For practically a decade, CRSSD Fest has set the tone for the dance music competition season, bringing home, techno, and dwell digital acts to the scenic waterfront of San Diego. Recognized for its vibrant power and thoroughly curated lineups, the competition has turn into a staple for digital music lovers nationwide.
Nonetheless, the 2025 version confronted sudden technical points that overshadowed its normally seamless manufacturing. Whereas CRSSD has constructed a popularity for delivering unforgettable experiences, this 12 months’s challenges left many questioning if it nonetheless holds its place because the unofficial kickoff to competition season. A beloved cornerstone of the West Coast digital scene, CRSSD now faces questions on its future. Right here’s a more in-depth have a look at what unfolded.
Manufacturing: ★ (1/5 stars)
For these eagerly anticipating the magic of a Justice set, the thrill rapidly light because the opening lyrics uncovered a significant downside: the sound high quality was shockingly poor. From the primary night time, it was evident that these technical difficulties have been greater than only a minor hiccup—points had been plaguing the competition lengthy earlier than the headliners even took the stage. By mid-afternoon, the principle Oceanview stage audio system started malfunctioning, and hopes for a fast repair vanished. Because the night time wore on, attendees eliminated their earplugs, their conversations rising above the music—a transparent signal of how drastically the sound had deteriorated.
Realizing that dancing with out subwoofers was practically unattainable, many festival-goers started filtering out of the group. Sadly, this wasn’t the primary time CRSSD attendees had voiced frustrations over manufacturing points. On Instagram, some remarked, “Who would have guessed they butchered the sound?” whereas Reddit customers lamented, “Ocean [stage] has been breaking down for years.” For a lot of, these ongoing issues have turn into an rising supply of disappointment.
Whereas technical difficulties can often be dismissed as an unlucky fluke, recurring sound failures elevate a bigger concern: Is CRSSD really prioritizing the fan expertise, or is the underside line taking priority?
Regardless of Oceanview’s struggles, The Palms and Metropolis Steps levels delivered an immersive sonic expertise, with deep, resonant bass that might be felt lengthy earlier than reaching the dancefloor. Whereas some sound bleed was noticeable, it did little to decrease the general power.
Visually, the stage designs remained minimal but efficient, completely complementing the competition’s home and techno aesthetic. Metropolis Steps, particularly, leaned into an underground warehouse vibe, enhanced by relentless strobes and dynamic lighting that amplified the uncooked, industrial ambiance.
Vibes: ★★★
CRSSD’s 21+ coverage fostered a extra mature and music-focused crowd, balancing high-energy revelry and respectful competition etiquette. Attendees weren’t simply there to get together—they have been there for the music, totally immersed within the pulsating rhythms of home and techno. From buying and selling trinkets to dancing in sync, the power remained electrical, peaking throughout FISHER’s set as he cheekily teased the group with repeated calls of, “Who desires yet another?”
One of many competition’s most unforgettable moments got here on Sunday when a sudden downpour reworked the ambiance. Quite than dampening spirits, the rain solely amplified the collective euphoria, with whistles, cheers, and uninhibited dancing turning the second right into a testomony to the communal magic that defines CRSSD.
With sound points plaguing the principle stage, noon crowds funneled towards the 2 extra miniature levels, creating an more and more dense and congested ambiance. As area turned scarce, frustration simmered amongst attendees, resulting in occasional pushing and an power shift. Nonetheless, because the night progressed and headliners took over the principle stage, the group dispersed, restoring a extra balanced stream that allowed for extra unrestricted motion, higher vibes, and a return to the competition’s signature dance-fueled power.
Safety was always current all through the weekend, with a number of armed sheriffs patrolling the competition grounds.
Including to the strain, CRSSD’s strict no-smoking coverage was aggressively enforced, with safety officers seen confiscating vapes straight from attendees’ arms with out warning. Whereas sustaining a smoke-free setting is comprehensible, the abrupt and forceful strategy felt extreme, elevating questions concerning the stability between security and overpolicing in competition areas.
Venue: ★★★
Nestled alongside the waterfront and framed by towering palm timber, Waterfront Park is considered one of San Diego’s most beautiful competition venues—an idyllic setting that completely captures the essence of Southern California. With the bay as a backdrop and golden-hour sunsets portray the sky, the ambiance felt virtually cinematic, elevating the power of pre-headlining units and making for a very breathtaking competition expertise.
CRSSD ensured that attendees ere well-fed and refreshed with numerous food and drinks choices, together with vegan-friendly fare and an attractive $5 glad hour for early arrivals. Past the culinary choices, shaded picnic benches supplied a cushty retreat for these trying to recharge. On the similar time, the expansive grassy areas supplied an ideal spot to bask within the San Diego solar. The stability of power and rest made for a well-rounded competition expertise, catering to dancefloor devotees and people searching for a second of respite.
CRSSD embraced the period of Instagram-worthy moments, strategically inserting photo-op installations all through the venue, whereas distributors leaned into the competition’s aesthetic with neon indicators and disco ball accents. The ambiance was effortlessly stylish and curated for the home and techno crowd. Nonetheless, whereas the design felt trendy and area of interest, it lacked the larger-than-life parts—interactive artwork, immersive shows, or carnival-style points of interest—usually leaving festival-goers in awe.
Music: ★★★★
With a lineup boasting powerhouse skills like FISHER, Justice, Nicole Moudaber, Chris Lorenzo, Inexperienced Velvet, Jungle, and Flight Services, CRSSD was a home and techno lover’s dream from begin to end. Every artist delivered high-energy units, however there have been moments of uncooked emotion past the music—some performers opened up about returning to the stage after dropping houses and studios within the California fires. By these shared experiences, a deep sense of group flourished between artists and attendees, reinforcing the competition’s popularity as extra than simply an occasion—a gathering of kindred spirits united by music.
Even for many who wouldn’t name themselves home and techno purists, CRSSD’s sound was undeniably infectious. The music had a magnetic pull, drawing attendees from one stage to a different, usually shifting their plans totally. The power was immersive, the beats virtually tangible, creating an environment the place even the uninitiated couldn’t assist however get swept up within the rhythm.
LP Giobbi’s Saturday night set left many within the crowd puzzled, together with her efficiency taking an sudden flip. The set got here to an abrupt halt mid-beat, leaving attendees questioning if it was a artistic determination or a results of time constraints. Some speculated it was a part of her distinctive fashion, particularly given the tough begin to her efficiency. Nonetheless, whatever the intention, the sudden ending left these watching scratching their heads.
Total
Finally, CRSSD was saved by its celebrity lineup, the infectious power of its attendees, and the pure pleasure of dancing to world-class music underneath the nice and cozy post-winter solar. With out the colourful group and picturesque venue, this 12 months’s competition might have simply felt like a disappointment. Trying forward, we hope CRSSD takes the required steps to handle its ongoing sound and manufacturing points, restoring the competition to the excessive requirements that followers have come to count on and love.
The featured picture is courtesy of the CRSSD Competition by Miguel Flores.