All Killer No Filler (And Great Weather) At Joyland Jakarta 2024

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Photo by luna core

Picture this: you’re dancing under Senayan’s glowing lights, fueled by food as diverse as the music, surrounded by people who are as hyped as you are.

That was Joyland Jakarta 2024—a weekend where the music slapped, the vibes were immaculate, and even the weather conspired to keep spirits high.

Far more than just another music festival, Joyland felt like a perfectly crafted mixtape: upbeat, eclectic, and guaranteed to leave you feeling something. Here’s how it played out:

Photo by luna core

Eat, Drink, Dance, Repeat

Joyland wasn’t just a feast for the ears—it was also one for the stomach. The food stalls were almost too good for a festival. From indulgent Indomie to gyudon bowls that whispered sweet nothings to your taste buds, there was no excuse to go hungry. Even pizza felt elevated here, a reliable pick-me-up between sets or a reward for surviving the dance marathon at the baseball stadium.

And let’s talk about the drink situation. While the over-21 Lily Pad area ensured a safe family-friendly vibe on the main grounds, it didn’t skimp on the fun. A cleverly curated alcohol section meant you could grab a drink and let loose, all without worrying about things getting too wild—or as we now say, “too ratchet.”

 

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A post shared by St. Vincent (@st_vincent)

Day 1: A Star, a DJ, and Air (Literally)

The festival’s first day kicked off with a bang and culminated in the night with St. Vincent, a headliner who redefined professionalism when her encore was hilariously hijacked by the Lily Pad stage’s EDM beats. Lesser performers might have cracked, but she leaned in, freestyling over the booming bass before launching back into her set. If showmanship is an art, St. Vincent’s brushstrokes were masterful.

Air, on the other hand, delivered a set so visually stunning it felt like stepping into a dream. Sure, they skipped ‘Playground Love,’ leaving the audience to belt out their own off-key version, but their cinematic stage visuals and Moon Safari-inspired vibes were enough to make you forgive and forget.

Adding to the Day 1 hype was Korean DJ YesYes, whose set was equal parts dance party and history lesson. Spinning obscure ’60s to ’80s Asian hits—including a mysterious cover of ‘Sinaran’ in a foreign language—he blurred the lines between DJ and partygoer by hopping into the crowd to dance mid-set. Iconic behaviour, honestly.

Photo by luna core

Family Festival? Yes. Boring? Absolutely Not.

If you hear “family-friendly” and picture a watered-down snoozefest, think again. Joyland balanced kid-friendly charm with adult fun in a way that felt seamless. The smoking and drinking zones were thoughtfully placed, so you could enjoy a cold one without dodging strollers.

The Lily Pad stage, curated by Couples and The White Shoes Company, featured an eclectic lineup, including the 5.6.7.8’s on Day 2 (yes, the ones from Kill Bill). Their raucous energy pulled in a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd, proving that even the most niche acts can steal the spotlight.

Day 2 had a more laid-back vibe, but still packed some punch.

We chilled with Hyukoh and Sunset Rollercoaster, the latter leaving our video producer in tears!

But the real emotional rollercoaster didn’t hit until Efek Rumah Kaca took the stage. Their performance was a masterclass in melody and vulnerability, a perfect soundtrack for holding hands with your bestie and reminiscing about that one ex (and no, that’s not my idea—it’s literally what the crowd was doing).

But seriously, if you were there to feel all the feels, this was the set to catch.

Day 3: Habibi Funk Closes Out a Banger Weekend

By the final day, the festival was firing on all cylinders. The crowd for Balming Tiger rivalled the turnout for big names like St. Vincent and Air. This South Korean art collective defied description, blending Beastie Boys-esque energy with their own avant-garde flair. If you haven’t heard of them yet, trust us—you will.

Closing out the festival was DJ Habibi Funk, who turned the Lily Pad stage into the unofficial smoking-and-drinking epicentre. His set was a masterclass in controlled chaos, leaving the audience buzzing long after the final track faded.

Beyond the Stages

For those seeking a breather from the main events, Joyland had the White Peacock area, a laid-back oasis complete with air conditioning, tarot readings, and face painting. I didn’t dabble in these activities myself—I was too busy falling in love with St. Vincent—but for families and friend groups, this corner of the festival was a godsend.

Even the weather played nice, which is nothing short of miraculous in Jakarta. Unlike previous years marred by heavy downpours, Joyland 2024 was blessed with clear skies, save for a few early drizzles. Coincidence? Or did the local dukuns work overtime? Either way, we’re grateful.

Photo by luna core

A First-Timer’s Take

As a music festival newbie, I didn’t know what to expect. I came in thinking, “Okay, if the music doesn’t slap, at least the food will.” But Joyland surprised me in the best way. Even when the lineup wasn’t “my genre,” the performances were so electric, they converted me on the spot.

This festival was proof that you don’t need chaos to have fun. It was clean, well-organised, and brimming with positive energy. Whether you were there for the music, the food, or just the vibes, Joyland delivered an experience that hit all the right notes.

Final Thoughts

Joyland Jakarta 2024 was WAY more than just a festival—it was a vibe, a celebration, and the ultimate bonding experience for our team. Yes, we’re sentimental like that.

All in all, it proved to be a place where seasoned festivalgoers and first-timers like me could find common ground, quite literally dance under the stars, and head home with amazing memories (as well as a massive crush on St. Vincent’s bassist).

Thank you, Joyland Jakarta 2024!

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