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New Study Shows Potential For EDM Music In Dog Stress Relief

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Dog listening to EDM music as research explores canine stress relief, rhythm, tempo, and sound sensitivity

New Study Shows Potential For EDM Music In Dog Stress Relief as research on canine music exposure raises questions around tempo, rhythm, and repetition

A new study on music and canine stress has opened a more specific discussion around whether EDM music could have potential in dog stress relief. Research from the University of Glasgow and the Scottish SPCA found that music exposure helped kennelled dogs show calmer stress-related behaviour, with results linked to relaxed body activity and changes in heart-rate variability. The study did not test EDM directly, but it does strengthen the wider point that dogs can respond to musical structure, especially when sound is steady, repetitive, and controlled in intensity. That makes electronic music worth considering in a more precise way, since certain styles of melodic house, ambient electronic, organic house, and slower deep house can share moderate BPM ranges, repeated rhythmic patterns, and predictable arrangements with genres already studied in canine settings. The argument is not that all EDM music can reduce stress in dogs, but that selected forms of electronic music may deserve closer research when tempo, volume, frequency range, and arrangement are carefully considered. For a genre usually discussed through clubs, festivals, and human emotional response, the study gives EDM music a new research angle that connects rhythm-led production with a practical question in animal wellbeing.

What The New Study Found About Music And Dog Stress

The University of Glasgow and Scottish SPCA study looked at how music affected dogs living in a rescue kennel, a setting where stress can build from unfamiliar noise, separation from owners, limited space, and changes in daily routine. Researchers followed 38 kennelled dogs over five days and played five genres: soft rock, Motown, pop, reggae, and classical. During the music periods, the dogs spent significantly more time lying down and significantly less time standing, which gave researchers a clear behavioural sign that music affected how the dogs settled inside the shelter. The strongest physiological results came during soft rock and reggae, where higher heart-rate variability was interpreted as a sign of reduced stress. The study also found no clear decrease in barking while music was playing, so the research should not be simplified into a claim that music reduced every stress behaviour at once.

The findings are important because the dogs did not respond to music as one broad category. The tested genres led to different stress-related responses, with soft rock and reggae producing the clearest physiological changes. Reggae often runs on a moderate tempo, repeated offbeat rhythm, and consistent groove, while soft rock usually gives listeners a smoother structure with fewer sharp interruptions than more aggressive music. Those traits can also appear in some forms of EDM music, especially melodic house, ambient electronic, organic house, and slower deep house, where tracks often rely on moderate BPM ranges, repeated loops, gradual arrangement changes, and a cleaner sound profile. That does not mean EDM music has already been proven to reduce dog stress, because the Glasgow study did not test electronic music and dogs process volume, bass pressure, and high-frequency sounds differently from humans. It does, however, give future dog stress research a clear direction: selected electronic tracks could be tested against genres already linked with calmer stress-related responses, with researchers comparing BPM, rhythm pattern, volume level, frequency range, bass pressure, and sudden arrangement changes.

Why Dogs Reacting To EDM Music Keeps The Question Relevant

Videos of dogs moving, jumping, turning, howling, or sitting upright while EDM music plays have become part of the wider pet-content cycle online, especially when the clip lines up neatly with a drop, kick pattern, or repeated hook. The appeal is obvious: electronic music is already tied to visible reaction, so when a dog appears to move in time with a track, viewers immediately read it through the same language used for clubs, festivals, and dance floors. One widely shared example was Bailey, a dog whose kitchen “dance” to a reggaeton track went viral after the clip showed him sitting upright and moving side to side in a way that looked timed to the music. Viral clips like that do not prove that dogs understand a beat, but they show why people keep connecting pets with rhythm-led music in the first place. The internet version of the idea is playful, but it also reflects a real curiosity among owners about whether the sounds they play at home affect how dogs move, react, or settle.

That distinction is important because visible movement is not the same thing as musical understanding or stress relief. In animal cognition, beat synchronisation means adjusting movement to match an external rhythm, and that ability has been studied more clearly in animals such as parrots, cockatoos, and sea lions than in dogs. Recent coverage of animal rhythm research has pointed out that dogs have not shown the same evidence for true beat-matching, even though they can still react strongly to music, owner movement, attention, and changes in the room. That makes the EDM music connection more specific: viral dogs-moving-to-music clips should not be used as proof that electronic music calms dogs, but they do show why the topic keeps gaining attention outside academic research. For EDM music to be taken seriously in dog stress relief, the question has to move from “can dogs dance to a beat?” to whether selected tracks can influence rest, alertness, movement, or vocal behaviour when volume, playback setting, owner presence, and track structure are measured properly.

