Top 10 Favorite Festivals of 2018

Festival season is our favorite part of every year. The memories will live on forever and the music will continue to give us chills when we hear it. Friendships are bonded stronger, love is grown and sometimes created and our dance moves reach new heights.

From once in a lifetime performances to discovering new artists, here is iEDM's list of favorite festivals from 2018. Looking back at the past year has us excited for 2019, but first let's reminisce together.

1. Electric Forest 

Electric Forest spanned across two weekends of chaos this year. The vibes were the best, as always and the music was best in every genre. From Zhu's headlining performances to Griz returning this year with the live band, the production and once in a lifetime acts you see at this enchanting festival is unreal. The Sherwood Forest never gets old featuring new art-installations and new acts to stumble upon at any hour. This year, even though a little rain dampened us, the festival production quickly responded with fencing and wood chips, keeping patrons and the grounds safe. 

Check out the most memorable acts of EFF 2018 HERE. 

Check out the top 10 totems of EFF 2018 HERE. 

2. EDC Las Vegas 

As always, EDC gave us another epic year with unforgettable sets with guest performances like DJ Mustard bringing out YG, Nick Jona, Lil Jon and Ty Dolla $ign. This year offered camping on-site for the first time ever, transforming this 3-day event into an all weekend party in the camping area. The festival closed out with an epic sunrise b2b set from Fisher and Chris Lake who are undeniably two of the top artists of 2018. 

Take a wild look back at EDC 2018 HERE. 

3. Ultra Miami Music Festival 

This year, Ultra Music Festival celebrated their 10 year anniversary with a bang. The big surprise that brought everyone to tears was the much anticipated Swedish House Mafia reunion. Five years ago, they played their last set at Ultra and then for the 10 year anniversary they joined together again. Oh the nostalgia! This was also their last year at the Bayfront location. There was scare that this festival conglomerate wouldn't happen in 2019, but they recently announced it will take place at Virginia Key. We are excited to see what the new location brings!

4. Okeechobee Music Festival 

In its third year, Okeechobee launched festival season 2018 with a bang. This festival was so well put together with amazing art installations from Florida artists and great use of corporate sponsor money for things like a Corona Beach Stage. My favorite part of Okeechobee was the epic full moon beach party featuring Okee veteran, Bassnectar. Bassheads traveled across the country to warmer weather for two epic sets from their bass king. The rest of the lineup was perfectly curated for any music lover, featuring Grammy nominee Khalid and throwbacks like Usher and even a super jam from Snoop Dogg. Unfortunately, Okeechobee announced it was taking a break in 2019, but we are all keeping our fingers crossed for an epic comeback in 2020. 

Check out the top 10 totems from Okeechobee 2018 HERE.

5. Coachella Music Festival 

Coachella is known for breaking the barriers and this year was no different. Spanning across two weekends that both sold out, the Coachella valley transforms into one of the best parties of the year. This year featured acts like Beyonce, The Weeknd, Post Malone, Cardi B and so many more. Eminem launched his comeback tour.  Kygo blew us away with live singers, a quartet and even a grand piano performance. The most notable set was Odesza featuring their epic drum line performance and then a special drone production that flew into the shape of their logo. 

6. Imagine Music Festival 

In its 5th year, imagine has continuously grown and proven to be one of the top festivals of the Southeast. After the fall of festivals like Counterpoint and Tomorrowworld, imagine has stepped up and filled the spot as the best EDM event in the Atlanta area. This year was the first time to feature Bassnectar which was huge for this homegrown event. Year after year they outdo themselves creating greater production, greater lineups and greater memories. We are excited to see what 2019 brings to this Aquatic themed paradise!

Check out 10 Things We Loved from IMF 2018 HERE. 

7. Hulaween

This 4 day event is hands down one of the best camping festivals out there. The Spanish moss that falls from the trees couldn’t be more perfect for this spooky themed event. It’s the electric forest of the south, except with a Halloween twist. Everyone comes in costume and the themes get better each year. This year also was the first to feature Tipper which fit eerie vibes. Their art installation area, Spirit Lake is curated by some of the best visionary and installation artists out there. We’re counting down for next year’s lineup.

Check out this year's top 10 totems HERE. 

8. Lightning In A Bottle

Lightning In A Bottle is lesser known than Coachella for example, but overall the energy and vibes are unmatched. This event feels more like Burning Man and has stages that go all night long featuring genres like psytrance and deep house. LIB is put on by DoLab who curate debatably the best stage at Coachella. Their festival is unlike any other with creative stage designs you won’t find anywhere else.

9. Electric Zoo 

Year after year Electric Zoo continues to dominate the Northeast as the premier electronic festival. In its 10 year, once again Ezoo brought out top artists like Alesso, Kaskde and Martin Garrix. Electric Zoo is the place to your wild side with your squad.

Check out 5 highlights HERE. 

10. Dirtybird Campout

Dirtybird Campout is a boutique festival unlike any other. Everyone is so happy, genuine and there to have a weekend away from their usual grind. Most patrons keep it classy in RVs. One thing that makes this event extra special are all the renegade parties at campsites. People go all out with crazy pop up parties that bring out secret sets from our favorite Dirtybird Players like Sacha Robotti and Chris Lake. This year featured a new location in Modesto Reservoir adding the fun element of swimming during the daytime.

Festival season has come and gone, but we welcome 2019 with open arms. As you start to purchase those festival tickets, check out our festival season collection HERE to find your perfect rave outfit.