Proper NYE/NYD 24/25: Day Two Recap

Day two of FNGRS CRSSD‘s Proper NYE/NYD delivered an incredible lineup to kick off 2025 at San Diego’s Petco Park, despite some logistical challenges.

FNGRS CRSSD‘s Proper NYE/NYD festival is a cornerstone of San Diego’s dance music scene, celebrated for its expertly curated house and techno lineups. Over the years, it has drawn local and international audiences, offering a premier way to ring in the new year. The 2024/2025 edition upheld this tradition with an exceptional roster featuring heavyweights like Kaskade, John Summit, Eric Prydz, Green Velvet, Elderbrook, Eli Brown, Patrick Topping, and Layton Giordani. Spanning multiple stages at the iconic Petco Park, this year’s festival delivered on musical excellence but grappled with logistical challenges that frustrated some attendees.

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The second day of the festival showcased an unforgettable array of performances, with each artist bringing their distinct sound and energy to the stage. From early melodic grooves to high-energy house and deep techno beats, the music delivered countless memorable moments that kept the energy alive across the Lot, Field, Park, and Wall stages. As the event unfolded, the unique talents of these world-class artists created a soundtrack that left attendees in awe and eager for more.

Musical Highlights

The day began on a high note with Cassian at the Lot stage. His melodic techno grooves provided the perfect soundtrack for the early arrivals, creating an atmosphere that was both uplifting and immersive. Cassian’s ability to blend intricate melodies with driving beats captivated the crowd, setting a strong tone for the day ahead. The Australian artist’s set proved why he’s a standout name in melodic techno and a frequent performer at Afterlife events.

Over at the Field stage, Mau P delivered an electrifying house set that had the crowd packed and moving from start to finish. His track selection was impeccable, featuring a mix of chart-topping hits and underground gems such as ‘Drugs From Amsterdam,’ ‘MERTHER,’ and ‘On Again.’ Mau P’s infectious energy resonated with the San Diego audience, who responded with non-stop dancing and cheering, solidifying his reputation as a crowd-pleaser.

Lane 8’s back-to-back set with Sultan+Shepherd was another Field stage highlight. Their deep tunes and steady grooves created a hypnotic experience, blending melodic elements with rhythmic basslines that kept the audience entranced. The chemistry between Lane 8 and Sultan + Shepherd was evident as they moved effortlessly between tracks, building layers of sound that transported the crowd into a euphoric state.

Eric Prydz, performing as Cirez D on day two after ringing in the new year the night before, elevated the Lot stage with a set that was a true sonic journey. His ability to craft a narrative through music was on full display as he transitioned from dark, pulsating beats to high-energy drops. Cirez D’s performance showcased his versatility and mastery of techno, leaving the crowd in awe.

Charlotte de Witte followed, closing the Lot stage with her signature techno grooves. Her hard-hitting beats and relentless energy kept the crowd moving until the very end. Charlotte’s set was a testament to her prowess as a performer, blending intensity with precision. The way she commanded the stage and interacted with the crowd created an electrifying atmosphere, ensuring that the Lot stage ended on a high note.

Meanwhile, Dom Dolla brought his A-game to the Field stage, closing out the festival with a high-energy house set that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the event. The Australian artist’s playful demeanor and expert track selection had the audience fully engaged, dancing and singing along to every beat such as ‘Miracle Maker,’ ‘Rhyme Dust,’ and ‘girl$.’ Dom’s ability to connect with the crowd made his set feel intimate yet grand, providing a memorable finale to an incredible day of music.

Logistical Challenges

While the music was undeniably top-tier, logistical issues hindered the experience for many attendees. Lines to enter the festival were excessively long and disorganized, causing confusion and delays. Once inside, festivalgoers encountered more challenges. Bathroom lines were lengthy throughout the venue, although some found hidden restrooms with shorter waits. Unfortunately, unclear signage made navigating the venue difficult. Additionally, the Field level reached maximum capacity early in the day and was never properly cleared to allow a significant number of people to re-enter. While seats were available at the Field stage, the inability to get up close led to frustration for those hoping to catch sets from their favorite artists.

VIP areas, reintroduced in this year’s festival layout after a year’s absence, became a point of contention. Many attendees complained that these spaces filled too quickly, and reports surfaced of people gaining access to VIP areas with general admission tickets. With GA tickets priced over $270 and VIP tickets exceeding $400, the experience should have been better for both tiers. Those who paid a premium for VIP access expected a more exclusive experience, but overcrowding diminished the value of the upgrade. Moreover, the addition of the Park stage at Gallagher Square, which likely brought in an extra 5,000-6,000 attendees, contributed to the sense that the festival was oversold, further exacerbating space and logistical issues.

Looking Ahead

Despite these challenges, Proper NYE/NYD 2025 delivered unforgettable performances from a world-class lineup. However, for the festival to maintain its reputation, organizers must address these logistical shortcomings in future editions. Streamlined entry processes, better signage, and solutions for managing capacity at key stages and VIP areas will go a long way in enhancing the experience. FNGRS CRSSD has built a strong brand with Proper NYE/NYD, and with some adjustments, it can continue to set the standard for New Year’s celebrations in San Diego.

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