Bud Light Digital Dreams 2016

This past weekend marks the third edition of Digital Dreams presented by Live Nation and Bud Light held at The Flats at Ontario Place.  Ravers of all ages gather together on a beautiful weekend to celebrate electronic dance music. DJs from all over the world including Armin Van Buuren, Above & Beyond,Axwell ^ Ingrosso were some of the many acts that came to show Toronto a good time. With 90 DJs on four different stages, Digital Dreams hosts the biggest and best electronic festival in Canada.

Although, fans were disappointed at last year’s cancellation due to weather, this year, the fans were all in for a treat. Not only was the weather perfect, Digital Dreams added a brand new Barcardi stage featuring more DJs along with a fun pool activity for the goers to slam into one another inside an inflatable ball.

Attending the second day of the event, the festival was full of ravers embracing this beautiful weather and music. Each raver was decked out in rave wear, Kandi’s and flower crowns all around smiling and dancing with open arms everywhere. On top of the new stage, Digital Dreams has made this festival more than just about the music, the grounds were packed with interactive activities that ravers can enjoy if they were too worn out to dance at the different stages. The Barcardi stage even added a giant Jenga for ravers to play.  Different vendors were also showcasing their products and even a photo booth was present!

Welcoming each and every raver to the stage was Audien, who has recently been topping the charts with Lady Antebellum’s “Something Better”.  Audien use of captivating stage effects kept the crowd pumped up through out the whole set and watching him preform for the first time, definitely made me a instant fan.

As the day transitioned into night time, Swedish duo Axwell /\ Ingrosso performed for the first time ever in Canada since Swedish House Mafia called it quits back in 2013.  Smiles and even some tears were all around watching the mini reunion of the beloved trio (minus Steve Angello), it felt like One Last Tour all over again. Ending their set with “Sun is Shining” fans were ready for final act to take place at the Dreams Stage.

But before Headliner Armin Van Buuren took the stage, Bud Light threw a surprise countdown on the Dreams Stage explaining to the audience that they were going to the create the biggest drop ever with Bud Light Big Bang. Right at midnight, confetti and lights were everywhere with thousands of ravers jumping at the same time all around the festival. This was truly a dream-filled moment!

We all know music is the main component in EDM festivals but there’s also additional factors that makes the crowd itch for. It is the visual element that creates the whole experience. There’s lights, fireworks, multiple dance genres and more that makes Digital Dream the festival to attend.

Thanks for the great 5 years Digital Dreams, Live Nation and Bud Light! Until next year!

[Review by Gloria Li]