{"id":2044609,"date":"2025-09-23T20:38:09","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T20:38:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2044609"},"modified":"2025-09-23T20:38:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T20:38:09","slug":"john-summit-experts-only-festival-review-2025-thoughts-hot-takes-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/john-summit-experts-only-festival-review-2025-thoughts-hot-takes-more\/","title":{"rendered":"John Summit Experts Only Festival review 2025: Thoughts, hot takes, more"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2025%2F09%2FJohn-Summit_3f345b.jpg?quality%3D90%26strip%3Dall\" \/><\/p>\n<div>\n<aside class=\"commerce-disclosure\">\n\t\t<i>Vivid Seats is the celebrity.land&#8217;s official ticketing partner. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and\/or when you make a purchase. Featured pricing is subject to change. <\/i><br \/>\n\t<\/aside>\n<p>Is <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vividseats.com\/john-summit-tickets\/performer\/113570?utm_source=nypost.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=article-embedded&amp;wsUser=1006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-nyp-affiliate=\"true\">John Summit<\/a> bringing music festivals back to NY?<\/p>\n<p>In short, yes. <\/p>\n<p>But let\u2019s start at the beginning.<\/p>\n<p>I attended John Summit\u2019s first-ever Experts Only music festival on Randall\u2019s Island \u2014 and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised with how much fun I had. Scratch that: I had the time of my life.<\/p>\n<p>My Experts Only weekend kicked off with a <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DOza1jZD0FL\/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">surprise pop-up at Vessel in Hudson Yards<\/a> on Friday\u2013 an event my friends and I dubbed \u201cone of the most civilized pop-ups\u201d we\u2019ve ever been to.<\/p>\n<p>At this surprise event, the 31-year-old DJ teamed up with Lululemon for a special Experts Only run that allowed special entry to the first 400 fans at their 5th Avenue location. Fans that gained access were treated to a pop-up concert and Lululemon gear following a run with Summit himself. Following <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/weraveyou.com\/2025\/06\/fans-criticize-fred-again-over-chaotic-nyc-pop-up-show-rollout\/\">Fred Again\u2019s chaotic NYC scavenger hunt pop-up <\/a>in June, this was a breath of fresh air.<\/p>\n<p>The pop-up\u2019s seemingly effortless organization and seamless roll-out foreshadowed just how the rest of the impressive weekend would play out.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Summit, a Chicago native now based in Miami, is no stranger to big stages. He\u2019s a regular at fan-favorite venues like Club Space and LIV Miami, and his sets at Miami staples like Ultra and III Points (among many other reasons) have cemented him as a force in house music. But, despite those roots, he chose to launch his own festival right here in The City That Never Sleeps.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/09\/09\/ticket-sales\/john-summit-talks-upcoming-experts-only-music-festival-in-nyc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">When The Post last spoke with Summit<\/a> just a few weeks before Experts Only, he admitted that he wanted to fill a major gap: New York\u2019s lack of house-focused festivals. With Electric Zoo in limbo, Brooklyn Mirage facing setbacks, and nightlife in general feeling more all over the place than ever before, the city\u2019s house fans were overdue for a proper gathering.<\/p>\n<p>And, naturally, the always-reliable businessman turned turntablist delivered.<\/p>\n<p>As someone who lives for live concerts, house music, and outdoor venues, this festival felt like a reminder of how fun and refreshing a well-executed music event can be. The last festival I attended was Gov Ball, which, of course, is a totally different experience, but Experts Only blew me away. Even as a house-only event, it felt personal and flawless, but not in a scrappy and overwhelming way. You know, like a great DJ set.<\/p>\n<p>For my money, that\u2019s something most NYC festivals (and festivals in general!) often get wrong. Too many times I\u2019ve found myself at events that feel overcrowded, gimmicky, or like a giant ad with branding activations shoved in your face. Experts Only, of course, had sponsors, but they were integrated tastefully. Nothing distracted from the music or the laid-back atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p>Experts Only\u2019s lineup itself was well-curated with a balance of chill house and more intense sets, featuring artists like  <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vividseats.com\/lp-giobbi-tickets\/performer\/138348?utm_source=nypost.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=article-embedded&amp;wsUser=1006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-nyp-affiliate=\"true\">LP Giobbi<\/a>, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vividseats.com\/kaskade-tickets\/performer\/11070?utm_source=nypost.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=article-embedded&amp;wsUser=1006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-nyp-affiliate=\"true\">Kaskade<\/a> performing B2B with <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vividseats.com\/cassian-tickets\/performer\/104659?utm_source=nypost.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=article-embedded&amp;wsUser=1006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-nyp-affiliate=\"true\">Cassian<\/a> and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vividseats.com\/green-velvet-tickets\/performer\/47865?utm_source=nypost.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=article-embedded&amp;wsUser=1006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-nyp-affiliate=\"true\">Green Velvet<\/a> alongside <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vividseats.com\/layton-giordani-tickets\/performer\/126829?utm_source=nypost.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=article-embedded&amp;wsUser=1006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-nyp-affiliate=\"true\">Layton Giordani<\/a> fit together perfectly.\u00a0One might even say they\u2026only\u2026booked\u2026experts. Sorry, we couldn\u2019t help ourselves.<\/p>\n<p>The overall energy was truly immaculate and so many factors played into that. The weather was for a lack of a better term <strong>*<em>chef\u2019s kiss*<\/em><\/strong> and left me believing that mid-September might actually be the best time for a festival. Plus, the crowd was \u201cmama bear\u201d (just right). I never felt packed in or overwhelmed by pushing concertgoers and you could watch the mainstage from pretty much any angle. So clutch.<\/p>\n<p>Even the food options felt thoughtfully chosen and, as a self-proclaimed foodie, this went a long way for elevating the experience. Instead of the standard Big Mozz and generic beer garden options, the festival leaned into NYC staples like Prince Street Pizza, Gotham Social Burger, matcha, and even boba which I didn\u2019t expect but honestly? I\u2019m here for it.