Day Trip Festival at the Queen Mary waterfront proved once again why it is a cornerstone of the Southern California dance music scene. By expanding its footprint with the new Amphitheater stage, the festival successfully balanced its signature sunny, house-focused identity with a more deliberate push into deeper, underground techno sounds.
Photo Credit: Ismael Quintanilla I Jamal Eid I Jordan Sabillo I Kristina Bakrevski I Michael Dummond I Rachel Kupfer
We attended on Saturday with an event defined by a mix of genre legends and high-energy modern acts, ensuring the energy remained consistent from the first beat of the afternoon to the final track of the night.
Looking back, the Green Velvet B2B Josh Baker was widely considered the most anticipated collaboration of the weekend. Bridging two generations of house and techno, the set paired the iconic, Chicago-rooted authority of Green Velvet with the fresh, driving style of Josh Baker, creating a performance that was both nostalgic and forward-looking.
There was no better way to transition into the evening at the Queen Mary than with the nu-disco mastery of Purple Disco Machine. His sunset set provided the perfect soundtrack as the sky turned orange, delivering the feel-good, vocal-heavy rhythms that Day Trip fans have come to love.
One of the most talked-about bookings was RuPaul, whose DJ set was a vibrant, celebratory nod to the LGBTQ+ roots of house music. It brought a unique, high-energy flair to the day that felt both nostalgic and fresh.
Also, proving why he is one of the most exciting breakout acts in the scene, Odd Mob delivered a set packed with the kind of bass-heavy, rhythm-driven tracks that kept the dance floor packed throughout the afternoon.
Beyond the major names, the Saturday programming shone in its variety. Artists like ChaseWest and SIDEPIECE B2B Westend ensured the energy never dipped, providing the heavy-hitting tech house that serves as the heartbeat of the festival. Whether you were spending time at the new Amphitheater or staying rooted at High Tide, the sound design remained crisp and immersive, allowing each artist to really showcase their specific sonic style.
Saturday at Day Trip wasn’t just about the headliners; it was about the kick-off of a community gathering that felt cohesive and intentional. By balancing seasoned icons with the new guard of house and disco, the festival offered an experience that catered to both purists and those looking for the next big sound.
As the lights went down over the Long Beach waterfront, it was clear that the Day Trip Festival has mastered the art of the festival experience: keep the music front and center, respect the history of the genre, and keep the dance floor moving.
