Chrysalis: Empire of the Sun Unveil an Immersive Destination Festival in Cabo for 2026

passdaaux
Dec 12, 2025
3 min read

Empire of the Sun have announced Chrysalis, a new three-day destination music festival set to take place May 14–16, 2026 at The Sculpture Gardens at Puerto Los Cabos in San José del Cabo, Baja California. Created in partnership with 100x Hospitality, the inaugural edition will feature more than 25 artists across three stages, blending music, art, and immersive environments into a fully realized creative world.

Designed as an extension of Empire of the Sun’s visionary universe, Chrysalis brings together artists spanning electronic futurism, psychedelic rock, exploratory pop, and genre-defying live performance. The lineup is intentionally curated to move through contrasting moods and textures, creating an emotional and stylistic journey across the weekend. Each act contributes a distinct voice, building toward a shared narrative of transformation and renewal.

Empire of the Sun will anchor the festival with three unique sets, joined by a DJ set from English electronic duo Disclosure, legendary psychedelic innovators The Flaming Lips, alt-pop standouts Magdalena Bay, and indie-pop songwriter Del Water Gap. Additional highlights include global electronic favorites DJ Tennis and DJ Heartstring, genre-blending duo RIO KOSTA, Mexican retro-funk collective Midnight Generation, house specialists Walker & Royce, and French-Mexican avant-garde performer ADANOWSKY.

The lineup is rounded out by Peruvian electronic artist Sofia Kourtesis, cinematic producer Aaron Hibell, and dance-rock duo Roi Turbo, forming a cross-genre constellation that reflects the festival’s emphasis on imagination, emotion, and evolution.

Luke Steele describes Chrysalis as a space for rebirth and creative immersion. “Chrysalis is about imagination and rebirth. This festival is designed to be spirit immersive — where people leave transformed,” he explains. The festival’s symbolism centers on recurring motifs including the door, the key, the bell, wings, and the egg, each representing thresholds, revelation, awakening, future selves, and new beginnings. Together, these elements guide guests through a journey shaped by music, art, and shared experience.

The festival unfolds across the secluded grounds of The Sculpture Gardens at Puerto Los Cabos, where desert flora, sculptural installations, and open-air pathways create a natural setting for exploration. Distinct spaces within the venue offer different atmospheres, from Crania Reclaim — an extreme reclamation area built from salvaged materials hosting afternoon and late-night sets — to the coastal calm of El Ganzo Beach Club and Veleros Beach Club, both designed for daytime relaxation by the sea. Local artisan vendors and a dedicated culinary program, A Taste of Cabo, will showcase regional flavors through fresh seafood, street-style tacos, and Baja-inspired dishes prepared by local chefs.

Located in the heart of San José del Cabo, Chrysalis invites attendees to experience one of Baja California’s most vibrant coastal destinations. Known for its relaxed beaches, thriving arts scene, and historic neighborhoods, the town extends the festival experience beyond the grounds, offering a rich cultural and natural backdrop for the weekend.

Festival-goers can tailor their stay with a range of travel and accommodation packages, from all-inclusive resorts and boutique hotels to more unique options like treehouses, glamping, and private villas. Daily wellness programming adds another layer to the experience, with yoga, meditation, and restorative sessions designed to balance the weekend’s high-energy moments. Optional off-site excursions allow guests to explore the surrounding coastline, desert landscapes, and ecological landmarks.

For those seeking a deeper connection to the festival’s creative world, Empyrean and Super Empyrean VIP packages provide elevated access, including early entry, dedicated viewing areas, exclusive merchandise, and intimate gatherings with Luke Steele. These experiences offer rare insight into the symbolism, storytelling, and worldbuilding that define Empire of the Sun’s artistic legacy.

More than a music festival, Chrysalis is positioned as an invitation to step inside a fully imagined environment where sound, art, and landscape converge. At a time when the world can feel overwhelming, Chrysalis offers a space to disconnect, reflect, and be carried away.

Festival passes and travel packages are available now through the official Chrysalis website.

Chrysalis 2026 Lineup (A–Z)

Aaron Hibell

ADANOWSKY

Del Water Gap

Disclosure (DJ Set)

DJ Heartstring

DJ Tennis

Empire of the Sun

Magdalena Bay

Midnight Generation

RIO KOSTA