PROPER NYE didn’t just welcome the New Year — it redefined what a New Year’s festival can be. Held in San Diego from December 31, 2025, to January 1, 2026, the event delivered a rare mix of world-class music, intentional production, and an atmosphere that felt elevated from start to finish. For those in attendance, it was the kind of festival experience that immediately leaves a lasting impression.
Rain fell on day one, but it never slowed the momentum. One of the weekend’s most unforgettable moments occurred when Claude VonStroke played “Walking in the Rain” as the downpour intensified—a perfectly timed collision of sound and setting that felt almost surreal.
As midnight approached, Adam Beyer took control of the New Year countdown, guiding the crowd into 2026 with focus and force. The moment felt unified, with thousands of attendees locked into the same rhythm, welcoming the year together. Other highlights from the second day included Skrillex dropping “Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites,” which sparked a collective release and served as a reminder of why certain tracks carry such generational weight.
The lineup delivered across genres and energy levels. A standout set from Skrillex b2b Four Tet offered a brilliant blend of contrast and cohesion. Meanwhile, artists like Layton Giordani, Hamdi, and Chase & Status brought relentless intensity, while Disclosure and Kaskade b2b MK delivered polished, euphoric moments tailor-made for the occasion.
The production was dialed in perfectly. Large-scale stages featured stunning visuals and immersive sound, while smaller stages offered more intimate moments without losing impact. Movement throughout the venue was smooth, logistics were tight, and safety was clearly a priority for the organizers.
Ultimately, the crowd sealed the experience. A mature, 21+ audience brought positive energy, respect, and genuine excitement for the music. Even in the rain, the atmosphere remained comfortable, connected, and fully engaged. Some festivals are fun, but others stay with you long after the final beat drops.
PROPER NYE was the first festival in a long time that left one clear thought: I wouldn’t change a thing — I’d relive it exactly the same way.
