Sunburn Festival shifts venue from Goa to Mumbai this year, but why

India is renowned for its traditional rhythms and classical ragas, but it also hosts Sunburn, one of Asia’s largest events of electronic dance music. Sunburn has been attracting international musicians and EDM enthusiasts for almost 20 years. They gather with torches in hand, dancing to the pulse of a single, throbbing stage, primarily in Goa.

The famous event is returning this December, but this time it’s taking place in Mumbai instead of the calm beaches of Goa. Sunburn will take over the city that never sleeps for three days of energy, lights, and music from the 19th to the 21st.

Mumbai is connected to Sunburn. Do you recall the pivotal Sunburn moments with Swedish House Mafia in 2013 and Avicii in 2011? In their respective years, they delivered beats for Sunburn Arena in Mumbai.

However, a recent survey by their team highlights a growing curiosity amongst fans to experience the festival beyond Goa. “One in two respondents were keen to explore the flagship festival outside of Goa, with a clear preference for Mumbai,” reads Sunburn’s official statement.

A music enthusiast who has been attending music festivals across India, said, “Sunburn moving to Mumbai could be a welcome change. I have been to the city recently for some shows and the crowd really gets the vibe each time. Though Goa is unmatched when it comes to EDM and trance fests, Mumbai (to some extent) is the next best replacement, at least in terms of the crowd,” Surajit Dasgupta, a product manager with a multinational company told .

This significant move comes at a time when the festival secured the 8th spot on DJ Mag’s esteemed ‘Top 100 Festivals of 2025’ list, cementing its status on the global stage.

“Goa has been an integral part of that story and will always be close to us, but building a legacy also means taking it forward. Bringing Sunburn to Mumbai feels like the right step, creating new energy and connections in a city that never stands still. The city’s creative pulse and deep ties to youth culture make it the perfect stage for what’s next,” says Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn.

According to Maharashtra tourism, this move could attract global attention and fuel local businesses as well.

Since 2007, Goa and the Sunburn Festival have been closely linked, turning the area into a thriving hub for music lovers from all over the world that draws the best DJs and performers from across the world.

Every format, including Sunburn Arena, Reload, Campus, and the flagship festival, strikes a new chord and expands its worldwide reach. What about the main performers? Artists that have performed on the stage include Martin Garrix, Skrillex, Swedish House Mafia, Alan Walker, Armin van Buuren, DJ Snake, Tisto, The Chainsmokers, David Guetta, and Hardwell.