DownBeats is all about enhancing the concert experience, which is why we’re bringing you a new series of guides for music festivals so you can have the best experience possible. To start the series, we’re going to tell you how to have a killer time at the biggest electronic music festival in the world: Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas.

EDC Las Vegas – The King of (Electronic) Music Festivals

So you want to go to EDC Las Vegas? At up to 110,000 people in daily attendance, this is one of the largest music festivals in the world, period. From a production value standpoint, it’s almost unparalleled. The stages, the rides, the art installations, the nocturnal nature of it all – there’s really just nothing else quite like it at this scale. Combine all of that with the proximity to the Vegas strip and it’s even more extravagant. But, the Las Vegas Speedway’s distance from the strip does create some difficulty with travel. So, you have to ask yourself: are you here to see Vegas, or are you here for EDC?

Most people fall somewhere in the middle, but as we go along I’ll give you some tips for the more committed festival junkies. EDC Vegas, for all its awesomeness, is genuinely a pain to get to. The festival is at the Las Vegas Speedway, which is 16 miles away from the strip and only accessible by a couple of roads. This is fantastic for the space to have this party, and so that there aren’t any noise ordinances to stop the show from going on until 5:30 am. This is terrible for getting to and from, however, as you and 110,000 of your closest friends are all trying to do the same thing on a couple narrow strips of highway.

Tickets

Tickets are available through Flavorus and as of this writing, a single general admission ticket is $333 with shipping, while a VIP ticket is going to run you $556. If you’re thinking about getting a VIP ticket but aren’t sure, my suggestion would be there isn’t enough value there to warrant the upgrade. The amenities they offer really just aren’t worth it:

Exclusive VIP Entrance Line – if it’s working this can be a big advantage, as the main lines can take as long as 45 minutes if they’re clogged. But the VIP lines can also get long during the rush.

– if it’s working this can be a big advantage, as the main lines can take as long as 45 minutes if they’re clogged. But the VIP lines can also get long during the rush. Reserved Restrooms – this is a plus, but the port-o-potty situation for Gen Pop isn’t so bad. Pretty clean, for festival standards, and lines were very manageable.

– this is a plus, but the port-o-potty situation for Gen Pop isn’t so bad. Pretty clean, for festival standards, and lines were very manageable. VIP Bars – these bars are a little nicer and more accessible, but remember you don’t get anything other than an easier way to buy alcohol. You still have to buy said alcohol.

– these bars are a little nicer and more accessible, but remember you don’t get anything other than an easier way to buy alcohol. You still have to buy said alcohol. Elevated Platform Viewing – this is the one thing that might be worth it. These platforms are located in the back of the main stage, Kinetic Field, and on the sides of the structure at Circuit Grounds. At Kinetic Field they’re kind of far back but you get a great view of the whole crowd and all of the screens, which wrap around the crowd in a way I’ve never seen done before. At Circuit Grounds the view is fantastic, however. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time there for Group Therapy or A State of Trance, you might also want to be spending for the VIP.

– this is the one thing that might be worth it. These platforms are located in the back of the main stage, Kinetic Field, and on the sides of the structure at Circuit Grounds. At Kinetic Field they’re kind of far back but you get a great view of the whole crowd and all of the screens, which wrap around the crowd in a way I’ve never seen done before. At Circuit Grounds the view is fantastic, however. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time there for Group Therapy or A State of Trance, you might also want to be spending for the VIP. Access to Table Service – A final option, if you want to live like a baller, is purchasing a table at the main stage. You will need to already have a VIP ticket to get in, but for $3,000 you can have a table hosted by Marquee at the front of Kinetic Field. A warning though, that is the price of entry only – you will then have exclusive access to the bottle service menu. But hey, if you went on a run in craps last night, maybe it’s worth it after all!

Where to Stay

I’m going to assume you know how to get Las Vegas, as a city (planes, cars, trains, I think we all got this by now), and skip to where to stay. If you’re flying in the airport has bountiful cabs and rental cars if you’re so inclined, but where are they going to take you? If you want to experience even a little bit of Vegas, you’re going to want to stay on or near the strip. Where you stay, however, really depends on what you’re looking for.

So, what’s your scene?

