Moonrise Festival Story, Memories, and Why It Stopped After 2023
The Moonrise Festival has been one of the most talked about electronic dance music events in the United States. Since its launch in Baltimore, Maryland, it has drawn fans from across the country and even the world. Known for its high energy performances, breathtaking stage design, and unforgettable atmosphere, this festival carved its place as a premier event in the EDM community. Even though there have been pauses and uncertainty about future editions, the name continues to shine in the music festival culture, much like the growing popularity of the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival, which also celebrates music and community in its own unique way.
What Type of Festival It Is?
The Moonrise Festival is an electronic dance music (EDM) festival. It showcases some of the world’s best DJs and producers across genres like house, trance, dubstep, drum and bass, and techno. The festival atmosphere blends music with lights, art installations, and stage production, creating an immersive environment. It is an experience where people unite to celebrate music, dance, and community under the stars. This festival built a reputation for being both vibrant and inclusive, allowing attendees to explore the many subgenres of EDM while enjoying a carnival like setting.
Why Moonrise Festival Did Not Happen in 2025?
The idea of the festival first surfaced in 2013 when organizers planned to hold it at Port Covington in Baltimore. However, permit issues led to its cancellation. By 2014, the festival officially launched at Pimlico Race Course, drawing over 30,000 fans.
Between 2014 and 2019, the Moonrise Festival became a summer tradition. Big names like Zedd, Tiësto, Marshmello, Diplo, Excision, Illenium, and Bassnectar graced the stages. Fans loved the mix of mainstream and underground acts.
In 2020 and 2021, the festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned in 2022 and 2023, much to the excitement of fans. However, by 2024, organizers announced that the festival would not be returning to Baltimore, leaving uncertainty about its future.
As of 2025, there are still no confirmed plans for another edition of Moonrise, and the silence suggests that the festival may not continue in its original form.
Location
The Moonrise Festival took place at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, a venue famous for hosting the Preakness Stakes. Each summer, this historic horse racing track transformed into a lively EDM hub filled with massive stages, bright lights, and thousands of fans dancing under the open sky. The wide outdoor space of Pimlico made it the perfect location for a multi-stage festival, giving room for music, food, art, and unforgettable memories.
| Venue | City | Nearby Landmark | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pimlico Race Course | Baltimore, Maryland, USA | Pimlico Neighborhood & Park Heights | 5201 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215 |
Who Organizes the Festival?
The event is organized by Steez Promo in partnership with Insomniac Events and Club Glow. These names carry weight in the electronic music world. Insomniac is the team behind global events such as Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), while Club Glow is known for its iconic shows in Washington, D.C.
Their combined expertise has made the festival successful, bringing top level stage designs, secure event planning, and world class artist lineups. The organization behind the scenes ensures that every detail, from ticketing to security and entertainment, works smoothly. This professional backing gave Moonrise its strong reputation among festival goers.
Motive Behind the Festival
The main motive of the Moonrise Festival is to celebrate the power of music and bring people together. It promotes creativity, freedom of expression, and the spirit of unity. For EDM fans, the festival is not just about seeing their favorite artists but about experiencing a culture that values energy, light, and sound.
The name “Moonrise” symbolizes beginnings and the idea of rising above boundaries. Organizers built the event as a platform for community, encouraging fans to connect with one another while sharing their love for music. The festival has also supported local vendors, food trucks, and art creators, adding to its cultural impact in Baltimore.
Performances Over the Years
Moonrise Festival became such a beloved event. From legendary names like Tiësto, Zedd, and Bassnectar to newer stars like Illenium, Subtronics, and Alison Wonderland, the festival always offered something for everyone. Each year’s lineup balanced mainstream headliners with underground talent, giving fans a chance to enjoy the biggest acts while also discovering fresh sounds. This mix of performers helped Moonrise grow into one of the top EDM gatherings on the East Coast.
Conclusion
The Moonrise Festival has been one of Baltimore’s most vibrant music celebrations. From its launch in 2014 to its growth into a top EDM festival, it has brought joy to thousands. Though 2025 does not currently have a confirmed event, the spirit of Moonrise lives on in the memories of fans and in the broader EDM culture.
Its mix of world class artists, immersive stage designs, and community driven experiences makes it unforgettable. Whether it returns or not, the Moonrise Festival remains a shining example of how music can bring people together under the moon and stars, much like the Ohana Festival, which also unites music lovers through powerful performances and shared experiences.
