Over the weekend, Mic Drop attended one of the most buzzed about festivals. Hard Summer has become a staple in the yearly festival calendar. Each year, the Insomniac team books the best talent in dance music as well as other genres like rap and hip hop. Hard Summer is a festival you don’t want to miss. Across five stages, the options of who to see felt endless. Here is who we saw this weekend at Hard Summer 2025!
Day 1
The first day of any festival can be a bit overwhelming. It’s usually spent getting to know the festival grounds. It allows fans to scope out each stage, vendors, foods, pop ups and everything else that festivals have to offer. The best part was that no matter where you went, you had music bumping all around.
My day began at the Green Stage with a sick set by Hybrid Minds. The crowd was packed full of fans ready to rage to the duo’s impeccable DNB sound. They brought the heat starting my day off strong. Shortly after that, I caught one of my favorite house DJs, The Blessed Madonna, at the Pink Stage. The way the Pink Stage was set up somewhat felt like an outdoor Boiler Room. A big crowd stood behind the DJ and an even bigger crowd of fans filled up the space in front. She brought immaculate vibes and killer grooves. I did not want her set to end.
Shortly after, I stopped by the BeatBox cart to see a fellow friend and DJ, Kittamami, spin some tunes. Picture a double decker bus, but instead of seats, there is a DJ booth on top. I have yet to see anything like the BeatBox cart at any other festival.
Following Kittamami’s set, I kept the House rhythms going at Kaytranada’s set at the Hard Stage. There is no DJ in the game who has swagger like Kaytranada. His set was packed and rightfully so. He played fan favorites like “Intimidated” and threw in his remix of Beyonce’s “CUFF IT.” I closed out day one with a steamy set from Feid where her brought out the Legendary Snoop Dogg as a surprise guest.
Day 2
Hard Summer day two began with one of my favorite sets of the weekend from Barry Can’t Swim. It was a warm summer day full of sunshine and good vibes. Barry Can’t Swim is the perfect set for any summer festival. He brought good feels and tropical vibes.
Next up was Prospa at the Pink Stage where they absolutely pop off. While Gold Hour began the duo spun a high energy set. The dynamic duo spun hits and deep cuts to make the crowd dance non stop.
Gesaffelstein’s set at the Purple Stage closed out my weekend. His set was without a doubt my favorite of the weekend. His live show left me speechless. Not only is the production unlike anything I had ever seen before, so is his unique sound. Gesaffelstein’s mysterious persona on stage works perfectly with the dark industrial, techno style music he makes. I couldn’t think of a better way to end my weekend.
See You Next Year?
It’s safe to say that Hard Summer 2025 was a success. A great venue, perfect weather and impeccable talent make the recipe for an unforgettable festival.
Mic Drop would like to thank the Insomniac team for having us out this weekend. See you next year!
