The countdown is on! Another summer is drawing to a close, blink and you would miss it. The Ibiza season 2018 is about to reach its grand finale. The good news is that closing party season holds some of the best events of the entire year.
Already, we can sense a change on the ground and in the air. New arrivals are less concerned with getting a tan and more interested in spending all night on the dance floor. With the number of extravagant parties happening, who could blame them?
Take a look at our top closing parties selections to know what's going on where in October. Brace yourselves, though: there is a lot of partying to do between now and 14 October.
THE PARTy closings
Hed Kandi closing Party | Ocean Beach Ibiza | Monday 1 October
Everybody'S favourite tropical, sax-heavy and smile-inducing pool party makes one final flirt with Ibiza in 2018. Singalong house music that everybody is familiar with whilst the sun beats down on San Antonio's coastal beach club - is there a better combo?
Hed Kandi and sunshine go hand-in-hand. It's therefore fitting that they get one more fling before we wave goodbye to summer.
Kisstory closing party | Ocean Beach Ibiza | Tuesday 2 October
Kisstory traces the history of dance music down the years. From house and garage to R&B and hip-hop. It is an essential guide to how to get down and get your groove on.
Catering to a range of tastes, Kisstory is a party that any music lover can enjoy. This makes it the ideal party option for groups consisting of varying preferences. Here's one last fun-filled party for the squad in 2018.
Cocoon grand closing | Pacha | Wednesday 3 October
It's been an interesting summer for Cocoon in its new Pacha home. The switch in nights from Monday to Wednesday made for an exciting 19-week campaign.
Despite this, we can say with some conviction that, whilst some dates were busier than others, more recently Ibiza's underground fraternity has embraced Cocoon in its new home Pacha. The Peggy Gou and Nina Kraviz dates were exceptionally busy.
In fact, irrespective of numbers, the atmosphere on the dance floor has not faltered all season long. In particular, the intimate room 2 has ignited with salsa-esque passion on many occasions.
With Cocoon finally moving into fifth gear, all evidence points to the grand cosing on 3 October being a fitting and thrilling finale. Sven Väth (of course), Dana Ruh and Andre Galluzzi are all confirmed, with Seth Troxler joining Papa in the Main Room.
La Troya closing party | HEART | Wednesday 3 October
Join Baby Marcelo and her outrageous friends for one last Wednesday night carnival known as La Troya. DJs including island-favourite Camillo Franco plus friends will soundtrack the theatric craziness going on around you, but this one will be all about the show.
Afterlife closing party | Hï Ibiza | Thursday 4 October
Following suit from a program that saw exceptional line-ups week-in, week-out, Afterlife has broken the mould for its 2018 swansong. Maceo Plex, Adriatique, Mind Against and Patrice Bäumel - regulars throughout the season - all make their return.
Big hitters Ben Klock, Marcel Dettmann and Âme bolster proceedings further still. In addition, any night we get to see electronic live acts Recondite and Stephan Bodzin both performing on the same line-up is instantly worthy of attending.
Production-heavy Hï has lent itself perfectly to Afterlife's signature ethereal sound, dropping attendees into an immersive aural and visual alien world. One thing is almost for certain. Expect Tale Of Us to shut things down in The Theatre.
Be Crazy Closing Party | HEART | Friday 5 October
Since switching from Lío, Jean Claude Andes's Be Crazy has been a huge coup for HEART. You only need to look at JCA's impressive list of 2018 invitees to understand why: Sébastien Léger, Marcus Worgull, Virginia and Audiofly all played.
The closing party is shaping up to be equally impressive, with H.O.S.H. and Lehar as guests. Musically, this might be our favourite closing of the lot.
ALSO AT HEART: Heart Factory closing party (Tue 2 Oct), Heart Deja Vu closing party (Sat 6 Oct)
elrow closing party | Amnesia | Saturday 6 October
Over this summer, elrow has gone from strength to strength, greatly increasing its popularity. The production heavy tech-house party underlined its unflagging appeal by selling out most weeks.
This summer saw the return of favourite themes as well as the introduction of several fresh ones. The closing party will be a brand new concept called Rowsattacks! Claptone, Joris Voorn and wAFF get in on all the action.
