If you’re wanting to experience a different type of music festival this September, Dancefestopia might just be exactly what you’re looking for. Since 2011, this EDM-focused event has taken place in Kansas City, bringing with it all of the best imaginable sounds and bass to keep you dancing and vibing into all hours of the night. This will be Dancefestopia’s 13th year running, with each year getting bigger and better with the talent they bring in. With headliners including Wooli, Subtronics, Excision, and Slander, crowds better be ready for some insane performances and lots and lots of lasers.
This is a multi-day festival taking place this September 1st through 7th, so you can absolutely expect camping to be an option — especially with it being held within the magical forests of Emerald City. Unlike other festivals, Dancefestopia makes the experience like a true summer camp: tents sporadically placed all throughout the woods, a beautiful lake for swimming, plus activities like the rock climbing wall and zip-lining to enjoy when you’re not jamming out.
This is a whole collective and bonding experience, no matter where you happen to wander.
I imagine the energy this fall will be absolutely insane, especially with Jeffrey Abel attending, you know, the genius behind the household name in dubstep, Excision. He’s not only a performer, but now a talented producer for up-and-coming artists in the scene. So many of these artists have collaborated together, creating some really brilliant songs over the years and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t secretly hoping Wooli and Subtronics have a back-to-back set because I am so ready to “lock the fuck in”.
This festival has a total of five stages, all of which unique in their sound and atmosphere. The Emerald Stage is, of course, the largest, where you can expect to find all of the best DJs and headliners over the weekend, but there’s also the Lollipop Stage for all of the late-nighters wanting to party until sunrise or the Rekinection Experience featuring not only music performances, but also yoga, meditation, and even aerial fire dancers. If you’re a more laidback festival-goer, you might prefer hanging out by the Pool Stage, which is exactly as it sounds — a stage right next to the pool. Go for a swim or lay out and catch some rays with some fine beats in your ear by springing for the fest’s exclusive Pool Party Pass.
What I like most about Dancefestopia (aside from the killer lineup planned), is that this festival has everything you need for every type of person and vibe they’re looking for. If you’re someone who needs to take a break from the noise and the crowds, the lake is a peaceful little corner of solitude to chill out. For those in need of a spiritual or psychedelic awakening, you can mediate with friends or ride solo, and later, watch fire dancers light up the night. I think this is the perfect place for first-timers to check out and get into the groove of things with all of the fun this place offers!
As someone who attended Bonnaroo this June, I was absolutely gutted when the festival was cancelled after only being there for three days. If you were another attendee who had to unfortunately pack up early, you still have the chance to see some of the bands you missed, with ATLiens, INZO, and Of The Trees coming to Dancefestopia 2025. I got lucky enough to see Of The Trees for the first time live on Thursday night before Bonnaroo was cancelled and I cannot wait to get the chance to see Tyler Coombs again. The pure energy and sound he brings to the stage is unreal, and I expect nothing less from him this September.
If this is the type of festival experience you’re interested in, three-day general admission passes can be purchased for only $299, with VIP options and add-ons available. They even have two-person tents for sale, if you’re enjoying the festival so much that you decide you and a friend want to stay the night and keep the party going!
As Dancefestopia approaches, ticket availability is getting sparse, so be sure to “lock in” your passes soon before you miss an incredible week of dancing amongst the trees with your favorite people and, of course, with some awesome, mind-blowing beats.
Dancefestopia 2025 official trailer
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