How Dogs Hear Music Differently From Humans

Dogs do not hear EDM music in the same frequency range as humans, which makes sound design an important part of the dog stress relief discussion. Human hearing is usually described as reaching around 20,000 Hz, while canine hearing is commonly reported much higher, and LSU’s animal hearing summary notes that dogs show their greatest sensitivity around the 4 to 10 kHz range. In practical terms, an electronic track that feels smooth to a person may still contain details a dog notices more strongly, including bright synth layers, hi-hats, vocal cuts, risers, alarms, whistles, or compressed high-end textures above the main beat. The issue is not only whether a track is house, techno, melodic, or ambient, but how the full mix reaches the dog through the speaker, the room, and the playback volume. A playlist intended for calm listening may still cause stress if it includes treble-heavy sounds, close-range playback, or quick changes that are more noticeable to dogs than to humans. This makes canine hearing a necessary part of any future study on EDM music and dog stress relief, because the same track can affect dogs differently depending on the listening setup and the dog’s sensitivity to certain frequencies.

The science around everyday sound sensitivity also shows why EDM music cannot be judged by BPM or genre label alone. UC Davis reported that many owners miss signs of stress linked to household noises, with high-frequency, intermittent sounds such as smoke-detector battery warnings more likely to trigger anxiety than lower, continuous sounds. A separate study on music pitch and tempo in kennelled dogs found that low-pitched tracks appeared to increase alertness, while tempo did not create a simple calming-versus-stimulating result on its own. Applied to electronic music, those findings shift the focus toward the parts of a track that dogs may actually notice: the brightness of the percussion, the density of the top-end, the weight of the low end, the use of alarm-like build-ups, and the speed of changes between sections. Softer melodic house, ambient electronic, organic house, or slower deep house may be more suitable for future dog stress research when the mix stays smoother and the playback volume is controlled, while drop-led festival tracks with piercing leads, crowded percussion, and abrupt loud transitions would need more caution. The next stage for EDM music in canine stress relief should focus on the full listening experience inside the track, including how pitch, loudness, speaker placement, and sound texture affect resting, alertness, movement, and stress-related body language.

The Future Of EDM Music In Dog Stress Research

The research so far gives EDM music a more credible place in the dog stress relief discussion, especially as canine music studies continue looking beyond genre and into how dogs respond to sound itself. Music has already been linked with changes in resting behaviour, alertness, and heart-rate measures in dogs, while hearing research shows why volume, pitch, and frequency range matter when sound is played in a home, shelter, or kennel. With direct electronic music testing still ahead, the strongest path forward is clear: study specific tracks under controlled conditions and measure how dogs respond when the listening setup is designed around their hearing, not ours.

For dog owners, shelters, and researchers, the next question is no longer as simple as whether music can help dogs feel calmer. It is whether certain forms of EDM music, especially softer styles like melodic house, ambient electronic, organic house, and slower deep house, can be tested in real settings where dogs are already exposed to noise, stress, and routine changes. The focus should stay on careful listening conditions, suitable volume, steady playback, and clear observation of how dogs rest, move, vocalise, or show comfort around the sound. If future studies find the right balance, electronic music could move into a new kind of playlist purpose, one made not for peak-time crowds, but for calmer moments with the dogs beside us.

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With 13 years in the EDM scene, Preetika has built a strong presence around festivals, club culture, and electronic music. Based in Bangkok, she covers all things EDM in Thailand and beyond, with a focus on both local and international talent. She has attended major festivals including Tomorrowland, Ultra Japan, and Creamfields Hong Kong. Since working as a writer for EDM House Network, she has interviewed artists such as Blasterjaxx, James Hype, W&W, R3HAB, Alok, and many others. Her experience and consistent presence in the scene make her a trusted voice for EDM coverage.

