EDM Festival News
Cercle Cancels Mexico Festival Amid Serious Financial Difficulties
Cercle Cancels Mexico Festival Amid Serious Financial Difficulties After 10 Years And More Than 200 Shows
Cercle is facing one of the most difficult moments in its ten year history, with serious financial difficulties now forcing the cancellation of Cercle Festival in Mexico. The project, which began with a 10,000 euro investment and a simple idea of filming artists in extraordinary locations, grew into a global electronic music platform with more than 200 shows around the world and millions of viewers online. Its work has long existed outside the usual club and festival format, bringing artists into places where the setting became part of the story. But after years of rising costs, higher taxes, shrinking margins, and the pressure of carrying a project at this scale, Cercle has reached a point where the team says the balance it had managed to hold could no longer continue.
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How Costs And Taxes Pushed Cercle To This Point
The scale of Cercle’s financial problem becomes clearer when looking at how the project was actually built. Ten years ago, the team started with 10,000 euros and used that money on GoPros, microphones, a computer, and a mixer, with the original idea focused on filming artists in extraordinary places. Over time, that small setup became more than 200 shows around the world, supported by a 35 person team and a production model that required far more than filming alone. Each project came with location access, local authorities, permits, travel, crew movement, technical equipment, artist scheduling, safety planning, and post production, all while trying to keep the standard that audiences now connect with Cercle.
That pressure became harder to carry in the years after COVID, when the team says costs and taxes kept rising while margins kept shrinking. For a project that had continued creating from scratch and taking risks to bring electronic music into places outside the usual event format, the financial gap became harder to manage with each new production. Cercle Festival in Mexico is now the clearest result of that strain, as the team said the event can no longer be delivered under the conditions it was designed and planned for, and that it cannot operate the festival under Cercle’s standards. The cancellation is not only about one festival being removed from the calendar, but about the cost of keeping a project like Cercle alive when the expectations, production demands, and operating costs have all grown at the same time.
The Shows And Locations That Made Cercle A Global Name
Before the financial difficulties became public, Cercle had already established one of the most recognisable event and video projects in electronic music by taking artists far outside the usual club setting and placing each filmed show in a location with its own history, architecture, or natural scale. Over the years, that approach led to some of the project’s most widely remembered editions, from Nina Kraviz at the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Carl Cox at Château de Chambord, to Boris Brejcha at Château de Fontainebleau, Ben Böhmer over Cappadocia in Turkey, FKJ at Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, Amelie Lens at the Atomium in Brussels, and Sofiane Pamart under the auroras in Lapland, Finland. These shows helped Cercle develop an identity where the location was not just part of the visual production, but part of why each set stayed with people.
That same idea carried into Cercle Festival, where the project expanded from individual filmed shows into multi day events with larger lineups, multiple stages, and venues chosen for more than capacity alone. Previous editions brought Cercle into sites such as Château de Fontainebleau and Grand Palais, while the 2026 edition in France is scheduled for May 22 to May 24 at Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace in Paris Le Bourget, with three days, three stages, and 44 artists. The partnership with ESA and CNES, along with stage names including the A380 Stage, Concorde Stage, and Ariane Stage, continues that connection between the event and the site itself. After years of expanding Cercle Festival through cultural landmarks and large scale productions, the cancellation of the Mexico edition is the point where the team says the planned conditions no longer allow them to deliver the event properly or operate it under Cercle’s standards.
Chris Avantgarde, ARTBAT, Ann Clue, And &friends Respond To Cercle’s Call For Support
As Cercle asked its community for support, several artists moved beyond sympathy and offered help in direct ways. Chris Avantgarde wrote that if Cercle puts together a fundraiser event, he would waive his fee so the show could raise money for the project. Ann Clue replied that she would be happy to help, while &friends said he had donated. The replies showed how quickly the statement reached artists who understand what Cercle has created over the years: a project that gave electronic music a different setting, connected artists with unusual locations, and brought those moments to a global audience.
ARTBAT also shared support, writing that some of their best memories were with Cercle and encouraging the team to stay strong. Their comment connects directly to their own history with the project, including their Cercle set at Bondinho Pão de Açúcar in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and their later Cercle Odyssey appearance in Paris at Porte de Versailles. For artists who have been part of those productions, the current call for help is tied to more than the cancellation of one festival. It reflects the possible loss of a project that has given electronic music moments outside the usual event circuit, while Cercle asks those who can donate to do so through cercle.io and others to help share the message.
