As we crawl out of the coldest spell we’ve seen this winter, there is a blessed beacon of warmth waiting for us on the other side; tickets are on sale for Movement Festival in Detroit! Taking place on Memorial Day Weekend, Movement is one of the most venerated techno and electronic festivals in the U.S., with a staggering global audience that returns to Detroit year after year. The full 2024 lineup hasn’t dropped yet, but the sneak peek from Movement includes Floating Points, James Blake, Fatboy Slim, Kevin Saunderson and DJ Minx, to name just a few.  

Much has been written about the diverse and abundant music that has bloomed from this city, but what isn’t discussed enough is the sublime suitability of Hart Plaza as the venue for this long-running festival. We’re going to dive into each stage and pick a favorite 2023 act for each…and then hold our breath for the release of this year’s lineup. Let’s dance. 

Movement Stage

The big one. The Movement Stage is located in the sunken amphitheater at the—well, heart—of Hart Plaza, and is the place to be when the superstars take the stage. Massive stone ledges provide sturdy seats that double as a terraced dancefloor, and the shallow bowl shape facilitates a perfect view from any vantage point. 

2023 Act: The one-two punch of Detroit house legend Robert Hood and his gospel-tinged minimal techno followed by a flawless set from Charlotte de Witte.       

Waterfront Stage 

Situated on a gentle slope and surrounded by trees is the Waterfront Stage, a small taste of “Up North” in the middle of Michigan’s largest city. The serenity of this quiet corner of Movement is the perfect atmosphere for groovy, rhythmic sets, none more so than…

2023 Act: MJ Nebreda, the fiery, fun-loving master of Venezuela’s Changa Tuki (aka Raptor House). Backup dancers are in short supply at Movement, and seeing MJ and their dancers stomp and wind across the tree-canopied stage was thrilling and hypnotic.     

Pyramid Stage 

The titular structure adjacent to the Pyramid Stage is more of a ziggurat, which comes in handy when you try to scramble to the top of it to get the best view. And what a view it is: the stage itself features an open backdrop that looks out onto the Detroit River and the gleaming ivory of towers of Windsor’s casinos. Nothing is more marvelous than a sundown set at the pyramid stage, as the water turns into a spray of glittering diamonds and the stage lights up with golden twilight. Every 15 minutes or so a massive barge crawls past, adding even more movement to Movement. 

2023 Act: Seth Troxler’s vibey golden hour set was pure bliss, and his grinning everyman charm made it feel like an audience member had hopped on stage. Authentic and delightful.

Stargate Stage 

Feet on the ground, head in the sky. The Stargate Stage sits near the entrance of Movement and provides a white, solid platform for dancing under the spectacular light displays that flash overhead. Stargate is the perfect stage for those looking to disappear into the crowd and become one with the music, and the nice view of downtown Detroit is the cherry on top. 

2023 Act: Moodyman. IYKYK. 

Underground Stage

Stumbling across the hidden Underground stage is a euphoric moment for any first-time Movement-goer. Two sets of stairs lead to a bunker that feels like a U-Bahn station, all flashing lights and brutalist pillars and beats that echo through cavernous tunnels. It also happens to be the fastest place to fill up your water bottle, so you can stay hydrated as you dance the night away at Movement’s very own Berlin nightclub. 

2023 Act: The savage industrial sounds of Berlin-based s Klangkuenstler were a perfect fit for the Underground Stage, as the LEDs of the looming RenCen pulsed far overhead.    

Detroit Stage

This low-key stage is exclusively populated by Detroit artists, from old school house legends to up-and-comers who are changing the game. It’s a who’s who of the city’s huge talent pool, and a chill and wonderful place to spend the afternoon among Detroiters. 

2023 Act: Every Detroit act who made it to Movement and debuted on the Detroit Stage gets a shout-out. 
You can purchase tickets for Movement 2024 here.