As the sun dips and the last of the season’s open-air parties draw their crowds, sunkissed and rhinestoned faces make way for hallowe’en masks, deep basslines and driving drums make way for heavy chains and dark invitations. The end of the festival season is upon us.
Summer sees house classics, sassy disco edits, fresh bootlegs and floor-tested anthems all come together. Whether you’re behind the decks, storming the crowd, or soundtracking your own rooftop sunset, these records deliver that community vibe festivals thrive on. The kind that keeps strangers dancing shoulder to glittering shoulder till sunrise.
Music doesn’t stop when the festivals end. It goes inside. But we don’t stop dancing.
Festival season playlist: house and disco anthems for the end of summer
This is the moment for playlists that bottle the fading sunlight and echo the thrill of late-night side-stage discoveries. If you know, you know: picking the right tracks is part art, part finely tuned sense of knowing exactly what the crowd wants, part giving them something new that they didn’t know thay wanted – part mischief, maybe.
Old favourites get a reboot, new releases bring fresh energy, and the magic comes from how you stitch it all together. Every track here earns its spot in the the list, helping shape the sound of 2025.
To kick things off, here’s a featured playlist embed to set the mood. Read below for more on why these made the cut while you’re listening…
- Purple Disco Machine – “Dished (Male Stripper)”
Sound: Nu-disco with swagger. Meaty bassline, gleaming synths, cheeky vocal chops.
Why it slaps: Purple Disco Machine doesn’t just nod to disco history—he struts down Studio 54’s hallway in patent leather boots. This track spins daytime loungers into makeshift dance crews, bringing undeniable festival fizz. Drop it in the afternoon and watch the inertia melt away. - Sophie Ellis-Bextor – “Murder on the dancefloor (Twin Murder Club Mix)”
Sound: Flirty, retro disco-pop with a splash of spritz and a suntan line.
Why it slaps: Nostalgia gets bronzed: the remix keeps Sophie’s vocal glitter, but lays it on a plush, floor-ready groove. The result: heads bop, toes tap, conversations stall. A reset button for any sagging crowd. Bonus points for the TikTok generation singing along to a track their parents wore out on vinyl. - Daft Punk – “One more time”
Sound: Sparkling French house. Timeless sample loops. That “hands-in-the-air” choir moment.
Why it slaps: Nothing compares—this is the festival anthem that turns random field gatherings into instant family reunions. When the hook lands, the crowd sings, shouts, weeps (sometimes all three). “One more time” is ritual, not just a record. - Jayda G – “Both of us”
Sound: Modern house, plush 90s piano, lush vocals, like a sunset in sound.
Why it slaps: Jayda G’s tune is a masterclass in balancing giddy nostalgia with hands-up optimism. The vibe is half house party, half festival fairy tale. Slot it in for mood resets or segue into deeper waters. Trust it to bring a grin to even the most stoic chin-stroker in the crowd. - David Penn & Ramona Renea – “Stand up”
Sound: Jackin’ house on gospel steroids. Pianos and powerhouse vocals, built for outstretched arms.
Why it slaps: This one’s a Defected staple for a reason. The gospel edge gives goosebumps, the rhythm’s relentless, and it turns crowds into mass sing-alongs—no prompting required. It’s the sonic caffeine shot every main stage needs when energy dips. - Duck Sauce – “Barbra Streisand”
Sound: Irrepressible disco with cartoon swagger and a wink.
Why it slaps: The Duck Sauce call-and-response is pure festival gold. Watch as the “Barbra Streisand” vocal hook morphs even the most bashful dancers into disco divas and air-microphone stars. Perfect for turning any serious techno session into a joyous free-for-all. - Folamour – “Devoted to U”
Sound: French house lushness. Strings and sunbeam charm.
Why it slaps: Folamour channels that open-air, heart-in-your-throat festival sweet spot. Elegant, emotional, but never heavy handed. A staple for those shimmering moments just before the sun dips or the fireworks start. - Armand Van Helden – “You don’t know me (feat. Duane Harden)”
Sound: Strutting vocal house—piano, attitude, and one of the greatest payoffs in dance.
Why it slaps: This isn’t nostalgia—it’s blueprint. That careful build and smooth release is a DJ tutorial disguised as a banger. If you want to make seasoned heads and new ravers agree on something, this is your sweet spot. - The Shapeshifters – “Lola’s theme”
Sound: Disco-house euphoria—strings, hooks, and radiant optimism.
Why it slaps: “Lola’s theme” brings summer’s glow even when the clouds threaten. It cuts through indecision and sluggish body language, mustering a second wind as the afternoon fades. Glitter in sonic form. - Sofi Tukker, LP Giobbi & Mahmut Orhan – “If love is a skill”
Sound: Indie-dance with festival polish, hooks on tap, and a rhythm section that doesn’t quit.
Why it slaps: Where pop sensibility meets main room flavor. Modern festival crowds crave surprise. This track goes deep but also lifts spirits and bridges the cool kids with the party starters. Slot it anywhere the mood is teetering and watch things tip in your favour. - Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP – “We no speak Americano”
Sound: Swing-house, brass, bounce, absolute mischief.
Why it slaps: Pure serotonin in audio form. Crowd fatigue? Not anymore. The hook is universal—dancefloor hesitation vanishes, energy levels reboot, and even the security team will be grinning. Flashmob not included, but entirely possible. - Robin S – “Show me love (StoneBridge Remix)”
Sound: House organ immortality. Belting vocals. Neon-lit afterhours power.
Why it slaps: You’ll find no safer dancefloor bet than this remix. The closing anthem for sunrise clubs and headline festival sets alike. When that organ riff hits, any generational divide on the floor dissolves—“Show me love” is communal glue, not just a song.
You’ll find a few more anthems in there, too. There’s no filler here. Just tracks road-tested in muddy fields, on sundrenched terraces, and smoky afterparties. Give it a whirl.
Pull these infectious house and disco anthems into your next party playlist or pre-party gathering for an unforgettable end-of-summer vibe.
Let’s keep dancing.
