Lists
Under the sun: the best outdoor spots to dance at this summer
Soaking up those rays
Summer is on its way. Yes, you heard us. It’s time to pull out the sunnies, don your swim gear and hit the club. Rejoice, because from now until September you’ll be able to spend not only your nights but your days dancing.
Much can be said for getting down in dark, subterranean clubs where sunlight is something to be feared and forgotten about until closing time. But when summer hits, a good dance outdoors under the blistering sun can’t be beat.
There’s something about open air venues that sets the spine tingling. There’s no substitute for it. Here’s our top 10 clubs to visit this summer.
Barbarella's Disco
Croatia
This Croatian club holds a special place in many people’s hearts. Barbarella’s, situated in Pirovac close to The Garden resort in Tisno, is probably Croatia’s best known venue and for good reason. It’s almost entirely open-air and music goes on past dawn. Nick Colgan, the founder of the now sadly defunct The Garden Festival, named the space after another club of the same name which inspired him during his youth in Birmingham. Both Love International and Soundwave Festival use Barbella’s as their go to after party venue. It’s the clear choice: less than half an hour away from The Garden by bus, set in a gorgeous locale with a banging sound system. What’s not to like?
Club Der Visionaere
Berlin
Berlin’s notorious Club Der Visionaere is a club, bar and riverside restaurant. Open almost every day of the week, this waterside joint looks out onto the river Spree. The dance floor is tiny holding 30 at most and on busier days, dancers spill out on the venue’s rustic decking. This place is intimate, entertains a playful atmosphere and looks sublime at sunset and sunrise, as rays dance across the waters.
Concrete
Paris
Docked on the Seine, Concrete is Paris’ very own after-hours venue on a boat. Its upper deck functions as a second dancefloor and is the perfect suntrap for soaking up the sounds of french techno. Concrete may have only secured a permanent license in 2013, but in that time the space has secured a reputation for purveying the hardest techno. It’s also a great spot to relax in the sun and gaze across the river to the Quai D’Austerlitz.
La Terrazza
Barcelona
You can find La Terrazza in green Barcelona’s Poble Espanyol, just off the park. Sporting a 360° stage, dancers crowd around the DJ, who plays from a raised terrace. Heavy on the tech-house, La Terrazza is Barcelona’s largest outdoor venue. It’s a sprawling space, open only during the summer, with multiple bars and plentiful spots to work on your tan.
Motion Crane Yard
Bristol
Bristol may not be known for its good weather: lashed by rain during autumn, winter and spring, occasionally summer brings weeks of scorching heat. When it hits, Motion’s Crane Yard is the place to be. A recent revamp of the site has seen its three sizeable spaces decked out with permanent staging, solid sound systems and colourful new decor. The money has certainly gone to good use - this summer the venue’s in house talent bookers have locked in Jeff Mills and Midland among many others.
Ibiza Rocks House (formerly Pikes Ibiza)
Ibiza
This place is steeped in dance music history. Formerly called Pikes Hotel Ibiza, the hotel has always catered towards the White Isle’s classiest clientele and has played host to some of the island's wildest afterparties. The video for Wham!’s ‘Club Tropicana’ was filmed there and DJ-cum-rockstar DJ Harvey held down a years-long residency. A sparkling, curved pool and generous cocktails await those who check in. Expect bronzed skin and good times.
Studio 338
London
Who ever said it was impossible to emulate the vibe of an Ibizan superclub just off the noisy, smoggy approach to London’s Blackwall Tunnel? Not the owners of Studio 338. After a devastating fire last year that tragically left one staff member dead, the East London venue has risen again, now with a second redesigned outdoor area: The Car Park. Definitely the best suntrap in London, the venue’s lineup this summer looks superb with Andrés, Damiano Von Eckert and Dyed Soundorom playing in the coming months.
Warung Beach Club
Brazil
To talk of techno sun traps and not mention Warung Beach Club would be a crime. Built almost from scratch by a group of friends from nearby Curitiba, every detail at the Brazilian club is geared towards immersion. The main space, less of a room than a covered outdoor space, looks out to the white, sandy beach. Regulars describe the venue as “the temple”, only opening a few times a month during the summer, and even less over the rest of the year. Fresh local fish, carefully crafted into sushi, is served by the entrance to the club. The venue is fitted with a bespoke sound system. Head to The Garden, a sprawling second dancefloor full of lush greenery and music curated by local DJs, if you’re their for the sunshine.
YAAM
Berlin
The German capital’s Young African Art Market is more than just a venue. It’s a community centre of sorts, complete with bars, restaurants, volleyball courts and basketball hoops. When the sun shines in Berlin there’s no better place to be. Situated on the north bank of the Spree the spacious stretch is completely covered in sand which means shoes aren’t a necessity. In the 24-hour party city that is Berlin, YAAM offers a place to lie back and soak up the rays.
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Berlin
Located in Berlin’s Friedrichshain district, ://about blank sports one of the city’s largest outdoor areas complete with numerous nooks and crannies to relax or hide away in. The venue is notorious for its strict door policy, which almost manages to match that of Berghain. However, visiting during the day or at the crack of dawn makes for incredible viewing, as headline DJs play outside as well as in the club. Formerly an illegal squat, the space has only been touched up a little, and still retains a distinctly risque feel; perfect for those hedonistic day parties.