Editorial

Seven Stars 2026: 7 Most Anticipated Sets at GRiZ’s Cosmic Campout

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As the second annual Valley of the Seven Stars approaches, bass music fans across the country are prepping their gear and locking in their set times. Taking over the Oak Ridge Estate in Arrington, Virginia from October 8–11, this gathering marks the long-awaited payoff of GRiZ’s two-year hiatus. The event has quickly earned a reputation as one of the bass community’s premier “homie” festivals, trading commercial refinement for deep curation and authentic energy. Whether you are hunting for ground-shaking low end or sunset grooves, here are the 7 most anticipated performances to highlight on your schedule:

​7. Richard Finger

Set Time: Saturday, 4:50 PM – 5:50 PM

​Operating entirely behind anonymous masks, Richard Finger has become one of bass music’s most intriguing underground phenomena. The mysterious duo popped onto the radar with relentless sound design and uncompromisingly heavy drops, rapidly earning a rotation in festival sets worldwide. While internet investigators continue trying to uncover their true identities, the project lets the sheer sound of low end rhythm do the talking. Catching them in the afternoon heat on Saturday is guaranteed to wake up the crowd.

6. Hedex

​Set Time: Sunday, 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM

​Hedex has been at the forefront of the modern drum and bass explosion. He has been taking jump-up rhythms out of underground UK clubs and pushing them onto major American festival stages. This performance serves as the official launch for his North American “Nu Era” tour. Known for quick double drops and explosive crowd control, his Sunday slot will deliver a shot of pure adrenaline just as festivalgoers enter the final night.

5. GRiZ (Chasing The Golden Hour)

​Set Time: Saturday, 6:05 PM – 7:20 PM

​GRiZ has always known how to curate a vibe, but his Chasing The Golden Hour (CTGH) concept holds a legendary place in the scene. It was originally conceived as a mixtape series built around vintage samples, mellow hip-hop beats, and live sax riffs. CTGH offers a soulful counterweight to his heavy dubstep headline sets. Following packed-out demand at past events, this sunset window is made for collective unwinding. It is the defining emotional anchor of the weekend, best experienced surrounded by friends on an open hill.

GRiZ's Chasing the Golden Hour set at Seven Stars 2025

4. Mersiv

​Set Time: Saturday, 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM

​DJ & producer Anderson Gallegos, known professionally as Mersiv, has carved out a dedicated subculture with his trademark “Pretty Dark Loud” sound design. Mersiv crafts sets that feel simultaneously meditative and heavy by combining hypnotic downtempo atmospheres with distortion-heavy basslines. Dropping into Saturday prime time, his set will steer the valley into its deepest, most psychedelic sonic territory.

3. Seth David (R&Bass)

​Set Time: Friday, 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM (After Hours)

​Returning to the Seven Stars lineup for a second run, Seth David brings his signature R&Bass sound to the Satellite Stage. The project fuses classic 90s and 2000s R&B vocals with sub-bass frequencies. This set gives night owls a refreshing alternative to the standard festival sound anding directly in the after-hours slot,

2. Distinct Motive

​Set Time: Sunday, 6:50 PM – 7:50 PM

​Hailing from Ontario, Distinct Motive has spearheaded the revival of pure 140 BPM sound system culture in North America. His productions emphasize sub-bass, surgical mixing, and deep roots in old-school UK dubstep. Since his anthem “Wait A Minute” dominated stages everywhere, his profile has skyrocketed. Sunday evening marks his debut on the mainstage, bringing chest-rattling low frequencies to the festival’s largest sound system.

1. Kaleena Zanders

​Set Time: Thursday, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM

​Revered as one of modern dance music’s most captivating vocal powerhouses, Kaleena Zanders channels gospel roots through classic house grooves. With major collaborative releases alongside fellow headliners, her live sets go far beyond ordinary DJ performances. Slotted into Thursday evening, she will set an uplifting, soulful tone for the entire cosmic campout before the heavier bass takes over.

With four days of music spread across The Valley, pacing is going to be everything. Set conflicts are inevitable when a lineup has this much variety. Be sure to leave room in your schedule to wander between stages and stumble onto artists outside your radar.

Grab the official festival app to stay updated on any last-minute schedule shifts and look out for your crew.

 

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MiNT XL: Leeds’ Newest Nightclub Opens With A Bang

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Credit: @elliotyoungphoto

MiNT XL opens its doors in Leeds with a sold-out party for 2,500 ravers, as Craig Richards, Enzo Siragusa and Sonja Moonear launch the new nightclub

MiNT XL officially opened its doors on Friday, 25 September, with a sold-out opening party featuring names like Craig Richards, Enzo Siragusa and Sonja Moonear. 2,500 ravers gathered in the heart of Leeds city centre to experience the latest addition to the city’s rich rave culture, marking a memorable beginning for MiNT XL.

