Ultra Music Festival returns to Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami from March 27 through 29, 2026, and this year's edition is shaping up to be one of the most stacked in the festival's history. With over 150 confirmed artists, 46 debut performances, and 80 percent new acts compared to the previous year, Ultra 2026 offers a lineup that caters to every corner of the electronic music spectrum. Whether you are drawn to the massive main stage productions of Hardwell and Martin Garrix or the underground techno programming of the RESISTANCE Megastructure, there is something for every type of fan across three days of nonstop music overlooking Biscayne Bay.
If 2026 is your first Ultra, the experience can feel overwhelming. The festival spans multiple stages across a sprawling waterfront park, the sound levels are serious, the crowds are massive, and the energy is unlike anything you will encounter at a typical concert or club event. Add in Miami's heat, the strict clear-bag policy, the no-re-entry rule, and the challenge of navigating a city in the middle of Miami Music Week, and it becomes clear that preparation is the difference between a good Ultra and a great one.
This guide is built specifically for first-timers. It covers everything from the 2026 lineup and stage breakdowns to ticket tiers, what you can and cannot bring, how to get to Bayfront Park, what to wear, where to stay, and the survival strategies that experienced festivalgoers rely on to make it through all three days with their energy and enthusiasm intact. If you are planning your first trip to Ultra this March, read this before you do anything else.
Ultra Music Festival was founded in 1999 as a small one-day gathering of DJs on the sand of Miami Beach. What started as a niche event for electronic music enthusiasts has grown into one of the most iconic music festivals in the world, with editions now held in countries from Croatia and Japan to South Korea and Hong Kong. The Miami original at Bayfront Park remains the flagship event, drawing over 165,000 attendees across three days and serving as the annual showcase where the biggest names in electronic music debut new material, premiere new live shows, and deliver career-defining performances.
Over the years, Ultra has hosted moments that have shaped the trajectory of dance music globally. Swedish House Mafia's farewell and comeback shows both happened at Ultra. Avicii, Skrillex, and Hardwell all delivered breakthrough performances on the main stage that launched them into superstardom. The RESISTANCE stage, Ultra's underground arm, has become a destination in its own right for techno and house fans, with headliners like Carl Cox, Eric Prydz, and Amelie Lens commanding audiences that rival the main stage in both size and intensity.
Ultra is also a leader in festival sustainability. The Mission: Home program has earned international recognition, including a World Sustainability Award, for its efforts to reduce environmental impact through waste reduction, water conservation, and responsible sourcing. When you attend Ultra, you are participating in an event that takes its environmental responsibility seriously alongside its commitment to delivering world-class production and sound.
For first-timers, the most important thing to understand is that Ultra is not just a concert. It is a fully immersive, multi-sensory experience that runs for eight to twelve hours per day across multiple stages, each with its own production design, sound system, and atmosphere. The scale is massive, and the energy builds throughout each day in a way that simply cannot be replicated in any other setting.
Here is a quick snapshot of the essential details for Ultra Music Festival 2026:
Official website: ultramusicfestival.com for tickets, lineup, and festival info
Pro tip for first-timers: Ultra does not allow re-entry once you exit the festival grounds. Plan your day accordingly by eating before you arrive or budgeting for food and drinks inside the venue, and do not plan to leave and come back.
The Ultra 2026 lineup is one of the deepest and most diverse the festival has ever assembled. With 46 debut performances and 80 percent new acts compared to the previous edition, organizers have clearly prioritized fresh energy and rare performances. Here is how the lineup breaks down across the festival's major stages:
Main Stage
The Main Stage is the centerpiece of Ultra, facing Biscayne Bay with the largest LED screens, pyrotechnics, and visual production in the festival. This is where the biggest moments happen, and the 2026 headliners deliver:
RESISTANCE Megastructure and The Cove
RESISTANCE is Ultra's underground division, and it has become a world-class destination for techno and house music fans. The Megastructure features industrial production design and longer set times that allow artists to build deeper, more immersive experiences:
Stage Takeovers and Special Programming
Ultra 2026 features several curated stage takeovers that create festival-within-a-festival experiences:
Ultra offers two ticket tiers, and the decision between them depends on your priorities, your budget, and what kind of experience you are looking for. Both are sold exclusively at ultramusicfestival.com.
