These twilight events are more than just a break in the action—they are where stories are shared, ideas exchanged, and meaningful connections are made. Sunset Sessions reflect the vision of DJX, offering a space where all can engage on a personal level, away from the hustle of the day. It is the perfect balance of casual conversations and discovery, making it an ideal time to network with influential players in the industry.
And, as the energy of Sunset Sessions winds down, the excitement shifts to DJX After Dark, where music, networking, and nightlife collide. Spanning five exclusive parties, DJX After Dark brings together top DJs, influencers, and industry leaders for performances that are as much about connection as they are about entertainment. These events are where the DJ community truly comes alive, and the magic happens—ideas are shared, and lasting relationships are built.
Sunset Sessions & After Dark Events
AUGUST 11, 2025
MONDAY
August 11th | 6:30 - 8 PM
Brighton III & IV
Hard Rock Hotel
Sponsored by QSC Audio
Sunset Sessions @ DJX '25 with QSC Audio
Kicking off Sunset Sessions is QSC — a brand dedicated to helping DJs create unforgettable experiences by truly understanding and supporting the DJ community.
For decades, QSC has empowered DJs and creators to deliver amazing moments through technology that inspires confidence and connection. Now, they’re bringing that same spirit to DJX with a gathering designed to help you relax, connect, and set the vibe for the week ahead. Sunset Sessions are all about an easygoing vibe where DJs come together to celebrate the camaraderie that makes DJX so unique. more >>
Open to all DJX Pass Holders. All Access & VIP Pass Holders have priority.
You must be 21-years old with a valid ID to enter.
August 11th | 8:00 - 10 PM
Immokalee Studio B
Hard Rock Hotel
Sponsored by BASSBOSS
BASSBOSS Presents SelectHER
SelectHer is a new event debuting Monday night to help launch DJX’25, celebrating the creativity, power, and presence of women in DJ culture. Curated by MixHer in collaboration with DJX Show and BASSBOSS, this exclusive event showcases all-female DJ talent through high-energy performances and a community-first atmosphere. Taking place just outside the BASSBOSS Demo Room, SelectHER features sets by Carnival DJs Saxy & Margarita, a cash bar, and an open space to gather, move, and connect—before the Expo doors even open. Female-powered. Music-forward. more >>
Open to all DJX Pass Holders. All Access & VIP Pass Holders have priority.
You must be 21-years old with a valid ID to enter.
August 11th | 9:00 PM - 2 AM
HQ2 Nightclub
Ocean Casino Resort
Sponsored by DJ LIFE & DJX
DJX ’25 After Dark Opening Night Party with DJ White Shadow
He was born Paul Blair, but music fans know him as DJ White Shadow. As the longtime DJ and award-winning producer/songwriter with Lady Gaga, White Shadow has cranked out the highest-charting records, played the biggest arenas, and won the most prestigious honors – like a Grammy Award for his work on the A Star Is Born soundtrack. Hear him play the hits at the DJX After Dark Opening Night Party at the fabulous HQ2 Nightclub, just a short stroll down the Boardwalk or quick cab ride from the Hard Rock. Entry is free to all DJX badgeholders. more >>
Open to all DJX Pass Holders.
You must be 21-years old with a valid ID to enter.
AUGUST 12, 2025
TUESDAY
August 12th | 6:30 - 8 PM
The Balcony Bar
Hard Rock Hotel
Sponsored by AlphaTheta
Sunset Sessions @ DJX '25 with AlphaTheta
Experience the perfect blend of eats, beats, and brews at the AlphaTheta Sunset Sessions. Join us at The Balcony of the Hard Rock Hotel on Tuesday, August 12th from 6:30pm to 8pm. Groove with Carnival Cruise Line DJs, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and don't forget to grab your exclusive AlphaTheta swag! more >>
Open to all DJX Pass Holders. All Access & VIP Pass Holders have priority.
August 12th | 9:00 PM - 1 AM
The Pavilion
Hard Rock Hotel
Sponsored by DAS Audio & Jetpack Bags
DJX ‘25 After Dark: Beat Junkies to Rock ‘Twisted Tuesday’ Party
In recent years at DJX, the “Twisted Tuesday” Party produced by DAS Audio has presented some of America’s top party-rockin’ jocks. This year’s edition, now co-produced with JetPack Bags, will be headlined by none other than Babu and Shortkut of the world-famous Beat Junkies. So be at The Pavilion at the Hard Rock on Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 9 pm to 1 am, as the duo will deliver an unforgettable performance that pays homage to turntablism and the global DJ culture they helped shape. Expect a masterclass in skill, soul, and sonic power! The party’s ultra-talented lineup also includes DJ Immortal, DJ Buck Rodgers, Cleveland Terry, DJ Dynamix and LoveSlap. Entry is free with a DJX All-Access or Tuesday Daily badge. more >>
Open to all DJX Pass Holders. All Access & VIP Pass Holders have priority.
