The annual dance mecca of Miami Music Week is rapidly approaching as America’s festival season is just around the corner. Centered around Ultra Music Festival’s flagship event, everyone who’s stepped foot in the madness knows the week isn’t just about the main stage. Littered from downtown to south beach, and endless supply of events run around the clock for the extended weekend. From the movement you arrive, Miami becomes an instant marathon of dance music, sunrises, and homies.

Maybe you’ve seen the hilarious 2006 LA party guide ‘Boys & Girls Guide to Getting Down’. If you haven’t been taught, ">stream it for free you YouTube. If you don’t think it’s funny you’re probably a lame human. Even though the movie relives the blog house glory days of Hollywood and beyond, Miami feels vaguely familiar. Considering Miami is it own breed of nightlife, navigating the week becomes somewhat of an art. With your fair share of private events, surprise sets, and backstage shenanigans you can’t simply buy your way in.

In order to point you in the right direction Stoney’s resident rave rats have put together a list of our picks for dance floor bliss. Navigate through the shuffle with a calculated approach to the best vibes from downtown to Collins ave.

Tuesday March 15th Kick Off:

Sure the first official day is a bit slow, but make sure to set the tone for the madness that’s about to ensue.

Never Get Out Of The Boat with Nick Warren B2B Hernan Cattaneo

       
Best way to start off Miami? It’s on a boat. Seting sail from downtown on a packed party cruise is an iconic MMW pastime. This kickoff brings ½ of renowned duo Way Out West to battle with Sudbeat label head Hernan Cattaneo with Miami sunset as their backdop. Although a bit pricey, the intimate setting  (and premium open bar) make up for it considering an Ocean drive mojito can set you back $20 on South Beach. Lets tango. Tickets     

Mindshake Showcase + Guti Presents at Trade

Link Miami Rebels is a rad local crew who book some of the best and throws unforgettable evening escapades. Once again proving their local influence, they present an evening with Guti, Martin Buttrich, Paco Osuna, and Roman Flugel. Held at the infamous underground dancehall Trade, Guti presents a masterful lineup on the first floor as Paco’s Mindshake label rains beats from above on the second level. Cheap, dark, perfect. Tickets

Jamie Jones + Lee Foss at Basement Miami

A venue developed by the infamous Ian Schrager of Studio 54, BasementMiami doesn’t mess around. Aside from having a year-round indoor ice rink and weekly disco bowling, the venue have drummed up a week of madness with the help of the notable Vice arm of Thump’s dance media team. Hot Creation’s lads Jamie Jones and Lee Foss on a Tuesday? You better. Tickets

Wednesday March 16 Best Bets:

Things are warming up, all your friends (and their bags) have likely arrived by now.

Soundwaves – Lee Burridge + Hoj Boat

More boat! Another afternoon of sound waves and sunshine with Burning Man homie Burridge on the decks with Hoj during one of the few semi-affordable yacht parties. Playa vibes will be rampant, but guaranteed to sell out. Move fast. Tickets

Tuskegee and Detroit Love Take Over Trade
In a massive attack on what’s become the techno haven of Miami, label bosses Seth Troxler, The Martinez Brothers, and Carl Craig takeover Trade Miami with two huge dance labels under one roof. Channelling the evolution of classic sounds from Detroit, Chicago, and New York City, tis a true North-coast history lesson aside the sand. Tickets

Kindisch Showcase at Do Not sit on the Furniture

Need an exclusive Miami story to tell to your friends if you make it home? Heres your chance. 150 tickets only, Kindisch Recordings, and most importantly Behrouz. Add the cool factor of D.N.S.O.T.F and you have the whole package. Berlin. Tickets

Thursday March 17th Best Bets:

You’re likely a goner by this point, everything’s a blur and partying blends into breakfast. This festival hasn’t even started yet so don’t sleep yet.

