As tradition goes, after returning from Ultra Miami, we share our impressions of what remains one of the most important electronic music festivals in the world. Miami is a unique stage: this is where new music is unveiled, never-before-seen performances are tested, and sometimes historic reunions take place.
The Ultra Music Festival 2026 set a clear direction: space for new artists who, for the first time, had the chance to perform in Miami in front of a global audience.
This 26th edition, supported by favorable weather conditions for almost all three days, unfolded as always across multiple stages: from the intimate The Cove Stage to the renewed and impressive MEGASTRUCTURE, featuring an audio system that exceeded all expectations. The Live Stage was once again present, alternating between standout performances and others less memorable (yes, let’s say it), along with the Worldwide Stage, increasingly loved by ravers, and of course, the debated MainStage.
The MainStage itself, often criticized for its design, surprised this year, especially for its audio: powerful and crystal clear like never before, at least compared to our past experiences. On the aesthetic side, Ultra seems to have consolidated a precise stylistic direction, with similar structures year after year but always delivering strong visual impact.
DAY 1 – Ultra is starting here (video)
Our experience begins with an exploratory walk to assess the changes. Then we head straight to the MainStage for the festival’s first vibes with Frank Walker.
Between hits, we move to the MEGASTRUCTURE where Massano makes his debut with a top-tier melodic techno set (video). Back at the MainStage, we find VOYD, presenting himself in a highly theatrical way: emerging from a coffin, putting on the mask, and kicking off the show. An intense experience, just like his sound.
It’s then time for Illenium, one of the most anticipated acts: his set is a perfect mix of emotional melodies and powerful drops, in full American style. Here are some of our photos.
The night heats up with the debut of Bizarrap (BZRP), who wins over the crowd with an explosive mix of Latin sounds and electro house (video). But the real surprise comes in the last half hour: Skrillex returns to the Ultra Miami stage, once again unexpectedly. A simply epic moment (video).
The highlight of the day, however, is the b2b between Martin Garrix & Alesso: a return to the progressive house sound that defined the festival’s history. A sequence of timeless hits (like If I Lose Myself, of course) that turns the MainStage into an explosion of energy (video). Everyone in Miami was waiting for this moment, and Garrix and Alesso did not disappoint.
We close the night at the Worldwide Stage with Armin van Buuren, first in a b2b with Marlon Hoffstadt, then solo. A magical set (video), ending with a final surprise: the appearance of Sacha, the voice of Set Me Free.
Tired but satisfied, we head back to the hotel after an already unforgettable day.
DAY 2 – our arrival video
Day two starts early under the Miami sun. While some bass music plays at the Worldwide, we return to the MainStage for the debut of HALO (Matisse & Sadko, Third Party and DubVision): pure progressive house energy. Despite the early slot, the crowd is huge, and everyone jumps with us at every drop. (Video 1 – Video 2 – Video 3)
Next is Nicky Romero, who, after years of absence, once again proves his consistency with a varied and high-quality set, showing his true nature: being a DJ (video). All of this happens while the Ultra staff keeps cooling us down with water and ice cubes.
The energy continues with Steve Aoki and his spectacular show (video), featuring cake throws, surprise guests from the Latin music world, and new tracks. Meanwhile, Excision brings his heavy sound to the stage, beloved by the American crowd (video).
But the most anticipated moment is the closing with Steve Angello & Sebastian Ingrosso. What seemed like a simple b2b turns into something historic: Afrojack, Armand Van Helden (video), and Eric Prydz, among others, join them on stage. With Eric, we witness for the first time the original reunion of the group from 20 years ago—goosebumps moment. Then the unexpected happens: Eric leaves the stage, and Axwell arrives. The Swedish House Mafia is reunited in full. An epic, textbook moment that hadn’t happened since 2018. No new music presented, but an enormous emotional impact (closing act video).
Meanwhile, at the Live Stage, another legendary artist we hadn’t seen in a while performs: Madeon (video).
DAY 3
The third day brings both fatigue and a hint of melancholy. It starts with Maddix, pushing hard with his modern techno (video), followed by the refined set of ARTBAT, delivering hits like Hollow and For a Feeling, plus their new collab with Giuseppe Ottaviani.
A big surprise comes from Marlon Hoffstadt (DJ Daddy Trance), who wins over the crowd with a fun and engaging set. (video) (photo)
One of the most anticipated moments is Afrojack (intro video), who premieres the new collaboration with David Guetta & Sia, Awake Tonight, 15 years after Titanium. A moment destined to leave a mark. Afrojack had also opened the MainStage on Day 3 with his alias Kapuchon. (Video 1 – Video 2 – Photo)
DJ Snake, on the other hand, is less convincing: aside from the appearance of Bipolar Sunshine, the set fails to surprise. (video 1 – video 2 – video 3)
The closing is handled by John Summit, also involved in a curious episode: he arrives by boat but is initially stopped by security. He then runs to the stage (video) and delivers an energetic set full of new music, completing the preview of tracks from his upcoming album which, as we explained, will be released on Wednesday, April 15. Among the most anticipated tracks are hits like Where You Are and Shiver, closing an epic night. Summit wraps up an edition destined to go down in history. (closing act video)
Our Instagram and Facebook channels are full of exclusive photos and reels from Ultra Miami 2026.
CONCLUSIONS
This is our fourth Ultra Miami and, despite the evident changes brought by new generations of fans and artists, the festival retains its global leadership. Ultra Music Festival continues to be a benchmark: musical innovation, spectacular shows, and surprises are still part of its DNA. All of this in the stunning setting of the world capital of EDM, Miami. The dates for the next edition are already official: March 26, 27 and 28, 2027 at Bayfront Park. Tickets (Tier 2 and Tier 1 for GOLD users) are already available on the official website.
An extraordinary edition. Thank you for experiencing it with us. Thank you, Miami. Always home. 🖤
