After procrastinating last month and submitting my picks far too late, I resolved to do much better for July. Mission accomplished! Being prepared this time around meant I had the full 31 days to play, but, if anything, this made making my choices even harder.
Frankly, we are spoilt for the quality and variety on offer throughout July. If you're at a quandary during your stay, I hope these suggestion help you out. Take a look and get planning.
Jen Cardini | Chloé Caillet presents Smiile | Pikes
Wednesday 8 July
Chloé Caillet brings her inclusive, love-fuelled party Smiile back to Pikes in summer 2026. As well as female-identifying artists outweighing the number of their male counterparts, members of the LGBTQIA community are also platformed at Smiile.
One of the driving forces behind the flawless Correspondant imprint, Jen Cardini is rightfully regarded as one of the most important preservers of our culture. Over a thirty year career, they have become a near-peerless DJ.
Opportunities to catch them playing on Ibiza are few and far between, so we strike when we can. And Pikes is the perfect match. For me, it's a dream pairing.
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Felix van Leusden
Neliah Kandisha | Namaste | Akasha
Wednesday 8 July
I've been fortunate enough to catch Neliah Kandisha play for Namaste before.
The last time I had the privilege, she sent me into outer space with her Goa-style blend of Psytrance, Acid and tribal. On that occasion, she was playing in front of the fire pit on the outdoor Pachamama stage in the Las Dalias garden.
Next week, she's back. This time, she'll be playing inside 300-capacity Akasha club to an adult-only crowd. I'm intrigued to see how differently she'll play in this setting, if at all. Whichever direction she takes it, it's going to sound incredible on the sound system there.
Kirollus | La Discothèque | 528 Ibiza
Thursday 23 July
Having spent last winter living (and partying!) in Brighton on the UK's south coast, I have a certain affinity for the people and the scene there. That has inspired by first pick. There are crate-diggers and then there is Kirollus.
The record-shop dweller and rare vinyl collector was one of a number of names to emerge in the online streaming boom during the pandemic. While others have faded into insignificance, Kirollus profile has gone stratospheric. He can't stop the bookings from rolling in.
Fast-forward to the present and Kirollus is sharing his vast and largely obscure record collection with dancefloors far and wide. He's already received rave reviews from dynamite sets at everywhere from Lost Village to Field Day. Now, La Discothèque at 528 Ibiza beckons.
Josh Baker b2b Max Dean | You&Me | Amnesia
Thursday 30 July
Individually, Josh Baker and Max Dean are two of the most bankable names on the current international DJ circuit. Whatever they touch, turns to gold. They both also happen to be a part of Amnesia's superstar class of 2026. Quite the coup to secure both of their signatures.
Their forthcoming back-to-back for You&Me at the end of the month probably wouldn't have caught my interest, had it not been for their earlier effort at Pyramid on 21 June. Frankly, it blew my socks clean off. If the next one is only half as good, it'll be worth attendance.
Can lightning strike twice? I hope so.
PHOTOGRAPHY | by PHRANK
Red Axes | Astradanza | Playa Soleil & Bora Bora
Friday 31 July
Red Axes consistently produce some of the most unconventional and forward-thinking electronic music of any producers on the planet. Whether they are DJing or performing live, you are always guaranteed to have a dancefloor experience to remember.
Playa Soleil raising Bora Bora from the proverbial ashes has been one of the talking points of the season so far. The new dual destination for day-to-night parties in Playa d'en Bossa, is the ideal spot off the beach for a line-up that also includes Pachanga Boys and Radio Slave.
It's so up my street, I wonder whether the programmers have read my mind. Feels too good to be true.
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Mike Miller
Tickets to all five of Steve's picks can be found on our party calendar, along with extensive listings at the island's best clubs.
