For fans of house and techno, Seismic Dance Event is an absolute must. Founders Kelly Gray and Andrew Parsons have created a boutique festival experience unlike any other. Every detail feels intentional, from stage designs to logistics, ensuring the festival maintains its underground charm while offering premium-level perks. As a local Austinite, I can’t express how lucky I feel to have such a high-end electronic music festival in the city. I take great pride showingcasing this music festival to visitors from out of the state.
Photo Courtesy of Seismic Dance Event // Credit: Yordanos Haile
From the moment we arrived at this year’s Seismic Dance Event, it was clear—this house and techno festival continues to age like fine wine, getting better with every year! Entry was seamless, with no long lines at will call or security. Ravers roamed the festival grounds, dressed predominantly in black, the signature aesthetic of the underground scene. The entry way is highlighted with a large disco ball, reflecting light in every direction, setting the mood from the moment you arrive.
The Stages:
This year, the festival upped the ante with four stages, adding one more to the mix compared to previous years.
- Volcano Stage: The indoor centerpiece of the festival. Its jaw-dropping LED setup and gritty European warehouse vibe made it a crowd favorite. The visuals were mesmerizing, creating the perfect background for the dance floor.
Photo Courtesy of Seismic Dance Event // Credit: Pat Le
- The Realm: Located near the entrance, this stage kept it simple and authentic. No frills, no gimmicks—just pure vibes and good beats!
- Tsunami Stage: The outdoor giant. Its Brooklyn Mirage-inspired design made this iteration of the stage the best yet, combining open-air freedom with jaw-dropping production value.
Photo Courtesy of Seismic Dance Event // Credit: Pat Le
- Red Bull Secret Container: The newest addition and a hidden gem. This tucked-away, intimate stage featured underground talent and served as a cozy haven for hardcore fans. Nearby, Red Bull served up specialty cocktails in trendy light-up cups!
Top Performances:
Photo Courtesy of Seismic Dance Event // Credit: Anthony Djuren
The lineup delivered a powerhouse mix of house, techno, and underground talent. Here are the sets that stood out:
- Westend: This New York-based house DJ lit up the Volcano Stage! The energy was electric, and his set was packed with fan favorite tracks. (Check out our video with Westend here!)
- Sammy Virji: A seismic performance, quite literally. The Brit had the crowd jumping on the festival’s final night. Hearing “Damager,” his latest collab with Interplanetary Criminal, was a highlight!
- Riordan: Another UK rising star who delivered an impressive high-energy set from start to finish. Track after track, Riordan kept the crowd locked in, and we’re already counting down the days until we see him again.
- Carl Cox: What’s left to say about this legend? His Saturday night set was nothing short of masterful, proving why he’s one of the greatest in house and techno history.
- Disclosure: A transcendental performance that captivated the crowd from the first track to the very last. A true festival-defining moment that we are still thinking about today.
Why Seismic Dance Event Stands Out
This isn’t your typical sprawling mega-festival. Seismic offers an intimate, curated experience where every set feels special. From smooth entry to efficient security and thoughtful festival layout, Seismic proves it runs like clockwork. This festival runs a tight ship! Even General Admission attendees enjoyed access to air-conditioned bathrooms—an amenity usually reserved for VIP at other festivals. The afterparties are conveniently located on-site at the Concourse Project and right next door at Club BLK. One of my favorite things about Seismic Dance Event is the iconic dancers , the GoGo Gadgettes, that flank the main stages during performances. I always look forward to seeing their incredible outfits, created by the talented Jessica Brandburg.
Photo Courtesy of Seismic Dance Event // Credit: Pat Le
Final Thoughts
Seismic Dance Event consistently delivers a world-class festival experience from start to finish. Every detail reflects the care and intention put into preserving the integrity of the event—free from the distractions and pitfalls often seen at other festivals. While ticket prices may lean on the higher side, the experience is well worth it. Why fly to Europe for an underground music haven when you can find it right here in Austin, TX?
As loyal attendees for the past three years, we at Stage Hoppers can confidently say that Seismic has our hearts—and our calendars—for years to come. In fact, Seismic Dance Event has just announced the dates for its 8.0 edition, set to take place from November 14 to 16, 2025. Loyalty tickets go on sale Monday, December 2nd for returning attendees, and public tickets go on sale Wednesday, December 4th. You can purchase your tickets here! See you on the dance floor in 2025.
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