Do you want a good balance of Vegas and EDC, but have better access to pool parties? The schedules aren’t out yet, but the best pool parties are at Marquee, Encore, Tao, and Hard Rock (which is famously known as Rehab). All of these are on the northern half of the strip, so staying close to Marquee at a place like Aria would give you a good mix of everything.

The schedules aren’t out yet, but the best pool parties are at Marquee, Encore, Tao, and Hard Rock (which is famously known as Rehab). All of these are on the northern half of the strip, so staying close to Marquee at a place like Aria would give you a good mix of everything. Do you want to be on the strip, closer to EDC, but still have the pool party options? Staying on the north side of the strip would be ideal for you then. The Wynn is the home of Encore for pool parties, while the Venetian and Mirage are both conveniently located as well.

Staying on the north side of the strip would be ideal for you then. The Wynn is the home of Encore for pool parties, while the Venetian and Mirage are both conveniently located as well. Do you want a quieter Vegas experience? Last year I stayed at the The Signature at MGM Grand and thought this was a great way to stay in a chill hotel while having the option for more rowdiness if you wanted it. The Signature is connected to the MGM Grand so you can easily walk over in air conditioned walkways to casinos or Wet Republic’s pool party, or stay at your own pool which is only available to guests of the hotel.

Last year I stayed at the The Signature at MGM Grand and thought this was a great way to stay in a chill hotel while having the option for more rowdiness if you wanted it. The Signature is connected to the MGM Grand so you can easily walk over in air conditioned walkways to casinos or Wet Republic’s pool party, or stay at your own pool which is only available to guests of the hotel. Are you here only for EDC? If the fest is your focus, I recommend finding accommodations as close to the Vegas Speedway as you can get. House rentals are available through websites such as www.vacationrentals.com and www.homeaway.com if you have a large enough group. There are also some hotels available in the area, mostly of mediocre quality, but there is a new Marriott property in the area that looks solid. The one thing to note if you’re going this route, you will have to take care of transportation on your own as you won’t have access to shuttles.

Getting to EDC

This will undoubtedly be the hardest part of your trip. Traffic around the Speedway is absolutely horrendous. Expect an hour each way minimum, and don’t be surprised if it takes closer to three hours if you’re leaving at peak hours (leaving the strip 7:30 to 11 pm, or leaving the fest within an hour of close). So what’s the best way to navigate these treacherous highways? A lot depends on the size of your group.

EDC Shuttles – by far the most popular option. Insomniac links to shuttle passes, and as you can tell from last year’s pickup locations you have a lot of options as to where to get on. The downside, however, is that this is the most popular option. Expect long lines at both pickup and drop off, and longer drive times as shuttles will stop at multiple hotels. Shuttles are best for small groups, or groups staying at multiple hotels.

– by far the most popular option. Insomniac links to shuttle passes, and as you can tell from last year’s pickup locations you have a lot of options as to where to get on. The downside, however, is that this is the most popular option. Expect long lines at both pickup and drop off, and longer drive times as shuttles will stop at multiple hotels. Shuttles are best for small groups, or groups staying at multiple hotels. Driving yourself – this isn’t a terrible option, but you will need a designated driver and a rental car if you didn’t drive to Las Vegas already. If you’re staying in a house or hotel off the strip your other options are limited, however. Park early if you want to get a spot that’s not a mile, literally, from the entrance. Valet is effective for dropping off your car, but the wait to get it if you’re leaving around close can be bad. This option is ideal for smaller groups (2-14, if you’re willing to drive a larger passenger vehicle) or people staying off the strip.

– this isn’t a terrible option, but you will need a designated driver and a rental car if you didn’t drive to Las Vegas already. If you’re staying in a house or hotel off the strip your other options are limited, however. Park early if you want to get a spot that’s not a mile, literally, from the entrance. Valet is effective for dropping off your car, but the wait to get it if you’re leaving around close can be bad. This option is ideal for smaller groups (2-14, if you’re willing to drive a larger passenger vehicle) or people staying off the strip. Limo service – a more expensive option, but if you have a group of 8-14 this could be perfect for you. You’re only likely to get one pick up and drop off opportunity with this route so you’d have to have a group committed to that.

