Framework, one of the world’s leading independent purveyors of underground music experiences, has just concluded the historic 5th Anniversary installment of its Framework in the Desert event series. It returned to the Atlantic Aviation airport hangar in Thermal, CA. The venue is just minutes from the iconic Indio festival grounds. Moreover, it welcomed over 10,000 guests across three nights (April 10-12) of their highly sought-after late-night event. Electronic music superstars Armin Van Buuren, Disclosure (DJ Set), Mochakk, Boys Noize, Marlon Hoffstadt, KETTAMA B2B Prospa, and Max Dean x Luke Dean headlined Framework’s immersive desert affair.

Framework in the Desert

For its 2026 installment, Framework In The Desert sold out multiple shows (Friday & Saturday) before the weekend even began. The party cemented its evolution from an upstart concept and one of the first desert afterparties open to the public into a must-attend cornerstone of festival season. In addition, at its 2026 edition, the event upheld the world-class production and sound synonymous with the Framework brand. It also showcased top-tier electronic talent.

On Friday, April 10, Framework In The Desert kicked off the weekend’s festivities with headlining performances from Disclosure (DJ Set), who packed their set with their enduring, classic tracks. There were also performances from KETTAMA B2B Prospa. They closed out the sold-out night with an electrifying, decidedly underground curation.

Photo Credit: @itskinderella

At the sold-out Saturday, April 11 show, Framework delivered a stacked, three-headliner lineup. Brazilian superstar Mochakk moved effortlessly across genres. Meanwhile, Boys Noize fused his brooding, experimental edge with high-energy crowd-pleasers. In addition, British cousins Max Dean B2B Luke Dean shut it down with a barrage of deep tech heaters.

Then, on Sunday, April 12, Berlin party-starter Marlon Hoffstadt rocked his headlining set with a vibrant selection of 90s-inspired trance and hard house grooves. Meanwhile, global icon Armin Van Buuren officially closed out the weekend. He did this by seamlessly translating his large-scale, main stage sound to the more intimate airport hangar environment. Throughout the weekend, Framework In The Desert also hosted a bevy of talented support acts. They included Riordan, Chloé Calliet, bullet tooth, Azzecca, Stawbry, Talón, and Erez.

Winn Nightlife/Long Feng Art Car

For the fifth consecutive year, renowned hospitality brand Wynn Nightlife was on deck at Framework In The Desert for an elevated experience. This allowed music fans to enjoy a memorable VIP experience that featured exclusive seating, dedicated bottle service, and prime artist sightlines. There was also the acclaimed guest service that the brand is globally recognized for. For the main event stage, Framework In The Desert 2026 also brought back the Long Feng Art Car installation, which made its public debut at last year’s installment. The Long Feng Art Car once again delivered a one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art mutant stage. Twirling dancers flanked its sides, while spellbinding LED panels and towering, mechanized dragon heads surrounded the entire structure.

The installation’s organizers also introduced the Long Feng Night Market, an interactive, Chinatown-inspired experience set just outside the hangar. Throughout the weekend, attendees could explore various stalls and engage with playful “shopkeepers,” who offered everything from lighthearted challenges to unexpected manifestation practices. The Long Feng team also curated Fins of Fortune, a sound stage art car positioned at the hangar’s entrance. This provided a vibrant soundtrack for the outdoor space.

Also new to Framework In The Desert this year was the Red Bull Bar, located in the hangar’s back outdoor area. Above it, an elevated platform offered VIP ticket holders a place to lounge. They could take in the performances with unobstructed views.

*Cover image credit: @itskinderella