Photo Credit: Ultra
The first Ultra Music Festival was held in South Beach and was created in conclusion of the 1999 Miami Winter Music Conference. Due to the amazing success and increase in attendance the following year, Ultra moved to Downtown Miami’s Bayfront Park. Performers that year included Photek, DJ Craze, and a returning Rabbit in the Moon. The 2015 Ultra Music Festival marks its sixth year, and will be held in Downtown Miami March 27–29.
Getting to Miami on a budget:
Haven’t booked your flight to Miami yet? Book your travel now through FestPop to find the best deals here. Fly in on Friday and fly out on Monday. DON’t get a Sunday night flight back. UMF ends at Midnight Sunday, and you likely will have to wait to catch a taxi. Even if you can find a 2 AM flight out of Miami, you won’t make it to the airport in time to catch your flight unless you 1. bring your luggage to the show (which I do not recommend, nor do I even know if this is allowed), and 2. leave the show early to account for traffic, unexpected delays, airport check-in, etc). Make sure you get some R&R on Monday.
Fly into Ft. Lauderdale (FTL). There are usually cheaper flights, but keep in mind you will have to get a ride from FTL to your hotel in Miami which is at least 40 minutes (60+ mins during rush hour, 4-6pm). You can purchase a ticket to a shared shuttle bus which is about $15 each way (or beg a local to give you a ride). Uber will probably be at least $80, which may be an option if your stuck. You’ll probably save $100+ on your flight, so even if you do use Uber, your still probably come out on top. I recommend booking your travel well in advance, as flights can get VERY expensive if you book them anytime after January.
Don’t worry about arriving on Thursday. Once again, for those just doing Ultra, the festival starts around 4-5 PM on Friday and the headliners don’t go on until around 10pm. You’re fine to hop on an early flight on Friday, giving you plenty of time to get ready for the festival, and saving you hundreds on a hotel.
The Rules:
- Must be 18+ to attend, and 21+ to buy alcohol (Bring your ID)
- No outside food or drinks (or drugs)
- No nudity but going shirtless once you’re inside is fine (men only)
- No professional cameras
- Camelbaks are fine but they may ask the contents. Say water.
- Purses, bags, pockets, backpacks will be searched at the gate.
**WARNING: Undercover Miami Police Officers will be roaming around Ultra Music Festival. If you are drinking underage or doing drugs, you will be arrested.
Purchase Tickets:
Make sure you purchase tickets in advance. You can purchase tickets on Ultra’s website, or through our website here.
For those of you who truly desire a premium experience: Ultra Music Festival also offers table service for purchase on a very limited basis. Make sure to complete the below form in advance to inquire about reservations for table service: http://www.ultramusicfestival.com/vip
Food and Drinks at the Festival:
Burgers, and Turkey Legs are about $15. Pizza is about $10 per slice. Bottled water is $5… no, that’s not a typo. Food and water are both expensive, but take advantage of the free water bottle refills. I recommend bringing your own empty water bottle, and eating something just before going in to hold you over.
**Remember, once you’re in, you can’t leave for ANY reason and come back.
The Music
As I mentioned, the lineup of DJ’s is often considered the best in the WORLD by EDM fans. Performances by World class DJ’s include Tiesto, Bassnectar, Alesso, Afrojack, Carl Cox, David Guetta, Avicii, Deep Dish, DJ Snake, Paul Van Dyk, Fedde Le Grand and more!
UMF 2015 full Lineup: http://www.ultramusicfestival.com/lineup
Save enough energy for the after parties. ULTRA fest ends around midnight, but the party doesn’t stop there. After-parties are scattered throughout the area, in venues ranging from hotels, yachts, lofts, and hidden warehouses. These parties are sometimes more exciting then the main event. Each party usually has a cover charge, so don’t be surprised if it costs you another $20- $50 for entry. The after-parties feature both big and small artists from around the world that are not playing the main event.
EDM fans get out your RayBans and glow-sticks and join over 100,000 EDM fans in Miami, FL March 27-29, 2015 for the greatest EDM festival in the world!
Written by FestPop Senior Staff Writer
Kristen Cosentino
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