Happy EDC Week! Whether it's your first Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas or your 13th – yes the festival has been held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for that long – this edition is going to be mind-blowing in terms of production and surprises, as the layout has been revamped and all new sections have been added. Two of EDC's taglines are "From Dusk Till Dawn" and "Under The Electric Sky". For first-timers, this literally means raving from sundown to sunup, as EDC is essentially the only dance music festival in North America that happens mostly at night instead of during the day and a few hours in the the next day. 

Even veterans like ourselves who have made the pilgrimage year after year have to adequately prepare, especially if attending all three days. Preparation is just as key as deciding your acts to see. EDC and EDC Week for that matter are a marathon, not a sprint.  Here are Edmtrain's insights and tips for making the best of EDC LV 2024. Hopefully some or most of this is already common knowledge among your rave fam!

Layout shakeup: EDC is introducing several exciting changes, one of the major ones being the layout. Some stages are being moved to new locations, creating a fresh experience for returning Headliners. Keeping with tradition, cosmicGATE will still greet Headliners walking down the main entrance speedway steps. The main stage, kineticFIELD, is staying at the far left end from cosmicMEADOW. The second main stage of sorts, circuitGROUNDS, is staying pretty much at its same location opposite the speedway from kineticFIELD. But the other stages have been rejiggered. The bassPOD and wasteLAND have switched sections with quantumVALLEY and neonGARDEN, and bionicJUNGLE has moved to the left of cosmicMEADOW near stereoBLOOM. This is designed to ease traffic, so we're hopeful there will be less of a jam especially around kineticFIELD. Check the map below for all the details.

YeeDC Saloon: A new space dedicated to blending country music and dance music culture is being added. This will feature "country EDM" sets, acoustic guitar melodies, wild west burlesque line dancing and western-themed decor and activities.

Downtown EDC: It is now relocated to a central area within the festival grounds, offering a fresh take and a true downtown experience within the electric carnival.

neonGARDEN: This popular techno and underground sounds stage will now have a roof, offering shade during the day and a more cavernous and immersive experience at night that is complimentary to the genre.

Unless you live in Las Vegas, you'll have to decide between flying, driving, or taking public transport in. When deciding which to do, factor in also how you'll be getting to EDC. The speedway is a distance from the Las Vegas Strip – not a long distance, but a long drive when factoring in the traffic jam to get there with hundreds of thousands of others also on the road. 

Now Headliners can avoid the drive with Camp EDC, but it can have challenges of its own like possible high heat during the day and other unpredictable conditions like wind or rain. It is the desert, after all. Another option is staying in an RV, which also can get hot during the day.

If you are looking for a comfortable bed to get enough rest during the day for the all-night affair, consider the travel times involved. Airbnb's closer to the venue may be the move, but if you're trying to hit some pool parties or clubs which we do recommend checking out, they are mostly on the Strip. There are pros and cons any way you cut it. If you're staying on the Strip, EDC offers helicopter rides which we do recommend doing once in your lifetime. There's nothing like flying over the traffic jam and seeing the speedway lights, landing and you're there!

Attending all three days of EDC is something all Headliners should do at least once in their rave lives. It's also totally understandable and sometimes a vet move to do two days or even just one, especially if you're hitting some of the pool parties and nightclubs. In an ideal world, you get to Vegas earlier during EDC Week, hit some pool parties and clubs and save enough energy for the three-day festival. 

If you have to pick and choose, consider that each day of EDC has its special aspects. Lineup aside – which we have to be honest is a top deciding factor – know that Friday is special because you're seeing the stages for the first time along with everyone else, Saturday is often the most highly attended and high-energy day, and Sunday may have slightly fewer Headliners because some may be too tired or heading back to their "real lives" but it's also the last day and meaningful. Weigh the factors and choose wisely!

While creating a must-see list of artists and stages beforehand helps you avoid missing your favorites, remember – EDC is also about exploration! Don't cram your schedule so tight that you miss out on the magic of spontaneous discovery. Keep an eye out for hidden gems like amazing art installations, interactive experiences like unexpected pop-ups, and even secret sets by guest DJs tucked away in corners or on art cars. Embrace the unexpected and let EDC take you on a journey of sonic and visual wonder!

Be sure to download a copy of the EDC map and set times to your phone in case of no cell reception, which usually can happen around midnight as the festival gets packed.

EDC is all about preparation. Before you pack your dancing shoes, check this page on the official EDC website for the latest list of acceptable and prohibited items.

Las Vegas weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to check the forecast a few days before the festival and choose your outfits accordingly.

Here are the essentials we recommend: comfortable clothing and shoes you can dance in all night, earplugs to protect your hearing, a portable charger to keep your phone juiced, and a small backpack or hydration pack to keep your supplies organized.

Remember, EDC is a cashless environment, so ditch the wallet and bring credit, debit, Apple Pay, or Android Pay for all your purchases.

Coordinating with friends at a massive festival like EDC requires a solid plan. Designate a central meeting spot outside the festival entrance, like a specific landmark or shuttle stop, in case you get separated before entering. Inside, choose a unique landmark near each stage as a backup meeting point.

Time-stamp your texts so friends know when you sent the message, even if delivery is delayed. If you do get lost, don't panic. Head to one of your pre-determined meeting spots or find a staff member for assistance. Remember, clear communication and pre-planning are key to staying connected with your crew.

When in doubt, go to an information booth or lost and found and ask for Ground Control or Headliner Experience staff. These are Insomniac Events-hired helpers whose mission it is to keep Headliners healthy, happy and hydrated. They will help Headliners in all physical and mental conditions, no questions asked. This includes trying to contact friends if a phone has been lost or stolen. 

EDC is all about letting loose and having fun, but staying vigilant against pickpockets is important. To outsmart potential thieves, invest in a sturdy, theft-resistant backpack or fanny pack. Look for secure zippers and hidden compartments to keep your valuables tucked away. Most importantly, wear your pack or fanny pack in front of your body where you can constantly feel it. This way, you'll be the first to notice any suspicious activity. 

Consider a theft-resistant phone case with a wrist strap or lanyard for added security. Not only will it prevent accidental drops during energetic dance moves, but it'll also make snatching your phone a much more difficult feat for any would-be thieves.

We've mentioned it already,  but keep in mind that EDC is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself, know your limits and prioritize your well-being.

Take breaks throughout the night to rest and refuel. There are chill-out zones, free water stations, and food vendors all scattered throughout the venue for your convenience. The Oasis is a place to take a break from the action. 

Earplugs are essential for protecting your hearing from the loud music. Invest in high-quality earplugs designed for concerts to enjoy the music without damaging your ears.

Don't forget to factor in the spectacle that is EDC's legendary fireworks display! Every night around 1:30 a.m., the sky ignites in a dazzling display of pyrotechnics perfectly choreographed to the music. Find a spot with a clear view and prepare to be blown away.

EDC's magic extends beyond the main stages. Plan to stay late at least one night into sunrise to experience the unforgettable energy as the first rays of light paint the desert sky. It's a truly unique way to close out an epic weekend at EDC Las Vegas.

Ultimately, EDC is more than just a music festival. It's a journey of self-discovery, connection and pure joy. After all these years, EDC remains one of our favorite festivals – it may be overwhelming for some, but for us it's never too much. We can't express how much we appreciate that it keeps growing every year, pushing the boundaries of music and reality. It's a place we call home.

EDC Las Vegas Website
EDC Week Website
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