– a more expensive option, but if you have a group of 8-14 this could be perfect for you. You’re only likely to get one pick up and drop off opportunity with this route so you’d have to have a group committed to that. Taxi cabs – avoid this option as your primary means of travel. Cabs are $100 each way, and you will find that cab drivers are often unwilling to take you out there, and very few of them make it to the Speedway for pickup. There is a taxi stand at EDC but as you can imagine the lines get incredibly long after the fest closes down.

– avoid this option as your primary means of travel. Cabs are $100 each way, and you will find that cab drivers are often unwilling to take you out there, and very few of them make it to the Speedway for pickup. There is a taxi stand at EDC but as you can imagine the lines get incredibly long after the fest closes down. Private shuttle – if you have a group of 30+, take a look at private shuttles. You can usually get a couple of pickup and drop off times, and get all the advantages of a shuttle with none of the waiting time associated with the public shuttle. There are a lot of options here that you can find on Yelp or through a Google search.

– if you have a group of 30+, take a look at private shuttles. You can usually get a couple of pickup and drop off times, and get all the advantages of a shuttle with none of the waiting time associated with the public shuttle. There are a lot of options here that you can find on Yelp or through a Google search. Helicopter – if you’ve got the money to spend, nothing is going to get you to and from EDC faster than a chopper. Maverick Helicopters offered charters last year at $5,000 for a round trip flight for seven, or a solo round trip for $800.

Being There

After flying, driving, and scheming your way to the Las Vegas Speedway, you’re finally here! So what kind of tips do we have for you?

Getting there – we’ve already covered transportation, but get there early if you can. Traffic only gets worse as the night goes on, and you’ll be surprised how much there is to see at EDC. With six major stages, 20+ carnival rides, roaming performers, and countless other art installations, it will take some effort to see all the music you want to see while getting in all the extras too. Take your time, hang out a while, and immerse yourself in this nocturnal playground.

– we’ve already covered transportation, but get there early if you can. Traffic only gets worse as the night goes on, and you’ll be surprised how much there is to see at EDC. With six major stages, 20+ carnival rides, roaming performers, and countless other art installations, it will take some effort to see all the music you want to see while getting in all the extras too. Take your time, hang out a while, and immerse yourself in this nocturnal playground. How to dress – the rave culture is known for fun costumes, less clothing, and bright colors, so let your freak flag fly! However, be aware of the forecast for the evening, it’s typically pretty warm so respect the heat. But also be aware that you’re in the desert at night and it can turn very cold very fast. Bring extra clothing in a backpack and carry it with you, or store your belongings in a locker provided by Entertainment Lockers.

– the rave culture is known for fun costumes, less clothing, and bright colors, so let your freak flag fly! However, be aware of the forecast for the evening, it’s typically pretty warm so respect the heat. But also be aware that you’re in the desert at night and it can turn very cold very fast. Bring extra clothing in a backpack and carry it with you, or store your belongings in a locker provided by Entertainment Lockers. Wear Comfortable Shoes – You’re going to be on your feet for a long time this weekend, be sure to wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. There is going to be dust and trash everywhere so expect your shoes to be trashed by the end. Open toed shoes or sandals are also dicey as you are likely to get stepped on at one point or another.

You’re going to be on your feet for a long time this weekend, be sure to wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. There is going to be dust and trash everywhere so expect your shoes to be trashed by the end. Open toed shoes or sandals are also dicey as you are likely to get stepped on at one point or another. What to bring – make sure to have plenty of cash on hand as you’re going to be there a while and will want drinks, food, and merchandise while you’re there. You are allowed to bring in an empty Insomniac water bottle and there are water stations available. I highly recommend chapstick as it gets dry out there, and if you’re a smoker bring extra cigarettes because people will be bumming them from you. Note that LED gloves and other LED lights are prohibited, and they will take them from you at the gate if found. And of course, you also definitely be bringing your DownBeats…

