III POINTS REMAINS A VITAL LIFELINE FOR THE MIAMI MUSIC SCENE’S UNDERBELLY

For most of the U.S., the fall season is defined by trees' red-orange leaves falling, a reflection of the past and renewal of the future. But in Miami, it means preparing for the most anticipated homegrown music event. This past weekend, III Points festival once again graced the grounds of its founding spot in the heart of Miami. A celebration of music at its finest, the festival draws locals and travelers alike, encouraging them to shed their egos on the streets of Wynwood and dive headfirst into the sounds of artistic brilliance.

Since its inception in 2013, III Points has established itself as a cultural landmark, showcasing the art, music, and technology that intersect to form a vital part of Miami’s creative identity. It serves as a crucial platform for the city’s underground scene, offering artists across indie, dance, experimental, and electronic genres opportunities that can define their careers. The festival consistently bridges the gap between mainstream exposure and hidden-gem recognition.

Eleven years in, III Points has evolved into an entertainment powerhouse. This year, it brought in heavyweight headliners like Kaytranada, Disclosure, and Rick Ross, while still giving the spotlight to underground acts like Snow Strippers and Thee Sacred Souls. Events like this continue to affirm Miami’s status as a global music capital, providing a haven for budding passions to flourish and newfound identities to thrive. The festival’s unique role in nurturing creative expression and driving bright-eyed individuals to pursue dreams of artistic creation ensures that the city remains a cultural epicenter.

The most riveting aspect of Miami’s music scene is the stark contrast between the allure of mainstream broadcasting and underground sound intimacy. Social media easily glamorizes the long lines snaking outside Space nightclub, but the true local gems are often found in private DJ mixers at tucked-away venues in places like Little Haiti, shared by a random mutual. Sure, standing VIP behind John Summit from dusk till dawn has its appeal (to some), but there’s something undeniably special about discovering emerging talent in revamped warehouses and off-the-grid spots. The beauty of III Points is that it embodies this duality, seamlessly blending the familiar with the cutting edge, giving festival-goers a chance to experience both worlds and connect with music in its purest form. The festival invites attendees to step into their creative personas, free from the constraints of daily life, for two nights each year.

To know Miami is to know III Points. First-time attendees often wish they could relive that initial rush of excitement, of losing themselves in both new and beloved sounds. This is where everyone from everywhere can fully immerse themselves in the music they adore and still discover new, captivating art. Festival-goers should wear whatever outfit reflects their imaginative persona, customarily masked by their day-to-day responsibilities. The innovative community surrounding III Points proliferates as all unite to share a love for art across all spectrums. So, as a final reminder, next year, as the autumn leaves drop and fall approaches, so does the 2025 lineup. See you in Mana Wynwood next year if you love good music, fashion, and company.