General Admission ($539+ at Tier 4)
VIP ($2,393+ at Tier 2)
For first-timers on a budget, GA delivers the full Ultra experience at a fraction of the VIP price. The production, the sound, and the music are identical. VIP is worth considering if comfort, shorter lines, and premium viewing areas are important to your group, especially for attendees who want a more relaxed experience or prefer to avoid the density of the GA crowd during headline sets.
Regardless of which tier you choose, purchase directly from ultramusicfestival.com or the Ultra Worldwide app. Third-party resellers carry a serious risk of counterfeit wristbands, and Ultra does not honor tickets purchased through unauthorized channels.
Ultra enforces a strict clear bag policy, and security checks at the entrance are thorough. All festivalgoers are subject to a TSA-style pat-down search, including emptying pockets and bags. Planning what you bring before you arrive will save you time at the gates and ensure nothing gets confiscated. Here is the breakdown:
Allowed Items
Prohibited Items
If you are unsure whether your bag qualifies, Ultra offers a form on their website where you can submit a photo and receive guidance. But ultimately, security at the gates has the final say. When in doubt, keep it simple: a fanny pack or a small clear bag with your essentials is all you need.
Ultra takes place outdoors in late March, which is one of the most comfortable times of year in Miami. Daytime temperatures typically reach the high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, with evening temperatures dropping into the mid-60s to low 70s. There is minimal shade on the festival grounds, so your clothing choices should prioritize comfort, sun protection, and freedom of movement.
One thing to keep in mind: Ultra does not allow re-entry. Whatever you bring in is what you have for the entire day, so think carefully about layering and essentials before you walk through the gates.
Bayfront Park is located at 301 Biscayne Blvd in Downtown Miami, and it is well connected by public transit, rideshare, and even the Brightline train. Here are the best ways to get to the festival:
The smartest strategy for first-timers is to use the Metromover. It is free, fast, and avoids all traffic and surge pricing. If you are staying in South Beach, the Metrobus to Government Center and a Metromover transfer is straightforward and far less stressful than trying to rideshare in and out of Downtown during the festival.
Ultra is a three-day endurance test disguised as a music festival. The combination of heat, crowds, long hours on your feet, and the sensory intensity of the stages can take a physical toll if you are not prepared. Here are the strategies that experienced Ultra veterans rely on to stay strong through Sunday's closing set:
Ultra does not exist in a vacuum. It takes place during Miami Music Week, the six-day marathon of electronic music events that runs from March 24 through 29. The days before Ultra (Tuesday through Thursday) are filled with pool parties, club events, label showcases, and the Winter Music Conference at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel. If you arrive in Miami early, you can ease into the week with daytime pool parties at venues like the Surfcomber, Sagamore, and Hyde Beach at SLS South Beach, then catch club shows at Space, E11EVEN, LIV, or Story before the festival even starts.
After each night of Ultra, the city's after-hours scene takes over. Club Space in Downtown Miami is legendary for its sunrise sets, where marathon performances stretch well into the next afternoon. E11EVEN operates 24/7 and hosts special MMW showcases throughout the week. Factory Town in Hialeah runs five nights of programming from March 25 through 29 across five stages. The after-hours experience is a core part of the Miami Music Week tradition, and many attendees consider the after-parties to be just as important as the festival itself.
Beyond the music, Miami itself offers plenty to fill your downtime. Explore the street art and restaurants of Wynwood, relax on the beach in South Beach, take a boat out on Biscayne Bay, or spend an afternoon in the Design District browsing galleries and boutiques. If your group is staying in a private villa, use your home base to host pre-festival gatherings, post-festival recovery sessions, or a private chef dinner on a rest day. The best Ultra trips pair the festival with the broader Miami experience.
For a deeper look at everything happening around Ultra, check out the Jatina Group blog for guides on Miami Music Week's best pool parties, after-hours events, and insider tips for navigating the city during the busiest week of the year.
Your choice of accommodation during Ultra weekend can significantly impact your experience. Here is how the key neighborhoods compare for Ultra attendees:
Venetian Islands and Miami Beach waterfront: For groups who want privacy, space, and luxury. These residential neighborhoods sit between South Beach and Downtown Miami, offering easy access to everything while providing a quiet retreat that is impossible to find in a South Beach hotel during Ultra weekend.
