CRSSD Festival Spring delivered extraordinary experiences across all three stages, marking a decade of unforgettable vibes for fans.
Celebrating its much-anticipated tenth anniversary, FNGRS CRSSD’s CRSSD Festival returned to San Diego’s Waterfront Park from March 1-2 for an event that will linger in memory. As a CRSSD enthusiast attending for the sixth time, I reminisced about cherished moments while also embracing new experiences. Whether fans revel in the world-class lineups featuring house and techno giants, the live bands at the Ocean View stage, or the scenic bay and city backdrop of downtown San Diego, the reasons to return to CRSSD Festival are plentiful and compelling.
Known for its unpredictable weather, CRSSD Festival Spring lived up to its reputation with a bit of rain at the end of both nights. However, spirits remained high as festivalgoers bundled up to brave the chill. I particularly looked forward to this edition because many friends were joining, and few festivals compare to the joy of dancing with friends in my hometown.
This CRSSD Festival Spring, I found myself with a newfound appreciation for the curated atmosphere at each stage.
With past CRSSD memories sometimes blending together, I approached this edition with the intention of creating distinct memories and being more aware of my surroundings. I kicked off my weekend at City Steps with Scottish producer Hannah Laing, whose hard-hitting techno invigorated the afternoon crowd with a mix of intense hardstyle and trance-inspired sounds.
City Steps transforms from a daytime haven to a nighttime spectacle. Beyond techno, early hours at this stage feature various progressive acts like &friends, EMBRZ, and Marsh, providing serene daytime chill vibes. As night falls, the beats intensify, and attendees become entranced by the stage’s vibrant sights and sounds. My favorite set at City Steps was by ARTBAT; the Ukrainian duo delivered a powerful performance, showcasing a collection of IDs that I eagerly await to hear released.
While The Palms offered dancefloor-ready tunes set against palm fronds and the San Diego skyline, the music was often overshadowed by chatter in the crowd.
The Palms is famous for its lively house music, typically drawing large crowds. While the absence of dancing fountains meant more space for attendees, the area felt quite packed throughout the weekend, leading my friends and me to humorously nickname it “Yap City.”
Despite the crowd noise, I enjoyed my time at The Palms. We adapted to the lively chatter, as everyone appeared to be having a great time dancing to Folamour, Riordan, Sosa, Claptone, and Chris Lorenzo. SG Lewis stood out as my favorite; his set had me moving non-stop, featuring nostalgic tracks like Calvin Harris’ “Thinking About You” and deadmau5’s “Strobe.” The Palms became a reunion spot for many friends, making it a joy to see familiar faces throughout the weekend.
For those seeking live music, new bands, or popular acts, Ocean View was the place to be.
CRSSD Festival’s largest stage, Ocean View, welcomed everyone who ventured to the northern side of Waterfront Park. It showcased an eclectic blend of live bands, DJs incorporating live instruments, and heavy-hitting performers. Although I didn’t spend much time at Ocean View this edition, I quickly absorbed the stunning backdrop of palm trees and airplanes landing at the nearby airport. The sunset performances were breathtaking, especially with Hayden James delivering an exceptional set that transitioned day into night on Sunday.
Food and drink options were abundant near Ocean View, with numerous stands ready to serve attendees. I enjoyed a delicious grilled cheese before Hayden James, while others in my group savored Asian noodles and sushi. Those who positioned themselves at the back of the crowd had easy access to refreshments, picnic tables, and restrooms.
While the crowd experience at Ocean View can vary, my encounters were consistently positive. Attendees were respectful and considerate of each other’s space. Saturday night’s lineup was particularly memorable as my friend and I immersed ourselves in the music from Jungle into Justice. The French duo brought an electrifying light show and their iconic tracks to life, creating an unforgettable experience that I will cherish, especially sharing it with my friend.
CRSSD Festival Spring provided a fulfilling tenth-edition experience for fans, offering a wealth of activities throughout the weekend.
Each festival area created a distinct atmosphere for attendees. Every stage curated a vibe that appealed to house and techno aficionados alike. Whether you explored live music at Ocean View, enjoyed hard techno at City Steps, or danced to tech house at The Palms, CRSSD Festival Spring was meticulously designed for enjoyment.
FNGRS CRSSD introduced a new perk for early bird fans this year—a happy hour from 12 PM to 2 PM each day, featuring $5 drink specials, discounted food options, and complimentary tote bags. Although I missed out on this feature, friends who participated found it well worth the early arrival, saving $150 on drinks and food for only $45.
I hope FNGRS CRSSD continues to enhance fan experiences with offerings like this happy hour in future editions. With a highly anticipated lineup, I look forward to exploring the sights and sounds of CRSSD Festival at the next edition, carrying a renewed appreciation for the event.
Follow CRSSD Festival:
Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | SoundCloud | YouTube
Source link