<\/p>\n<p>As for the location, logistically, Randall\u2019s Island was a bit of a mixed bag. Personally, I had a smooth experience thanks to the dedicated Experts Only ferry service catering to attendees who bought passes for the boat that ran approximately every 20 minutes. But not everyone felt the same. <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@9gherbo\/video\/7552376646280449310?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc&amp;web_id=7516999777503725087\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TikTok lit up with complaints<\/a> from festival-goers who were forced to walk back across the bridge to Manhattan once Ubers were cut off before the festival ended. Definitely a hiccup worth fixing if the festival comes back for year two.<\/p>\n<p>Still, overall, I felt safe, free to roam, and fully immersed in the festival. By far the highlight of the night was Summit closing out his set with a remix of his magnetic new hit \u201cCrystallized.\u201d The dubstep remix at the end had my soul leaving my body \u2014 and judging by the crowd\u2019s reaction and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@howtfwefeelin\/video\/7552729915926400287?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc&amp;web_id=7516999777503725087\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">social media commentary<\/a>, I wasn\u2019t alone.<\/p>\n<p>So\u2026 is John Summit bringing music festivals back to NYC? After Experts Only, the answer feels like a confident yes. Festivals like this are exactly what the city has been missing.<\/p>\n<p>Well done, John \u2014 you deserve your flowers. Same time next year?<\/p>\n<p>We promise we\u2019ll be there if you are.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">John Summit tour schedule 2025<\/h2>\n<p>Summit isn\u2019t resting on his laurels after Experts Only.<\/p>\n<p>Here all of his upcoming tour dates, the venues he\u2019s performing at and links to buy tickets.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">John Summit set list<\/h2>\n<p>The prolific performer delivered not one but two sets on Sept. 21.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019d like to see what he took to the stage on Sunday, here\u2019s a closer look at what made the cut at his pair of gigs (including \u201cCrystallized,\u201d which popped up in the second set), according to Set List FM.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.setlist.fm\/setlist\/john-summit\/2025\/randalls-island-park-randalls-island-ny-6b4182fa.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Set One<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.setlist.fm\/setlist\/john-summit\/2025\/randalls-island-park-randalls-island-ny-73403a39.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Set Two<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">EDM stars on tour in 2025<\/h2>\n<p>Bummed you missed Experts Only and have a hankering for house, bass, trance or even dubstep?<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re here to help. <\/p>\n<p>Here are just five artists you won\u2019t want to miss when they\u2019re out and about these next few months.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022\u00a0<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vividseats.com\/justice-tickets\/performer\/13898?utm_source=nypost.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=article-embedded&amp;wsUser=1006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-nyp-affiliate=\"true\">Justice with Kaytranada<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2022\u00a0<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vividseats.com\/dom-dolla-tickets\/performer\/87104?utm_source=nypost.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=article-embedded&amp;wsUser=1006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-nyp-affiliate=\"true\">Dom Dolla<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2022\u00a0<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vividseats.com\/disclosure-tickets\/performer\/30754?utm_source=nypost.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=article-embedded&amp;wsUser=1006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-nyp-affiliate=\"true\">Disclosure<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2022\u00a0<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vividseats.com\/sammy-virji-tickets\/performer\/166422?utm_source=nypost.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=article-embedded&amp;wsUser=1006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-nyp-affiliate=\"true\">Sammy Virji<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2022\u00a0<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vividseats.com\/mau-p-tickets\/performer\/152682?utm_source=nypost.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=article-embedded&amp;wsUser=1006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-nyp-affiliate=\"true\">Mau P<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Who else is on the road? Take a look at <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vividseats.com\/concerts\/dance-electronica?utm_source=nypost.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=article-embedded&amp;wsUser=1006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-nyp-affiliate=\"true\">this list of all the biggest EDM stars on tour in 2025<\/a> to find the show for you.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><script async src=\"\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source celebrity.land \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vivid Seats is the celebrity.land&#8217;s official ticketing partner. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and\/or when you make a purchase. Featured pricing is subject to change. Is John Summit bringing music festivals back to NY? In short, yes. But let\u2019s start at the beginning. I attended John Summit\u2019s first-ever Experts [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2044610,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25174],"tags":[22749,350511,346400,21741,354464,22782,311102,351506,378784,77556,306870],"class_list":["post-2044609","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gossip","tag-concert","tag-dance-music","tag-edm","tag-entertainment","tag-gen-z","tag-music-festivals","tag-music-review","tag-nyc","tag-randalls-island","tag-ticket-sales","tag-vivid-seats-concert-tickets"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/John-Summit-Experts-Only-Festival-review-2025-Thoughts-hot-takes.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2044609","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2044609"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2044609\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2044610"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2044609"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2044609"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2044609"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}