Proper NYE/NYD: Rain, Fireworks, and Two Days of Non-Stop Magic
If there was ever a doubt that San Diego is the premier destination for New Year’s Eve, CRSSD’s Proper NYE/NYD just silenced it. Spanning the final hours of 2025 and the first of 2026, the festival turned Petco Park into a sprawling playground for electronic music enthusiasts.
The Layout: From The Park to the Club
The distribution of the five stages was brilliantly executed, utilizing every inch of the venue’s unique architecture. Between Gallagher Square, the open-air energy of The Field, and the gritty, high-energy setup of The Lot, there was never a dull moment. The Wall offered incredible visuals that melted onto the wall behind the DJs, while The Terrace offered a complete vibe shift—sleek, intimate, and carrying the unmistakable atmosphere of an exclusive club. With five stages well-distributed across the grounds, the music kept going all day and all night.
Day 1: Dancing Through the Deluge
The 31st threw us a curveball with the rain, but it only served to highlight how well-curated the stages were; each lineup felt like a deliberate journey. San Diego didn’t let the weather stop the party, and honestly, the Purple Disco Machine set was nothing short of incredible. Seeing a sea of neon ponchos dancing through the downpour without a single person stopping was a core memory in the making. The rain actually seemed to fuse the crowd together—we were all just happy to be there, soaking wet and losing ourselves in the rhythm.
The talent on New Year’s Eve was relentless, showcasing an eclectic mix of acts that ranged from the absolute icon Green Velvet to a massive Villager b2b Canary Yellow set. With heavy hitters like Gorgon City and Sammy Virji keeping the energy high, the atmosphere was electric. Nothing could top the countdown, though—ringing in 2026 with fireworks while Adam Beyer commanded the decks was the absolute best way to end the night.
Day 2: A Cascade of Talent
By January 1st, the clouds cleared to make way for a relentless cascade of talent across the venue. One thing that always sets CRSSD apart is the dedication of the fans; the crowd consistently arrives early and leaves late, squeezing every drop out of the experience. Even in the early hours of the 1st, the set by Joey Beltram was already packed with happy day-party people, setting a high bar for a crowd that was clearly ready for 2026.
The afternoon transitioned into a sun-soaked blur of standout performances, with Nora En Pure and Flight Facilities providing the perfect melodic soundtrack before the momentum surged with Hamdi, SG Lewis, and Oscar L.
The energy reached a fever pitch during the Skrillex b2b Four Tet set. It was insanely packed—watching the massive influx of people descend upon the Park Stage all at once was an absolutely memorable sight. The sheer scale of the crowd moving in unison reflected the pull of these artists. We then transitioned into the high-intensity sounds of Sara Landry and Disclosure, finally culminating the night with Justice’s DJ set. It was an impressive, high-energy finish to a weekend that proved just how deep and thoughtfully planned the talent ran this year.
Final Verdict
There’s a unique soul to Proper; it attracts the kind of dedicated crowd that treats a little rain as part of the production rather than an obstacle. The artists we’ve highlighted here barely scratch the surface of a lineup so deep it was impossible to see everyone we wanted to. Beyond the music, the hospitality was a major highlight—having the Petco food and drink stands open through the night was a total game-changer. The food was genuinely delicious and having drinks so readily available kept the momentum going without ever breaking the vibe.
CRSSD events demonstrate time and time again that people love house and techno; they show up, they dress up, and they support the brand—and the brand responds accordingly with world-class experiences. We couldn’t feel more stoked to have been part of it and can’t imagine a better way to start the year. We love you CRSSD, we love Proper—see you next year!