Cercle’s situation now speaks to a wider problem facing the live music industry, where strong audiences and cultural value do not always protect a project from rising costs, taxes, production demands, and smaller margins. Over the past decade, Cercle created something that many electronic music listeners followed closely because it gave artists a different way to present their music, from landmark filmed shows to large scale festival editions tied to cultural sites. The cancellation of Cercle Festival in Mexico shows how difficult it has become to keep that kind of project running under the same standards, even for a name with global reach and years of trust behind it. For now, Cercle is asking those who can support financially to donate through cercle.io, while those who cannot donate are being encouraged to share the message and help it reach more people. In an industry where independent ideas often carry the highest risk, the response to Cercle may also say a lot about how much the electronic music community values projects that have pushed beyond the usual event format and given the scene something different to hold onto.
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Sacred Acre reveals its Phase II lineup for September 11-13 2026 on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, adding OPIUO, Mr. Bill, INZO, and Tape B B2B Effin to its fifth annual edition.
Sacred Acre, Alaska’s largest immersive electronic music and eco-activism festival, returns September 11–13, 2026, with the release of its second wave of artists for the festival’s fifth annual edition. Following the initial announcement of Tape B (performing two sets), Maddy O’Neal, and Effin, Sacred Acre has confirmed a dynamic Phase II lineup including Tape B B2B Effin, OPIUO, Mr. Bill, INZO, Mindchatter, Josh Teed, Tripp St., Cool Customer, Phyphr, Audio Goblin, Meduso, Mlotik, Dredlok, OkayJake, STVSH, and David Starfire, alongside a diverse wave of rising and regional talent.
Set along the stunning Cook Inlet coastline and nestled within the forests of the Kenai Peninsula, Sacred Acre continues to offer a festival experience unlike any other – blending world-class music, immersive storytelling, and environmental advocacy. The festival remains committed to raising awareness and support to combat factory trawling in Alaska’s waters and preserve the region’s delicate marine ecosystems.
“Every year, we’re not just throwing a party. We’re trying to build something that actually matters,” says Festival Director Chris Miller. “Getting people together in a place like this, surrounded by so much beauty, creates space to celebrate, learn from each other, and hopefully leave a little more inspired to take action.”
The festival continues to expand its offerings in 2026, introducing enhanced travel infrastructure and accessibility tools for attendees making the journey to Alaska. New and returning options include discount flight partnerships, hotel packages, round-trip shuttle bundles from Anchorage, on-site camping and RV accommodations, and VIP experience tiers.
Sacred Acre continues to challenge the perception that traveling to Alaska is out of reach. With bundled options including GA tickets and round-trip shuttle access starting around $300, four-night on-site camping from $139, and average round-trip flights estimated at approximately $350 from most major US cities, attendees can experience the full festival for an estimated total of around $789. Compared to the rising costs of many U.S. festivals—often exceeding $1,200—Sacred Acre offers a uniquely accessible opportunity to explore Alaska without compromising on experience.
Outside of music programming, Sacred Acre’s true passion lies in environmental advocacy – specifically, fighting the devastating impacts of factory trawling. Through immersive experiences, educational workshops, and direct action, Sacred Acre invites every attendee to help protect our oceans and preserve the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Sacred Acre is about creating real change through music, art, and collective engagement.
Alaskan Adventure Packages
Sacred Acre continues to raise the bar on destination experiences with its signature lineup of excursions. Attendees can soar above the Cook Inlet with Alaska Ultimate Safaris on glacier helicopter tours, set sail on the DJ-led “Bumpin’ on the Bay” cruise through Kachemak Bay, dive into Coldwater Alaska’s sustainable halibut spearfishing experience, or explore the land through guided plant foraging hikes and Kenai River fishing trips.
Wellness & Conscious Programming
The Stillwater Reflection Center returns as the heart of Sacred Acre’s wellness experience, offering over 25 free workshops in yoga, sound healing, ecstatic dance, cacao ceremonies, and more. Complemented by thoughtful talks, art installations, and social hubs like the Tranquilitea Lounge and Tavern, this programming helps guests reconnect with themselves and each other.
