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5 Defunct Atlanta Music Festivals: A Look Back at the City’s Lost EDM Events

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Atlanta, the city renowned for its musical innovation and cultural vibrancy, has seen its share of celebrated festivals over the years. Yet, among its historic lineup, some of those have come and gone, leaving a lasting impression before disappearing from the scene. Here’s a look at five defunct Atlanta music festivals, examining their rise and fall and revealing the stories behind their brief but memorable impact on the city’s festival landscape.
 
1. Tomorrowworld  


Tomorrowworld was a spinoff of the famed Tomorrowland festival in Belgium which first graced the Atlanta area in 2013. The festival drew enormous crowds and featured international EDM giants such as David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, and Tiësto. However, despite its initial success, Tomorrowworld faced a dramatic downfall. In 2015, the festival was canceled on its final day due to severe weather conditions. Heavy rainfall led to flooding and unsafe conditions, forcing organizers to call off the event. Additionally, the logistical and financial strains of managing such a large-scale event in an area prone to unpredictable weather contributed to the festival’s eventual discontinuation.  


2. Imagine Music Festival  


Launched in 2011, Imagine Music Festival quickly became a staple in Atlanta’s EDM scene, attracting artists like Skrillex, Illenium, and Kaskade. Despite its growing popularity, Imagine faced numerous challenges. In 2020, the festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a setback faced by many events worldwide. Moreover, recurring issues with venue permits and local regulations added to its difficulties. The city’s stringent regulations for large-scale events, coupled with zoning and permit complexities, created a turbulent environment for festival organizers. Despite these setbacks, Imagine Music Festival plans to return in 2025, promising a renewed effort to overcome past obstacles. 
 
3. Shaky Beats  


Shaky Beats, known for its eclectic mix of EDM and other genres, debuted in 2016. The festival featured a variety of artists including Excision, Martin Garrix, and Kygo. While Shaky Beats managed to hold several successful editions, it faced challenges with permit issues and venue changes. In 2021, the festival was called off, partly due to logistical complications and a lack of clear guidelines regarding COVID-19 restrictions. The ongoing regulatory hurdles and shifting venue requirements played a significant role in its struggles.  

4. Counterpoint  


Counterpoint emerged in 2012 with a lineup boasting big names like Steve Angello, Avicii, and Alesso. Despite its promising start, the festival struggled with weather-related cancellations and operational issues. In 2013, the event was canceled due to severe storms and flooding, similar to the challenges faced by Tomorrowworld. Persistent issues with local authorities and logistical planning contributed to the festival’s eventual demise.  
 
5. Music Midtown  


Though not exclusively an EDM festival, ‘Music Midtown’ did feature EDM acts such as Deadmau5, Louis The Child, and Flume. Initially a multi-genre event, Music Midtown’s EDM segment faced challenges related to city permits and local regulations. The festival’s cancellation in 2022 was attributed to a combination of factors, including shifting city regulations on large public gatherings and logistical concerns. 
 
Atlanta’s history with EDM festivals represents a series of challenges that have made it difficult for such events to thrive on the US east coast. From weather-related cancellations to regulatory hurdles, the city’s unique conditions present significant obstacles. By understanding these challenges, organizers can better navigate the complexities of hosting successful EDM festivals in Atlanta or consider other cities with more favorable conditions for such events. As the city continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how future festivals will adapt and overcome these persistent issues. 

Hey there! I'm Matthew, a writer focused on event coverage and breaking news in the vast world of electronic dance music. From the pulse of techno to the euphoric highs of progressive house and the heavy energy of dubstep, I aim to deliver timely updates with thoughtful context and analysis. With a sharp eye for emerging trends and a deep-rooted passion for EDM, my mission is to keep you in the loop as the scene evolves. A bit about me: -I'm an all-genre EDM lover, some of my top artists include Tiësto, Tape B, and Maddix. -My first festival? The legendary EDC Las Vegas. Go big or go home, right? -I'm also an aspiring marketing professional, always looking for new ways to fuse creativity and communication.

