Experts Only Festival NYC 2025 Set Times and Essential Info

John Summit’s Experts Only Festival NYC brings ravers home to Randall’s Island, and we’ve got the details you need to ensure a stress-free weekend.

The premiere of the Experts Only Festival in New York is set to take place on Randall’s Island on September 20-21. Since the fallout of EZOO in 2023, the city has been lacking a proper dance festival to close out the summer season, and John Summit and his crew are appearing to fill that void.

Experts Only Festival NYC is set to feature two sets from John Summit, but the man of the hour isn’t the only artist performing. Other standout sets include LP Giobbi, AYYBO, TEED, and Kasablanca, not to mention the back-to-backs featuring Green Velvet and Layton Giordani, as well as Kaskade and Cassian.

It’s been a while since ravers were last on Randall’s Island, so we compiled a list of essential information that can help ensure a stress-free weekend. Read on for the set times, food options, what not to bring with you, and more for the debut edition of Experts Only Festival NYC!

Experts Only Festival NYC 2025 – Essential Info:

Dates: September 20-21, 2025
Hours: 3pm-10pm, daily
Venue Address: 20 Randalls Island Park, New York, NY 10035
Tickets: Purchase HERE

Experts Only Festival NYC 2025 – Set Times:

Experts Only Festival NYC 2025 – Festival Map:

Experts Only Festival NYC 2025 – Afterparty Lineup and Info:

There will be five afterparties this weekend. Tickets for the Marquee Skydeck show are sold out, but passes are still available for the shows at Brooklyn Storehouse, Unveiled, Refuge, and 53 Scott Rooftop.

Experts Only Festival NYC 2025 – Food Options:

Experts Only Festival NYC 2025 – Transportation (Ferry/Public Transit/Ride Share Info):

There is no parking on Randalls Island, but you can directly get to the festival by being dropped off or picked up via ride share. There’s also the ferry, which departs from East 35th Street Ferry Landing, or public transit.

Ferry passes start at $49.99 for a single day and $69.98 for both days. Ferry passes must be purchased in advance, as they will not be sold on the day of the event. The ferry runs every 30 minutes, and service will continue after the show ends.

If you’re opting for public transit, your best way is to take the 4, 5, or 6 train to the 125th Street station and transfer to the X80 express bus at 125th Street and Lexington Avenue, which will take you directly to the festival entrance.

Reminder To Mind Your Belongings:

Unfortunately, during this festival season, many have reported pickpockets, bag slashings, and theft of wallets, smartphones, purses, and other valuables. While this small number of bad apples in the bunch doesn’t define an entire crowd, some opportunistic people come to these events to take advantage of unsuspecting partygoers, and it’s essential to be mindful of your valuables while at Experts Only Festival.

Looking for tips to keep your belongings safe? Check our post highlighting some ideas!

Experts Only Festival NYC 2025 – Bag Policy:

Bags need to be clear or they can be colored-clear plastic, vinyl, or mesh. The maximum bag size is 15in x 15in x 5in. Non-clear small clutches up to 5” X 7” X 2” in size are okay.

Hydration packs are allowed, but they need to be empty when entering the event. Packs must have no more than two pockets and do not need to be clear. The venue will have free water stations available.

Experts Only Festival NYC 2025 – Do’s & Don’ts:

Prohibited Items

NO Drugs or drug paraphernalia

NO Alcohol

NO Smoking and/or smoking products of any kind (lighters, cigarettes, vapes, marijuana, etc)

NO Outside food/beverage (with the exception of one unopened water bottle)

NO Pets/Animals — UNLESS it is a service animal, and you are a person with disabilities, or service animals in-training and have appropriate apparel, and have on your person credentials from an accredited school for which the dog is being raised. Please email your questions regarding service animals to the Company at: info@expertsonlyfest.com

NO Massagers

NO Laser pens or pointers

NO Light sticks

NO Eyedrops

NO Glass, cans, cups, or coolers

NO Aerosol cans (including deodorant and perfume)

NO Markers, pens, or spray paint

NO Gas masks or tactical gear

NO Large chains, chain wallets, or spiked jewelry

NO Pacifiers

NO Stuffed animals/dolls

NO Stickers or flyers

NO Tents, umbrellas, hammocks, or chairs

NO Blankets

NO Coolers

NO Skateboards, scooters, or bikes

NO Large purses or bags (over 15” X 15” X 5” inches – SEE BAG POLICY)

NO Open lipstick, chapstick, tampons

NO Open sunscreen

NO Outside food, beverage, or alcohol

NO Professional cameras (SLR or detachable lenses)

NO Audio or video recording equipment

NO Musical instruments

NO Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles

NO Knives, firearms, pepper spray, fireworks, or weapons of any kind

NO Toy weapons or real weapons of any kind

NO Flammable products

NO Sticks, staff, swords, sabers, or scepters

NO Waterguns or misters

NO Sports equipment, balloons, balls, frisbees, or any other projectiles

NO Native American headdresses

NO Selfie sticks

NO Festival totems

NO Chinese lanterns

NO Unlicensed vending of any kind

NO CROWD SURFING OR RAIL BREAKING. PATRONS PARTICIPATING IN EITHER WILL BE EJECTED

ANY OTHER ITEMS deemed as posing a threat to the safe enjoyment of the patrons or that would disrupt performances

Permitted Items

OK Clear (transparent) bags – max size 15” X 15”x 5“

OK Clear (transparent) backpacks – max size 15” X 15”x 5“

OK Clear (transparent) fanny packs – max size 15” X 15”x 5“

OK Empty non-transparent Hydration Pack with no more than 2 pockets

OK Small clutch up to 5” X 7” X 2” in size

OK Non-Professional Still Cameras, including GoPros (GoPros may NOT be attached to a mono pod or extendable pole)

OK Cell Phones

OK Sealed: tampons, packs of gum, chapstick/lip gloss

OK Glowing/illuminated costumes or jewelry

OK Sunglasses and hats

OK Sealed liquid sunscreen and cosmetic products

OK Reusable water bottles and camelbacks are allowed (must be empty upon entry)

OK Guide dogs for people with disabilities and other service animals with current rabies certification

No totems of any kind are allowed in the festival.

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