Many punters were disappointed by the announcement yesterday that Space Ibiza would have to move its iconic opening fiesta to the following weekend, on account of national and local election clashes. We totally understand the gripes and groans, but for those who are unable to change their flights, take solace in the fact that you are on the craziest party island in the world - did you really think we'd leave you hanging? Here's a rundown of all the awesome stuff still going on around the first opening party weekend...
Wednesday 20th May:
- IMS conference at Hard Rock Hotel. Day One of panels and speeches with the biggest players in the industry at the annual International Music Summit.
- Cirque de la Nuit boat party. Dancing, drinking and swimming on the sunlit waves, including after party.
- Holi Festival at Benimussa Park. Throw colourful paint powder in each other's faces and dance into the sunset.
- Sankeys Opening pt 1. The force awakens as Sankeys kicks off the first of their two-parter opening with Adam Beyer, Ida Engberg, Noir and more...
Thursday 21st May:
- IMS conference + Dalt Vila party. Day Two of the conference, plus the first Grand Finale party up at the old fortress of Dalt Vila, with Sven Väth, Pete Tong and more.
- Sankeys opening pt 2. The second half of Sankeys' opening bender with Steve Lawler, Duke Dumont and more.
- Kings of House NYC at Pacha. David Morales, Tony Humphries and Louie Vega deliver an educational night of house classics.
Friday 22nd May:
- IMS conference + Dalt Vila party. Day Three of the conference and the final party in World Heritage listed Dalt Vila, hosted by Black Butter Records.
- Ocean Beach opening party. The luxurious outdoor pool party kicks off in San Antonio Bay.
- Cirque de la Nuit boat party. More dancing, drinking and swimming on the sunlit waves, including after party.
- Fiesta del Agua at Es Paradis. Something of a right of passage in Ibiza, Es Paradis' water parties are a great laugh.
- Shelter opening at Sankeys. Doorly begins his residency at Sankeys new party featuring the best of contemporary UK house.
- Insane opening at Pacha. Pacha in-house production Insane returns with John Digweed, Dennis Ferrer and Tensnake.
Saturday 23rd May:
- Bora Bora opening party. One of the most famous beach clubs in the world, Bora Bora opens its doors (and tables).
- Pure Pacha opening party. Pacha's homegrown Saturday night shindig kicks off with Bob Sinclar and Masters At Work.
- Magna Carta opening at Sankeys. The popular deep house party staple returns to Sankeys Ibiza.
Sunday 24th May:
- Beautiful People Ibiza boat party. In addition to the usual boat party tunes and atmosphere, Beautiful People Ibiza also offers watersports.
- Sunset drumming at Benirras beach. For something totally different in between laser sessions, head north to see Ibiza's hippies and musicians announce the sunset with wild and hypnotic percussion.
- Solomun + 1 at Pacha. Solomun has truly made Pacha his own the last few summers, this time inviting Adriatique to help begin his third season.
- Solid Grooves at Sankeys. This announcement is so fresh it's not even public yet, so stay tuned for more info on this party.
- Glow Paint Party at Es Paradis. Messy and colourful, this riotous party is a unique experience. Leave your best clothes at home!
Monday 25th May:
- Cirque de la Nuit boat party. More dancing, drinking and swimming on the sunlit waves, including after party.
- Cuff opening at Sankeys. Amine Edge & Dance return to Sankeys, with attitude-filled G-house in tow.
- Aoki Playhouse opening at Pacha. Steve Aoki and his truckload of EDM antics begin a second raucous season at Pacha.
- DC10 + Circo Loco opening party. With a line-up to end all line-ups, the infamous DC10 opens its doors. This one is always extremely busy but with no Space Opening to pull the numbers, be prepared for quite a squish.
Tuesday 26th May:
- Cirque de la Nuit boat party. Another chance to dance, drink and swim on the sunlit waves, including after party.
- Beautiful People Ibiza boat party. In addition to the usual boat party tunes and atmosphere, Beautiful People Ibiza also offers watersports.
- Emerging Ibiza live at Ibiza Rocks. The EI Festival opener sees an iconic headliner plus this season's hottest Emerging Stars.
- Tribal Sessions opening at Sankeys. The institution returns to bring the tribal vibes and quality music to its Sankeys home.
Lastly, we're reasonably certain the alternative San Rafael venue, Ibiza Underground, will be open over this weekend too, so keep an eye out for announcements.
In recent years The International Music Summit became the unofficial opening to Ibiza's summer season and with this holding fast, and all the other parties still bursting into life during this week, we're sure this will still be an incredible weekend to be a part of.
IMS co-creator Ben Turner shares the sentiment...
“It is unfortunate what has happened with the move of some key flagpoles in the Ibiza opening season, but IMS delegate badges sales are already the most we've ever sold at this point and with IMS Grand Finale at Dalt Vila looking as strong as ever, we continue as planned. And we're proud to now sit almost back-to-back with Circo Loco and DC10. For the future, Ibiza's leading opening events need to communicate to ensure we deliver the most impactful moment to kickstart each season. Competition aside, we all love and care for the island and its in everybody's interests to get this right collectively – from conferences to club owners to government decision makers.”
Hear hear! But that's for the owners, promoters and government to deal with... right now all you need to do is show up and have a good time. See you at openings weekend part one!
WORDS | Jordan Smith
