&Friends Halloween Festival fills Manila’s skyline with a sold-out crowd, signaling Asia’s EDM takeover
Halloween night at Okada Manila’s The Cove turned into a world-class celebration of music, culture, and creativity as the &Friends Halloween Festival united nearly 60 of Asia’s top electronic music talents, thousands of fans, and a growing international crowd. The sold-out event reinforced &Friends’ position as a trailblazer in the region — Asia’s first destination EDM festival headlined entirely by Asian artists and a defining force in the evolution of Manila’s party scene.
A New Era for Asian EDM
The &Friends Halloween Festival marked another historic milestone, becoming the second sold-out EDM event from &Friends this year and the first-ever EDM destination wedding and festival hybrid, with more than one-third of attendees flying in from abroad. This global turnout underscores the Philippines’ growing reputation as a must-visit destination for music and nightlife tourism.
The lineup featured Knock2, Dabin, Beauz, Sabai, Frosttop x Remk x No Signal, Y3llo, and dozens more — a showcase of Asia’s powerhouse DJs performing on three distinct stages: Spooky Summit, Haunted Hollows, and Spirits Garden. From explosive mainstage drops to underground club chaos and open-air grooves, the festival delivered an immersive journey across the spectrum of modern EDM.
“&Friends was created to break precedent and bring together people over a shared passion for music. Manila proved that Asia is ready to be the next frontier for world-class EDM. Our goal has always been to merge global energy with local culture, and seeing thousands come together showed that the movement’s only getting started.”
— Justin Banusing, Co-Founder & CEO of &Friends and Clout Kitchen
Creating World-Class Moments in Manila
Every corner of The Cove Manila came alive with the signature &Friends touch — where music meets pop culture, creativity, and community. Guests enjoyed themed photo booths, goodies from generous sponsors and merchants at the Spirits Garden, and the vibrant Red Bull Dance Your Style showcase, which brought street dance energy to the open-air stage.
“Our second-ever &friends Festival blew past everything we imagined — a sold-out crowd, insane energy, a team that gave it their all, and some seriously beautiful Halloween fits. Seeing thousands of people fly in from around the world to connect through music was a powerful reminder of why we do this. We’re just getting started.”
— Adriel Yong, Co-Founder and COO of &friends and Clout Kitchen
Further championing local creativity, &Friends introduced its Next Gen Stage, spotlighting emerging Filipino and Southeast Asian DJs who are redefining the region’s sound. By giving rising artists a platform alongside international names, &Friends continues to nurture new talent while celebrating Asia’s growing presence on the global electronic stage.
Redefining the Way Manila Parties
The &Friends Halloween Festival also represents a cultural shift — reintroducing EDM into Manila’s nightlife and transforming how the city celebrates music. Once known for its club-centric scene, Manila is now home to full-scale, destination-style productions that rival the world’s biggest festivals. &Friends continues to lead this change by merging global-quality production with Filipino energy and Southeast Asian talent.
A Cultural Force in the Making
The &Friends Halloween Festival was more than just a sold-out EDM event — it was a cultural milestone. As Asia’s first destination EDM festival with an all-Asian headliner lineup, a record number of foreign attendees, and a commitment to championing local talent, &Friends is not only redefining how Manila parties but also proving that the region can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s biggest music capitals.
ADVT.
This article is brought to you by &FRIENDS.