Visuals & Immersion
Sacred Acre transforms the Alaskan wilderness with stunning visuals, featuring the state’s largest laser light display and fully immersive stage environments. Hosting national lighting and visual artists such as Glass Crane and Papa Bear. The beloved SeaLegs Stilt Troupe returns with theatrical performances and brand-new characters, weaving a live narrative throughout the weekend that adds an element of fantasy and surprise at every turn.
ARCHES Campground & On-Site Comforts
Located just steps from the main stage, the upgraded ARCHES Campground offers convenient, forest-adjacent lodging for the full weekend. Expanded gear rental options, bundled camping packages, and shuttle access ensure attendees have everything they need for a seamless, comfortable Alaskan adventure.
Tickets & Travel
Tickets for Sacred Acre 2026 are now on sale, with early bird GA, VIP, camping, and shuttle packages available. With support from partners like Delta Airlines, Alaska Airline, Midnight Sun Can Rentals and J&L Hospitality the festival is also offering discounts on airfare, lodging, RVs, and gear rentals.
Find tickets below: https://www.sacredacreak.com/plan-your-trip
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Osheaga 2026 brings Amelie Lens, Subtronics, Odd Mob, VTSS, Major Lazer and more to Montreal’s Parc Jean Drapeau, and here are the ten EDM sets you cannot miss.
We’re officially one month away from the 19th edition of Osheaga music and arts Festival. This festival is best known for their diverse lineup which has artists from the pop, indie, hip-hop, alternative, rock and electronic music genre. With many sets to see over the three-day festival weekend at Parc Jean Drapeau in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. There are 6 stages. From previous years setups it can be considered 3 islands of stages that hold 2 stages. For example a couple years ago on the left stage it was Labrinth so you have slower, sadder R&B and right after he finished the right stage commenced with Martin Garrix which is arguably the complete opposite being fast and upbeat.
Here are the 10 EDM sets to watch out for:
Day 1
MPH at 5:30pm on the Coca-Cola Island Stage
If you are looking to get funky this weekend come join the UK Garage artist known for meshing house and garage together for new sounds that we don’t typically get to hear. By blending UK garage, bass house, and club-ready rhythms into a sound that’s still relatively rare on North American festival lineups this will be a new experience to enjoy.
VTSS at 6:30 on the Coca-Cola Stage
Mayrtyna Maja is a Polish DJ who will be making the crowd scream with her high energy techno set.
Amelie Lens at 9:45pm on the Coca-Cola Stage
This future mother to be will be closing off the first day of Osheaga with a hypnotizing techno set. The crowd will be hoping to hear the original of the trending social media sound “I know I should sleep… but the voices in my head go…”
Day 2
Laura Scavo 2:00pm on the Coca-Cola Stage
You won’t want to miss this opening set because you’ll never want it to end – you’ll just keep wanting to dance till the morning. Laura is a top Montreal DJ who plays at their top clubs and festivals. While the sun is shining you’ll be bopping and bouncing to the jungle house vibes she usually brings.
Zulan 6:30pm on the Coca-Cola Stage
This will be a set that you’ll want to go on forever because you will just want to keep on dancing to the various blends she will be bringing to the dance floor; it could be house, garage or high energy EDM.
It’s Murph at 7:35pm on the Coca-Cola Stage
Come get lost in the music at It’s Murph’s set. After exploding in popularity through TikTok and social media, It’s Murph has quickly become a rising house artist.
Odd Mob at 8:40pm on the Coca-Cola Stage
It won’t be possible to not be moving left to right his whole set. With original songs falling in the tech house category and club remixes this set will allow ravers to have so much fun dancing and singing right around sunset.
Day 3
Zara Larsson at 6:40pm on the Bell River Stage
While Zara Larsson isn’t traditionally considered an EDM artist, her music has become a staple of the dance music world. Countless producers have remixed her biggest hits, and she’s collaborated with several electronic artists throughout her career. Her catalogue is packed with songs that festival crowds love to sing along to.
Subtronics 8:05 pm on the Belairdirect Valley Stage
The crowd will be gassed up for the opportunity to finally get a touch of bass Osheaga weekend. Expect all the rail shaking, head banging and mosh pits.
Major Lazer 9:15pm on the Scotia Forest Stage
The group will be lighting things up to close off Osheaga weekend. It will be such a powerful set full of dancing and all the music that brings us back to circa 2016 which is what everyone wants this summer to be!
