Location: Washington DC, USA
Capacity: 3,000
The capital of the United States may best be known for landmarks like the Jefferson Memorial, the National Monument and the White House, but the nation’s ravers flock to an attraction that ain’t in the history books — not yet, anyway. In Washington, DC, thrillseekers pledge allegiance to Echostage, a refuge for the beat-lovers of America.
Since 2012, the 30,000-square-foot nightclub (the district’s largest) has aspired to bring festival-level production indoors with its piercing lasers, powerful cryo-jets, fully packed confetti cannons and crisp-as-they-come LED backdrops. Over the past decade, the East Coast venue has proven time and time again that “if you build it, they will come” (in droves). Originally launched by GLOW — DC’s longest-running electronic music promotions company — Echostage is now helmed hand-in-hand with Insomniac, the name behind flagship events like EDC Las Vegas and Beyond Wonderland. This partnership has proved fruitful in the post-lockdown era; top-tier names like Tchami, Eric Prydz, Carl Cox and NBA all-star turned dubstep dominator, DJ Diesel, came through to blast sets from the upgraded four-channel D80 amplifiers. These baddies slam crowds with 48,000 Watts of sound on sold-out nights that see upwards of 3,000 partygoers — the results are downright dirty.
The state-of-the-art d&b audiotechnik V-Series audio system is just one facet that draws rave reviews at this high-tech entertainment hub. Those who’ve attended over the last 10 years laud Echostage’s design team for delivering its diverse audience a multi-sensory experience that shakes the eardrums and rattles the soul. The masterful layout includes two 60-foot bars that flank the dancefloor, thus providing unobstructed vantage points for all attendees, and let’s not forget the expansive VIP mezzanine that adds a luxe touch for anyone seeking a premium night out.
In April 2022, GLOW and Insomniac unveiled their new multi-stage music festival concept, aptly named Project GLOW, at Washington, DC’s RFK Fairgrounds. Here, sought-after titans and rising names like Above & Beyond, Qrion, HoneyLuv, Whethan and John Summit furnished high-energy sets for fans who flocked from across the continent. For an unveiling this momentous, it only made sense to appoint a world-renowned name like Martin Garixx to christen the occasion at Echostage as the official after-party headliner. The production super duo will also bring an additional instalment of Project GLOW to nearby Philadelphia in Pennsylvania in October, further deepening their influence in the culturally rich pocket of the northeast.
After officially reopening on 11th June following its lengthy Covid-related shutdown, the award-winning nightspot cemented its reputation for staying on top. “It was undoubtedly a difficult year for our employees, but they returned as if they had never left for our reopening,” Echostage’s Heather Church told DJ Mag last summer. “We are grateful and fortunate to have a staff that feels like family. Echostage would not be where it is today without our devoted employees.”
It seems this team spirit has had a powerful effect over time on this warehouse-inspired destination. After sitting in the upper rankings of the Top 100 poll for nine years running, this Goliath proves it’s one tough giant to topple.