Guyana Turns Up The Volume As SounDown EDM Festival Captivates Global Travellers In Caribbean: Here’s What You Need To Know

Published on December 16, 2025

At the Marriott Beachfront, the sun set on 6 December, and the SounDown Music and Art Festival in Guyana, the event that the organizers think has already changed the perception of this South American country as a destination for the world-class electronic dance music (EDM) plus authentic Caribbean experiences, drew hundreds of locals and visitors both international and local ones into its vibrant atmosphere.

In its 2025 edition, SounDown brought nearly 3,000 patrons to the golden sands of Georgetown, a 25 percent increase on attendance from Storm25 earlier in the year underscoring growing global interest in Guyana’s emerging creative tourism market.

A Festival With International Flair and Local Heart

From the outset, SounDown has struck a rare balance: blending international headliners with local vibrancy. The lineup featured Dutch DJ Dannic and Walshy Fire of Major Lazer, giving visitors a taste of global EDM culture against the backdrop of Guyana’s Atlantic shoreline.

But the festival’s magic went beyond its famous names. Attendees also encountered regional innovators and Guyanese talent, interactive art installations, and global street food, all curated to feel like a celebration of both music and cultural expression. The experience was designed to be immersive from the moment guests arrived until the event’s close in the early hours.

The organisers, Tariq Dakhil, Rosanna Fung and Kristian Jeffrey of BPM Guyana have been building this scene for nearly a decade. They pointed out that the meticulous planning and cross-border collaboration with crews from Curaçao, Trinidad and Suriname were all part of a deliberate effort to meet international production standards and showcase Guyana’s potential beyond nature-based tourism.

EDM Meets Entertainment Tourism

Tourism authorities have taken note. According to the official Guyana Tourism website, events and festivals are increasingly seen as essential to experiencing the country’s culture and heritage and timing a visit around such celebrations is recommended for travellers seeking unique local insights.

Traditionally, Guyana has drawn visitors for its rainforests, waterfalls and wildlife from the mighty Kaieteur Falls to birding and conservation tours deep in the interior but SounDown is helping shift perceptions by spotlighting urban energy and entertainment experiences alongside nature.

A Boost for Local Economies and Creative Industries

The economic ripple effects have been notable. Hotels, restaurants and local tours in and around Georgetown reported increased bookings as international visitors extended their stays before or after the festival. Several tourism operators were quoted as saying that visitors attended excursions to nature hotspots, city tours, and cultural sites in the days surrounding the festival, an indicator that SounDown is weaving entertainment with broader travel experiences.

Partnerships with brands such as ENet, Coca-Cola and the Guyanese government’s One Guyana initiative reflect a growing confidence in Guyana’s entertainment tourism potential. Organisers emphasised that political support including public recognition from President Dr. Irfaan Ali reinforces the belief that 2026 could be a breakthrough year for the festival and Guyana’s wider festival calendar.

Reflecting on the momentum, one local tour guide noted indirectly that visitors coming for SounDown are discovering more of Guyana than they’d ever anticipated, from local cuisine to vibrant street life and natural wonders experiences they now plan into future visits.

Looking Ahead: Expansion and 2026 Ambitions

With its sights set on future growth, BPM Guyana plans to expand SounDown into a two-day festival, secure more impactful global talent, and invest further in production capabilities. The aim is not just to entertain but to firmly establish Guyana on the international festival map, a destination where travel meets culture, music and community.

The organisers shared that current production represents only around 20 percent of their full vision, hinting at ambitious plans that could see SounDown become a highlight on global travel calendars, rivalled by the biggest festivals worldwide.

Why SounDown Matters for Travellers

For adventurous travellers seeking a destination that combines natural beauty with dynamic cultural events, Guyana’s SounDown Festival offers a compelling draw. It invites visitors to explore a destination that is both rich in untamed landscapes and increasingly vibrant in contemporary creative expression.

The coming together of different cultures through music, travel, and nature more so the splendid natural settings of Guyana, is now probably the new universal rhythm that will attract everyone to Georgetown.