Whether you’re a techno lover, house head, bass enthusiast, or simply looking to discover something new, Osheaga 2026 has an electronic lineup that’s worth exploring. With artists spread throughout the weekend, it’s easy to build a schedule that lets you experience both the festival’s diverse programming and some of the best dance music acts on the lineup.
Charge your phone, stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t forget your earplugs. Looking for a reputable brand for ear plugs we recommend menuedo lossless earplugs!
We’ll see you on the dance floor.
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UNTOLD ONE 2026 reveals its full lineup for August 6-9 music festival in Cluj-Napoca, featuring 200+ acts across eight stages from Martin Garrix to Carl Cox and Solomun.
UNTOLD ONE has revealed its complete lineup for the 2026 edition, taking place August 6-9 in Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania, Romania. Across eight stages and 200+ worldwide acts, the festival brings together global headliners, house and techno selectors, drum and bass, hip-hop, and alternative sounds for four days in the heart of Romania. Passes and accommodation are available at untold.com.
Mainstage Headliners and DJ Acts
The Mainstage hosts one of the most diverse headline lineups in the festival‘s history, spanning live acts and DJ sets across all four days. International live acts include Flo Rida, Lewis Capaldi, Meduza Live, Sting, Swae Lee, Tash Sultana, and Zara Larsson. On the DJ side, the Mainstage welcomes Afrojack b2b R3HAB, Alan Walker, The Chainsmokers, DJ Bliss, James Hype, Kris Fade, Lost Frequencies, Maddix, Marshmello, Martin Garrix, Mestiza, Padre Guilherme, Sebastian Ingrosso, Steve Aoki, Tchami, and Tujamo, among others. Kygo is also listed, though noted as cancelled on the poster. Local acts on the Mainstage include Dan T, DJ Silent Disciple, Junii Sibiului, Partydul Kiss FM, Puya, Saguna, and Smiley.
Galaxy Stage
The Galaxy Stage serves as the house and techno home of UNTOLD ONE, with an international lineup featuring Budai House Clique, Carl Cox, Gordo, Holy Priest, Jamie Jones, Joseph Capriati, Maceo Plex, Mau P, Mrak, Nic Fanciulli, Paul Svenson, RBOR, Sara Landry, and Solomun. Local selectors across the weekend include Arapu, Célavi, Cezar, Cristi Cons, Dumitrescu, Just2, Mahony, Marwan Dua, Mihigh, Mihnea Rog, Persic, Poltom, and Priku.
Daydreaming Stage
The Daydreaming Stage covers melodic and progressive sounds, with a lineup that includes Armen Miran, Awen, Beard2Beard, Caleesi, Kreis, Danaga, Deian, Dymos, Jay Fase, Ety, Hraach, Igor Marijuan, Jan Blomqvist, Langerhans, Lee Burridge, Major League DJz, Mano Le Tough, Marwan Dua, NTO Live, PAAX, Pandhora Live, Parallelle, Rampue Live, Ry X, Sébastien Léger, Shimza, Tinlicker, Viken Arman, Vite b2b Miganova, Vladpit, Akos, WhoMadeWho, and Wolo.
Alchemy Stage
The Alchemy Stage brings together bass music, drum and bass, hip-hop, and live energy, with international acts including Andy C, bbno$, Camo and Krooked, Denzel Curry, Gramatik, Pendulum DJ Set, and Sigma. A large local act roster rounds out the stage across the weekend.
Time, Retro Fantesia, Tramvai, and Soul Circle Stages
The Time Stage carries one of the deepest lineups at the festival, with a broad mix of house, techno, and electronic acts across all four days. The Retro Fantesia Stage focuses on classic and nostalgic sounds, while the Tramvai Stage brings together a wide-ranging local and regional bill. The Soul Circle Stage closes out the experience with a more intimate, ceremonial atmosphere, featuring Ape Chimba, Awo, Mădălina Pavăl Orchestra, Malte Marten, Namirí, Nasiri, Reinhardt Buhr, and The White Arrow and DJ Ben Chi with a Heartbeat Cacao Dance Ceremony.
UNTOLD ONE takes place August 6-9 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Full lineup details and tickets are available at untold.com.
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