![[Event Review] Fall’s CRSSD Festival Filled Waterfront Park with Energy and Joy](https://www.mixtv1.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/38194-attachment-860x573.jpg)
## Autumnal Beats: A Recap of the CRSSD Festival September Edition
Although the calendar has officially shifted toward autumn, the energy at San Diego’s Waterfront Park remained scorching during the latest installment of the September edition of CRSSD Festival. This recurring house and techno staple proved once again why it remains a cornerstone of the West Coast electronic music scene.
### A Shift in Sound at City Steps
The City Steps stage, typically a sanctuary for pure techno purists, offered a refreshing departure from the norm this Saturday. By integrating artists like MPH and Marlon Hoffstadt, the festival catered to a shifting musical landscape. The crowd was particularly electric during MPH’s set, fueled by the buzz surrounding his recent Anti Up collaboration, while Marlon Hoffstadt’s “Makina Time” proved to be a definitive anthem of the day. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the stage returned to its roots, with I Hate Models and VTSS delivering high-octane, industrial-leaning sets that solidified their status as titans of the genre.
### Ocean View: From Sunset Grooves to Construction-Themed Spectacles
The Ocean View stage served as the festival’s primary hub for house music enthusiasts. Ayybo and Notion set the tone early, maintaining a high-energy atmosphere that transitioned seamlessly into the sunset. The enigmatic horsegiirL brought a unique, eclectic flair to the proceedings, keeping the audience captivated before the day’s headliner took over. Mochakk’s closing performance was a masterclass in production; he utilized the stage’s massive visual array to its full potential, even incorporating clever, construction-themed signage that added a layer of interactive, industrial playfulness to his set.
### The Palms: A Melodic Haven
The Palms stage has seen a meteoric rise in attendance over the past few years, and this weekend was no exception. The atmosphere was relentless, with fans packing the area to catch the driving tech-house rhythms of ChaseWest and Layton Giordani. As the night reached its peak, Sonny Fodera took the reins, pivoting the vibe toward a more melodic, euphoric soundscape. By weaving in recognizable, crowd-pleasing hits from artists like Rüfüs du Sol and Calvin Harris, Fodera ensured the night ended on a high note, leaving the audience buzzing long after the final beat dropped.
With electronic music festivals seeing a 15-20% increase in attendance post-pandemic, CRSSD continues to prove that its curated, genre-specific approach is a winning formula for modern dance music fans.
