Dirtybird Set To Return for Back To Baysics 2025
My first Dirtybird rave was the essence of underground. Like always, news of the party spread by word of mouth. You could keep the Facebook event page unsearchable. Your profile wouldn’t rat you out. Still, there was a physical vetting process, a practice we would do well to bring back. It’s a burner phone you text for an address or intersection. You meet a middleman at a pizza shop in Berkeley, a West Oakland liquor store, El Cerrito BART. The middleman sizes you up, makes sure you’re cool (i.e. not a cop). You’d get directions, or better yet, private transport to the abandoned warehouse/highrise/clearing in the middle of the woods.
Thus began one of the greatest nights out in my molly-potholed memory. The party, strategically tucked in the sonic pocket between busy BART tracks and the roar of the interstate, was nothing short of legendary. At the venue, I met/bear-hugged house DJ and Dirtybird OG Ardalan, whose music I’ve followed ever since. A talented masseur gifted me a free shoulder rub on the rooftop deck. My friends and I danced until sunrise. I stuck around to help the crew clean up. Then, after a breakfast sandwich from the Jack In The Box on Telegraph, I went home and climbed into bed, still grinding my teeth. Afterwards, the name ‘Dirtybird’ became synonymous with ecstasy.
If you too are a diehard raver longing for the good ole days, I have excellent news! This summer on June 14, Dirtybird is back for their second annual Bay to Baysics waterfront party.
Stretch. Hydrate. Dance. Repeat.
Last year’s Back to Baysics drew thousands of revellers to San Francisco’s waterfront. The free mid-day event briefly revived the spirit of How Weird with more attendees turning looks than not. In contrast, the rave I attended years before called for a different aesthetic. The theme was trash house. Haute garbage. Derelique. The vibe: sweaty, grimy, ass-down house music. The year was 2013. Despite the drugs, I remember it well because Dirtybird throws that good a party.
Dirtybird is partly why San Francisco gets props in the electronic music scene. The homegrown label can trace its success back to 2005, when the company of DJs began rapidly growing their fanbase. If it’s floor-quaking, booty-shaking house and freaky, bass-heavy dance grooves you’re after, Dirtybird has you covered. The juggernaut label has hosted big-name DJs such as Aluna, Ardalan, Jungle, and Justin Martin.
Back to Baysics comes to us through a series of concerts from Another Planet Entertainment, the producers of Outside Lands. The city’s Recreation and Parks Department and Mayor Daniel Lurie’s office hope APE will contribute to downtown San Francisco’s revitalization.
Lurie, by way of KQED: “Our arts and culture are helping to drive San Francisco’s comeback, and this is a perfect example of that energy.”
A Dirtybird party is a guaranteed good time.
From the underground to the Embarcadero, I’m supporting this party because I know they won’t tone it down. Dirtybird has made talented DJs and great vibes the center of this and every event, uniting ravers here and worldwide. In 2024, Back to Baysics packed the Embarcadero Plaza with green and veteran ravers alike. DJ Sacha Robotti headlined, with support from local talent Deron Delgado and Moody Jones. As of today, May 5, this year’s lineup is still a surprise.
This summer promises more free events through APE at Union Square and Civic Center. Back to Baysics and other free concerts are the result of an agreement between APE and City Hall. APE will host more free events so they can sell tickets to shows following Outside Lands. That yearly concert at Golden Gate Park draws tourists from around the world. 2025’s Back to Baysics will take place at the same venue as last year, Embarcadero Plaza, from 1–5 PM on June 14.
Again, this party’s free. Back in my day, you had to burn half your meager paycheck for entry and drugs. Or, in true Broke-Ass fashion, you volunteered in exchange and voila—more molly money. At the end of one party, I pulled a wig out of a urinal. For Back to Baysics, four hours of excellent dance music are in store, and all you have to do is show up. No middleman required.
Come dance your tits off at Back to Baysics, Embarcadero Plaza, June 14, 1–5 PM! RSVP here!
Howdy! My name is Katy Atchison and I'm an Associate Editor for Broke-Ass Stuart.
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