NEW YORK CITY – Global dance music sensation John Summit is set to make a significant foray into the festival landscape, announcing the launch of his inaugural Experts Only Festival. This two-day event is scheduled to electrify Randall’s Island in New York City on September 20 and 21, 2025, promising a major addition to the city’s electronic music calendar.
Promoted in collaboration with industry powerhouses Medium Rare, Relentless Beats, and EMW, the Experts Only Festival is projected to draw a substantial crowd, with an expected 50,000 fans converging on Randall’s Island over its duration. Attendees can anticipate an immersive experience featuring performances by over 15 artists spread across two distinct stages, showcasing both established titans and rising stars in the dance music realm.
A Curated Lineup and Experience
The initial artist roster hints at the caliber of the event, featuring exciting back-to-back sets that are a hallmark of cutting-edge electronic showcases. Among the highlights are legendary figure Kaskade pairing with the dynamic Cassian, and the iconic Green Velvet joining forces with the acclaimed Layton Giordani. The lineup also includes celebrated artists like LP Giobbi and the rapidly ascendant AYYBO, signaling a carefully curated selection designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of electronic music aficionados.
Beyond the musical performances, organizers are emphasizing a holistic festival experience. Plans include state-of-the-art stage designs that promise visually stunning productions, a wide array of food and beverage options catering to diverse tastes, and interactive brand activations designed to engage attendees. Notably, the renowned LIV at Fontainebleau Las Vegas and LIV at Fontainebleau Miami Beach will contribute to the luxury experience by curating their exclusive LIV Skydeck at the event.
Tickets and Anticipation
Anticipation for the Experts Only Festival is building rapidly following the announcement. Tickets for the event are slated to go on sale this Friday, July 11, 2025, providing ample time for fans to plan their attendance. The sales will commence at 10 a.m. ET, with starting prices listed at an accessible $119.99, reflecting an effort to make the debut event widely available to Summit’s dedicated fanbase and electronic music enthusiasts alike.
The Vision Behind the Festival
The genesis of the Experts Only Festival is rooted in a strategic recognition of a market opportunity within New York City. According to Holt Harmon, Summit’s manager and CEO of Metatone, the idea first began taking shape in early 2024. Harmon noted a discernible gap in the New York market, particularly following the discontinuation of prominent electronic music events that historically utilized venues like Randall’s Island, such as Electric Zoo.
This venture also represents the realization of a long-held personal ambition for John Summit himself. Shailee Bendavid, Summit’s day-to-day manager and creative collaborator, revealed that Summit has aspired to host his own festival for approximately five years. This long-standing desire underscores his passion not only for performing but also for the experience of attending music festivals, bringing a genuine artist perspective to the curatorial and experiential design of Experts Only.
Randall’s Island has a rich history as a site for large-scale music festivals in New York City, providing a proven infrastructure and capacity for events of this magnitude. The launch of the Experts Only Festival on this familiar ground suggests a deliberate choice to leverage a known quantity while introducing a fresh brand and artistic vision to the market.
The announcement of the Experts Only Festival marks a significant milestone in John Summit’s career, transitioning from headlining major events to creating his own immersive world for fans. With a robust lineup, a focus on experiential elements, and a clear strategic rationale, the festival is poised to become a major highlight of the 2025 festival season, drawing global attention to New York City’s vibrant electronic music scene.
