Dreamstate SoCal 2025 reminded us exactly why this festival remains the ultimate destination for trance lovers. Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Dreamstate delivered bigger production, deeper emotional moments, and some of the strongest sets we’ve heard in years. Our Trancension team returned buzzing with stories, highlights, and memories — so here it is: our official Top 10 Dreamstate SoCal Moments, straight from the fam to you.
1. Production Leveled Up for the 10-Year Anniversary
Dreamstate went all-out for its milestone year. The sound was louder and cleaner than ever, the lasers had a cinematic sharpness, and stage designs felt more immersive. Noise bleed was nearly zero, moving between stages was smooth, and even with near sell-out crowds, the dancefloors stayed roomy. This was hands down the most polished Dreamstate we’ve ever experienced.
2. Underground Energy on the Intimate Stages
This year’s decision to put major artists on the smaller stages was a stroke of genius. Sets from John O’Callaghan at The Vision and Bryan Kearney at The Void were dark, raw, sweaty, and intimate — pure underground rave energy. It felt like being transported into a secret warehouse rave in the best way possible.
3. Lost Minds & Society Make Their U.S. Debuts
Two of the most hyped names in trance finally hit U.S. soil — and they delivered. Lost Minds brought melodic madness while Society unleashed tech-driven chaos. Both sets were explosive and left fans begging for more. If these debuts are any hint, America is about to see a whole new wave of trance artists rising.
4. Jeffrey Sutorius Classics Set at The Void
Pure nostalgia. Sutorius took everyone on a journey through 2000–2010s trance, reigniting the era of kandi bracelets, cuddle puddles, and emotional uplifting bangers. Fans who lived through it felt tears. Fans experiencing it for the first time felt baptized. A perfect hour.
5. Gareth Emery… in His Dark Era?!
Gareth stepped into a new lane and shocked the crowd in the best way possible. His darker, techno-influenced alias delivered crunchy kicks, shadowy melodies, and huge emotional drops — while still giving nods to his classic sound. Even longtime skeptics were converted.
6. Tiësto’s Time-Warp Trance Set
The legend made his Dreamstate debut and epic return to trance after more than 15 years — and it was magical. Tiësto seamlessly blended classics like “Suburban Train” with modern heavy hitters like Billy Gillies’ “Fair.” It felt like a time machine opened on the Dream stage, transporting everyone through trance history. His trance set was a full circle moment for most of our team.
7. The Afters That Nearly Stole the Weekend
Dreamstate afters have become mythic, and in 2025 they reached new heights. Sets from Factor B b2b Neptune Project, Thick as Thieves, Superstrings, and Will Atkinson were sweaty, relentless, emotional, and everything a proper afterparty should be. Some even said the afters were their favorite part of the weekend.
8. Mystro Taking Over the Boombox Stage
One of our proudest San Diego Trance Family moments. Mystro lit up the Boombox stage with a high-energy, melodic, hometown-powered set that had the whole area buzzing. Seeing a local artist shine this brightly on a festival stage was electrifying — and the crowd showed up big for him.
9. The San Diego Trance Family x Trancension Meetup
Our annual meetup was massive this year. A sea of familiar faces, Trancension gear, and Trance Family San Diego colors gathered during Mystro’s set for one giant community photo. It captured everything that makes our city special: unity, passion, and love for trance music.
10. The Perfect Venue Vibes at the Queen Mary
The Queen Mary grounds once again proved why they’re one of the most iconic rave locations in Southern California. With ocean breezes, wide-open pathways, four immersive stages, and stunning nighttime views, the venue set the tone for an unforgettable trance experience. And for the first time in Dreamstate history—no rain! Only perfect weather and nonstop vibes.
As we come down from the Dreamstate high, one thing is clear: the Trance Family energy is alive, thriving, and stronger than ever. If you’re already craving more dancefloor moments, deeper connections, and a taste of that same magic, you won’t have to wait long.
RISE returns next Thursday, December 4 at 9pm–close at SPIN Nightclub with a fresh lineup and full-force Trancension vibes. Grab your BOGO presales, bring your fam, and let’s keep the momentum going.