Taking over the former nightclub, PRYZM Leeds, MiNT set themselves the challenge of giving the venue a new identity through their own production and iconic signature. In an interview with EDM House Network earlier this year, MiNT marketing manager, Mikey McMahon said they wanted people to walk into MiNT XL and feel like they were part of something forward-thinking. There is no doubt they have achieved this, with the opening night already setting MiNT XL apart from other venues in Leeds.

Credit: David Dumitru

Credit: David Dumitru

Exploring The Venue’s Layout

Arriving at the venue, you could feel the excitement in the air as people made their way into the club. Music was bumping through the walls and the night was just getting started. Walking inside, the dark environment immediately made it feel like a rave and not a regular nightclub.

Heading up the stairs from the entrance, we reached the main hall of the venue, which houses two of the three rooms at MiNT XL, as well as an open-air terrace. The ‘Clubroom’ was the first room people encountered on the floor, while the main room, also known as the ‘Ballroom’, sits to the left of the hall.

The second floor is a great extension of what the main floor has to offer, hosting the venue’s third room, ‘Cage’, as well as an additional bar with sofas and seating for those wanting a quick break from the dancefloor. The VIP area is also located on this floor, providing a comfortable chill-out space with its own bar and seating area.

Credit: David Dumitru

Credit: David Dumitru

The Rooms at MiNT XL

1. Ballroom

The largest of the three rooms, the ‘Ballroom’ is a warehouse type of space hosting the headlining names on MiNT XL’s line-ups. Some of the lighting features that stood out as soon as we walked into the room included the large ring structure above the dancefloor, as well as the linear rigs placed horizontally across the ceiling, which rotate to create a wave-like effect through light.

Another standout piece of the room is the newly installed Funktion-One Vero sound system, delivering bass that pumps through your body and an overall premium sound quality. The same system can also be found in the other two rooms, where its impact is even greater due to their smaller capacities.

Credit: @elliotyoungphoto

Credit: @elliotyoungphoto

2. Cage

Probably the most interesting room of the three, and our personal favourite, ‘Cage’ delivers an experience like no other. Its design feels unique and fresh out of the box, while still maintaining a lush feel. Throughout the opening night, the room was lit up with orange lighting, creating a somewhat comfortable atmosphere amid all the chaos going on.

Credit: David Dumitru

Credit: David Dumitru

‘Cage’ also has a few sofas placed around the room, helping complete its luxurious feel. The cherry on top, however, is the fact that the space will often welcome DJs playing on vinyl. We had the chance to witness this live, and let me tell you, seeing the artists flip and swap records behind the decks totally elevates the experience.

Credit: David Dumitru

Credit: David Dumitru

3. Clubroom

With a large light panel on the ceiling covering the centre of the dancefloor, ‘Clubroom’ is an ode to MiNT Warehouse, the brand’s second ever venue. Sharing similar characteristics, the room brings the MiNT Warehouse spirit to MiNT XL, carrying over the energetic vibes that have become a trademark of the brand.

While the room has a great design from a production perspective, the air conditioning isn’t felt as well in some corners, often making it a very hot space.

Credit: David Dumitru

Credit: David Dumitru

4. Terrace

An open-air space with a nice view of some of Leeds city centre’s tallest buildings, the terrace is a well-arranged spot for those who want to unwind a little and take a breath of fresh air. Located close to the ‘Ballroom’, the path to the terrace can, however, become very busy at times.

Credit: David Dumitru

Credit: David Dumitru

The Music at MiNT XL

The venue opened with the brand’s own event series, ‘system.’, taking over the decks. Across the three rooms, a well-curated line-up delivered the soundtrack to MiNT’s new beginning.

From the perspective of EDM House Network, our highlights were Foehn & Jerome at the ‘Cage’, Craig Richards B2B Francesco Del Garda at the ‘Ballroom’, and then back to the ‘Cage’ for a vinyl session with Fumiya Tanaka.

Credit: @elliotyoungphoto

Credit: @elliotyoungphoto

Beyond the opening night, a wide range of renowned DJs are set to follow at MiNT XL, with the likes of Ewan McVicar, Riordan, Morgan Seatree and a Worried About Henry (WAH) takeover among those already announced. While so far only electronic music events make up the calendar, organisers have said they are excited to expand into new genres and live music.

