Festival Report Card: Into The Horizon 2025

Held at San Diego’s scenic Waterfront Park, Into The Horizon merges high-energy dance music with one of the most picturesque settings the West Coast has to offer. 

With the downtown skyline on one side and the Pacific Ocean just steps away on the other, it’s a location that doesn’t need much to feel magical. Still, Into The Horizon’s 2025 edition marked a big step forward for the event, with headliners such as The Chainsmokers, Alesso, Gryffin, and Sofi Tukker, and a strong supporting lineup featuring Kream, FOMO, Sam Blacky, Vandelux, Laerz, Murphi Kennedy, and others—all helping to solidify the festival’s identity as a sun-drenched celebration of dance, community, and waterfront vibes.

Vibes: ★★★★☆

You really can’t beat San Diego sunshine, and the vibes at Into the Horizon were a perfect reflection of that. The grassy park setting, the nearby bay, and a backdrop of palm trees and planes landing in the distance made for a cinematic visual environment that felt effortlessly beautiful. 

There was a laid-back, joyous energy in the air from beginning to end. Attendees were respectful, open, and clearly happy to be there. Whether it was dancing during sunset or lounging on the grass in between sets, the crowd energy stayed light and positive throughout the weekend. Even as the night came on, the fun and safety of the environment remained intact. No visible tension, no drama, just a shared appreciation for good music, good weather, and great company.

Music: ★★★★☆

The music at Into the Horizon 2025 was a major win. The lineup was perfectly suited to the upbeat energy of San Diego. From high-energy headliners to genre-blending support acts, the curation felt intentional and in tune with the environment. 

The Chainsmokers brought massive crowd engagement despite audio hiccups, while Alesso delivered a sunset set that soared. Gryffin’s emotionally charged performance perfectly matched the golden hour glow of the setting. Sofi Tukker’s live show brought bold colors, big beats, and genre-blurring creativity. Artists like FOMO and Sam Blacky kept the tempo high during the day, while Murphi Kennedy surprised many with one of the most memorable sets of the weekend.

A most noticeable element of the program was how well the artists’ sounds complemented one another, creating a fluid musical journey rather than feeling like a random collection of names thrown onto a lineup. Each set built on the energy of the last, which gave the festival a sense of cohesion and harmony.

It was clear that Night Access and Insomniac put careful thought into how the music would pair with the environment, time of day, and demographic. The result was a smooth and satisfying musical journey that felt tailor-made for Waterfront Park.

Production: ★★★☆☆

The biggest production standout at Into The Horizon 2025 was the laser design by Polar Productions, which added a stunning, cinematic quality to the nighttime performances. As the sun dipped below the skyline, the lasers cut through the downtown landscape and elevated the entire atmosphere, particularly during Alesso and Sofi Tukker’s sets.

However, there were some noticeable challenges with audio. The main stage experienced a few sound issues, including two separate moments during The Chainsmokers’ headlining performance where the music fully cut out. In some parts of the crowd, the volume also felt lower than expected, making it easy to overhear conversations even during peak sets. 

However, when things went wrong, the production team responded quickly, fixing issues with professionalism. Even when the audio abruptly stopped, it was fixed in 30 seconds or less. It was clear the technical team was experienced, responsive, and committed to keeping the show moving.

The smaller “Sunset” stage had a particularly nice feel. It was shaded, which helped contain the sound and made the sets feel louder and more immersive. Not only that, but there was ample room to dance, close proximity to bathrooms, and the silent disco was only steps away.

Food & Beverage: ★★★☆☆

The food and drink offerings at Into the Horizon were more than adequate for a festival of its size and duration. With shorter hours and a more manageable footprint compared to gigantic festivals, most attendees only needed one solid meal per day, and the options provided met that need. Barbecue stands, Asian fusion, and a handful of vendors offering samples and quick eats were available and easily accessible.

Bar service was one of the event’s strengths. There were several bars scattered throughout the venue, and none had lines longer than a few people at any point. This helped keep the crowd engaged in the experience without pulling them away for too long. Multiple alcohol sponsors also contributed to the vibe, offering branded drink stations, custom cocktails, and interactive booths where attendees could take photos, participate in games, and try exclusive beverages.

One opportunity for improvement in this category might be the VIP section, which would benefit from its own exclusive vendors or a stationed food truck, to avoid guests needing to walk through GA for a bite.

Venue: ★★★★☆

Waterfront Park might be one of the most naturally beautiful and functional festival venues in the country. With clear ocean views, soft grass underfoot, and a breeze blowing in from the bay, the setting alone creates a memorable experience. Accessibility was another major plus. The park’s downtown location made it easy to reach by foot, rideshare, or public transit. Entry was smooth and efficient, and the crowd flow throughout the day was easy to navigate, thanks to an open and well-considered layout.

The two stages are placed far enough apart to eliminate any sound bleed, and there were plenty of shaded spots and places to sit and relax. Attractions such as the carnival ride, the puppy adoption booth, and interactive sponsor activations added charm and depth to the festival footprint. 

The mainstage VIP section was probably one of the biggest value-adds of the weekend. There was more than enough space to dance, ample seating on the fountain steps, and a front-row viewing experience.

Bathrooms were also a high point. VIP guests had access to quality restrooms with flushable toilets and running water, while GA port-a-potties remained clean and manageable throughout the weekend. It was clear that comfort and crowd care were a priority in the layout and design.

Overall: ★★★★☆

Into the Horizon 2025 was a perfect reminder of how impactful a well-curated and well-placed weekend festival can be. It was easy to get in and out of, packed with happy people, and offered an incredible musical experience. The crowd was respectful, energized, and fully appreciative. The combination of weather, music, and location created a weekend that felt almost too good to be true. Insomniac and Night Access really did an incredible job with this event.

In a city already known for its beauty and laid-back energy, Into the Horizon Festival stood out as a unique celebration that blended together everything San Diego does best. 

Featured Image Courtesy: Insomniac Events.