Saturday

11-01-2025 Vol 2131

III Points Festival: A Celebration of Music, Art, and Community in Miami

Stepping into Mana Wynwood for the III Points festival felt like entering another dimension where music, art, and energy fused together to form a unique world.

On October 17 and 18, Miami’s creative heartbeat was louder than ever, setting the stage for an array of genres including rap, techno, dubstep, and house, creating an immersive experience that felt like home to newcomers and veterans alike.

One of the first things that stood out was the impressive spatial design of the festival.

With over 150 globally renowned artists, in addition to powerfully talented local acts, the five-block site was filled with 12 stages, each uniquely themed, creating a diverse auditory landscape without overwhelming the attendees.

The layout encouraged exploration; each corner of the venue offered something vibrant and new — from glowing art installations to diverse food vendors, all amidst a crowd that embodied Miami’s eclectic spirit, filled with color and energy ready to dance.

Opening night commenced at the Mind Melt main stage with an electrifying performance by CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, who captivated the audience early on.

Their dynamic set drew a large crowd of festival-goers singing along to hits like ‘DUMBAI,’ ‘LA QUE PUEDE, PUEDE,’ ‘BABY GANGSTA,’ and ‘#TETAS.’

This lively atmosphere underscored the importance of live music, highlighting how it can bring people together, uniting them into one cohesive entity.

Next, Puerto Rican rapper Villano Antillano took the stage, honoring their heritage and rallying the audience with the phrase “¡Viva Puerto Rico libre!” as the crowd cheered back with enthusiasm.

Shortly after, Sean Paul lit up Sector 3 with a wave of Jamaican energy, belting out fan favorites like ‘Cheap Thrills,’ ‘No Lie,’ and ‘She Doesn’t Mind.’

The crowd swayed and danced, joy evident on every face, marking a true celebration of rhythm and culture.

As the night transitioned, I found myself at Grand Central, where the Puerto Rican collective Chuwi delivered an intimate set that felt sacred.

The audience swayed in unison, arms around one another, eyes closed, connected as if in a moment of communion.

A quick escape to the VIP section provided a refreshing break, featuring pool tables, local delicacies, and a more laidback ambiance.

However, soon enough, it was back to the main stage to catch Michael Bibi, whose hypnotic set infused the night with energy.

His seamless transitions and contagious vibe made it impossible to stay still as the music enveloped us.

Closing out Friday was the queen herself, Peggy Gou, whose stunning performance included iconic tracks such as ‘Starry Night’ and ‘(It Goes Like) Nanana,’ culminating in an explosion of joy and energy from the crowd.

As Saturday approached, the excitement remained palpable.

Turnstile took to the stage with an invigorating set that transformed the crowd into a collective mosh pit, a chaotic yet unifying experience as festival-goers picked each other up, radiating pure happiness.

Between performances, I wandered through luminescent tunnels pulse in sync with the distant music, while vibrant projections danced across warehouse walls, creating an almost surreal atmosphere filled with art and creativity.

People were everywhere, capturing moments with their cameras, spinning light toys, or simply standing in awe of the festival’s vibrant energy.

During Beltran b2b Chase West’s set, I took a moment to socialize with a friend visiting from Orlando.

Even as we enjoyed our conversation, the deep basslines permeated the air, infiltrating our rhythm, showcasing one of III Points’ delightful elements: even during downtime, the music has a magical way of beckoning you back in.

The night continued as Mau P and Seth Troxler graced the main stage with deep, ecstatic house grooves.

Kicking off with ‘Verano en NY’ by Toman, they launched into one of the festival’s most memorable sets.

From above, I could see the sea of humanity, entirely immersed, moving together as one under the pulsing lights and sound.

Then came Dom Dolla, whose late-night set served as a beautiful conclusion to an already unforgettable weekend.

The music surged through me — I may not recall every detail, but the feeling of euphoria and freedom lingered.

By the end of the festival, it became clear to me that III Points was not merely an event; it was a feeling, a reflection of a city-sized heartbeat.

It reminded us all of the true essence of attending raves: to lose oneself in the experience, only to rediscover oneself amidst the flashing lights, newfound friends, and music that unites us all.

I approached III Points with no expectations, but departed with aching limbs, ringing ears, and a heart brimming with joy.

Within the vibrant chaos and shared pulse of the crowd, I finally understood the essence of this community — it’s not simply about escape, but about finding a sense of belonging.

image source from:themiamihurricane

Benjamin Clarke