The Electric Daisy Carnival is Orlando’s hottest music festival with an array of ways to stay busy.
The annual Electric Daisy Carnival, or EDC for veteran attendees is one of Orlando’s most over-the-top, glittery music events. While the songs are certainly at the core of the festival, sunshine State has figured out how to take the concept of music festivals one step further, making this an event you won’t want to miss – however, the first EDC for newcomers can be a bit overwhelming with so much going on.
EDC is the acronym for Electric Daisy Carnival, the largest electronica dance festival in the country. Originating in 1991, the event has gotten so big that spinoff festivals are now held around the world, although EDC Las Vegas remains the pinnacle of fun and excitement.
EDC 2022 is being held from November 12th to November 14th at Tinker Field that will features carnival rides, stunning art installations that utilize light, and a variety of performers from stilt-walkers to aerialists. Themed bars are scattered across the grounds, so make sure you explore them all – just be careful you don’t end up at the on-site chapels with someone you just met!
EDC prices for passes vary, depending on the package you choose to get, but the VIP passes are worth the investment, generally running around $400 for three days if you buy them early! The passes earn you access to even more activities, gourmet food, access-restricted viewing areas so that you can escape the crowds.
Photo from EDC Official WebsiteObviously the most important part of EDC is the lineup. For 2022, this includes Alan Walker (“Sing Me To Sleep” and “Darkside”, Westend (“Lollipop” and “Feel”), Alesso (“Heroes” and “I Wanna Know”), Lucati (“Disconnection” and “Kick Goes Boom”), Virtual Riot (“Earth & Sky” and “Dragons”), and Zedd (“Shave It Up” and “Stay The Night”), to name a very, very few. With 9 stages set up, you can expect to see just about every big name or upcoming talent in electronica on the roster.
Festival fashion is a loose designation. The most important aspect is comfort – you’ll be doing long days of walking around and dancing in hot weather in thick crowds of people. If you’re not comfortable, you won’t have fun. So start packing with your shoes. Sneakers are a good option or low boots – nothing open-toed because you will get stepped on.
Now, you can consider style – unlike Coachella, where neutrals rule the day, EDC is all about the bright colors. Look for neon pieces, metallic effects, and psychedelic prints. The most outrageous piece in your closet that you’ve never worn because it seems too out-there? Now is the perfect chance to pull it out and put it to good use.
Definitely bring a swimsuit. For one, you can use it as part of your outfit, but also you may be running through sprinklers, hopping in a pool, or just not want to go into the showers without something on. While you will see plenty of women in bikinis, the real trade secret is to bring a one-piece. It’s far more versatile and you won’t be risking a wardrobe malfunction.
EDC Makeup Tutorial
Now that EDC includes a camping option, the list of things you’ll want to bring has grown a bit longer. It’s important to remember that Vegas can get hot, the festival can get crowded, and you want to remain as comfortable as possible.
Yes, there will be drinks available in the festival, but you still absolutely need a hydration pack. At some point, you won’t want to wait in long lines, won’t be near a drink stand, or it may be that you get light-headed from the heat – and while you’ll be tempted to fill the pack with something fun, stick to water – it’s important to stay hydrated and doing so is how you’ll be ready to roll the next day instead of downing aspirin for your pounding headache.
Photo from Amazon.com
The most basic option is a simple hydration pack that can go in whatever bag you choose to carry, like this 2-liter version. It’s easy to fill, easy to clean, and won’t leak.
Photo from Etsy
Some people say face masks, hairbands, and three other things to prevent problems, but a single bandana can do a world of good. This little piece of cloth can keep your hair off your face, be tied around your mouth if the dust gets to be too much, and you can even tie it to your wrist and a friend’s wrist so you don’t lose each other in a crowd. At night, use it like an eye mask for better sleep!
Photo from Amazon
EDC is loud. That’s part of the charm of music festivals, but the noise level can give you headaches and actually damage your ears. Fortunately, these ear plugs, which come with their own handy carrying container, are discreet but effective. Tuck them in right before you stand in front of the speakers, and you’ll be able to have a good time without the pain. They’ll also come in handy when you’re trying to sleep and people are making noise in nearby tents.
Photo from Amazon
You absolutely must have a solar charger if you want to be able to use your phone past the first day, much less any other electronics. It’s best to have two, but the trick is they should be small enough to be easily carried. This one from Amazon unfolds to recharge faster, and includes fast charging so that your phone is ready to take more pictures before you know it.
Photos from Etsy
Even if you have a backpack, you likely won’t carry it at all times, so bring a smaller purse. Some will recommend a fanny pack, but honestly, it’s just not a good look for anyone, and music festivals are heavy on fashion. Instead, switch things up with a pocketed vest or a leg holster. Keep your most important things in here – ID, credit card, and cash.
Especially if you’re attending with a few friends, it may be worth it to invest in the ShiftPod pass to get a tent that’s already set up – and that you don’t have to carry. However, if you do decide to bring your own, choose one that is tough and comfortable, like this tent which provides the option for amazing ventilation or this two-room tent that lets you have a bit more privacy.
Photos from Amazon
Travel locks are crucial to protecting your things. Most festivals encourage two locks for your tent, but you’re actually better off with three or four, so that you can also secure your duffel bag and backpack. Avoid locks that require keys, and even combination locks – when you need to get into your bag or your tent, you don’t want to have to fight with tiny dials. Instead choose this bluetooth lock that can be released from your phone, or this fingerprint lock.
Picture from Etsy
Microfiber towels come with a number of benefits – they’re extremely absorbent, they dry quickly, and they’re versatile. When you want to pack light for a festival, having a single towel that can go from shower to beach and be ready again the next day is crucial. Plus, they come in a variety of styles from light and boho rainbow to this Aztec-print option.
Don’t forget all of your normal toiletries, but bring travel-size versions. This includes soap or body wash, shampoo, conditioner, makeup remover, and so on, but you should also add a moisturizer with SPF to protect against the sun, peppermint lotion to help your feet at the end of the day, and a full-size container of bug spray or lotion. Also, bring a good Aloe Vera gel for the inevitable sunburn. You or your friends will miss a spot and be thankful.
Picture from One Stop Festival
You would be surprised how handy a mini first aid kit will be, and currently, it’s easy to get premade ones that are no bigger than your wallet. If you want to put your own together, get a small makeup bag and include:
Having these items means you’re prepared for bug bites, cuts, blisters, and anything else that’s likely to happen, and less time spent traversing to the Medical Tent means more time to enjoy yourself.
And if EDC is not up to your standards, LA Epic Club Crawls will definitely satisfy you in your wild night out! Miami has 3 Crawls: Club Crawl, Pool Crawl and Booze Cruise! Many options for one night! Check it out!
Take a weekend to embrace electronica music and fun in the ultimate music festival in Miami!
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