For the first time ever, Sunburn Festival is leaving Goa! Discover why Mumbai was chosen as the new host city for India’s biggest EDM celebration in 2025.
New Beat Drops in Mumbai
For close to 20 years, the Sunburn Festival has been associated with Goa and EDM, welcoming thousands of enthusiasts from around the world. Yet, 2025 is a watershed moment. For the first time in 18 years, Asia’s largest electronic dance music festival is moving— from the beaches of Goa to the concrete jungle of Mumbai.
The rationale behind this shift, a combination of increasing bureaucracy and potential for growth, has led to a mixed response from fans: surprise, excitement, and nostalgia. But what does it mean for the future of Sunburn, and why is Mumbai one step closer to being the new Mecca for EDM in India?
Why the Shift from Goa to Mumbai?
Goa has fulfilled its spiritual home as the Sunburn festival since 2007, but will probably not play host, at least for the time being. Here’s why:
1. Bureaucracy
Over recent years, organisers of Sunburn have encountered varying forms of red tape in Goa – licence issues, noise complaints, environmental deposits, and political pushback. According to insiders, rising permissions and last-minute issues have made Goa’s viability for a mass coastal festival impractical.
2. Community and Local Resistance
Communities are increasingly resentful over the festival’s environmental impacts, traffic congestion, and alleged drug culture promotion. Even though the organizers put a lot of work into facilitating safety and eco-friendly practices, there was a great deal of public backlash after the pandemic set in.
3. Attractions of Mumbai: A City that Never Sleeps
Mumbai brings better infrastructure, immense reach, and a wholly supportive local government. The Maharashtra Tourism Department sees this as a way to enable the city to be a global music tourism centre.
When and Where: Sunburn Mumbai 2025
Festival Dates:
December 19th, 20th, 21st, 2025
A 3-day music festival with the world’s top international and Indian EDM artists.
Venue:
The venue has yet to be announced; however, it’s rumoured to be Mahalaxmi Racecourse, NESCO Grounds, and Reliance Jio Garden.
The Fest will be an enormous outdoor event with next-generation visuals, immersive experiences, and multiple staged installations.
Ticket Sales:
Pre-Sale (RuPay Credit Card Holders): On-sale Day: August 12th at 12 PM
General Sale: On-sale Day: August 14th from 12 PM on BookMyShow
Expect to see tiered pricing, VIP Zones, after-party access, and early-bird pricing.
What Do We Expect from Sunburn Mumbai: Bigger, Louder, Better
This is a move not just a location, but a move in strategy as well. Here’s what
1. Better Production Value
State-of-the-art sound systems
360° immersive stage designs
Pyrotechnics, drones, laser lights & holographic visuals
2. Accessibility & Connectivity
No more intercity travel or exorbitant resort bookings
Fans from Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru & Hyderabad now have access via direct flights or trains
Integration of public transport and ride-share opportunities (e.g., Uber + Sunburn bundles) to help with crowd management
3. Curated Experiences
EDM-themed flea markets
Immersive lounges & sponsor activations (e.g., Heineken beer garden, JBL Sound Labs)
Mental well-being booths, chill zones & zero-tolerance safety zones
What Goa is Losing
Let’s not pretend there is no void left inside Goa:
Tourism revenue loss during the peak holiday season
Lesser spotlight on Goan artists, vendors & local jobs
A possible drop in international tourist footfall in December
Though some believe this is a time for Goa to think smaller about cultural events and focus on sustainability.
Stats: Sunburn by the Numbers
Annual Footfall (Pre-COVID): 300,000+
Countries Represented: 60+
Instagram Followers: 2.3M+
Economic Impact on Goa: ₹100 crores (est.) annually
With the scale of Mumbai, these numbers could be easily doubled by 2026.
First Time to Sunburn / First Time in Mumbai
If you’re a first-time Sunburn goer (or first time in Mumbai):
Book early.
The accommodations closest to the venue will sell out fast. Look for hotels or Airbnbs in the area of Lower Parel, Bandra, or Andheri.
Wear Smart:
Think about comfortable shoes, breathable fabrics, and anti-theft bags.
Water and service.
December is likely to be cool – regardless – you’ll be dancing for hours! Bring a reusable bottle for water – and earplugs for hearing protection.
Download the app.
The official Sunburn app will have production schedules, artist schedules, site maps, contacts in case of emergency, and other alerts.
The Dawn of a New Era for EDM in India
Sunburn’s transfer from Goa to Mumbai is more than a location change; it is a landmark moment in India’s music history. While Goa will always, in some sense, be a part of Sunburn’s DNA, Mumbai brings opportunities for scaling the festival, bigger audiences, access to better technologies, and greater access to international audiences, etc.
FAQs:
1. Why did Sunburn move out of Goa?
Due to red tape, anti-development sentiment, and increasingly onerous conditions, the decision was made by the producers to transfer to a more sustainable and scalable city, Mumbai.
2. Where will Sunburn 2025 hold the event in Mumbai?
The exact event venue has not been published yet, but it is likely that either Mahalaxmi Racecourse or NESCO Grounds would be the sites.
3. How can I purchase tickets?
Tickets will be available on BookMyShow and on August 12 (for public sale on August 14). There will be a pre-sale for RuPay cardholders on August 12 at 12 PM.
4. Is Sunburn Mumbai safe for solo travelers or women?
Yes! Sunburn has excellent safety procedures in place for the event. Expect lots of security, staff monitoring the venue, and the option for pre-purchased woman-only zones in VIP or general zones.
5. What should I take to the festival?
ID proof, a power bank, digital payment apps, sunscreen, and earplugs.
6. Will Goa still host music festivals?
Yes, Goa will definitely go ahead with the smaller electronic dance music (EDM) festivals and cultural festivals. However, Sunburn will not go ahead in the near future.
7. Will international artists still attend the Mumbai edition?
Definitely! Organizers of Sunburn have publicly guaranteed an international all-star line-up of top-class DJs as well as a visual artist from across the globe.