The Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is the largest EDM festival in North America and it’s coming up in October. For first-time goers, it could get overwhelming planning out your weekend with so much to do and see. But EDC will provide a much-needed catharsis for EDM lovers who have been longing for the feeling of being one with the crowd again––a feeling we weren’t sure we’d ever get back when COVID-19 struck. Here are some tips on how to enjoy your time at EDC:
1. Head out early on your first day
There are a few benefits to reaching your first day of EDC while the sun is still out: you might be waiting outside to check-in for a couple of hours, you can enjoy the view, the grounds are still super clean for a strong first impression at this point, and it gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with the layout. The festival grounds are expansive, so grabbing a map will be helpful!
2. Dress comfortably and stay hydrated
You’ll be dancing the night away in the heat of Las Vegas. Most likely, you’ll be making multiple laps around the festival grounds. It is best to wear athletic shoes and an outfit mean to fight the heat.
While EDC does sell water bottles and water packs, it is better to bring your own so you spend less time waiting in line and risking missing a set.
3. Buy the merch you like as soon as you see it
As the largest EDM festival, the Electric Daisy Carnival welcomes well over a hundred thousand festival-goers every year. Because of this, merchandise sells out quickly. So if you see a t-shirt you’d love to take home, buy it on your first day or else you may never see it again!
It is also worth visiting the Lux Rave Store, a 10,000 sq ft pop shop that offers any and all equipment you could possibly need for a rave. The store also hosts different events each day of the festival, like kandi making with the iHeartRaves team.
4. Give artists you don’t know a chance
EDC usually has live performances by some of the largest names of the genre: Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix, etc. Many first-time goers might be tempted to plan their day around seeing these DJs exclusively. However, being more open and flexible with who you plan to see has some perks: you might discover a new artist you’ll fall in love with, you can focus more on having fun and letting the night happen to you rather than sticking to an itinerary, and you’ll be less upset if you happen to miss a set. Be adventurous and ready to discover!
5. Check out the best EDC attractions at least once
Markdown the times for the EDC parade down Rainbow Road, which usually happens for a 45-minute interval each night. Check out the rides, art, the different stages, and sit down at the cosmic meadow.