For groups attending Ultra together, a luxury villa rental is one of the best accommodation strategies during Music Week. Hotels charge peak-season rates, rooms are small, and you are surrounded by thousands of other festivalgoers at all hours. A private villa gives your group a shared home base with a pool for afternoon recovery, a full kitchen for pre-festival meals, multiple bedrooms for staggered sleep schedules, and outdoor space to decompress after 12-hour days at the festival. Jatina Group manages luxury waterfront mansions across Miami with 24/7 concierge services that can arrange private transportation to and from Ultra, restaurant reservations, yacht charters during your downtime, and private chef meals at the villa.
Book early. Miami Music Week is the busiest week of the year for hotels and vacation rentals, and the best options disappear months in advance. If you have not booked yet, start looking now.
When is Ultra Music Festival 2026?
Friday, March 27, through Sunday, March 29, 2026. Hours are Friday 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday noon to midnight, and Sunday noon to 10 p.m.
Where is Ultra Music Festival held?
Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami, Florida. The park overlooks Biscayne Bay and is accessible via the free Metromover.
How much are Ultra 2026 tickets?
GA 3-Day tickets are currently $539+ (Tier 4 pricing, 90% sold out). VIP 3-Day tickets are $2,393+. No single-day tickets are available. Purchase only at ultramusicfestival.com.
Is Ultra sold out?
GA tickets are 90 percent sold out as of early 2026. VIP tickets are still available. Prices increase with each tier, so the sooner you buy, the less you pay.
Can I buy single-day tickets?
No. Ultra Miami only sells 3-day wristbands. You cannot purchase admission for just one day.
Can I leave and come back?
No. Ultra has a strict no-re-entry policy. Once you exit the festival grounds, you cannot re-enter. Plan your day accordingly.
What bags are allowed at Ultra?
Only clear bags (clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, max 13 by 17 inches), fanny packs, small clutch bags, and hydration packs (empty upon entry) are allowed. Backpacks and non-clear purses are prohibited.
What is the age requirement?
18+ for General Admission. 21+ for VIP. Valid photo ID is required for entry.
Who is performing at Ultra 2026?
Over 150 artists including Martin Garrix B2B Alesso, Hardwell, Dom Dolla, John Summit, Major Lazer, DJ Snake, Eric Prydz, Carl Cox, Illenium, Armin van Buuren, Skrillex, Tiesto, Amelie Lens B2B Sara Landry, and many more across multiple stages.
What is RESISTANCE?
RESISTANCE is Ultra's underground stage brand, dedicated to techno and house music. It includes the Megastructure (the large-scale techno and house stage) and The Cove (a more intimate setting). RESISTANCE has its own dedicated fanbase and headliners, including Carl Cox, Eric Prydz, and The Martinez Brothers.
Where should I stay for Ultra?
Downtown Miami and Brickell are the closest to Bayfront Park. South Beach is best for pool parties. For groups, a luxury villa rental gives you space, privacy, and a pool for recovery between festival days.
How do I get to Ultra?
The free Metromover is the best option (Bayfront Park, First Street, or College/Bayside stations). From Miami Beach, take Metrobus to Government Center, then Metromover. Brightline drops you at MiamiCentral, a short walk or ride away. Rideshare works but expect surge pricing and long waits.
Ultra Music Festival 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most electric editions in the festival's 27-year history. With Martin Garrix B2B Alesso headlining, Carl Cox commanding the RESISTANCE Megastructure, 46 debut artists across multiple stages, and the incomparable backdrop of Bayfront Park overlooking Biscayne Bay, March 27 through 29 is the weekend that every electronic music fan needs on their calendar.
If you are bringing a group to Miami for Ultra, secure your home base early. A luxury villa rental gives your crew the space, privacy, and comfort to make the most of the entire week, with room to recover, a pool to decompress, and a private setting that hotels in South Beach and Downtown simply cannot match during the busiest week of the year.
Explore luxury villa rentals in Miami and discover how a private home base transforms your Ultra experience. With 24/7 concierge services to arrange private transportation to Bayfront Park, restaurant reservations, yacht charters, and private chef dinners, the only thing you need to worry about is which stage to visit next.
Jatina Group