– make sure to have plenty of cash on hand as you’re going to be there a while and will want drinks, food, and merchandise while you’re there. You are allowed to bring in an empty Insomniac water bottle and there are water stations available. I highly recommend chapstick as it gets dry out there, and if you’re a smoker bring extra cigarettes because people will be bumming them from you. Note that LED gloves and other LED lights are prohibited, and they will take them from you at the gate if found. And of course, you also definitely be bringing your DownBeats… DownBeats – I’m obviously biased, but you should definitely use DownBeats or some other form of hearing protection if you’re going to be partying at those sound levels for three days straight. You’ll be amazed at how much better you can hear the music and conversation with your friends, and you’ll love not having a sonic hangover the next day. EDC Vegas has a special place in DownBeats history as the first festival where I used the DownBeats prototype, and they worked so well that thus was born a new brand in concert hearing loss prevention! Also available on Amazon and EBay.

– I’m obviously biased, but you should definitely use DownBeats or some other form of hearing protection if you’re going to be partying at those sound levels for three days straight. You’ll be amazed at how much better you can hear the music and conversation with your friends, and you’ll love not having a sonic hangover the next day. EDC Vegas has a special place in DownBeats history as the first festival where I used the DownBeats prototype, and they worked so well that thus was born a new brand in concert hearing loss prevention! Also available on Amazon and EBay. Meeting Up With Friends – Cell phone reception is notoriously terrible. Your major carriers are going to be hit or miss, with a couple of tangential carriers being more effective. Look into walkie talkie systems if you have a large group that’s going to be splintering off. Another tip is to set rally points at specific times for meeting up, which will be helpful if you have differing acts you want to see early and late, or if you’re trying to orchestrate your ride home.

– Cell phone reception is notoriously terrible. Your major carriers are going to be hit or miss, with a couple of tangential carriers being more effective. Look into walkie talkie systems if you have a large group that’s going to be splintering off. Another tip is to set rally points at specific times for meeting up, which will be helpful if you have differing acts you want to see early and late, or if you’re trying to orchestrate your ride home. Music – the music at EDC is on another level, and there are great acts going on from open to close. Each stage has a little bit of a different flair, but they all look spectacular. If you’re worried about buying tickets without a lineup, don’t be – you can expect top tier talent going off each and every night. One knock on EDC is that they don’t release their schedule until extremely close to the festival, but here are some guidelines based on last year’s stages: Kinetic Field – the biggest and grandest stage I’ve ever seen. The screens are enormous and the acts are world class. Expect to spend a lot of time here. Cosmic Meadow – this stage is sizable and usually serves up a lot of house music Circuit Grounds – this is a mega structure that will be your home for trance music Neon Garden – a more eclectic stage, the style of music here varies daily. Expect to see everything from dubstep to house and anything in between. bassPOD – this is your home for all things bass. Expect to see heavy doses of dubstep and trap music. Q-dance – this is a stage put on by Q-dance, a Dutch event organizer, and you can expect a lot of hardstyle, dubstyle, and hardhouse at this stage.

– the music at EDC is on another level, and there are great acts going on from open to close. Each stage has a little bit of a different flair, but they all look spectacular. If you’re worried about buying tickets without a lineup, don’t be – you can expect top tier talent going off each and every night. One knock on EDC is that they don’t release their schedule until extremely close to the festival, but here are some guidelines based on last year’s stages: Getting around – The festival grounds are actually pretty easy to navigate despite the attendance size. If you’re trying to escape the main stage it can be helpful to access it from the outside via the speedway track, which is an easier way to get around than going straight through the center.

– The festival grounds are actually pretty easy to navigate despite the attendance size. If you’re trying to escape the main stage it can be helpful to access it from the outside via the speedway track, which is an easier way to get around than going straight through the center. Drink plenty of water – You’re going to be doing a lot of dancing and you’re in the middle of the desert, make sure to stay hydrated.

– You’re going to be doing a lot of dancing and you’re in the middle of the desert, make sure to stay hydrated. Leaving – Getting out of there is going to be tough, but in my opinion, stay to the end if you can. There is nothing cooler than seeing your favorite DJ spinning into sunrise. If you’re at the main stage you’ll also see those lucky helicopter passengers taking off, which is a cool sight unto itself. Besides, it’s 5:30 am, and you’ve got 12 hours before the fest starts again. Last year I heard Fedde Le Grand drop “Insomnia” as the sun rose and it was spectacularly timed. Unless you’ve got a pool party to get to, take your time and enjoy this unique experience!