Atmosphere Inside The Venue

MiNT XL operates a no-phones policy at all events, meaning attendees can fully immerse themselves into the music. Having experienced an event with such policy for the first time, it was impressive to see how big of a change it makes.

Seeing people living in the moment and having fun truly gave everyone a taste of what some mean when they say ‘raving was better in the 90s’. The no-phones policy genuinely made the night feel like a time machine that teleported us back to a time when people used to socialise and not chase Instagram clout at raves.

Credit: @elliotyoungphoto

Credit: @elliotyoungphoto

With three state-of-the-art rooms, a 2,500-capacity venue, a sound system that blows the roof off and a no-phones policy, MiNT XL has real potential to become one of the best nightclubs in the entire UK. The opening party was not just the green light for a new venue in Leeds, but felt more like a statement that MiNT XL is here, and for good.

The club season is only just getting started, with a packed list of upcoming events already lined up at MiNT XL.

Friday 9 October – Marsolo Invites: Marsolo + more TBA

Saturday 10 October – Airspace: Notion, Kyle Starkey, Camille Doe + more

Saturday 17 October – Mint XL Presents: Cam Stockman b2b Tommy Phillips

Friday 30 October – Airspace: Riordan, Stef Davidse + more

Saturday 31 October – Ewan McVicar Presents: Halloween – Ewan McVicar, Special Request, Olive F

Saturday 7 November – Mint XL Presents: ALISHA, Robbie Doherty + more

Saturday 14 November – Mint XL Presents: Morgan Seatree + more TBA

Friday 20 November – Framework Presents: Ben UFO, Papa Nugs + more

Saturday 21 November – Jampacked Would Tour Leeds Edition: Jamback, Anil Aras, A For Alpha

Saturday 19 December – Framework x Mugpie Presents: Christian AB, Unai Trotti + more

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Amsterdam Music Festival News

EDM Festivals October 2026: Festivals We Can’t Miss

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Charlotte de Witte playing at 808 Festival beneath blue stage lighting in front of a large crowd

EDM Festivals October 2026: Festivals We Can’t Miss worldwide as major events fill the month across North America, Asia, Europe, and South America

October 2026 brings another busy month for the EDM festival calendar, with events taking place across North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. In the US, 808 Festival, Breakaway Utah, We Belong Here Central Park, Experts Only at the Gorge, Niteharts, Head Trip, III Points Miami, Escape Psycho Circus, BOO! Seattle, BOO! Arizona, and Hocus Pocus Miami fill the month. Meanwhile, EDC Korea and Chill O’posite Festival add major dates in Asia and Africa. No Art Lisbon and AMF represent Europe, while EDC Colombia and Ritvales bring two large weekends to South America. Here’s a full look at the EDM festivals taking place throughout October 2026.

808 Festival

Dates: October 2–3, 2026
Location: BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand

808 Festival returns to BITEC in Bangkok from October 2–3, 2026 for two days across two stages. The Phase Two lineup includes ILLENIUM, SLANDER B2B NGHTMRE, W&W, Argy, Ben Nicky, 999999999, Mesto, and KAAZE. Meanwhile, JUSTUS, RIVO, Dorian, Ian Asher, and Mary Droppinz are also confirmed. Several special performances are scheduled, including Adam Beyer B2B Chris Avantgarde and Nifra B2B Will Atkinson. Giorgia Angiuli will also perform live. More artists are still due to be announced before the festival returns to Bangkok in October.

Breakaway Utah

Dates: October 2–3, 2026
Location: America First Field, Sandy, Utah

Breakaway Utah brings the Breakaway Music Festival series to America First Field in Sandy, Utah, from October 2–3, 2026. Friday features John Summit, Tiësto, Max Styler, Jackie Hollander, Ray Volpe, LAYZ B2B TYNAN, and Trivecta. Hershe, Heyz, Roddy Lima, Soraya, and Obayashi also appear on the first day. Saturday then brings Chris Lake, Audien, Bonnie X Clyde, Frank Walker, Kasablanca, and Mojave Grey. In addition, Kaskade will play a sunset set, while Gorgon City B2B MPH adds another collaborative performance.

