URGE Miami Festival Returns This Thanksgiving Weekend for an Unforgettable Experience! Three Electrifying Night Spectaculars, an Epic Pool Bash, and the Hottest Beach Party in South Beach Await You.
Miami is about to get hotter this Thanksgiving weekend as the iconic URGE Miami Festival returns for another thrilling edition! Many of you have heard that part ownership of Urge changed, so I asked Luis Morera to tell me the details and he said: “After years of successful collaboration, two of Urge Miami’s founders, Billy Kemp and Hilton Wolman, have decided to move on to new ventures in their lives. I’m incredibly grateful for the knowledge and friendship we’ve built over the years. This year, I’m excited to welcome Raul Griffith to the team. Raul brings extensive experience in the production industry, both behind the scenes and on stage. Alongside Raul and our longtime project manager Carlos Rojas, we’ve assembled a dynamic team of marketing and production assistants. Together, we’re building an even stronger URGE Miami team, ready to take the festival to the next level.”
For full disclosure, Raul Griffith is part of my chosen family and I asked him how he feels about being one of the new producers of Urge, and said: “I’m thrilled for this new era of URGE MIAMI FESTIVAL and all the adventures ahead! Can’t wait for everyone to experience what we’ve prepared and for the unforgettable memories we’ll create together.”
From November 29 to December 2, this LGBTQ+ festival will take over South Beach with a jaw-dropping lineup of events, featuring three massive nighttime celebrations and two sizzling daytime parties—including the legendary Royal Palm Pool Party and the steamiest Beach Party on the sands of South Beach. Get ready for an experience like no other, as some of the world’s most famous circuit DJs bring the heat to Miami’s most prestigious venues.
“URGE is more than just a music festival,” says Luis Morera, one of the event’s producers. “It’s a gathering of friends, old and new, who come together to celebrate gratitude, freedom, and self-expression, all while dancing to the beats of today’s top DJs.”
The action kicks off Friday, November 29, at 10 pm with the Miami debut of GUAPO, the world-renowned festival brand from São Paulo, Brazil. Known for its vibrant and uplifting energy, GUAPO promises a night to remember at M3 Studios, a venue famous for hosting stars like Shakira, Maluma, and even Beyoncé! With unforgettable production, festival-goers will groove to the sounds of resident DJ Adham, Brazilian sensation DJ Liza Rodriguez, and DJ Jesus Montanez from Mexico, a favorite of the URGE brand.
We sat down with sexy DJ Liza for this exclusive Hotspots Interview:
When did you realize you wanted to be a DJ?
Eleven years ago, I made up my mind that I wanted to be a DJ as I had a lot of experience with music as I played the guitar, the violin, the flute and the trumpet.
What was your first residency, and how did that feel?
In Brazil at Victoria House. I performed there once and after that they immediately offered me a residency and I spun there for 10 years. When I got the residency I felt so happy as I knew I wanted DJing to be my vocation and this residency made me feel like I was moving in the right direction.
What separates you from other DJs?
I think it’s my energy and my vibes, which are mystical and happy.
What are some memorable moments from the DJ booth?
Jeffrey Sanker heard me spin in Brazil and asked me to come spin at White Party in Puerto Vallarta in 2021, it was a magical experience for me.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Love, energy and kindness.
Other than DJing, what do you like to do for fun?
When I am not working, fun for me is spending time with my family.
I know you are married. How did you meet and what makes him the perfect guy for you?
I met him at White Party Palm Springs in 2022. I was spinning and he was a featured dancer. We immediately felt the connection, and he proposed six months later.
Are you excited to be spinning for Urge Thanksgiving Weekend?
Yes, because it’s a huge international festival as people come from many countries.
What should we expect from your set at Urge?
A little bit of Brazilian, some tribal and of course circuit.
What does the future hold for you?
I want to travel all over the world and spin on different continents.
For more information on Liza you can follow her on Instagram or listen to her on iCloud, they are both: Djlizarodriguez
Liza’s TOP 10 Current Playlist
Move – Adam Port
Innerbloom – Rufus Du Sol
Beyonce – Pure Honey
Billie Eilish – Birds Of Feather
Loreen – Is It Love
Anyma – Pictures Of You
John Summit – Sweet Disposition
Hugel,Topic, Arash – I Adore You
Dua Lipa – Houdini
Sevdaliza, Pablo Vital – Alibi
Saturday’s Pool Party at the Royal Palm South Beach, the festival’s host hotel, is set to be a sun-soaked extravaganza. “People love the freedom of dancing under the Miami sun, just steps away from their hotel room,” says producer Raul Griffith. This year’s DJ lineup includes Jerac, who made his name at Miami’s legendary Score and URGE parties, and the ever-popular DJ and influencer Eliad Cohen.
But the party doesn’t stop there! Saturday night’s main event will be a massive celebration of URGE’s 13th anniversary at M3 Studios. “We have surprises in store that you won’t want to miss!” teases Morera. The epic night will feature the triumphant return of Brazilian DJ Edu Quintas, who will be joined by world-renowned Israeli DJ/Producer Mor Abrahami and Miami’s very own DJ/Producer YORDY.
Sunday’s Beach Party is set to raise the bar even higher this year. “We’re bringing a fresh, innovative vibe and a production level unlike anything we’ve done before,” says Morera. Headlining the beach bash will be DJ/Producer Joe Gauthreaux, alongside international sensation DJ Erik Villar, making this a must-attend event of the season.
The festival wraps up with an after-hours blowout—URGE AFTER DARK—which, for the first time ever, will feature not one, but three headliners: Danny Verde, House of Labs, and Allison Nunes. It’s the perfect way to end an unforgettable weekend.
The host hotel for this year’s festival is the Royal Palm South Beach, one of South Beach’s largest hotels, with 400 rooms, including a quarter that are suites. Conveniently located right on the beach at the end of Ocean Drive, the Royal Palm will serve as URGE’s Welcome Center and will host the Saturday Pool Party. Plus, festival-goers will enjoy an exclusive room rate of just $169 per night. Complimentary transportation will be provided from the hotel to all weekend events.
A portion of the festival proceeds will benefit Miami Beach Pride, supporting the unique culture and spirit of the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
Tickets for URGE Miami Festival are on sale now! General Admission and VIP packages are available at Urgemiami.com.