Party residents De La Swing, George Privatti and Tini Gessler are all in attendance for one final madcap caper, while everyone's favourite Bristolian Eats Everything takes care of business in the Club Room | elrow City all night long.
Even though there is a lot happening on Saturday 6 October, we are only expecting this event to go one way: SOLD OUT, just like every other week.
Defected | Eden | Sunday 7 October
Once again, Defected proved it is the face that fits at Eden in 2018. Heavily attended week after week, it is San Antonio's busiest night - and for good reason. One of the few parties that stick to the principle of supplying pure, unadulterated house music.
Dennis Ferrer - long associated with the behemoth house brand and the man who lauded the label with its 500th release - plays his sole date for Defected Ibiza this summer. The Objectivity boss is joined by two double acts in Amine Edge & DANCE and Mambo Brothers.
Plus, it simply wouldn't feel like a Defected closing without pillars Dunmore and Divine. Come along for one final night of soulful vocals and four to the floor beats. What a way to round off 20 years of Defected.
A Labyrinth Story closing | Pacha | Friday 12 October
Hot Since 82's second season at the helm of Labyrinth taking over Fridays at Pacha has been another year of unforetold success. During a 21-week residency, we saw the likes of Erick Morillo, DJ Harvey, Sasha and Deep Dish pass through the cherries.
Things are rounded-off with Ibiza-based husband and wife duo Adam Beyer & Ida Engberg. Two of this season's residents add some strong support in the form of Matthias Meyer and HAAi.
In Strangers In the Night, wily veterans Pippi and Willie Graff channel the spirit of the old Funky Room with pure Balearic bliss.
Solomun +1 | Pacha | Sunday 14 October
Credit where credit is due: the fact that Solomun, together with his +1, can continue his Sunday residency into mid-October speaks volumes about just how popular his night is. Despite the late finish, Pacha will again be packed to the rafters - with islanders, industry folk and club visitors alike.
New faces to appear as a +1 this summer included The Black Madonna, Bicep and Chloé.
For this final big party of 2018, Solomun calls on Diynamic friends Adriatique for what we anticipate to be a spellbinding finish. The Swiss duo has had quite the 2018 season, popping up multiple times around the island.
With an album on the label scheduled for later in the month, what perfect timing that they should be Mladen's final guests. A back-to-back-to-back between the stablemates to end proceedings is inevitable.
ALSO AT PACHA: Flower Power closing (Mon 1 Oct), Tuesdays On Mars (Tue 2 Oct), F*** Me I'm Famous (Thu 4 Oct) and Pure Pacha | Paris By Night (Sat 13 Oct).
The venues' closings
Ocean Beach closing | Friday 5 October
Ocean Beach Ibiza will go out with a bang on Friday 5 October as it hosts its most elaborate closing party to date. Featuring a combination of stars, performers and production elements from all of its spectacular weekly residencies, the final fiesta promises to be the ultimate send-off.
Special guests already confirmed include guitarist Manuel Moore, saxophonist Ruben Moran, Micah the violinist and Lorena de Tena on keys.
You will need to have your dancing feet as well as your swimwear at the ready, with DJs Tom Crane, Grant Collins and friends taking you through to say goodbye to season 2018. You do not want to miss out on this final decadent pool party.
Destino closing party | Friday 5 October
During the first year for Destino's in-house Destinomakers, we saw several events that were truly impressive. The added bonus was that Destino mixed things up quite a bit this year and will now be in charge of the stunning venue's closing party.
No less than three Cocoon Daytime takeovers, a Solomun +Live evening soiree and Richie Hawtin's ENTER.Sake night packed the punters inside. Ultimately, it was Joseph Capriati's birthday with Jamie Jones as the guest that was one of the highlights of the proceedings.
All roads now lead to the closing party on 5 October, which Solomun and Dixon headline together with support from Innervisions' Marcus Worgull. If their +1 date was anything to go by, this will be a magical alfresco affair.
Impromptu back-to-back? We reckon so. Unofficial after party? Never off the cards.
ANTS Takeover Ushuaïa Closing Party | Saturday 6 October
The colony marches towards the end of the season with vigour. Much like its opening party, Ushuaïa has handed control over to ANTS for its closing party.