We Belong Here Central Park

Dates: October 2–4, 2026
Location: Wollman Rink, Central Park, New York City, New York

We Belong Here Central Park heads back to Wollman Rink in Central Park from October 2–4, 2026. Friday opens with MEDUZA³ and a sunset set from LP Giobbi. On Saturday, Ben Böhmer plays a sunset set before Stephan Bodzin performs live. Sunday closes the weekend with Steve Angello and a sunset club set from Bob Moses. Elsewhere on the lineup, Ashibah, Eve Lauren, and Tripolism are also confirmed. The wider program includes Aftours, Amanda Simpson, Anthony Romano, Malcolm Zeller, Sanvero, Sebi Luca, and several more artists.

EDC Korea

Dates: October 3–4, 2026
Location: INSPIRE, South Korea

EDC Korea returns to INSPIRE on October 3–4, 2026, with house, trance, techno, bass, and hard dance across the weekend. Saturday includes DJ Snake, ILLENIUM B2B Dabin, Ben Nicky Presents Xtreme, Brennan Heart, Coone, and Dimension. R3HAB, Sara Landry, Subtronics, and SVDDEN DEATH are also confirmed. Meanwhile, Bassrush Experience and an Insomniac Records Takeover appear on the Saturday program. Sunday features 999999999, Alok, Aly & Fila, Argy, FISHER, Kayzo, Nifra, and Tiësto. TOKiMONSTA, Vini Vici, W&W, and Wooli also join the second day.

Experts Only at the Gorge

Dates: October 3–4, 2026
Location: Gorge Amphitheatre, Washington

Experts Only at the Gorge brings John Summit’s Experts Only brand to Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington on October 3–4, 2026. John Summit leads the weekend alongside Cassian, Daniel Allan, Devault, Hamdi, Jackie Hollander, and KETTAMA. Before the main event begins, the EO Base Camp Pre-Party is scheduled for October 2. Layton Giordani is currently confirmed for that party, with additional names still to come. Across the full weekend, the music covers house, techno, and bass with a compact lineup centred on the Experts Only roster and its regular collaborators.

Starlight Festival

Dates: October 8–11, 2026
Location: Giza and Cairo, Egypt

Starlight Festival brings four days of events to Giza and Cairo from October 8–11, 2026. The main festival is held near The Pyramids of Giza on October 9–10. A welcome party takes place in Cairo on October 8, followed by a farewell party on October 11. The first main day features Adriatique, Indira Paganotto, Pete Tong, Vintage Culture, and WhoMadeWho with a hybrid DJ set. Awen, BiiA, Charlie Sparks, and Coco & Breezy are also confirmed. On day two, Charlotte de Witte, Michael Bibi, and Enrico Sangiuliano lead the lineup. Meanwhile, Deer Jade, Fiona Kraft, Floyd Lavine, Layla Benitez, and Olympe also perform.

Chill O’posite Festival

Dates: October 8–10, 2026
Location: Dahab, Egypt

Chill O’posite Festival brings electronic music, live performances, and hybrid sets to Dahab from October 8–10, 2026. The lineup includes 47 Soul, AIWAA, and Aly Fathalla performing live. Blacky, Jad Halal, Nico Morano, Sama’ Abdulhadi, Tia, and Tony L Issac are also confirmed. Several B2B sets appear across the three days. These include BĪSU B2B Welson, Borio B2B Shika, and Kotoe B2B Madmotormiquel. Meanwhile, Chitati, Karamell, Menna Hussein, Molotof, Netam, and Nubatronic add more live performances to the program.

Niteharts

Dates: October 9–11, 2026
Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California

Niteharts will run for three days at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego from October 9–11, 2026. Presented by ISOxo and Knock2, the festival covers bass, trap, electronic, and alternative music. The lineup includes Knock2 B2B DJ Snake, ISOxo, ISOKNOCK, RL Grime, Hamdi, 2hollis, and LYNY. Porter Robinson will also perform a DJ set. Elsewhere, Flava D, Jane Remover, Frost Children, Devault, Underscores, and Daine are confirmed. Nitepunk, Control Freak, Borne, Yaego, and Thaiboy Digital & Swedm® also appear across the weekend.

