Ibiza in August: Scenes from the party Capital of the world

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Ibiza’s summer 2024 season is in full swing with a party calendar that continues to impress.

Every summer, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the Balearic island of Ibiza to experience the magic of the island that’s been crowned the epicenter of music and entertainment. From the end of April to mid-October, its famously intense parties put on top-level production for a music experience that’s unparalleled and diverse with everything from outdoor sunset events to massive nightclubs open until sunrise.

Toward the end of the summer, temperatures are at their highest and the season is at its peak with August marking Ibiza’s busiest time. With two powerhouses in the industry celebrating quarter-century anniversaries — and old and new parties promising exceptional lineups and production — the island seemed to have taken things to the next level this year.

I’m a returning visitor myself since 2017, and the excitement for it all was apparent. A week of bouncing around these prestigious parties proved the demands are being fulfilled.

Ibiza is an entire world of its own full of vibrant locals and culture, remarkable scenery, unparalleled experiences, and excited strangers. From smaller, more intimate scenes to the largest and world-renowned venues, I took a week to experience the madness more as an observer than as a deadset partygoer. Nevertheless, being in a place so rich with dance music history while still pointing to its future never gets old, and paying closer attention only makes your appreciation grow.

Two great spectacles at Amnesia: elrow and Metamorfosi

With taxis lined to the top of a hill where the club sits like a shrine, arriving at one of the island’s (and world’s) most famous nightclubs is as much of an adrenaline rush as it sounds. The walk to the entrance feels like navigating a maze, with large, branded buses and photo-ops setting the stage for what is to come.

Even if you arrive (what people on the island consider) early, the outdoor area is bound to be packed with a never-ending rush of revelers coming out to mingle and dive into the madness. The main tunnel herds you in and leads you down to the floor where suddenly, you’re facing the legendary terrace of Amnesia. The view is one to pause and take in. Hundreds of people dancing under the towering, dome-like ceiling, lights in every direction, and larger-than-life decorations hanging from the top all add to the sense of awe.

Amnesia’s layout is a marvel. Even the journey to the bathroom leads you up a staircase to a cave-like alcove that, upon exit, grants you a sweeping view of the entire terrace — and a moment of calm amid the chaos. Across from the staircase, Amnesia’s VIP sections tower above the floor, each table offering ample room and a prime view of the action below. Tunnels and staircases eventually lead you to the main room, a dark but electric expanse with flashing screens and booming bass encompassing the room.

Arriving on a Saturday, the place to be was elrow. Having only experienced it at Miami’s iconic outdoor venue, Factory Town, I was excited to see how the party would translate indoors — and in the world’s party capital. Its production was unlike anything I had ever seen. The venue felt like a musical circus with dancers performing acrobatics high above the crowd, all while a roaring sound system boomed with upbeat house music to create a special, joyful atmosphere.

Over-the-top and preposterous decorations adorned the club, and colorful confetti frequently rained on attendees while tech house favorites Bastian Bux, Fatboy Slim, Latmun and more belted out upbeat tunes. In the main room, Andrea Oliva gave the crowd nothing but pure, real house music, and they couldn’t get enough of his all-night performance. I was struck by the fact that there were 18 bars open that night. It was a testament to the venue’s capacity to cater to such a massive crowd.

Amnesia’s ability to host a massive audience was reiterated on my last night in Ibiza, with Joseph Capriati’s highly anticipated Metamorfosi show. It was later revealed that the show was sold out for the first time at the venue — something I suspected upon arrival.

With an incredible B2B by Joseph and Jamie Jones, sets by WhoMadeWho, and Serge Devant, and mesmerizing production, the turnout made perfect sense. And the icing on the cake? The Main Room was hosted by techno superstar Indira Paganotto accompied by a star on the rise, Sara Landry.

One of the most talked-about parties this year, its production was up-to-par and the ambience was incredibly joyful, befitting of the artist behind it all and his passion for the music. The contrast of pure house and hard techno made it a dream for dance music enthusiasts. The details in between — such as butterflies lighting up the screens and one the most spectaluar light shows i’ve seen — made it even more of an unforgettable night.

The notorious Circoloco at DC-10: Red, hot underground magic

The next stop on my Ibiza journey was Circoloco at DC-10, another first-time venue visit for me. The ride from our hotel was a bit lengthy, so our first stop was the bathroom, where the awe of DC-10’s layout began.

A hypnotic, lit-up walkway with beaming red frames guided us to the back, and the way out revealed the Garden Terrace. It felt surprisingly intimate and yet still somehow spacious despite being crowded. Partygoers sat, stood, and danced under the stars and low-hanging decor. The bar served patrons quickly, and airplanes flew split down the middle overhead so perfectly that it seemed as if it were coordinated for the show.

DC-10’s red-hot décor and blinking signs celebrating its 25th anniversary the previous week matched the fiery energy inside. The scene at DC-10 was an underground enthusiast’s dream. Despite being enclosed and packed with bodies, the high ceilings and strategically placed large, red mirrors created the illusion of more space, somewhat diminishing the sense of crowding on the dancefloor. The club’s underground vibe gave it an authentic atmosphere. It was a respectable and refreshing contrast to the luxury of many of Ibiza’s famous clubs.

