The Electric Daisy Carnival, produced by Insomniac, gets underway on Friday at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and that means a lot of people will be in town and on the roads during the three-day music festival.
Approximately 400,000 people are expected to attend this year's event, which will feature 8 massive stages, brand-new art installations, full-scale carnival rides, and colorful roaming art cars.
THE PAST IN A NUTSHELL
Even though EDC is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the first Las Vegas EDC was held in 2011 (after moving from Los Angeles). Approximately 230,000 people attended over 3 days the first year.
Extreme winds shut the festival down early on Saturday night in 2012 and 2 people who had attended the festival that year died off site.
EDC in 2013 saw the debut of the largest structural stage in North America. It was also the last year that a live band played at EDC Las Vegas.
More than 400,000 people attended over three days in 2014. Three people who attended that year died. Two people died after the 2nd night came to a close. A third person who came to Las Vegas to attend also died.
More than 400,000 people also attended over three days in 2015. One attendee died that year because of drugs.
TICKETS
General admission tickets are sold out. VIP passes are still available for a mere $700 (plus fees).
HOW TO GET THERE
Many people will be driving themselves and their friends to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which will have 40,000 parking spaces available. But, there are other options.
Shuttles will run from several properties on the Las Vegas Strip and downtown. They are $90 plus fees.
In addition, Uber will be offering rides throughout the weekend. There will even be an Uber Rider Lounge for festival-goers to wait in comfort and a special Uber Lot within a short walk of the event gates.
Maverick Aviation is also offering rides to the speedway in their helicopters. The 15-minute trip costs $800 round trip or $500 one way.
WHAT TO WEAR
The crazier the better. But, make sure to keep the naughty bits covered. There is a strict no nudity policy. And, don't be silly. Wear comfortable shoes. There is A LOT of walking involved. Also, lightweight, breathable clothing is advisable. It's going to be hot, hot, HOT!
Konus Brand will have a pop-up shop at the LINQ Hotel from June 16 to 18. The pop-up shop will feature a limited edition t-shirt line for EDC.
The Tank at the Golden Nugget will be offering a variety of specialty treatments such as Katy Perry Pop Strip Lashes, collagen eye treatments, hair clips and massages.
There are also several local stores that offer clothing and accessories for ravers. They include Rhapsodielle (3 locations), H&M (4 locations), HalloweenMart on Decatur Boulevard, Hot Topic (3 locations), and Spencer's Gifts (3 locations).
If you can't quite get it together before you get there, the VIP beauty Bar at kineticFIELD will offer full-service hair, makeup and body art by appointment.
WHAT YOU CAN/SHOULD BRING
Your valid ID
Your ticket
A non-professional camera
Portable charger for your cell phone
A small bag
Empty hydration packs (there will be plenty of free water available)
Earplugs
Hats & sunglasses
Sealed cigarettes and e-cigs/vapes
A smile and patience
WHAT YOU CAN'T BRING
Drugs (it IS possible to have fun without being high)
Weapons or accessories that can be used as weapons (spiked collars)
Your cute little dog (real or stuffed)
Large purses
Outside food and beverages (forget the flask)
Professional cameras
OTHER TIPS
Download the app
Know where the medical stations are
Drink lots of water
Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion
Pace yourself
Eat (you need calories to dance)
Go with friends
Don't forget where you parked
WHO/WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Of course, there is the music. Some of the big names this year include Jauz, Alesso and Dad Life, Seven Lion, Carnage, Tiesto, Eric Prudz, Kaskade, Above & Beyond, Armin Van Buuren, Afrojack, Paul Oakenfold, Paul Van Dyk, GTA, Knife Party, Paper Diamond, Zedd, RL Grime, Mary Jane Coles, Loco Dice, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Ritchie Hawkins, 12th Plnet, Lumberjack, Excision, Caspa, NGHTMRE, Brillz, and Cookie Monsta.
But, there is sooo much more.
You definitely don't want to miss the huge, mind-blowing tree house (Haus 56) from the folks at Jagermeister. You will also probably want to take a walk through the Memory lane video tunnel and relieve 20 years of EDC through photograph, graphic art and video footage.
The EDC Parade will be bigger and better this year. The grand procession will weave through the festival each night around midnight. Four brand-new art cars will join the fleet of 15 whimsical vehicles and costumed performers.
RELATED: 10 dance music terms to know befor EDC Las Vegas
EDC Town in the grassy area will feature all-new attractions like the Little Red School House, magic shows at the EDC Theater and the EDC Saloon.
This year's carnival will feature 20 full-scale rides. Best of all, every ride is free!
Fireworks. The fireworks show each year is pretty darn spectacular. Since this is the 20th anniversary, expect something special.
And, of course, there's the people and their costumes. Hours of free amusement and great photo ops.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Food and beverage stands are located throughout the event. There are also roaming vendors. Cash and credit accepted.
Stop by the VIP Bubbles Bar at kineticFIELD for a special, champagne-only menu featuring mimosas, Bellinis, and bubbly by the glass.
Longshot Coffee out of Los Angeles will be wheeling a mobile cart stocked with iced mochas, vanilla lattes, and caramel coffee drinks around kineticFIELD.
CARNIVAL SQUARE FEATURES
The Carnival Square debuted at the 2015 EDC. It's back this year and is offering much more:
- Free high-speed wi-fi and phone charging at Carnival Square
- The Chill Zone featuring bean bags and other seating in the air-conditioned Orange Garage
- 11 brand-new carnival games, including Ring-A-Duck, Balloon Popper and Beer Bottle Bust
- Costumed characters performing on a 360-degree catwalk, encircled by a full bar
- Voter registration
- General Store offering candy, gum, LED accessories, flip flops, ring pops and survival essentials
LIVE STREAM
If you weren't able to get a ticket, that doesn't mean that you have to miss the party. Viewers around the world will have access to the experience through YouTube and Facebook from 11:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. each day.
OTHER STUFF RELATED TO EDC WEEKEND
Pasquale Rotella, CEO and founder of Insomniac, will reveal the total monies raised during the 2016 EDC Week Charity Auction with a special check presentation to The Shade Tree on June 16.
The Fremont Street Experience and world-renowned DJ Tiesto will officially premiere the newest Viva Vision Show, "Tiesto -- A Town Called Paradise," at 8:45 p.m. June 16. Tiesto will appear on the 3rd Street State at 8:45 p.m. The new show will play all weekend.
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