Visionary Australian electronic duo Empire of the Sun has announced the creation of their first-ever destination festival, the Empire of the Sun Festival, named “Chrysalis.” Set to unfold from May 14th to May 16th, 2026, this Mexico destination festival will take place in the stunning locale of San José del Cabo, Baja California, Mexico, specifically at Iskali Gardens within Hotel El Ganzo. This curated three-day experience promises to be a deeply immersive journey, blurring the lines between music, art, and transformative experiences, marking a new chapter for the acclaimed artists at the Empire of the Sun Festival.
The Empire of the Sun Festival: A World of Imagination and Rebirth
The concept behind Chrysalis, the much-anticipated Empire of the Sun Festival, is deeply rooted in the band’s artistic ethos, aiming to provide a “spirit immersive” experience where attendees can leave feeling transformed. Frontman Luke Steele describes the festival as being “about imagination and rebirth,” centered around a narrative that explores five core symbols: the Door, the Egg, the Key, the Wings, and the Bell. These symbols, presented as a secret language, are intended to guide festival-goers through themes of thresholds, revelations, awakenings, future selves, and new beginnings. Produced in collaboration with 100x Hospitality, Chrysalis is designed to be more than just a music event; it’s envisioned as a portal into Empire of the Sun’s surreal visual universe, a place where art installations, hidden activities, and open-air stages converge during this unique San Jose del Cabo event.
An Unforgettable Sonic and Visual Spectacle at the Empire of the Sun Festival
Empire of the Sun themselves will serve as headliners for each night of the Empire of the Sun Festival, delivering three unique and exclusive performances. While a full lineup of supporting international artists is yet to be announced, the festival promises a rich tapestry of entertainment for this premier Electronic music festival. Attendees can anticipate a carefully crafted journey through Iskali Gardens, featuring not only music but also curated art installations and unexpected activations scattered throughout the lush surroundings. This aligns with the band’s well-known penchant for elaborate stage designs, flamboyant costumes, and cinematic visual spectacles that have captivated audiences worldwide. The festival is designed to be a testament to all forms of entertainment, blending high-quality music with cutting-edge art and technology at the Empire of the Sun Festival.
Empire of the Sun’s New Era: The Festival Connection
The announcement of Chrysalis, the groundbreaking Empire of the Sun Festival, comes at a prolific time for Empire of the Sun. The duo recently released their fourth studio album, “Ask That God,” in July 2024, following it with a deluxe edition and a remix EP. The single “Changes,” released in April 2024, was heralded as the first taste of new music in eight years and signaled a “new era” and “time of rebirth” for the band. The festival can be seen as an extension of this artistic evolution, offering fans an unparalleled opportunity to step directly into the band’s meticulously crafted universe and experience the magic of the Empire of the Sun Festival.
Riding the Wave of Destination Festivals: The Empire of the Sun Festival
Chrysalis Destination Festival, otherwise known as the Empire of the Sun Festival, taps into a significant global trend of destination events, where music festivals are evolving into comprehensive travel experiences. These festivals are not only economic drivers for their host locations but also cultural touchstones, offering attendees unique opportunities for exploration and immersion. San José del Cabo’s scenic beauty provides an ideal backdrop for such an ambitious undertaking, continuing the region’s emergence as a hub for premier music events. The demand for such experiences is skyrocketing, with fans increasingly seeking personalized and memorable getaways that combine top-tier entertainment with unique cultural settings, making the Empire of the Sun Festival a standout Mexico destination festival.
Securing Your Passage to the Empire of the Sun Festival
Tickets for Chrysalis, the premier Empire of the Sun Festival, are on sale, with presales beginning on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, and the general public onsale following on Friday, November 21st, 2025, via the official festival website, chrysalisfestival.com. The festival offers a range of ticket and accommodation packages, catering to various preferences. Options include general admission weekend passes, VIP packages, and all-inclusive resort stays with select partner hotels such as Krystal Grand Los Cabos and Royal Solaris, as well as unique glamping experiences at Crania. For those seeking a complete getaway, bundled travel packages that combine festival access with lodging at properties like Hotel El Ganzo, Drift San Jose, and Acre Resort are available, all part of the unforgettable Empire of the Sun Festival experience.
Chrysalis Destination Festival, the spectacular Empire of the Sun Festival, promises to be a landmark event, offering a unique convergence of Empire of the Sun’s signature sound, cutting-edge art, and a profound theme of transformation, making it one of the most anticipated trending events for 2026. This is more than just an Electronic music festival; it’s the ultimate Mexico destination festival and a key San Jose del Cabo event.