You must be 21-years old with a valid ID to enter.
AUGUST 13, 2025
WEDNESDAY
August 13th | 6:30 - 8 PM
SoundWave’s Pre-Function area
Hard Rock Hotel
Sponsored by Mackie
Sunset Sessions @ DJX '25 with Mackie
Join Mackie for Drinks, Beats, a Sneak Preview of their new product launching in September, and a giveaway!
Following a day on the DJX ’25 show floor and educational seminars, we’ll COME TOGETHER to unwind ahead of DJX After Dark events as Mackie makes their Sunset Session debut. Must be a DJX ’25 attendee/pass holder to enter. Event is open to those patrons ages 21 or older. Not only will we be gathering for drinks, beats, and a sneak preview of Mackie’s new product, launching in September – attendees will also have the chance to win a THUMP GO battery-powered loudspeaker. You won’t want to miss out on this opportunity to unite, unwind, and wrap up your DJX experience with Sunset Sessions with Mackie! more >>
Open to all DJX Pass Holders. All Access & VIP Pass Holders have priority.
You must be 21-years old with a valid ID to enter.
August 13th | 8:00 - 11 PM
The Balcony Bar
Hard Rock Hotel
Sponsored by AlphaTheta, JetPack Bags, and RCF
DJX ‘25 After Dark: ‘Sonic Evolution: 35 Years of DJX’ Party
At DJX ’25, After Dark events are all set to bring the good times – and the giveaways. For the early part of the evening, DJX will present its “Sonic-Evolution: 35 Years of DJX” party featuring popular tunes that have rocked dancefloors since the show’s 1990 inception. Sponsored by AlphaTheta, JetPack Bags, and RCF, the event will be co-hosted by DJ vets Jake Jacobsen and Mike Alevras and will feature a deep well of talent – Matt “Matthadder” Radicelli (Cleveland’s Rock the House Entertainment Group), DJ Larry D (Virginia Beach’s Astro Event Company), house DJ Kid Kasper (Virginia’s B101.5 FM), game performer Jimmy Strange (Long Island’s Rhythm Force Entertainment) and Big Daddy & The Family (closing performers). Get there early, drop your business card in the bin, and earn a chance to win valuable giveaways from the party’s sponsors. more >>
Open to only All Access and VIP Pass Holders.
You must be 21-years old with a valid ID to enter.
August 13th | 11:00 PM - 2:00 AM
The Balcony Bar
Hard Rock Hotel
Sponsored by Pioneer DJ by AlphaTheta & RCF
DJX ‘25 After Dark: “Mell Starr & Friends” Special Black & White Party
At this closing event, “Mell Starr & Friends” celebrate 35 years of DJX with a Special Black & White Party. Get down to modern and retro sounds spun by turntable masters Skratch Bastid, Shortkut, Buck Rodgers, and, of course, host Mell Starr. The event is sponsored by Pioneer DJ by AlphaTheta & RCF. All badgeholders are invited. Limited capacity; priority for All Access and VIP Passes. Attendees are encouraged to wear all-black or all-white tops/shirts.
Are you ready to groove deep into the night at DJX’s closing party? As always, “Mell Starr & Friends” will bring some serious credentials to The Balcony’s DJ booth. “The Most Dangerous, No Headphones” Mr. Mell Starr will get the party started and keep it rolling, while Skratch Bastid serves as the evening’s headliner and DJX attendees will see why the Toronto-based turntable wiz maintains his status as one of the preeminent spinners and party providers on the continent. He’s won many a battle and his Bastid’s BBQ has become one of our top DJ-led events. Shortkut, himself a multi-battle champ, has been a mainstay in two of the most legendary DJ crews ever – Invisibl Skratch Piklz and The Beat Junkies. And Buck Rodgers runs the gamut of master manipulator of the MIDI controller and vicious surgeon on the turntables, as he creates remixes live.And stay tuned for some “very special guests” this evening!
more >>
Remember: Black and white attire suggested for all attendees.
Open to all DJX Pass Holders. All Access & VIP Pass Holders have priority
You must be 21-years old with a valid ID to enter.
