"Pure energy and intensity": The history of Time Warp in 20 photos

Launched in Mannheim, Germany, in 1994, Time Warp began as a small-scale techno festival welcoming just 2,000 people — merely a 10th of the number of people who travel to the festival annually today. The very first edition saw sets from the likes of Laurent Garnier, Speedy J, and Acid Junkies, to name a few, and later became a returning destination for authoritative techno acts like Sven Väth and Carl Cox, helping to launch the career of those who passed through. “Now, it’s become one of the most influential techno and house festivals in the States,” says Time Warp co-founder, Robin Ebinger.

“It established its legacy through innovative floor designs, immersive experiences, and a dedication to featuring top-tier techno and house talent. At the same time, it provided a home for generations of artists nurturing their growth and creativity,” he explains. Since its launch, Time Warp has expanded globally, hosting editions in locations like Milan, Buenos Aires, Vienna, and São Paulo over the years, while still keeping its original edition right at home in the heart of Mannheim every year.

With state-of-the-art production, quality soundsystems, and innovative visuals running seamlessly throughout, Time Warp’s tried and tested festival model has bolstered it to become one of the biggest techno events in the world today. In its 30th year, it shows no signs of stopping. “There are too many memories to mention, but if I had to focus on one thing, it would be the feeling I’ve had from the very beginning — the pure energy and intensity of the experience,” says Robin. “It was like a family gathering, where everyone was united by the music, creating an atmosphere of shared passion and connection.”

2024 also marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of Time Warp’s debut New York edition, which began in 2014 with a helping hand from Teksupport’s Rob Toma. Taking place this weekend from November 22 - 23 at Brooklyn Navy Yard, Time Warp USA’s next edition comes complete with a stacked line-up including the likes of DJ Tennis B2B Jimi Jules, Anfisa Letyago B2B Héctor Oaks, Ricardo Villalobos, Indira Paganotto, Clara Cuvé, Sven Väth, and more.

Read this next: The essence of Time Warp according to the DJs that play there

“With the first edition of Time Warp USA, we were able to bring Ricardo Villalobos to New York City for the first time together, which was very special,” explains Rob. “Over the years, we’ve been able to diversify the programming to embrace the tech house sound, and include more house and techno favourites. With each edition, we challenge ourselves to elevate the visual and sensory experience for attendees, creating very immersive, 360-degree experiences that aren’t focused only on the stage as the sole focal point.”

Ahead of Time Warp USA’s next edition this weekend – and following the 30th anniversary of the festival’s debut in Mannheim, Germany – we look back at the pioneering techno event through the ages with a collection of archival photos from Time Warp’s earliest editions to its most recent. Check them out below.

Time Warp returns to New York's newly opened Brooklyn Storehouse on November 22 - 23. Grab your tickets here.