CRSSD Festival Unveils Fall 2025 Lineup

San Diego’s iconic waterfront will once again transform into a sonic playground as CRSSD Festival returns to Waterfront Park for its fall 2025 edition on Sept. 27-28. The bi-annual electronic music event has unveiled an impressive lineup that spans the entire spectrum of electronic music.

The Lineup

The fall lineup features John Summit, Empire of the Sun, Purple Disco Machine, Elderbrook, Boys Noize, Claude VonStroke, BUNT., Caribou, and many more fan favorites paired with up-and-coming talent.

Several unique back-to-back performances and collaborations throughout the weekend were also announced. Jamie Jones B2B Adam Ten, DJ Gigola joins MCR-T, and KETBOI69 combines the unique styles of KETTAMA and Partiboi69.

To sweeten the deal even more, Ben Böhmer and Sultan + Shepard will deliver live performances, showcasing their full production capabilities rather than standard DJ sets. These varied performance formats reflect CRSSD’s commitment to presenting electronic music’s diverse creative expressions across three distinct stages.

The Event

CRSSD emerged in 2015, created by FNGRS CRSSD, a local event company that started hosting electronic music gatherings throughout San Diego in 2013. Their vision culminated in the inaugural CRSSD Festival on March 14, 2015, featuring ODESZA, Jamie Jones performing back-to-back with Seth Troxler, and Damian Lazarus & The Ancient Moons.

Being a 21-and-older festival sets CRSSD apart from many electronic music festivals. Because of this, CRSSD focuses more on musical discovery rather than party-centric experiences. This approach has attracted audiences seeking sophisticated programming, fostering an environment where both established and emerging artists can connect meaningfully with engaged listeners.

Over the last decade, the festival’s growth reflects San Diego’s emergence as a prime destination within North America’s electronic music scene. CRSSD draws approximately 15,000 attendees per day while maintaining the intimate atmosphere that distinguishes it from massive EDM festivals.

San Diego’s Waterfront Park provides the ideal backdrop for a music festival. The 12-acre venue features expansive lawns and interactive water installations positioned between San Diego’s downtown skyline and Pacific coastline, creating a unique and scenic festival environment.

The venue’s design enhances the festival experience through thoughtful integration of natural and urban elements. Large walk-in fountains provide relief from San Diego’s warm weather while creating gathering spaces that encourage social interactions and a chance for festival-goers to immerse themselves in the experience.

The Stages

A three-stage configuration creates distinct musical experiences throughout the venue, much like the four-element stages at Elements Music & Arts Festival and the unique musical and art experiences across the stages at ARC Music Festival.

Ocean View serves as the main stage, featuring headlining acts and electronic music designed to appeal to the broadest audience while maintaining artistic integrity.

City Steps caters to electronic music’s underground edge, programming techno and experimental sounds that challenge conventional dance music boundaries. This stage attracts listeners seeking cutting-edge productions and artists pushing genre limitations.

The Palms focuses exclusively on house music’s global evolution, showcasing producers and DJs from different continents who represent the genre’s international development and regional variations.

The Experience

Beyond the music, CRSSD creates a complete festival experience through carefully curated elements that enhance the atmosphere.

The CRSSD Lab serves as the festival’s interactive hub, featuring music technology exhibitions that showcase the tools and innovations driving contemporary electronic music production alongside an expansive vinyl market where attendees can discover rare finds and exclusive releases.

Every festival has its own unique take on food. CRSSD focuses on local food vendors and craft beverage options that support regional businesses while maintaining the festival’s emphasis on quality over quantity.

The activities continue well beyond the festival weekend through the CRSSD After Dark series, which transforms downtown San Diego into an extended electronic music playground. Intimate club venues throughout the city host artists from the main festival lineup, creating opportunities for deeper musical exploration in settings designed for focused listening and dancing.

As CRSSD celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, the festival’s longevity demonstrates how consistent vision and strategic curation can build lasting cultural relevance within an increasingly competitive landscape. The Fall 2025 lineup continues this vision, balancing international recognition with underground authenticity and emerging talent discovery.

Tickets will be on sale through alumni presale on May 27 for previous CRSSD attendees, followed by SMS presale on May 28. General sales begin May 28 at noon PT. For electronic music fans seeking great music paired with great vibes, be sure to put CRSSD Festival on your festival schedule this year.

Editor’s Note: Featured photo Courtesy of CRSSD Festival // Keiki Lani-Knudsen (@imkeiki)