It’s that time of the year when rising temperatures across the country signal the start of the summer festival season. This year, Tampa, FL will see the return of Sunset Music Festival at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. What started in 2012 as a small single-day festival has grown into a destination two-day event, drawing crowds from across the region. On its steady rise to prominence, Sunset experienced a bit of a breakout year last year when the festival spanned two days for the first time since its inception. Last year’s show touted headliners of Zedd, Benny Benassi, Hardwell, and Krewella, along with a range of other artists like Alex Metric, Tchami, Adventure Club, Candyland, The Chainsmokers, DJ Snake (with a special guest appearance from Lil Jon), and many more.
This year, Sunset continues its growth as a major dance music festival in Florida and the South East United States with the lineup being billed as the biggest in Sunset history. This year’s lineup includes headliners of Tiesto, Skrillex, and Armin Van Buuren, with other artists that are familiar to the festival circuit like Flosstradamus, Porter Robinson, and Showtek. However, Sunset will also see some relatively new faces that have been experiencing success with the resurgence of House music in recent years. Expect artists like Thomas Jack, SNBRN, Viceroy, and Sam Feldt to bring the tropical beats that helped kick their careers off, a sound that artists and fans have dubbed Tropical House. We’ll also see the return of Tchami to Sunset this year, who rose to prominence with music that he’s previously described as Future House. Expect similar styles that of Tchami with artists like Don Diablo and Oliver Heldens, the latter of which has seen breakout success in the last year. We’ll also see performances from a slew of other artists ranging from genres of drum & bass to trance and everything in between. Check out the full lineup for more.
Responding to criticism of VIP amenities and security issues that occurred last year, the organizers have stepped up efforts to make the experience a memorable one. Sunset has highlighted some of the improvements made this year, which include VIP amenities, security and entry improvements, water facilities, and more shade structures. While festivalgoers enjoyed shaded areas and free water last year, expect shade to be more abundant and water lines shorter with increased shaded areas, additional water stations, and increased personnel to cut down on wait times for water and security checks. You’ll also be able to light the night up this year with LED hula hoops and glow toys, which will be allowed this year, a move which will help satisfy fans that were not allowed to bring their glow toys in last year.
Remember that this festival is rain or shine! Despite some inclement weather last year, the festival still spanned both days (aside from a short break to allow for some thunder and lightning to pass). Food vendors will be available across the festival grounds. For more information, check out the festival guidelines and information.
Tickets are currently on sale for $149 (not including $13.19 fee, $5.50 shipping, and taxes), but prices are slated to increase this Friday, April 17. VIP tickets are available for $219 (not including $17.04 fee, $5.50 shipping, and taxes). Hotel packages, lockers, and other amenities and merchandise are also available at the website.