Nicole Moudaber and a Staked Crew of Friends Serve Up Poolside Techno 

The techno queen returns to Miami yet again for her two-part series of dark house and techno vibes. Returning to the Raleigh for her #Moodday event, her label mates and friends take to stage for a stellar billing of diverse DJs. To top it off, the event will be broadcasted as the 100th running of her radio show. Continuing the run, Nicole will take of Trade on Saturday for a start to finish set of pure #Mood. Tickets

Sweat It Out Grill Up The Vibes Poolside at the Shelborne
Sydney crew take over the Shelborne hotel on Collins Ave for a shaking day party. Gorgon City, What So Not, and Yolanda Be Cool head up the bill for this massive poolside tango. Floaties and Corona with a bunch of cheeky Aussies? Sounds fun right. Shouts to anyone who climbs the now defunct diving board. Tickets

Jamie Jones Curates A House Music ‘Paradise’
Hot Creation’s Jamie Jones once more for his massive all-night event. Held at Mana Wynwood, this one is stacked like no other. A highlight for those who steer clear of the beach, Bob Moses, Skream, Stacey Pullen and many many more will take the stage for a homie fest of seriously groovy house tunes. Added bonus: amazing Cuban food in vicinity of Wynwood. Tickets

AndHim Brings Superfriends to Treehouse

German duo Andhim have made an impact in recent years with their coined genre ‘superhouse’ found on leading labels like Get Physical. This year their bringing an all star cast for their branded party Superfriends at Treehouse. Jackin’ German vibes mixed with the venue’s intimate setting are a match made in heaven. Catch Kölsch, H.O.S.H, Roman Flügel and Super Flu at this dance floor heavy event. Tickets.

Friday March 18th Best Bets:

The ravers have arrived and South Beach is packed with punters. Watch out for kandi trades but keep the vibes alive, you’re still in the thick of it.

Party With The Disclosure and the Wildlife at the Delano
Sporting a two-part Wildlife Miami lineup, the Disclosure boys hit both downtown and South Beach with distinct lineups and a unique vibe. Kicking it off in Wynwood, Carl Craig, Justin Martin, and TEED join for a funky but traditional lineup of forward-thinking house. The next day, Claude Von Stroke, Felix Da Housecat and more hit poolside for yet another heavy session at the A-list Delano hotel. Sneaking into an empty cabana for an afternoon siesta is highly recommended for the Friday marathon, if security tries to boot you tell them you’re Troxler. Tickets

Destructo and the #Shipfam Crew Do A Night of ‘Hard’ Club Partying
In it’s new location after the now-defunct Grand Central, Gary Richards aka Destructo take over South Beach’s Camero nightclub for a wild night with some of the crew’s best buds. Boys Noize takes the lead in one room with a bass-heavy support staff of What So Not, Jauz, Wax Motif and boss Destructo. The housier side comes in room two with Justin Martin at the lead. Mix their dedicated fan base with the endless supply of rump-shakin tunes, and this is a party you won’t want to miss. Get ready to sweat in this long-standing Miami club. Tickets

 

Saturday March 19th Best Bets:

At this point you’re past sanity. All that matters is the floor and the mix. Don’t think, just dance.

Get waaaaay Lost With Crosstown Rebels in Their 24 Hour+ Party
Damien Lazarus and his iconic underground crew have made a habit of shaking things up each year with their annual gathering of like-minded music connoisseurs. Legendary team of Crosstown Rebels ring in Miami music with a 5 am to 5 am. Tickets

Ultra’s Resistance Stage Makes The Rave Worthwhile
Considering dance’s best names are playing in 5 star hotels all week, it’s hard to leave the comforts of South Beach to hit the madness of Ultra Music Festival. Nasty bathrooms, overpriced beer, and lots of neon are all made tolerable with Ultra’s intense lineup at their Resistance stage. After unveiling the brand last year, Resistance imports the best underground talent and extreme stage design for a house and techno festival experience and dance fan can appreciate.  tickets

Sunday March 20th Final Hurrah:

You’ve made it this far, don’t go for the last day to rest. Go out like a true champ a.k.a. stumbling drunk at airport security.

Get Down at Last Resort Before Heading to the Airport
Nothing says Miami like partying all night before cabbing it straight to the airport. Unless you’re riding private as a groupie, you’re probably squashed in coach class with the rest of us. Let DJ Tennis, Justin Martin, The Black Madonna, and many more round off the week. Confirmation: this is your last stop before heading back to reality.

At this point all we can wish you is good luck. Miami is a right of passage for any passionate dance fan. Through rain or shine, get out there on the floor at electronic music’s most iconic venues. Stroll through the five-star hotels like you’re made of cash, rub shoulders with the biggest DJs across the globe, and hear the freshest tunes straight from the source. See ya out there.