Worlds Away music festival featuring high-profile acts such as Tiësto, The Chainsmokers, and Lauv, debuted on October 12 at the historic Monterey County Fairgrounds and is expected to return next year.
According to sources close to the festival, the lineup of acts mixed with the immersive atmosphere of the festival has organizers looking to expand the event into a two day festival for the future. Over 8,000 attendees came to the historic grounds this year with no details slotted as of yet for the next installment of the inaugural event.
The lineup for the inaugural festival also included R3HAB, Sam Feldt, Lost Kings, and Ayokay. According to festival organizers, “Worlds Away” aimed to celebrate the unifying power of art while honoring Monterey’s rich cultural history and shaping the future of festivals.
“This is more than just an event; it is a movement,” the announcement stated. “Worlds Away transports ‘travelers’—the festival attendees—into an entirely different world through cutting-edge technological innovation, immersive art installations, spectacular light shows, and performances from multi-platinum and Grammy-winning artists.”
Ro Sahebi, the festival founder, emphasized that Worlds Away was not your typical music festival. “Festivals today are focused on getting bigger and bigger. We focused on creating something much more intimate and engaging,” Sahebi said. “And what better place than the site where it all started?” He added that this inaugural event was merely a taste of what was to come, with plans for future festivals in multiple locations already in motion, supported by committed sponsors and partners.
Tickets for “Worlds Away” went on sale starting August 16, with a pre-sale option available two days earlier on August 14. General Admission (GA) tickets granted access to all festival activities and performances. For those looking for a more enhanced experience, GA+ tickets included the same access along with a unique merchandise package.
VIP guests enjoyed additional perks, including exclusive access to a VIP lounge and prime viewing areas for performances. An exclusive Pendulum VIP package was also available, offering ticket holders a sneak peek of the venue on October 11, the night before the festival began. This package included full access to the artist lounge, an invitation to an exclusive after-party, and personal concierge services to assist with reservations and festival inquiries.
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The setting for Worlds Away held significant cultural weight, as the Monterey County Fairgrounds was the site of the original Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, widely considered a pivotal moment in music history. The festival helped launch the careers of several legendary artists and set a precedent for future music festivals, blending art and activism.
Worlds Away aimed to continue this legacy by not only providing a platform for top-tier musical acts but also by creating an environment that fostered community and connection among attendees. The festival blended state-of-the-art technology with artistic expression, creating an engaging atmosphere that encouraged attendees to immerse themselves fully in the experience.
Pendulum’s commitment to innovation was reflected in their approach to festival design. With plans for interactive installations and visually stunning light shows, Worlds Away sought to break the mold of traditional music festivals, offering something truly unique.
As excitement built for the festival, Sahebi noted that they were not merely focused on the music but were dedicated to cultivating a holistic experience that resonated with attendees long after the event concluded. “We wanted this festival to be something people talked about for years to come,” he said.
