Written by Rebecca Hollman
Photos by ALIVE Coverage
As Ultra Music Festival (UMF) gears up for its monumental 25th anniversary in 2025, it’s more than just the beats and the crowd that are getting a special moment in the spotlight. To commemorate this legendary milestone, UMF has unveiled “All Eyes On Us,” a 25-episode docu-series that takes fans on a nostalgic journey through the history of the festival and its indelible impact on the dance music world.
If you’ve ever danced under the Miami sun, marveled at the stage productions, or felt the electric energy surge through the crowd, you know that Ultra is much more than just a festival. It’s a celebration of music, culture, and the shared love of all things electronic. This docu-series will shine a spotlight on the festival’s evolution, its global influence, and the unforgettable moments that have made Ultra the undisputed giant of electronic music festivals.
The Countdown Begins: A 25-Week Journey
In a thrilling 25-week countdown to Ultra Music Festival 2025, “All Eyes On Us” will drop a new episode every Monday, diving into the past quarter-century of Ultra. Each episode unveils the festival’s most iconic moments, as well as rare behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive interviews with industry leaders, and reflections from the artists who helped shape Ultra’s legacy.
For die-hard fans, this series is a must-watch. It’s a chance to relive those epic festival memories and learn about the hidden stories that shaped the Ultra experience. But it’s also an opportunity for new fans to discover how the festival grew from its humble beginnings in 1999 to the globally recognized phenomenon it is today.
Episode Highlights: Reliving the Magic
The docu-series kicks off with the premiere episode, “Open The Gates,” a visually stunning look at the electrifying moment when the gates open each year at Ultra. The slow-motion footage captures the buzz and anticipation that fills the air as the festival comes to life. Fans and artists alike are shown gearing up for the weekend, their excitement palpable. Cameos from artists like Nic Fanciulli and Gryffin set the stage for the kind of star power that has come to define Ultra over the years.
Episode two, “That First Ultra,” takes us back to the very first experiences of some of today’s biggest electronic music stars. Artists like Hardwell, Pendulum, Steve Aoki, and Marshmello reflect on their initial encounters with Ultra, whether it was performing onstage or experiencing the festival as a fan. The episode dives into how Ultra 1999, a modest gathering with just a few thousand attendees, set the stage for the global dance music movement that would follow.
The third episode, “All Eyes On You,” offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes for superstar DJs to prepare for their legendary closing sets at Ultra. Featuring interviews with Armin van Buuren, Steve Aoki, Marshmello, and others, this episode reveals the level of precision, dedication, and artistry that goes into making a closing set an unforgettable experience. It’s a window into the high stakes and deep emotional connection artists have with the festival and their fans.
Ultra’s Global Impact: A Legacy of Innovation
For those who’ve witnessed Ultra’s evolution firsthand, it’s clear that the festival is much more than just a massive event. It’s an institution that has shaped the very fabric of electronic music culture. “All Eyes On Us” celebrates the festival’s pioneering role in pushing the boundaries of live music experiences. From its jaw-dropping stage designs and groundbreaking live-streaming innovations to its commitment to booking top-tier talent year after year, Ultra has always been at the forefront of the electronic music scene.
One of the most exciting aspects of the series is how it highlights the festival’s role in fostering a global community of fans, artists, and industry professionals. Ultra’s influence extends far beyond Miami’s Bayfront Park—its events in locations like Ultra Europe, Ultra China, and Ultra Korea have helped bring electronic music to millions of fans across the globe. The docu-series also underscores how UMF has continually adapted to meet the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, embracing technology and innovation to enhance the festival experience.
The Big Anniversary: Ultra Music Festival 2025
Looking ahead, Ultra Music Festival 2025 promises to be one for the ages. Taking place from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30, 2025, at its iconic home at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami, the festival’s 25th edition is set to bring together the biggest names in electronic music for a celebration of everything Ultra has built over the years. And with a Phase 1 lineup that already includes heavy-hitters like Tiësto, Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, Zedd, Carl Cox, and more, this milestone event is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for fans old and new.
In the lead-up to the event, the “All Eyes On Us” docu-series will continue to offer fans a deeper understanding of Ultra’s rich history, filled with moments of triumph, innovation, and celebration. With its mixture of nostalgia, exclusive insights, and unforgettable stories, the series is the perfect way to build anticipation for Ultra Music Festival 2025.
Tickets on Sale Now
As the countdown continues, tickets for Ultra Music Festival 2025 are officially on sale. If you haven’t already secured your spot at the biggest dance party in the world, now’s the time. Whether you’re a seasoned Ultra veteran or someone looking to experience it for the first time, Ultra 2025 promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of everything that makes this festival so special.
Be sure to catch new episodes of “All Eyes On Us” every Monday on UMF TV’s YouTube channel, and get ready for what will undoubtedly be the most epic Ultra Music Festival yet. The eyes of the world will be on Ultra in 2025—and we’ll be here to witness it all.
For tickets and more information, visit Ultra Music Festival. See you on the dancefloor in 2025!
Ultra Music Festival 2025 Phase 1 Lineup (A-Z)
Above & Beyond | Adam Beyer | Afrojack | Alesso | Anyma B2B Solomun (World Debut) | Armin van Buuren | ARTBAT | Axwell | Boris Brejcha | Carl Cox (Live) (World Debut) | Charlotte de Witte | Chase & Status (U.S. Debut) | Deadmau5 (Retro5pective Set) | Deadmau5 B2B Pendulum (DJ Set) | Eli Brown | Dom Dolla & John Summit (Everything Always) | Four Tet | Gesaffelstein | Hardwell | I Hate Models | CloZee & LSDREAM (LSZee) | Martin Garrix | Mau P | Miss Monique | Nero | NGHTMRE B2B Sullivan King (World Debut) | Pendulum (Live) | Richie Hawtin (DEX EFX X0X) (Live) | Solomun (Solo Set) | Subtronics | Tiësto | Zedd | Zeds Dead (AV Set) and more…