After Fest Activities

EDC is so different because it’s all at night. The festival starts at 7 pm and goes until 5:30 am, so your after partying will be different than most festivals. If you stay until the end of EDC expect to be home somewhere between 7:30 and 9 am. So you’re back and now harsh daylight is here to stay, what next?

Sleep – A necessity for some, I’m going to advise against this as much as you can. You can sleep when you’re home, Vegas is for partying.

– A necessity for some, I’m going to advise against this as much as you can. You can sleep when you’re home, Vegas is for partying. Pools – Lounging by the pool is a good way to relax after a long night of partying, assuming you can find a quiet pool. Get some sun, have some drinks, unwind in the hot tub, take a little disco nap while soaking up some vitamin D, and get recharged for the next night of EDC.

– Lounging by the pool is a good way to relax after a long night of partying, assuming you can find a quiet pool. Get some sun, have some drinks, unwind in the hot tub, take a little disco nap while soaking up some vitamin D, and get recharged for the next night of EDC. Pool Parties – If you can’t get enough music, the pool parties during EDC weekend are a great way to keep the party going. The schedule isn’t out yet but expect major events going on each day at clubs like Marquee, Encore, Rehab at Hard Rock, Tao Beach, Wet Republic at MGM Grand, and the new Hakkasan at MGM Grand. Make sure to get tickets in advance or show up in a line early (think 10-11 am) to make sure you get in. Guys should expect to pay a higher cover because after all, this is Vegas.

– If you can’t get enough music, the pool parties during EDC weekend are a great way to keep the party going. The schedule isn’t out yet but expect major events going on each day at clubs like Marquee, Encore, Rehab at Hard Rock, Tao Beach, Wet Republic at MGM Grand, and the new Hakkasan at MGM Grand. Make sure to get tickets in advance or show up in a line early (think 10-11 am) to make sure you get in. Guys should expect to pay a higher cover because after all, this is Vegas. Casinos – If you’re a gambler, this can be a good way to avoid daylight, score some free drinks, and kill a little bit of daylight before the party starts again.

– If you’re a gambler, this can be a good way to avoid daylight, score some free drinks, and kill a little bit of daylight before the party starts again. Dining – You should really try to make your best effort to have at least one meal a day. Try to keep it light so you’re not having stomach problems at EDC, that is not a place you want to be feeling terrible. Vegas food options are expansive, but have caution if you’re eating your biggest meal right before leaving for the fest.

– You should really try to make your best effort to have at least one meal a day. Try to keep it light so you’re not having stomach problems at EDC, that is not a place you want to be feeling terrible. Vegas food options are expansive, but have caution if you’re eating your biggest meal right before leaving for the fest. Skipping EDC – There are a lot of options for musical entertainment if you don’t feel like making it to the fest. Schedules aren’t out yet for 2013 but keep your eye out for Marquee and Encore as they will typically have some big names playing at night during EDC weekend.

Leaving Las Vegas

The airport is going to be very busy on Monday, and unless you’re going straight to the airport from the festival don’t try to schedule a flight before noon. I did exactly that last year with a 9 am flight and made it by the skin of my teeth. If you’re driving to LA expect a longer drive as you’re not the only person making the mad dash towards southern California.

Removing the Hassle

As you can tell from this guide, navigating your way through EDC takes a fair amount of planning and can be kind of a hassle. Fortunately there’s a solution to that out there with certain tour groups, and one I would highly recommend is Ovation Tour Group. Run by some fellow Chicagoans, Ovation will get you top notch accommodations at the Palms, limo transportation to and from EDC, entry to pool parties, and will have a staff around to answer all your questions and help with any special hookups you need. Prices are very reasonable, you can book by yourself if you’re flying solo, and all combined there is a lot of value in Ovation’s travel package.

The Verdict

EDC is tough to get to and from, but once there it will be an experience the likes of which you’ve never seen. The only complaint I’ve heard that wasn’t traffic related is that it’s a little too much for some people. However, if international DJ stars on grandiose stages in a nocturnal environment rarely seen elsewhere is your thing, then EDC should be your next music festival destination of choice.