A familiar face at the venue, Luciano headlines the day. The Swiss-Chilean superstar is joined by an array of ANTS regulars. You will also catch Andrea Oliva, Nic Fanciulli, Steve Lawler and Solardo.
Other names hacking the system are Carl Craig, CamelPhat and Richy Ahmed - making this an especially stacked line-up. Always one to impress, this daytime event has its after-party built in right across the street with Black Coffee at Hï Ibiza. Read on.
Black Coffee & Hï closing party | Saturday 6 October
2018 was the year that Black Coffee justified his star-billing. Being handed first the opening party and now the closing party, too, of Hï Ibiza is an indication of faith and thanks from his employers.
Each Saturday throughout the summer, the South African superstar was joined by one or more heavyweight guests - and yet it was the host who stole the show more often than not.
In a summer where he has collaborated with David Guetta and his profile risen even further, Team Black Coffee can consider this a job well done. The first name down to be joining him is fashion mogul Virgil Abloh. The rest of the names remain secret for the time being.
Music On closing party Part II & Privilege Closing Party | Saturday 6 October
Nobody saw this one coming. Music On has become known for its multi-day closings marathons, but who could have predicted that 2018's second leg would take place on the other side of the street?
Marco Carola and his entourage make the short hop to Privilege for one night only to take care of the uber-club's official closing party.
Not only do we get an early Marco Carola sunset set in Vista, but the techno don goes back-to-back with The Martinez Brothers to end the night. Music On favourites Marco Faraone, Paco Osuna and as yet unannounced artists from the Cuttin' Headz camp are also set to feature.
With up to 10,000 Music On diehards packed into the biggest club in the world, this one is going to be insane.
The Zoo Project closing party | Benimussa Park | Sunday 7 October
Moving to Sundays has proven to be an inspired decision by The Zoo Project. Benimussa Park's flagship party has been the one constant down the years. Apart from the day of the week, nothing else changed in 2018 and the party remains an island favourite.
Capturing the imagination of clubbers with its deserted zoo theme, The Zoo Project always boasts an astute underground music line-up. We saw the likes of Just Be, Nakadia, East End Dubs, Monki, Visionquest and more play at the venue just outside San Antonio this summer.
For the closing, tINI headlines the Treehouse while there's a secret guest TBA taking care of business in the Seal Pit. Graham Sahara, Davina Moss and Federico Grazzini also play. Release your inner animal one last time!
HEART Closing Party | Sunday 7 October
HEART Ibiza rounds off a phenomenal 2018 season with a glittering closing party ceremony on Sunday 7 October. The fine-dining spot in Marina Botafoch can exit season 2018 with its head held high, having crafted an exceptional programme all summer.
No matter the day of the week, you could guarantee HEART would be showcasing amazing music. Few island venues embraced cinematic storytelling and live performance quite like HEART.
For its closing party line-up, the arty venue once again showcases a high calibre of talent. On the decks, we have Apollonia with a four-hour set, Traumer, Salomé, Tuccillo and a special guest yet to be announced taking care of business. We can't wait.
Amnesia closing party | Saturday 13 October
Amnesia always goes out with a bang and 2018 is no different as Amnesia claims the final of the venue closings. With twelve artists confirmed and the promise of more on the way, the stage has been set.
Paco Osuna is the lead name on a bill consisting of key components from all of Amnesia's program. Darius Syrossian represents Do Not Sleep, De La Swing drops in from elrow and Luigi Madonna from Pyramid. It's been a team effort - and what a team Amnesia has at its disposal.
After several years of having distinct music styles in separate rooms, we can say with confidence that this year there will underground house and techno across both rooms. So if that is your preference, this is a party you simply cannot afford to miss.
This party is notorious for its lengthy stomp, so endurance and stamina are essential to see this one through until the early morning. Get ready for some hardcore dancing starting at 22:00 and raging until morning the following day.
With Pacha remaining open throughout winter, that just about wraps things up for 2018, an eventful season with several major talking points. The winter will sure be another off-season of high-intrigue and speculation.
But before that, let's kick back and enjoy what we believe are the best parties of the year. See you on those dance floors.
