MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — The 26th Ultra Music Festival continues Sunday, concluding at 10 p.m. with thousands enjoying the beats on closing day. The festival has another year left on its current agreement to use Bayfront Park, a location many of the estimated 150,000 attendees say makes Ultra unique.
“I love everything about Ultra. I love the music, the community, the vibe,” said Meghan Clubb from West Palm.
From the top EDM names performing live to the festival calling Bayfront Park home for the past five years, fans praised the setting.
“It’s perfect compared to other stuff that’s surrounded by open land. This is where it’s at. You’re surrounded by water. The weather. It’s perfect,” said Marcus Colon from New York.
In 2022, a five-year lease was brokered between the city and festival organizers through 2027.
David Carrasco from Miami said the festival’s economic impact is also clear.
“From what it’s doing for the economy, it’s amazing — it’s like a staycation for us. They have improved so much,” he said.
Organizers estimate that over the last 25 years, Ultra has boosted the local economy by nearly $3 billion.
But the annual event has created inconveniences for nearby residents, from noise levels to gridlocked streets.
On Thursday, a community meeting discussed the festival’s future in downtown Miami as a possible 20-year lease is considered.
Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo said community input will help keep residents happy while allowing Ultra to continue its success.
Over the past 26 years, Ultra has become a globally recognized festival that contributes to Miami’s economy and cultural identity. Over the years, Miami has increased housing density in the area to meet global demand.
Today, our downtown Miami neighborhood has become a vertical community with thousands more residents now calling this area home. A manageable quality of life for residents coexisting with the production demands of a major global event requires a clear understanding between the City of Miami, the Bayfront Park Management Trust, and Ultra. Clear expectations, clear communications, and transparency should characterize this understanding.
The upcoming community meeting is an opportunity to listen, engage, and help harmonize the experience for everyone. An opportunity that balances respect for the quality of life in the area, while providing a path for Ultra’s continued success. The current Ultra contract expires in May 2027, and we look forward to helping all parties forge a mutually beneficial path forward.
— Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo
Rain made a brief appearance this weekend, but festivalgoers didn’t mind.
“You don’t come to Florida and not expect rain, ya know,” said Max Kessler from New York.
“A little rain today is not a big deal. It’s because I came, I brought the energy,” said Rebecca Carrasco from Miami.
Traffic on Biscayne Boulevard will remain affected until around 7 a.m. Monday morning. A community input meeting is scheduled for April 2 at 6 p.m.
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