Last weekend, July 25th and 26th, Brooklyn’s Avant Gardner played host to the inaugural Great Heat Festival (大暑), a new cultural experience born from the pivot of the previously planned S2O New York 2.0. Despite the last-minute change in concept and venue, Pulse Events delivered a high-energy, culturally resonant event that truly lived up to its name, signifying the “most intense days of summer” from the traditional Chinese solar calendar.
Venue & Atmosphere:
The festival utilized both The Great Hall and The Kings Hall within Avant Gardner, creating a more intimate yet still expansive atmosphere compared to larger outdoor festivals. Besides it feeling pretty hot inside the warehouse,. Pulse Events’ commitment to an “immersive atmosphere and elevated production” was evident, with impressive light shows and sound system that kept the crowd moving from 9 PM to 4 AM each night. The cultural inspiration behind the festival was subtly woven into the experience, adding a unique layer to the typical EDM festival landscape. Everyone attending was super excited throughout the weekend for the incredible lineup of artists, and energy was at a high point even early on for both nights.
Lineup & Performances:
The lineup, which remained consistent despite the festival’s rebrand, was a major blessing, featuring a stellar roster of top-tier EDM artists.
Friday brought the heavy hitters, with SLANDER, Dillon Francis, and Nurko delivering powerful sets that ignited the crowd. SLANDER, known for their emotional melodic bass, took attendees on a journey of sound, while Dillon Francis kept the energy high with his signature moombahton and house beats. The pyrotechnics were constantly blazing throughout the night, which really lit up the whole venue.
Saturday continued the momentum with electrifying performances from Major Lazer, Malaa, William Black, and Cash Cash. Major Lazer’s set was a masterclass in crowd control, and Malaa’s enigmatic presence and bass house beats were a definite highlight. William Black’s melodic bass resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing his ability to connect his audience deeply through his music.
Beyond the main stages, The Kings Hall also showcased a strong selection of local rising talent, including Diantoro, Take22, On The Hunt, EMBM, Sangarang, and more providing a platform for diverse voices within the dance music community.
he Great Heat Festival successfully transformed a challenging situation into a vibrant celebration. The shift to an indoor venue allowed for a more controlled and intense experience, focusing on the music and the immersive production. While the “wettest party” aspect of S2O was absent, the “Great Heat” theme was perfectly embodied by the electrifying energy of everyone attending. Pulse Events really stepped up to to the occasion this time around despite the unfavorable circumstances. Hopefully next year will see the return of S2O without any hiccups.