In the heat of the summer sun, I found myself in a sea of happy people in the heart of Hollywood Park; dancing, living loud and soaking in the many sounds at HARD Summer music festival. Produced by HARD Events, the music fest returned for two days of electrifying sets from fresh faces and legends.
This weekend, thousands descended upon Inglewood. With attendees spanning ages 18 to 60, the crowd showed that music truly transcends generations (HARD Summer is 18+). The hyped mood is set from the start in the parking lot, where rave goers huddled up by their cars listening to music pre-gaming before they headed inside to see their favorite artists.
From vibrant photo ops, to the VIP pool that was a literal lifesaver in the summer heat—HARD knows how to deliver the full experience. Safety crews were ever-present, ready to respond to anything in that unforgiving sun. Fun fact: In the past, I’ve worked security at HARD Summer. I already knew the safety would be on-point and the energy would be unmatched.
This year, I finally got to experience it from the other side—and it was nothing short of euphoric.
Saturday kicked off at the HARDER Stage with PLUKO, whose upbeat set immediately set the tone. It was the jumpstart I needed to do exactly what I came to do: dance. And from there, things only went up.
At the HARD Stage, Busta Rhymes delivered a legendary debut HARD performance, opening with back-to-back classics like Gimme Some More, Dangerous, and Break Ya Neck. As someone who grew up on his music, it felt like a personal gift. His stage presence was magnetic—spitting tongue-twisting bars with fiery precision.
Marlon Hoffstadt came next, switching the energy with a set that felt like cruising the California coast—warm, breezy, and effortless. Following that vibe was none other than KAYTRANADA, who turned the HARD Stage into one giant party. The crowd sang along to Wanna Be Ya Girl,
I closed out the night bouncing between the HARDER stage for Gordo, who already had the party in full swing, and the electrifying techno sounds of Sara Landry. Day one did not disappoint.
Still riding the rhythmic high from Saturday, Sunday surprised me even more. I kicked things off with Linska, who brought the energy early at the HARD Stage. Then came D.O.D at HARDER—his set was a full-body adrenaline rush, with booming beats and bouncy bass lines that kept my heart racing.
I took a moment to explore the festival grounds. With plenty of food trucks, I do wish there were more vegan options.
The true highlight: Juvenile and the 400 Degreez Band. He came through with all of the New Orleans heat: HA, Rodeo, U Understand, Nolia Clap, I Got That Fire—a dream set for any true fan. I danced like I was 13 again, screaming every lyric like my life depended on it.
To close out, I drifted into Dom Dolla‘s set—smooth, sexy house grooves that gave me the cool-down I needed, while still keeping me lifted. The perfect ending.
HARD Summer 2025 wasn’t just about the music. It was about movement. About release. About letting go and finding yourself in the crowd. From nostalgic throwbacks to pulsing techno drops, HARD Summer 2025 has found itself a home in my core music memories.
Stay tuned for next year: https://www.hardsummer.com/