Armin van Buuren News

Against All Ødds Returns With Euphoric New Single ‘Out Of Control’

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Against All Ødds Out Of Control

Against All Ødds unleashes his latest track ‘Out Of Control’ via Giolì & Assia’s RESURRECTION imprint, blending cinematic tension with soaring energy.

Against All Ødds has released his newest single, ‘Out Of Control’, via Giolì & Assia’s RESURRECTION imprint. The track offers fans a euphoric journey through cinematic soundscapes and pulsating club energy. With his distinct vision, the DJ and producer once again demonstrates his ability to merge melody and intensity into a track designed for global dancefloors.

Moreover, the single highlights how far the artist—real name David Mimram—has pushed his craft. Known for past successes including ‘Unity’, ‘Agartha’, and ‘Faded’, he has quickly earned recognition across the industry. In fact, his productions have received support from a who’s who of electronic music, ranging from Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, Miss Monique, Paul van Dyk, David Guetta, Joris Voorn, to Yotto. Each endorsement underscores his growing reputation as one of the scene’s most exciting rising names.

At the same time, ‘Out Of Control’ feels like a defining moment in his career. The track builds with hypnotic layers, unleashing waves of euphoric release that embody his forward-thinking approach to dance music. By combining modern melodic structures with festival-ready drive, Against All Ødds continues to carve out a unique identity that resonates with fans worldwide.

Ultimately, the single captures what he has always stood for: music that unites listeners in moments of collective release. With ‘Out Of Control’ now out on RESURRECTION, Against All Ødds solidifies his reputation as a visionary act whose trajectory shows no signs of slowing down.

‘Out Of Control’ is available now on all major streaming platforms.

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Afrojack News

EDM Festivals You Can’t Miss, September 2025

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EDM Festivals September 2025 Unity Tomorrowland Insomniac Sphere

EDM Festivals in September 2025 are guaranteed to keep the momentum rolling as summer transitions into fall.

From legendary brands making global moves to underground takeovers and bass-heavy spectacles, here’s your guide to the top EDM festivals you won’t want to miss this September.

Tomorrowland x Insomniac

Dates: Aug 29 – Oct 18 (majority of shows in September)
Location: Las Vegas, USA
Two titans of dance music, Tomorrowland and Insomniac, join forces inside Las Vegas’ cutting-edge Sphere for a once-in-a-lifetime set of shows. Expect immersive visuals, boundary-pushing production, and a lineup featuring DJ Snake, Alan Walker, Subtronics, and more. This historic collaboration sets a new benchmark for festival experiences.

Ultra Japan

Dates: September 13–14
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Ultra returns to Tokyo Odaiba Ultra Park with its signature brand of high-energy stages, global superstars, and local talent. The 2025 edition brings Hardwell, Martin Garrix, Calvin Harris, DJ Snake, and more alongside Asia’s rising EDM acts. With Japan’s passionate crowds and futuristic setting, Ultra Japan is always a standout.

Experts Only

Dates: September 20–21
Location: New York City, USA
With the record label going from strength to strength, John Sumit‘s Experts Only brand is now expanding with it’s very first festival. Taking place in the heart of NYC, the debut will see a headline performance from John Summit himself along with Kaskade b2b Cassian, Pete Tong, Green Velvet b2b Layton Giordani, and more.

Lost Lands

Dates: September 19-21
Location: Legend Valley, Ohio, USA
Excision’s bass music mecca is back, bringing the dinosaurs, the pyro, and enough sub-bass to shake the earth. Lost Lands 2025 promises the heaviest dubstep, riddim, and drum & bass lineups of the year with sets from Acraze, SVDDEN DEATH, Rezz, and of course, Excision himself. Expect massive production, late-night sound camps, and a community vibe like no other.

Together Festival

Dates: September 5–6
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
One of Southeast Asia’s biggest EDM gatherings, Together Festival takes over Bangkok with a mix of mainstage giants and regional talent. Past editions have hosted Martin Garrix, Zedd, and Marshmello, with 2025 inviting Afrojack, Paul Van Dyk, Sub Zero Project, Topic, and more.

PRIMER Music Festival

Dates: September 6–7
Location: Athens, Greece
Set against the backdrop of the historic Greek capital, PRIMER has quickly become a must-stop on the European circuit. Known for blending top-tier headliners with a Mediterranean vibe, this year’s edition welcomes Armin van Buuren, ARTBAT, Purple Disco Machine, and more.

