Nobody has a more informed overview of the party scene here on Ibiza, than the seasoned clubbers at Ibiza Spotlight. Are we blowing our own trumpet? Well, yes, a little - and justifiably so.
Cumulatively, no organisation matches the number of hours spent on the island's dancefloors down the years since we launched in 1976 (and we shows the signs of wear and tear to prove it!). Without having the exact data to hand, that's easily a fact, we're confident in saying.
Here, we recount the highlights from June and look ahead to the DJs we can't wait to see in July.
Jo Dargie, freelance contributor
June highlight
deadmau5 | Space | Eden | 21 June
My own return to the island last month was justifiably overshadowed by another: veteran DJ and producer deadmau5 who flew in for a talk-of-the-town set with Space at Eden on Friday night.
Matching the anticipated hype, we saw Joel Zimmerman jump into action unmasked in leading us into hard dance territory. Navigating 25 years of pivotal deadmau5 records and recent hits, like 2023 vocal powerhouse Escape, made us all take a moment.
It wasn’t too long before deadmau5 then reached for his famous mouse headgear and you can bet that the crowd energy turned up another notch. An Instagram-worthy moment? Nah! This crowd was too deep into the rave to reach for their phones.
If a DJ set from deadmau5 remains unticked on your bucket list, then watch out for his return to Space on 19 July.
On the radar for July
Sven Väth | Storytellers | Cova Santa | 12 July
No hard-sell is required to explain why a night soundtracked by Sven Väth is always a good idea. Whilst his transcendent Techno has the power to hypnotise the masses, it's Sven’s more intimate island gatherings that always catch my eye.
This July, Sven Väth re-enters the whimsical world of Storytellers in its Theatre of Sound era at bohemian retreat Cova Santa. Already, my imagination is running wild at what artistic, and downright weird, sights and sounds the night will hold.
My last dance with Sven Väth was cut short due to a less than kind hangover, so this might just be the perfect chance to pick-up where we left off.
Luke Botting, freelance contributor
June highlight
Reboot DJs | Pukka Up & Reboot present Outset Ibiza Boat Party | San Antonio | 18 June
Hailing from Sydney Australia, our boat parties are legendary: sunshine, beats and a gorgeous harbour to cruise around - I thought I knew the drill. But Ibiza? Wow…This party island takes it to a whole new level.
The collaboration between Pukka Up and the Reboot crew with their Outset Ibiza Boat Party absolutely blew me away!
It was three glorious hours of pure, unadulterated fun, fuelled by an endless flow of drinks combined with DJ’ playing the best House, Trance and Techno bangers pumping through the boat's JBL sound system. All of this while cruising into the most gorgeous Balearic sunset.
If you're looking for an Ibiza boat party experience, this will set the bar very high.
On the radar for July
Ben Böhmer (live) | Brunch Electronik | 528 Ibiza | 19 July
In the month of July, open-air festival organiser Brunch Elektronik brings a stellar line-up of DJs and live acts to outdoor party location 528 Ibiza. Taking centre stage on 19 July is Ben Böhmer, who will already be on your radar if you're a Melodic Techno fan, like myself.
Few artists have managed to make a consistent appearance in my Spotify wrapped as Böhmer. To say I'm excited to witness him weave his signature dreamy melodies live would be a massive understatement. His music is a guaranteed goosebump inducer, and undeniably danceable.
See you on the 19 July for an unforgettable night.
Stephen Hunt, clubbing editor
June highlight
Jon Sa Trinxa | Sa Trinxa | Las Salinas | 2 June
Though they might be harder to find nowadays, some things are just totally Balearic - and in the authentic sense, not the pseudo, marketed way. Jon Sa Trinxa playing at Sa Trinxa is one of them.
Playing with complete musical freedom - nothing is off the cards, whether that be classic Motown, guilty pleasures you'd never confess to liking under normal circumstances, the latest Bicep or obscure Acid wobblers. On paper, it shouldn't work, and yet it does.
It's not the music alone though, it's the beautiful setting and the kindred spirits who gather in this heavenly corner of Earth. Oh, and it's free.
JST's extended 2024 run includes most Friday and Sundays in June and July. Whether we can count on further appearances beyond that, who can say? Let’s enjoy them while they last. There’s nothing like a day on the beach with Jon.
On the radar for July
Elliot Schooling & Liam Palmer | Appetite Ibiza | Club Chinois | 9 July
One that’s been on the cards for several years but somehow never seemed to get over the line, finally has! Cult London favourite Appetite finally has an edition confirmed. There’s no denying the following that Elliot Schooling & Liam Palmer command on home territory.
While popularity back home doesn’t already guarantee success on Ibiza, I’m firmly of the belief that fans of Appetite will be out in force for this one-off at Club Chinois. With Archie Hamilton and Josh Baker also on the bill, it’s a must-attend for those who like their House stripped-back and groovy.
Hayley Morgan, social media manager
June highlight
Nightmares On Wax | Cosmic Pineapple | Cova Santa | 6 June
Held close to my heart, Cosmic Pineapple made the transition to Cova Santa for summer 2024, and what a triumph it is proving to be. Known for its creative collaborations and eclectic mix of artists, it's home to Ibiza's hippy-hearted brigade.
Island favourite Nightmares On Wax led the open-air stage with a jumping set, resulting in hands being raised whilst Dave the inflatable dolphin crowd-surfed upon them.
In classic Cosmic style BabyJane, dressed in their latest vibrant ensemble, eloquently played the trumpet as a fairy mascot painted rainbows on stage. It was weird, wonderful, and welcoming, and everything the spirit of Ibiza is about.
On the radar for July
Friction | Worried About Henry | Eden | 15 July
Worried About Henry gets me in the feels. There is something about the energy, enthusiasm and all-round energetic recklessness of this Eden party, that reminds me of clubbing days gone by.
This summer, Hybrid Minds take the reins as residents and their liquid-vocal D&B style is my musical drug of choice. They soundtrack my morning runs, enthusiastic house cleans and are now complicit in making me late to work.
July 15 stands out as Friction joins the line-up. A class act within the scene, he’s been on my Spotify favourites list for sometime, although I am yet to catch him in the booth. There are a few bangers that I’m excited to catch, but hearing Good To Me blasted out on Eden's sound system is the track my leg-arm combo is poised and ready for.
You can find full listings and tickets by heading to our definitive party calendar and filtering by your dates.
WORDS | by Jo Dargie, Luke Botting, Stephen Hunt and Hayley Morgan
