. I always carry a few options depending on the vibe or the outfit of the day! Crucial to any look.
What’s Something That All Fans Should Pack For Ultra?
Battery pack. You don’t want to lose your friends or run out of juice. Having a portable charger is always a power move.
How far are you traveling to get to Ultra Music Festival this year?
I live in Denver so I will be coming from home. I haven’t spent a ton of time in Miami in general, so I’m excited to explore and be there for a few days to take it all in.
Blanke (@blankemusic)
What’s Your #1 Travel & Festival Essential At Ultra Music Festival?
A good, all-purpose backpack! I’ve had mine for 4-5 years now and it’s been with me on every trip to shows/tours/festivals, etc. It’s lightweight, comfortable, good quality, and has nice features and great pocket space.
What’s Something That All Fans Should Pack For Ultra?
Essentials for my festival experience have always been a portable charger, a good little satchel to put all your stuff in so you don’t have to carry your stuff in your hands or overload your pockets, and you can have it against you or under your clothes for safety as well. Other essentials would be band-aids, sunnies, and gum! If you don’t want to carry anything just make sure you’ve got a seasoned Rave Mom in your crew who will have all the chapsticks, chargers, hydration sachets, and all the other bits you might need!! haha.
How far are you traveling to get to Ultra Music Festival this year?
I’m traveling 2,064 miles from Denver! From the Rockies all the way to the Florida pocket.
Nostalgix (@nostalgixmusic)
What’s Your #1 Travel & Festival Essential At Ultra Music Festival?
My #1 travel & festival essential is a disposable camera! I love being able to capture fun and authentic moments while being on tour. You will definitely see me walking around with my disposable camera after my set at Ultra Music Festival capturing all the best memories.
What’s Something That All Fans Should Pack For Ultra?
Pack a portable charger!! That way you can make sure your phone is charged so you don’t lose your friends at the festival AND you can take cute photos of yourself living your best life at Ultra!! Duhhh.
How far are you traveling to get to Ultra Music Festival this year?
I’m flying from the beautiful sunny Los Angeles to Miami for Ultra this year! I’m doing a week of studio time before the festival to wrap up some new music and get prepped for Miami.
