MIAMI – Thousands danced at Miami's Bayfront Park to Steve Aoki's beats Friday night at the 20th annual Ultra Music Festival, after the three-day event -- attracting tourists from as far as Argentina, China and Australia -- kicked off at 3 p.m.
Some 160,000 tourists invaded Miami's downtown, Brickell, Wynwood, Midtown, Edgewater and Upper East Side neighborhoods. South Beach hotels were at full occupancy and there were dozens of pool parties and after parties for Miami Music Week and the Winter Music Conference.
"I see so many flags, I love that," Aoki said to his fans asking them to pose for a picture. " Let's show the world, how the world is [expletive] here in Miami."
Buildings in Brickell heightened their security. Miami police officers and firefighters were out in force. Miami Police Department Chief Jorge Colina said security will be much different this year. After recent mass shootings, offficers and counter-sniper intelligence will be positioned on elevated observation points.
The massive event has eight stages with simultaneous concerts and a popular live stream on YouTube.