After a long, hard summer grinding away, October is always my time to shine on the party front - not least, because it's my birthday. This year, it's a particularly big deal as I wave goodbye to my dirty thirties and welcome in my forties.
They say "life begins at forty". That remains to be seen. Although, looking at some of my colleagues, evidence suggests there's a little truth to it.
What's definitely true, is that "closing party season begins 1 October", so there's lots to choose from. It's certainly not going to be a quiet one. If you want to raise a glass to my old age, you'll catch me enjoying myself at all of the below and, dare I say, a few more next month.
Barbara Tucker (live PA) | Kinky Malinki | O Beach
Sunday 5 October
At risk of bending my own rules, since this is a live PA and not a DJ set, yet it's more than worthy of inclusion. Put respect on Barbara Tucker's name - one of House music's original diva vocalists. She is the marquee act for Kinky Malinki's third and final outing at O Beach Ibiza.
This one also happens to fall on my birthday weekend. I can think of far worse ways to see in a fortieth. You'll find me suitably inebriated on a bed and with my Out Of Office auto-reply very much in effect. Sorry, not sorry.
Ben Sims | Pyramid closing party | Amnesia
Sunday 5 October
Some bookings instantly jump out from the screen at you. This is one of them. I can't tell you the last time Ben Sims played on Ibiza, but if you told me it was as far back as We Love's final year at Space, I'd believe it. Answers on a postcard.
A recent addition to Pyramid's closing party at Amnesia on 5 October, this rare island appearance is too tantalising to overlook. Proper Techno incoming from one of the most overlooked names on the circuit. One for the heads. Time to run it red.
Hernán Cattáneo b2b Nick Warren | Las Dalias
Thursday 9 October
Nowadays, I don't get seduced by back-to-back pairings unless I'm certain the chemistry is going to be alchemic. There's no questioning that with these two. They are one of electronic music's golden couples behind the decks. Hernán Cattáneo b2b Nick Warren is unmissable every time.
Hernán Cattáneo has saved his (in my opinion) best guest for last, as he completes date three of three at Las Dalias and Akasha with his close friend. This tandem guarantees you'll hear some of the best music of the entire year - and they place twice! Once outside and again inside.
Sorry, but full access tickets are sold out. Fortunately, the real magic happens under the stars in the garden - and at only €20 each plus booking fee, they're a snip.
Gerd Janson | Flash x Cocktail D'Amore | Pikes
Friday 10 October
This summer, I've caught some incredible sets in Pikes' intimate discotheque, Freddies - and most them foraging solo. Name a better place to lose yourself in the music or make new friends? DJ Harvey, Pete Tong, DJ Tennis, Jeremy Healy - all of them delivered.
I'm confident there'll be a new addition to that list in a few weeks, as Gerd Janson returns for Flash.
A couple of years ago when he played, I got separated from the group, randomly bumped into a couple of pals from Newcastle at the back of the room and had the night of my life. When I reappeared several hours later, I had a story to tell. Pure Pikes!
The guest list opens for sign-up on 26 September via Pikes' website. Admission not guaranteed. Mandatory €5 charitable donation upon arrival.
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Lorenzo Melissari
Carlita | Pacha's Grand Closing Party
Saturday 11 October
Back in April, Carlita was one of my highlights from my annual expo to Time Warp. Taking on the legendary dome room at sunrise from a departing Laurent Garnier is no small task. If she felt any nerves, the young Turkish DJ didn't show any. She might've been the coolest person in the room.
A few weeks later, she was at it again, this time captivating me on Ibiza at DC10 for Circoloco. Can lightning strike three times? I'm hoping so. Three is the magic number at Pacha's Grand Closing Party, where she supports RÜFÜS DU SOL on 11 October.
Tickets for four out of five of Steve’s top picks can be found via our party calendar.
HEADER IMAGE | by CM. Robinson
