Palm Tree Music Festival returned to its Hamptons roots to celebrate its 5th anniversary, bringing with it a whole lot of blissful house beats and sun-soaked magic.
Five years in, and Palm Tree Music Festival in the Hamptons has cemented itself as a summer tradition. Each June, I’ve floated the idea of experiencing the festival on one of the most charming corners of Long Island. This year, I finally made it, and now, I completely understand the magic everyone talks about.
Last Saturday was the perfect sort of summer day that everyone dreams of. The sunny skies and balmy, 80-degree weather were a dreamy backdrop for a day of dancing under the sunshine.
The entry process into the festival was seamless, making the arrival feel genuinely inviting. At the checkpoints, staff greeted guests with warm smiles as they efficiently scanned tickets. Although the walk from the designated parking area was somewhat lengthy, there were clear signs and helpful staff who ensured that everything moved along smoothly.
Inside the festival, the brightly lit Ferris wheel was impossible to miss. Towering above the entrance, it created an immediate sense of wonder, welcoming the attendees into a whimsical, festive paradise.
Throughout the festival, activation booths offered a perfect, little oasis for attendees. From chilled cocktails and sparkling waters to energizing drinks and a variety of food stalls, each booth came with its own unique fun. Whether it was a complimentary drink or a playful giveaway, the whole atmosphere had the vibrant spirit of a lively carnival.
For me, a personal favorite was the cornhole game that was tucked away in a corner. Watching groups gather to toss beanbags in friendly competition felt like a small moment of easy camaraderie. It was a simple, classic game that brought people together.
The golden hour glow took on a whole new energy with house sensations Mau P and FISHER.
Amid all the ongoing buzz around the activations and wandering crowds who roamed freely, the music never missed a beat. Set changes happened on schedule, and each artist kicked off their performance promptly.
Palm Tree Music Festival consisted of only one stage, and I was glad to be spared from set conflicts. Some of my favorite moments came during golden hour, when Mau P deftly kept the crowd hooked with his deliberate and dynamic mixes. He dropped some of the fan favorites — like “Drugs From Amsterdam” and his recent remix of Tame Impala‘s “The Less I Know The Better,” — delivering a heavy dose of nostalgia that resonated deeply. FISHER continued to turn up the heat with crowd pleasers like “Atmosphere“ and “Losing It,” sending the crowd into wild, frenzied dancing.
Kygo’s closing set felt like the final chapter of a summer fairy tale.
Rounding out the night, Kygo knew just how to steal the show with his tropical touch. He opened with one of his most popular songs, “Whatever,” and instantly swept the crowd with a wave of euphoria.
I was delighted to hear some nostalgic mashups featuring Avicii and Alesso, as the familiar melodies reimagined with Kygo’s tropical touch offered fresh emotions that hit just right. Then came a standout moment for me: Justin Jesso joined Kygo on stage for “Stargazing.” For a few surreal moments, it was as if time stood still. The night peaked when everyone sang in unison to every word and swayed together, holding their flashlights in the air like glowing stars.
Just when everyone thought it couldn’t get better, Parson James came out to share the stage with Kygo for “Stole the Show.” The crowd erupted. It was a full-circle moment as the song celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, making for an iconic and deeply emotional highlight of the night.
Finally, the Palm Tree label boss had one more surprise up his sleeve after it seemed like the night had come to an end. After a brief moment when the lights dimmed and the stage fell silent, the crowd began to rattle. He reappeared at the piano on stage and drew a gasp from the audience. Justin Jesso returned to join him on “Firestone” as a live string quartet and marching band provided a cinematic and unforgettable finale.
House music feels extra magical in the Hamptons.
With its coastal elegance and effortless cool, the Hamptons are a perfect home for a festival all about feeling good vibes and soaking in the golden hour glow with beachside views. Maybe it was the way everything felt effortlessly relaxed but still a little elevated. Whatever it was, house music hit differently there.
There was a special kind of energy, smooth and warm like something meant to be shared. Experiencing my first-ever Palm Tree Music Festival at the Hamptons was nothing short of magical. It was like a special escape, and I’m already dreaming about doing it all over again.
