MIAMI — Thousands of electronic dance music fans packed downtown Miami on Friday as the Ultra Music Festival returned for its 26th year, bringing large crowds, loud beats and vibrant outfits to Bayfront Park.
The three-day festival is taking place from Friday through Sunday at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami.
Event hours are scheduled as follows: Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from noon to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.
The opening night drew an estimated 150,000 attendees, with multiple stages featuring performances from electronic dance music artists and large-scale visual displays lighting up the night sky.
“It’s music, it’s love each other, it is comfort. It is vibes,” said Lorenzo Gonzalez, who traveled from Boston to attend the festival.
Attendees came from across the country and around the world, with some saying the festival has become an annual tradition.
“We have it set in stone every single year. The moment Monday hits, I buy my Ultra tickets and pay for the Airbnb instantly,” one festivalgoer said.
Others described the event as a bucket-list experience.
“I love raving. All my best friends came out. We’re having a ball … plans made it out the group chat,” said Vanessa Renzi, who traveled from Pennsylvania.
For first-time attendees, the festival offered a chance to experience one of the country’s most well-known music events.
“Magic … surrounded by amazing people,” said Kescily Chipollne, who came from Hawaii.
The festival features multiple stages and draws top-tier DJs and producers, with fans moving throughout the park to catch performances.
“DJs throwing down the best sets of the entire year. It’s just such a vibe,” said Carissa Lords from San Diego.
While the festival brings energy and tourism to downtown Miami, it also comes with traffic impacts.
Road closures and detours began Thursday, March 26, at approximately 9 p.m. and will remain in effect through Monday, March 30, at about 7 a.m.
Officials say Biscayne Boulevard northbound traffic is being rerouted to the southbound lanes at Southeast First Street, returning to normal flow at Northeast Fourth Street. Southbound traffic is being rerouted westbound at Northeast Sixth Street, with drivers able to continue via Northeast Second Avenue or North Miami Avenue. There will be no southbound traffic on Biscayne Boulevard from Northeast Sixth Street.
Access to the Port of Miami remains available via Northeast Fifth Street, though officials recommend motorists use the Port of Miami Tunnel via I-395 to help avoid congestion.
Motorists are encouraged to take alternate routes, and Miami police along with other agencies are positioned throughout the area to assist with traffic and pedestrian flow.
Bayfront Park is closed to the public from March 12 through April 9. The dog park and children’s playground are also closed from March 24 through April 4.
Despite the disruptions, Ultra continues to be a major draw for music fans, transforming downtown Miami into a global hub for electronic dance music each year.
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