Head Trip

Dates: October 10–11, 2026
Location: Empire Polo Club, Indio, California

Head Trip makes its debut at Empire Polo Club in Indio on October 10–11, 2026. Saturday features Calvin Harris, Under Construction: FISHER + Chris Lake, and Peggy Gou B2B Four Tet. Seth Troxler B2B Ben Sterling is also confirmed for the first day. Sunday follows with Swedish House Mafia, Skrillex, and Dom Dolla B2B KETTAMA. The Blessed Madonna and DJ Harvey also perform on Sunday. Meanwhile, Floating Points’ Sunflower Sound System will be featured throughout the weekend. Presented by Goldenvoice, the new two-day festival adds another major electronic music event to Indio’s calendar.

EDC Colombia

Dates: October 10–11, 2026
Location: Unidad Deportiva Atanasio Girardot, Medellín, Colombia

EDC Colombia holds its inaugural edition in Medellín on October 10–11, 2026, at Unidad Deportiva Atanasio Girardot. Saturday features Above & Beyond, Alesso, Alok, ARTBAT, Astrix, Chase & Status, and deadmau5. ILLENIUM, Jamie Jones, Maceo Plex, Miss Monique, and Richie Hawtin are also confirmed. In addition, Dreamstate Presents and Factory93 Presents appear on the festival program. Sunday includes 999999999, Afrojack B2B Green Velvet, Armin van Buuren, Boris Brejcha, and CamelPhat. Kaskade, Nico Moreno, Restricted, Subtronics, Sullivan King, and Vintage Culture also perform on day two.

No Art Lisbon

Dates: October 10, 2026
Location: Passeio Marítimo de Algés, Lisbon, Portugal

Following a sold-out edition last year, No Art Lisbon is back in the Portuguese capital on October 10, 2026. The one-day lineup includes Adriatique, ANOTR, Jennifer Loveless, Klin Klop, and SG Lewis. Franky Rizardo B2B Mau P adds a collaborative set to the program. With six acts currently listed, the event keeps its schedule more focused than many of October’s multi-day festivals. The Lisbon date also adds another European stop to No Art’s 2026 calendar.

AMF

Dates: October 24, 2026
Location: Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam, Netherlands

AMF returns to Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on October 24, 2026, for its annual one-night event during Amsterdam Dance Event. The 2026 lineup currently features Afrojack, Amelie Lens, Armin van Buuren, ARTBAT, D-Block & S-te-Fan, Korolova, and Marlon Hoffstadt, with more artists still to be announced. David Guetta is also confirmed to bring The Monolith to the AMF stage, adding his large-scale live production to this year’s edition. The festival is scheduled from 8 PM until the early hours of the following morning, continuing AMF’s long-running place on the final Saturday of Amsterdam Dance Event and bringing several different sides of electronic music together inside one of Amsterdam’s largest venues.

Escape Psycho Circus

Dates: October 30–31, 2026
Location: Southern California

Escape Psycho Circus returns to Southern California on October 30–31, 2026, for two nights of electronic music across five stages. Friday’s The Big Top lineup includes Benny Benassi, Cascada, Cloonee, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, KREAM, MORTEN, NERVO, and Steve Aoki, while Bassrush hosts Sewer District with Excision, Getter, Kai Wachi, and Level Up. Feeding Grounds brings harder styles with AniMe, Coone B2B DJ Isaac, Darren Styles, Frontliner, Lady Faith B2B LNY TNZ, and Showtek, while The Cage features Adam Ten, DJ Tennis, Jamie Jones B2B Franky Rizardo, and Joseph Capriati B2B SOSA. Saturday continues with Alok, Disco Lines, Galantis, Ian Asher, JOYRYDE, Maddix, and Zedd at The Big Top, alongside Adventure Club, Dabin, Dr. Fresch, Liquid Stranger, 999999999, Funk Assault, Indira Paganotto, Nina Kraviz, Richie Hawtin, Avalon Emerson, Champion, DJ Heartstring, and Malugi across the other stages. With house, bass, hard dance, and techno spread across the Halloween weekend, Escape Psycho Circus closes October with one of Insomniac’s biggest seasonal festivals.

BOO! Seattle

Dates: October 30–31, 2026
Location: WAMU Theater, Seattle, Washington

BOO! Seattle returns to WAMU Theater in Seattle, Washington, on October 30–31, 2026, with three themed stages and more than 50 DJs and performers across Halloween weekend. Friday’s lineup includes AMP, Casey Club, Champion, DJ Heather, Elderbrook with a DJ set, Gramatik, GRiZ, James Hype, Levity, LYNY, OMNOM, Ravenscoon, TroyBoi, Walker & Royce, and Westend. Saturday continues with A Little Sound, AZYR, Cloonee, Getter, Hannah Laing, Hershe, It’s Murph, Kayzo, Morgan Seatree, Sara Landry, Subtronics, Taiki Nulight, Taylor Torrence, Wuki, and YDG. With house, bass, techno, and harder electronic styles spread across two nights, BOO! Seattle gives the Pacific Northwest another major Halloween festival option at the end of October.

