WIRE Festival 2025 Expands to Three Days of Immersive Underground Techno in NYC

October 24, 2024

Three days of cutting-edge underground techno, immersive visuals, and a vibrant community experience is coming to the Knockdown Center in NYC.

WIRE festival returns in 2025 for its fourth edition on May 16th – 18th in New York City. Known for showcasing underground dance music, WIRE takes place each year at the Knockdown Center in Queens. Organized by BASEMENT, the festival brings together global legends with local New York talent.

This year’s line up is yet to be announced. Past headliners include iconic names such as Jeff Mills, DJ Stingray 313, and Bassiani. In 2024, Berlin’s Mall Junta and Amsterdam’s Vault Sessions took over one of the stages, highlighting the latest cutting-edge techno. For 2025, WIRE has expanded from two to three days, with music running from Saturday night all the way through Sunday evening.

Red laser light show during WIRE Festival at Knockdown Center, NYC, with a packed crowd — photo credit: Bryan Kwon

Apart from the music, WIRE partners with Resident Advisor to host discussion panels. These panels bring together industry professionals such as artists, organizers, booking agents, and label owners, allowing them to network and connect just a few hours before the first DJ hits the stage.

The Ambient stage, which debuted in 2023, will return this year. This stage offers artists the chance to experiment with sounds by going beyond traditional techno. It’s a space where artists are encouraged to experiment with new sounds within electronic music inviting listeners with a unique and immersive experience.

Crowd dancing at The Ruins stage during WIRE Festival at Knockdown Center, NYC — photo credit: Bryan Kwon

WIRE is also known for its immersive visuals. In 2024, it partnered with France’s Collectif Scale and New York-based studios Inner Light and Studio Gum Gum. Their light shows and visual installations transformed the Knockdown Center, creating a unique environment. For 2025, the outdoor stage, The Ruins, will offer a house-focused lineup, giving fans an open-air experience. Overall, WIRE Festival 2025 promises a weekend full of cutting-edge music and immersive experiences.

Weekend passes are on sale now. Single-day tickets and the full lineup will be announced closer to the event. With its commitment to cutting-edge music, innovative visuals, and community-building, WIRE continues to be a leader in New York’s electronic music scene.