Does “We Belong Here” Belong in New Orleans?
The buzz around electronic dance music (EDM) is palpable, especially as new festivals pop up in iconic cities. One such event, “We Belong Here,” has recently announced plans to set up shop in New Orleans from November 13-15 at Woldenberg Riverfront Park. This boutique electronic dance music festival promises to bring a unique experience to the city, following five successful years in locations like New York and Florida.
A Fresh Take on EDM Festivals
Unlike massive festivals such as Electric Daisy Carnival and Ultra Music Festival, which cater to tens of thousands of party-goers, “We Belong Here” focuses on creating an intimate environment. The festival emphasizes community, experiences, and locations over star-studded lineups. Previous events have welcomed heavyweights like Tiesto, Kaskade, and Steve Angello, but in this festival’s philosophy, the real draw is the connection to the venue and the experience it provides.
Scenic Waterfront Setting
Situated alongside the Mississippi River downtown, Woldenberg Riverfront Park offers an aesthetically pleasing backdrop that aligns with the festival’s mission to host events in breathtaking outdoor settings. Other past festivals have taken place in stunning urban waterfronts like Miami’s Historic Virginia Key Beach and Brooklyn’s Greenpoint Waterfront. The park features grassy knolls, public art, and playgrounds—elements that contribute to a vibrant community environment, ideal for this kind of experience.
Immersive Experience for Attendees
“We Belong Here New Orleans” promises over 20 artists performing on two stages, designed to integrate with the natural beauty of the park. Unique to this festival is its open-sided, 360-degree stage where the audience surrounds the performers rather than fixating on a single direction. This layout aims to foster a feeling of unity among attendees.
Attendees must be at least 21 years old, a factor that aligns with the festival’s focus on adult attendees seeking a curated dance party experience. The festival also boasts oversized dance floors, ensuring ample space for revelers to enjoy the music comfortably.
Origins During COVID
The festival was born out of the COVID pandemic’s constraints when co-founders Justin Dauman and Charles Hochfelder aimed to create a safe space for the EDM community to reconnect. In 2021, they conceptualized “We Belong Here” in Miami as a way to emphasize smaller, more meaningful gatherings over sprawling mega-fests.
Unique Locations Matter
Dauman and Hochfelder’s guiding principle is a shift in focus from “who” performs to “where” the event takes place. Their mission has taken them to iconic venues across New York, Palm Beach, and Atlantic City, creating unforgettable experiences in places with historical or scenic significance. They are adamant about choosing venues that resonate with attendees, introducing elements such as food, visual art, and even air-conditioned restroom trailers to enhance comfort during the festival.
Upcoming Events
As excitement builds for the New Orleans edition, “We Belong Here” has several other events lined up. An expanded version in New York will take place from June 19-21 at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. It features a stellar lineup that includes collaborative projects like Kx5 (featuring Kaskade and Deadmau5), along with artists such as Eli Brown, Lane 8, and Above & Beyond.
Furthermore, the festival will celebrate its fifth anniversary on February 26-28, 2027, back at the beloved Historic Virginia Key Beach Park in Miami, reinforcing its commitment to creating engaging dance music experiences in picturesque locations.
Cultural Significance in New Orleans
Bringing “We Belong Here” to New Orleans represents more than just another festival—it’s an opportunity to nourish a dynamic community that thrives on music and connection. The festival’s ethos seems to resonate well with the soul of New Orleans, a city known for its rich musical heritage and vibrant culture. Events like this one could further enrich the local scene, making it an ideal place where both residents and visitors can come together to create lasting memories.