Beonix

Dates: September 19–21
Location: Limassol, Cyprus
On the shores of the Mediterranean, Beonix brings a mix of house, techno, and progressive sounds to Cyprus. With stages designed around art and immersive visuals, the festival creates a sleek balance of music, design, and seaside relaxation. Artists like Armin van Buuren, Roger Sanchez, and Boris Brejcha are expected.

Caprices Festival

Dates: September 19-21
Location: Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Caprices is set high in the Swiss Alps with panoramic mountain views. This boutique festival draws house and techno purists for intimate sets from the scene’s best. Think Franky Rizardo, Loco Dice, and Cassy paired with breathtaking alpine backdrops.

Nocturnal Wonderland

Dates: September 13-14
Location: Southern California, USA
As North America’s longest-running rave, Nocturnal Wonderland continues to enchant with colorful art, glowing lights, and a diverse lineup across drum & bass, house, trance, and bass. Hosted by Insomniac, the festival mixes nostalgia with cutting-edge production for a true rave wonderland.

CRSSD Festival

Dates: September 27–28
Location: San Diego, USA
Held at San Diego’s Waterfront Park, CRSSD has become the West Coast’s premier house and techno festival. With its oceanfront skyline views, palm trees, and craft food and cocktails, the vibe is unmatched. The 2025 edition is set to feature Purple Disco Machine, John Summit, Jamie Jones b2b Adam Ten, and more.

From the futuristic Sphere in Vegas to the alpine peaks of Switzerland, September offers some of the most diverse EDM festivals of the year. Whether you’re chasing underground grooves, mainstage anthems, or bass-heavy madness, the month is stacked with choices around the globe.

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Alok News

UNTOLD Festival 2025: The Recap

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UNTOLD X wasn’t just a festival, it was a four-night celebration of music, unity, and pure magic in Cluj, Romania.

We just got back from UNTOLD X and honestly, it was unreal. Our team’s first time in Romania and it couldn’t get any better than this. Four straight nights in Cluj with over 470,000 people from all over the world, and every night felt bigger than the last.

Post Malone kicked off his European tour, and the whole stadium was packed singing along. The start of the show with ‘Texas Tea’ to the pyro and energy during ‘Rockstar’ and the closing with ‘Congratulations’ was something to remember for ages. The country rockstar persona definitely suits him.

Armin van Buuren gave us a three-hour marathon set that turned into this massive love letter to the crowd, he even walked down into the audience under a sea of phone lights, waving the Romanian flag while wearing the Romanian football team jersey. Goosebumps.

The Avicii tribute with Sandro Cavazza was as emotional as it could get. When he sang ‘Without You’, tens of thousands of people sang along and the whole place lit up. It felt like everyone was united in that moment.

The lineup was stacked. Garrix blew us away with his special set and the fireworks at the end of his set with ‘High on Life’ were unforgettable. Tiësto did a special extended set just for the 10th anniversary. Don Diablo premiered his new show concept for his upcoming tour. And then you had the special act, Salvatore Ganacci turning the stage into a living room and Alan Walker with his cinematic visuals and an energetic set.

Alok brought team of dancers and the whole set was probably the highlight of the festival. The visuals, the production, the music and the crowds energy were just unmatched.

It wasn’t just about the mainstage either. The Galaxy stage had heavyweights like Dom Dolla, ARTBAT, Adriatique, and Black Coffee, proper house and techno journeys that went late into the night. The festival had so many different vibes, from chill daytime sets in the park to full-on raves at night.

What really stood out though was how much UNTOLD leaned into the experience beyond the music. There were food stalls, games, fashion corners, even a special kids’ area and a sensory space for kids with neurodiverse needs. They even brought in cancer survivors from Youth Cancer Europe to meet artists, it really felt like a community, not just a festival.

This was the 10th edition, and they made it clear it was both a celebration of the last decade and a teaser for what’s next. They’re already talking about “UNTOLD One” in 2026 as the next chapter. If this anniversary was any indication, it’s going to be on another level.

 

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