Next door, the cavernous Main Room beamed with neon signs and dark blue accents throughout, offering a widespread floor that spanned back to VIP tables. It created a cooled-off vibe with a sound system that kept me coming back to groove. While I usually find myself happiest on the dancefloor, the VIP area at DC-10 surprisingly impressed me. It became one of my favorite parts of the night thanks to its large bars and abundance of places to sit and mingle.

Select global and underground superstars bless the crowds weekly from the evenings to the early hours. Bedouin, DJ Tennis, The Blessed Madonna, Beltran, Monolink, and more filled the venue from wall to wall for an intimate clubbing experience that affirmed DC-10’s reputation as a place for strictly authentic, floor-stomping house music.

Ushuaïa: A daytime dream with Defected and Tomorrowland

After a few nights that made it feel like I’d been on the island for a week, I was eager to soak up some sun and enjoy some loud music. Ibiza’s premier outdoor venue, Ushuaïa, was exactly what I needed. Known for its festival-like daytime sets, Ushuaïa is a haven for those looking to start off the night with something grandiose.

Entering the venue is always a rush, similar to the excitement of arriving at a festival. From the time it opens at 3pm until well after closing at 11pm, the front of the venue stays buzzing with partygoers. Despite the massive crowds, I was once again impressed by the staff’s ability to get people in and out swiftly. It’s a feat that speaks to Ushuaïa’s strengths as a powerhouse superclub.

The venue’s layout provides a slight respite from the packed crowd, with bars on each corner offering a break — if you manage to get to them. An elevated area in the back overlooks the entire venue, providing a complimentary view of the beach behind it. As it’s level with the second floor of Ushuaïa’s hotel balconies, you can see room parties in full swing, adding to the venue’s epic atmosphere. The combination of the beach, the music, and the crowd made it another unforgettable experience.

Tuesdays belong to Defected, and rightfully so. I made my way over for the iconic Defected Records party, which also celebrated its 25th anniversary with a 22-week residency at Ushuaïa. The venue’s vibrant shades of blue, pink, and yellow — from the massive Defected sign in the middle of Ushuaïa’s pools to the flags draping the stage and the dazzling lights — set a bubbly, fun tone. This was immediately noticeable in the dozens of happy faces around me. Gorgon City, Sam Divine, Low Steppa, Kyle Walker, and more took over the massive stage, filling the floor with house fans from across the globe.

The following day, I was back at Ushuaïa for Tomorrowland’s famous party with Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike. The heavy, uptempo beats were unlike anything I’d experienced, and the crowd was noticeably energetic and dedicated to fist-pumping as the famous duo delivered exceptional sets. Flashing yellow and red lights, smoke machines, and dark accents a la Tomorrowland contrasted with the previous day, which points to what makes the venue so special. Each party offers its own concept and the venue adapts to it, delivering a completely different and incredible experience every time.

FISHER and the Martinez Brothers at the #1 club in the world: Hï Ibiza at its peak

Hï Ibiza epitomizes the essence of the White Isle’s world-renowned nightlife. The venue’s multi-room space has always left me in awe. It offers a dynamic experience across its different areas, each buoyed by unparalleled blends of house, techno, and beyond.

At the heart of the club is the Theatre, the main room with a massive dancefloor, state-of-the-art sound system, and an intense array of lights and visuals that immerse partygoers in a sensory spectacle. Adjacent to it is the Club Room, a more intimate space with darker, moodier vibes perfect for deeper underground sounds.

Hï Ibiza also features the Wild Corner, one of my favorites, an unexpected open-to-all room with a DJ booth set in between the restrooms. The venue’s outdoor garden offers a breath of fresh air with lush greenery while the Magic Garden, adorned with vibrant art installations and comfortable seating, provides a relaxing escape from the intensity of the dancefloors. This multifaceted layout ensures that every visit to Hï Ibiza is an unforgettable journey through the many layers of electronic music culture it displays.

Powerhouse NYC duo the Martinez Brothers have built an audience like no other, and it’s apparent every time they headline the club on Tuesdays. Their lineup included none other than industry legend Paco Osuna, who’s announced his NOW HERE exclusive dates at the venue, as well as Blackchild, Honey Dijon, and more. For fans of the underground mixed with modern-day hits and the good old roots of tech house, this party is the way to go.

Similarly, when FISHER is playing, it seems as if the sizeable crowd at the daytime party at Ushuaïa shifted over and fit into the venue at once. The energy was incredible as always. Complemented with acts like DJ Boring, AMEME, and Vintage Culture, it was a night not to miss for party-goers looking for the golden, movie-like clubbing experience. The nightclub welcomes the hottest acts in the world, and for good reason.

August in Ibiza is hot, full, and exciting.

Seeing the island at its peak is an adrenaline rush every second of the day. As chaotic as it may sound, it’s a raw look at the passion following dance music and the experiences behind it. Ibiza is a bubble that provides a portal to a world where music is the center, and it’s never left me disappointed. Every time you think you’ve seen it all, the people behind the shows and the music come back a bit stronger to deliver unique experiences for those traveling far and wide to witness it. It’s something to appreciate.

A week in Ibiza in August is tiring, but all the same, it keeps you wanting more. I’ll be looking forward to next year to continue to explore what the island has to offer and groove to the sounds of the future.

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