Head in the Clouds: 2025 Recap
The 2025 Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival continued at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena this past weekend, taking over Saturday and Sunday with two full days of performances, vibrant fan energy, and milestone moments for Asian and Asian-American artists.
While the festival featured multiple stages, most of my time was spent at the 88rising Stage, the heart of the event and the home of some of the most anticipated acts. This is a breakdown of the sets I personally witnessed, through a mix of observation and my own experience from the crowd.
This was also my first time attending Head in the Clouds, and I went all in with a 1999 Club ticket. Between the access, the standing and seated areas, and the perks, I definitely got the full experience though not without some surprises.
This isn’t a complete review of every artist or every corner of the fest. This is exactly what I lived: the DJ sets, the live performances, the crowd energy and yes, the food. Here's how it all hit me.
The DJ Sets: B, ARMNHMR, Porter Robinson & G-Dragon’s Surprise Opener
The 88rising Stage kicked off each day with DJ sets that did more than just fill time—they set the mood, the pace, and the energy for what was to come.
B. was the first to hit the decks, and honestly? She nailed it. Her set was fun, well-paced, and had the perfect balance of hype and groove. She knew how to build without going too hard too soon, and it made the early crowd move.
Later came ARMNHMR, who brought heavy drops, bright visuals, and a real connection with the crowd. I’m not a diehard EDM fan, but I could respect what they brought to the stage especially the way they read the crowd and adapted.
Porter Robinson had the longest set of the DJs, and while the visuals were amazing and the production top-tier, I’ll admit it dragged a bit for me. I’m not super into EDM, but for those around me? They were living.
And let’s talk about G-Dragon’s DJ opener—totally unexpected, but exactly what then crowd needed after waiting. Before G-Dragon even stepped on stage, the energy was already electric with an effortless mix of hip-hop, EDM, and K-pop Gen 2 classics, the DJ set the perfect tone for the end of the night. The crowd was fully locked in, dancing and cheering as if the headliner had already arrived.
Festival Food: Free, Fire, and Worth Every Bite
Food: Free and delicious
With 1999 access, I had an exclusive section with unlimited food and drinks, and it was hands-down one of the biggest highlights of the weekend. Not only did everything taste great, but the variety and quality were legit. But that also might be because we are the first in the festival.
Rockstar Chicken – The MVP. Crispy, juicy, perfectly seasoned. I came back more than once.
(Unknown Skewer Stall) – Possibly lamb? Completely amazing. I still regret not snapping a pic of the sign because I would absolutely track them down in LA.
Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea – Taiwanese fruit teas that were refreshing and just the right amount of sweet. Perfect for 90-degree heat.
BoBaPOP Tea Bar (V) - They were another Bubble/Fruit Tea. I only tried their Jasmine Lychee Tea, which was very good and refreshing especially on the first day because of the heat.
Seoul Market Eatery – Spicy, chewy, comforting. Exactly what I crave at a festival.
Jilli – Crispy pork chicken with seasoned fries. Unexpectedly great and super satisfying.
Good Alley – Served up a savory Chinese dish that seriously hit. Full flavor, not too heavy.
1999 Club vs. VIP: What You Actually Need to Know
Let me be real: if you're thinking about getting VIP, don’t. Just get the 1999 Club pass instead.
The 1999 standing section is closer to the stage, has way better views, and offers full food and drink perks. Meanwhile, the VIP section was placed farther back and partially blocked by a massive tree. I’m not exaggerating: in some spots, you literally couldn’t see the stage.
There’s also a premium seated section across from 1999. The people standing in VIP behind the 1999 raised platform said their views were completely blocked because of the platform height.
Honestly? If your priority is being close to the music and getting clear views, either go GA or 1999 Club. The GA crowd may be packed, but you’re in it. The 1999 section gave me more breathing room, better access to food, and space to relax but just know the views are mixed depending on where you are and how tall you are.
Live Performances: Everyone I Saw, and What Stayed With Me
Here’s a breakdown of every artist I saw live—and the moments that stood out most:
YY & Youha – Both gave strong early sets. Clean vocals, solid stage presence, and a great vibe to ease into the afternoon. Youha in particular had a very polished feel that felt bigger than her timeslot.
Number_i – I walked in not knowing them. I walked out a fan. Their energy, choreography, and stage control were insane. The crowd around me, especially the fans next to me were going off. I got swept into it and loved every second. “GOAT” and “HIRAKEGOMA” are burned into my memory.
MILLI
Thai rapper with big personality. Fast, fierce, and full of confidence. She brought humor, sharp delivery, and real presence. A true standout.
Xin Liu – My first time seeing or hearing of her, and I was so impressed. She had this balance of elegance and power, with tight vocals and amazing stage movement. One of my favorite discoveries of the weekend.
No Na – Another new one for me. Their performance was heavy on choreography and performance energy. Great dancers, strong execution, and good crowd work. Would definitely watch again.
Dean x Taber
Dean has been on my radar for years, so seeing him live was huge for me. He and Taber delivered a set that was smooth, soulful, and flawless. Dean’s vocals hit even harder live, and this was one of my absolute favorite sets all weekend.
DPR IAN
Electrifying. From his guitar solo intro to his layered choreography and outfit transitions, he didn’t waste a second. His vocals, control, and presence were on another level. Easily one of the top performers of the fest.
Higher Brothers – Fun chaos. The reunion had everyone bouncing. It was about having a good time, and that’s exactly what they delivered.
Rich Brian – Finally saw him live, and he was everything I hoped for. Smart, relaxed, and fully in command of the crowd. Great set with great pacing. Even performed some unreleased songs.
2NE1
Legendary. Even without Park Bom, CL, Dara, and MINZY had the crowd in their hands. From “FIRE” to “UGLY,” it was a reminder of why they’re icons. CL’s solo moment? Unreal. This was my first time seeing them live and I loved every second of it.
G-Dragon
What can I even say? My first time seeing him, and the second he hit the stage, the whole festival changed. His presence is unmatched.
This was Day 1 of the festival and CL came out as a special guest. They performed “The Leaders“ and CL give us a another solo performance.
Jackson Wang, KUN, and the Finale Chaos
The ending felt like a surprise party with no setlist. Jackson Wang, KUN, even Kole and Pokimane were there. The stage was packed, the energy was maxed out. I couldn’t figure out where to look because there was so much happening on stage.
Final Thoughts
I came to Head in the Clouds with a list of artists I wanted to see. I left with a much longer list and a real appreciation for the scale and spirit of what 88rising has built. From huge names like G-Dragon and 2NE1, to surprise favorites like Number_i and Xin Liu, this weekend gave me more than I expected.