CRSSD Fall ’25 [Recap]: A decade of vibes and iconic lineups in San Diego

Celebrating its tenth year, CRSSD Fall ’25 once again proved why it remains one of the most beloved house and techno festivals in the United States. What started as a boutique gathering has grown into a San Diego institution, and the anniversary edition made it clear why fans keep coming back. Set against the unbeatable backdrop of Waterfront Park, the festival didn’t need much to create magic as the city itself did half the work. With airplanes descending over the Ocean View stage, downtown skyscrapers towering above the Palms, and City Hall standing watch over the City Steps, each stage offered its own unique vibe.

A Lineup for Every Generation

CRSSD has mastered the art of curating lineups that bridge generations. Empire of the Sun brought the crowd back to the 2010s with anthems like ‘Walking On A Dream’ and ‘Alive’, sending waves of nostalgia across the Ocean View lawn. On the other end of the spectrum, John Summit closed out the festival with his high-energy house sound, embodying the new wave of electronic music and proving why he’s one of today’s defining acts.

Sunsets That Stopped Us in Our Tracks

The sunsets at CRSSD are legendary, and this year’s music made them even better. On Saturday, Ben Böhmer created a dreamy and emotional soundtrack as the sky turned gold over the bay. On Sunday, Maribou State gave us a groovy, soulful performance that had everyone dancing together in the fading light. These sets weren’t just shows, they were experiences that will stay with people long after CRSSD Fall ’25.

Surprise Highlights That Made the Weekend

Of course, some of the best memories came from artists you might not have expected. Midnight Generation, the “Mexican Daft Punk” as I call them, turned the City Steps into a full-on groove session that nobody wanted to leave. Elderbrook brought a level of energy that surprised even longtime fans, proving why his songs have become staples in dance music.

Then there was BUNT., who absolutely set the Ocean View stage on fire. Hard-hitting drops, high energy, and nonstop good vibes kept the crowd jumping right in the middle of the day. Swimming Paul was another personal highlight. Since catching his set at Tomorrowland, seeing him in San Diego felt special, and the massive crowd he drew showed just how much his music is making an impact in the scene. These weren’t just side sets; they were the kinds of moments that define a festival weekend.

The Palms Stage Never Let Up

If you wanted to dance all day without stopping, the Palms was the place to be. From Beltran to Purple Disco Machine, from Cassian to Max Styler, the lineup was stacked with acts that kept the energy flowing. Midway through the weekend, an unexpected change shook things up: due to unforeseen travel issues, Max Dean and Luke Dean weren’t able to make their sets. But in true CRSSD fashion, the vibes never slowed down. Instead, Chris Stussy stepped in with a special 2-hour set that felt like a gift to the crowd. His deep, rolling grooves kept the Palms absolutely locked in, proving that sometimes surprises end up being the highlights. To close out Sunday, Jamie Jones went b2b with Adam Ten, capped things off with the kind of set you brag to your friends about later.

More Than Just Music

Part of CRSSD’s magic is that it gives you more to explore than just the stages. The food lineup at CRSSD Fall ’25 felt like a festival within a festival, with everything from dumplings and tacos to classic pizza and burgers. Roland even set up an interactive tent where you could try instruments and, if you were lucky, see an artist stop by for a surprise jam session.

This anniversary year felt like a milestone, not just another edition. Over the past decade, CRSSD has grown from a local gem into one of the most respected boutique festivals in the world. Fall 2025 reminded us why: the sunsets, the city skyline, the diverse lineup, and the community that keeps coming back. Ten years in, CRSSD continues to prove that San Diego’s bayfront is one of the best festival venues anywhere, and the memories made this weekend will carry into the next decade.

Ten Years of CRSSD

This anniversary year felt like a milestone, not just another edition. Over the past decade, CRSSD has grown from a local gem into one of the most respected boutique festivals in the world. Fall 2025 reminded us why: the sunsets, the city skyline, the diverse lineup, and the community that keeps coming back. Ten years in, CRSSD continues to prove that San Diego’s bayfront is one of the best festival venues anywhere, and the memories made this weekend will carry into the next decade.

FNGRS CRSSD has also reshaped the story of dance music in Southern California. For years, the scene here was dominated almost entirely by Insomniac, but in the last decade, the landscape has grown tenfold, thanks to FNGRS CRSSD’s vision. As someone who grew up in San Diego and has watched this evolution firsthand, I couldn’t be more excited to see how this new generation is showing up. The turnout this year proved that CRSSD is not just a festival; it is the heartbeat of a new era for dance music in San Diego, and the best is still to come.