While it might almost be time for the sun to set on another unforgettable summer, Ibiza isn't done with us yet. Hell no. It's closing party season, baby! This is your last chance to get that last-minute Ibiza weekend out of the group chat and into reality this year.
When the clubs go all out on mega star line-ups and rare back-to-back pairings. And, if we’re getting sentimental for a sec, there’s just something about this time of year. The dancefloors are even more electric, the crowd feels closer and there’s this unspoken agreement to squeeze every last drop of summer dopamine out of the world's favourite party island.
If you find yourself lucky enough to touch down on Ibiza in the month of October, here are my top five sets you won't want to miss.
Olive F | Paradise | [UNVRS]
Wednesday 1 October.
Anyone worth their dollar in House and Techno knows the annual pilgrimage to the Paradise closing party is non-negotiable, with James Jones curating a heavyweight line-up headed for [UNVRS].
This time around, fiery record collector turned boss selector Olive F is a clear standout. Olive blends groovy, forward-thinking House with carefully selected archive finds that hit the perfect nostalgic sweet spot.
Her Paradise booking caps off a career-defining summer for the rising Londoner, who is currently nominated for Best Newcomer at the DJ Awards. A recognition that feels entirely in tune with the momentum she’s building.
Fleur Shore b2b Prunk | Music On | Pacha
Friday 3 October
Marco Carola’s Music On crew are locked in for the long haul with three more power-stacked Pacha dates to go, but the stoically cool label-boss is not holding until closings to call in big names.
One for house music lovers, Fleur Shore and Prunk hook up for one of their notorious back-to-back sessions. Dropping chunky basslines, crisp percussion and unruly grooves from start to finish, get ready to shake ya cherries!
Chelina Manuhutu b2b Mason Collective | ANTS | Ushuaia
Saturday 4 October.
Metalworks is easily one of ANTS’s most ambitious productions yet. For the grand finale, no expense has been spared assembling a huge bill of back-to-back DJ pairings.
Choosing just one dominating duo is no easy task. Max Dean b2b Sosa is guaranteed to deliver a groove-laden masterclass. However, ANTS favourite Chelina Manuhutu joining forces with underground trio Mason Collective is a colony exclusive, giving them the edge.
Get ready for energy behind the decks, and Ushuaïa Ibiza’s trademark mind-blowing production as we shut things down in true ANTS style.
Kathy Sledge (live PA) | Glitterbox | Hï Ibiza
Sunday 5 October.
Okay, so not quite a DJ set, however, a night with Kathy Sledge behind the mic at Disco-lovin' fun fest Glitterbox certainly ticks the box as unmissable.
A founding member of legendary band Sister Sledge, Kathy has given the world some of Disco’s most iconic tracks. Think We Are Family, Lost in Music, Pretty Baby, the list goes on.
Still rocking the stage today as if it were the swinging Seventies, when Kathy steps into the spotlight, expect the entire dancefloor to become one big family. Get your arms in the air, sing every lyric and join the dazzling dancers, at Glitterbox's spectacular summer send-off.
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Mario Pinta
Dan Ghenacia | Tales of the Unexpected | Akasha
Friday 17 October
Deserving of his title as the Kingpin of the Paris underground, Dan Ghenacia is a DJ who truly knows his craft.
One third of adored DJ outfit Appolonia, Dan Ghenacia is a master in drawing dynamic cuts into his sets. Guiding the dancefloor into a deep trippy territory, then flipping the switch into meticulously unfiltered Electro and House.
Now picture this in the cosy confines of Akasha’s crowd-surround DJ booth in the late hours, following the pre-party in the Las Dalias café guided by The Brothers Grim at Tales of The Unexpected.
Tickets for all five of Jo’s top picks this month can be found via our party calendar.
HEADER IMAGE | by Hattie Scanlan