BOO! Arizona

Dates: October 30–31, 2026
Location: WestWorld of Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona

BOO! Arizona takes place at WestWorld of Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, on October 30–31, 2026, with two themed stages across Halloween weekend. Friday’s lineup includes 2DY4, Capochino, Deorro, Fieldz B2B Mile32, Hydes, Kompany, Maddix, Marie Vaunt, PEEKABOO, Restricted, Sippy, Virtual Riot, Zedd, and Zoe Gitter. Saturday continues with ACRAZE, Aja Cruz, Alyssa Jolee, The Chainsmokers, Dombresky, Gravagerz, Heyz, James Hype, Jay Prior, JSTJR, Level Up, Luci, Papajan, Samplifire, Seven Lions, and TRYM. With house, bass, techno, and harder electronic styles spread across both nights, BOO! Arizona gives Scottsdale another large Halloween weekend event at the end of October.

Hocus Pocus Miami

Dates: October 30–November 1, 2026
Location: Factory Town, Miami, Florida

Hocus Pocus Miami returns to Factory Town in Miami, Florida, from October 30–November 1, 2026, for three nights across five stages during Halloween weekend. The lineup includes Chase & Status, ChaseWest, Cassian, Gorgon City, Indira Paganotto, Jamie Jones, Joseph Capriati, Kerri Chandler, Layton Giordani, Marco Strous, MEDUZA, Odd Mob, Prospa, Purple Disco Machine, Seth Troxler, Skream, William Kiss, and Yanamaste. Several collaborative sets are also listed, including Funk Assault (Chlär B2B Alarico) and Vic Prydz >>> Franky Rizardo, while Apollonia, Ayybo, Azzecca, Beltran, Berbrakka, Chris Stussy, Cole Knight, Danny Daze, DJ Boring, Hudson Mohawke, Jayda G, Malugi, Mary Droppinz, Salomé Le Chat, Slam, and VTSS appear elsewhere across the three-night program. With house, techno, bass, and underground electronic music spread throughout Factory Town, Hocus Pocus Miami extends the Halloween festival calendar into the first night of November.

Ritvales

Dates: October 31–November 1, 2026
Location: Parque Norte, Medellín, Colombia

Ritvales returns to Parque Norte in Medellín, Colombia, from October 31–November 1, 2026, for two days covering techno, trance, house, melodic electronic music, and live performances. Saturday’s lineup includes Aly & Fila, Anetha, Ayybo, Carl Cox with an extended set, Ciaran McAuley, Dubfire, Guy J, Kobosil, LAVERN, Mauro Picotto, Paul van Dyk with an extended set, Somewhen, SPFDJ, Sven Väth, Tripolism, and WhoMadeWho with a hybrid DJ set. Sunday continues with Adam Beyer, Ben Böhmer live, Cloonee, Collabs 3000 (Chris Liebing B2B Speedy J), Crystal Waters live, Eli Brown, HI-LO B2B XXXXXX, I Hate Models, Klangkuenstler, Lilly Palmer, Massano, Marcel Dettmann, Oliver Heldens, Seth Troxler, Stephan Bodzin live, Supergloss, Victor Ruiz, and X CLUB. Stage hosts across the weekend include 44, Carl Cox Invites, and SHINE Ibiza, giving Ritvales one of the broader electronic lineups spanning the final day of October and the first day of November.

From major North American festivals including Breakaway Utah, We Belong Here Central Park, Experts Only at the Gorge, III Points Miami, Escape Psycho Circus, and BOO! Seattle to international events such as 808 Festival, EDC Korea, Starlight Festival, EDC Colombia, AMF, and Ritvales, October 2026 brings electronic music festivals to cities across North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. Halloween events, city festivals, multi-day weekends, and one-day shows fill the month, with lineups covering house, techno, trance, bass, drum & bass, hard dance, melodic electronic music, and more.

Visit our EDM Festival News section to stay updated on the latest announcements and lineup releases.

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