CRSSD Festival’s Fall 2025 Edition

San Diego’s Signature House & Techno Gathering

Co-founded in 2013 by Long Beach music producers, FNGRS CRSSD (pronounced “Fingers Crossed”) has become synonymous with San Diego’s underground dance scene. From the start, the brand has boasted the motto “Manifesting Dance Floor Euphoria” and quickly earned a reputation for booking forward‑thinking house and techno acts.

Its very first bi-annual festival – CRSSD Festival – took place March 14, 2015 on San Diego’s Waterfront Park and featured headliners like ODESZA and Jamie Jones b2b Seth Troxler. In fact, Billboard reported that CRSSD was the first 21+ dance festival of its kind at Waterfront Park, inspired by events like Sonar and BPM to mix live bands with DJs.

Fans fondly call CRSSD an “unspoiled Coachella” – high praise for its more relaxed vibe and curated underground bill. Since then, FNGRS CRSSD has expanded to include club shows, spring and fall editions, special events (like Groundwater at Petco Park), and the flagship twice-annual CRSSD Festivals.

Fall 2025 Festival – Dates, Venue and Stages

For Fall 2025, CRSSD Festival returns Saturday–Sunday September 27–28, 2025 at San Diego’s Waterfront Park (1600 Pacific Hwy). Waterfront Park is a sunny bayfront venue with lawns, fountains and skyline views, just a mile from the airport and within walking distance of Union Station trains and trolleys.

This edition carries on CRSSD’s 10th‑anniversary celebration. Like previous years, the festival uses three distinct stages:

Ocean View Stage

The main stage overlooking the bay will host headliners and major acts including:

• Caribou
• DARKSIDE
• Nicolás Jaar (live)
• Rising indie‑dance talent like Mindchatter

The Palms Stage

Features groove‑oriented house and disco artists:

• Purple Disco Machine
• Claude VonStroke
• Jamie Jones b2b Adam Ten

City Steps Stage

Dedicated to harder techno with artists like:

• Boys Noize
• Partiboi69
• Brutalismus 3000

The Fall 2025 lineup features a wide range of house and techno artists, from mainstage headliners like Empire of the Sun and John Summit, to underground talents across all three stages. With a complete lineup of 43 artists announced, attendees can plan their stage strategy based on their preferred sound.

Tickets, Age and Travel Tips

Important Details

• Age Requirement: Strictly 21+ event (valid government ID required)
• Tickets: Weekend passes have sold out, but limited single‑day tickets will be released closer to the festival
• Doors: Open at noon each day
• No re‑entry: Each ticket admits one entry per day

Packing Essentials

CRSSD enforces a clear bag policy:

• One clear tote (PVC/vinyl) or plastic backpack (max 12″×12″×6″)
• Small clutch or fanny pack allowed
• One empty clear water bottle (up to 24oz) for free refill stations
• No smoking/vaping anywhere (100% smoke‑free venue)

Getting There

• Public Transit: Santa Fe Depot/Union Station is 10‑15 min walk
• Rideshare: Designated Uber/Lyft zones at park gates
• Parking: Limited and expensive downtown
• Alternative: Cycling/scooter-share with bike racks available

Accommodation

Book early! Recommended areas:

• Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter hotels
• Marina District properties
• Historic Horton Grand Hotel
• Omni San Diego Hotel

Artist Spotlights

Empire of the Sun

This Australian electronic duo (Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore) headlines with their lush, theatrical electropop. Known for hits like “Walking on a Dream” and “Alive,” they actually headlined the very first CRSSD Festival in 2015, making their return a full-circle moment.

Jamie Jones b2b Adam Ten

Welsh house DJ/producer Jamie Jones (founder of Hot Creations label) teams up with Tel Aviv‑based Adam Ten (founder of underground techno collective Dov Gummy) for a seamless journey from groovy house into darker techno.

BUNT.

German DJ/producer Levi Wijk blends house with “electronic folk” elements. His melodic tracks like “Old Guitar” and “Young Hearts” create uplifting sets with sunny guitar loops and nostalgic disco sounds – perfect for waterfront vibes.

Mindchatter

NYC-based singer-songwriter Bryce Connolly creates indie‑dance music combining introspective lyrics with indie‑pop beats. His live shows include unique visual components that enhance the emotional atmosphere.

Cassian

Australian producer and GRAMMY‑nominated mixer Cassian Stewart-Kasimba earned acclaim co-producing RÜFÜS DU SOL’s hit “Underwater.” His solo work showcases signature dark‑dreamy melodic house that bridges progressive and pop-infused dance.

On‑site Experience

Services Available

• ATMs (expect fees)
• Diverse food vendors (including vegan/vegetarian options)
• Advance locker rentals recommended
• Mobile event app for schedules and reminders
• Guest Services and Lost & Found

Special Features

• Elaborate lighting and stage design
• Gourmet food vendors
• Interactive “CRSSD Lab” pop‑ups
• Listening lounges
• Vinyl markets

CRSSD Fall ‘25 promises to live up to its motto of “manifesting dancefloor euphoria” with two days of world-class electronic music under the San Diego sky. Whether you’re drawn to the anthemic indie‑dance or underground tech‑house, this waterfront festival delivers an unmatched experience for the 21+ dance music community.

For the latest updates on single-day ticket releases and lineup additions, follow CRSSD’s official channels.