One of the most unique parts of ILLFest isn't found on stage. Throughout the weekend, artists from across the country transformed walls, structures, and festival spaces into living works of art, creating an immersive environment that extended far beyond the music. Among them was GhostBeard, whose colorful murals and unmistakable cartoon-inspired style became part of ILLFest 2026’s visual identity. While attendees moved between stages and sets, GhostBeard spent the weekend br

As thousands of ravers packed together beneath the stage during GRiZ’s highly anticipated return set, a giant saxophone suddenly appeared overhead. Strangers pointed toward the sky. Hands shot into the air in an attempt to catch it. For a few moments, the entire crowd shared the same sense of wonder. Behind that moment was Balloonski, the artist responsible for many of ILLFest’s most beloved balloon creations. Photo Source: Balloonski What makes Balloonski’s work stand out is

This article is co-written by Macie Williams, Mario Battle, and Sophia Chartrand Balancing a career when building a music project might sound impossible, but REALEZT has found a way to make it work. Through consistency, discipline, and a relentless commitment to improving his craft, the Texas bass artist has steadily transformed long-term goals into reality. From major festival appearances to growing recognition within the bass music community, REALEZT continues to establish

The moment you step through the gates of ILLFest, reality begins to bend. Massive murals come to life beside booming sound systems. Strangers exchange kandi, trinkets, and side quests. Bass rattles the ground while artists transform blank walls into living canvases. For three days in Austin, ILLFest became a vibrant, colorful world of its own where everyone felt part of something special. Photo Credit: ILLFest Day One: Music, Murals & First Impressions Day one immediately wel

Austin's most immersive blend of electronic music and live street art is returning in less than two weeks, as ILLfest takes over the Travis County Expo Center from May 29-31. Known for combining massive bass-heavy lineups with live mutual installations and interactive art experiences, the festival has continued to carve out its own identity within Texas’s growing dance music scene. Photo Credit: ILLFest Now entering its eighth year, ILLfest has evolved from a local favorite i

Written by Sophia & Aeisha Now and then, a weekend reminds you what this culture is supposed to feel like. Shared movement. Familiar faces turning into new friends by the end of the night. A sense of connection that builds without force. Know Good’s sold-out Dallas and Austin stops on The All In Tour carried that feeling from the very first line outside The Studio at the Bomb Factory in Dallas and the Historic Scoot Inn in Austin, all the way into a hidden-feeling pop-up af