Electric Daisy Carnival is a three-day electronic dance music festival held annually in Las Vegas
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) takes place each May at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and draws hundreds of thousands of attendees. The festival runs Friday through Sunday and features multiple stages with different electronic music genres — house, techno, trance, drum and bass, and dubstep among them. The grounds stay open from evening through early morning, so you will be there overnight.
EDC is known for elaborate stage design, pyrotechnics, and visual effects. The festival also has carnival rides, art installations, and vendor areas. Tickets sell out months in advance, and prices vary depending on when you purchase and what access level you choose.
Key Takeaways
- EDC runs three consecutive nights in May at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with stages opening in the evening and closing in the early morning.
- You can buy single-day tickets or three-day passes, and prices are lower if you purchase weeks or months ahead of the festival.
- The festival grounds are large; wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and a hat for daytime hours, and plan how you will get to and from the venue before you arrive.
- Bag checks and security screening happen at entry, so arrive early to avoid long lines, especially on Friday night.
- The festival has a strict no-outside-food policy, but water stations are free and vendors sell food and drinks throughout the grounds.
Ticket types and pricing
EDC offers single-day general admission tickets and three-day passes. General admission gives you access to the main festival grounds and all stages. VIP and premium tiers cost more and typically include perks like shorter entry lines, dedicated viewing areas, lounge access, and sometimes complimentary drinks or food.
Prices increase as the festival date approaches. Early-bird pricing (released months ahead) is the lowest; standard pricing comes next; and last-minute or day-of tickets are the most expensive if they remain available. Three-day passes are usually cheaper per day than buying single days separately.
Tickets are sold through the official EDC website and authorized resellers. Resale markets exist, but prices on secondary markets are often higher than face value, especially close to the event date.
What to bring and what is prohibited
Bring a valid photo ID — you will need it to enter. Wear comfortable walking shoes because the speedway grounds cover a large area and you will spend hours on your feet. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses protect you during daylight hours. Bring a light jacket or sweater for the cool desert nights.
Outside food and beverages are not permitted. You can bring an empty refillable water bottle, which you can fill at free water stations throughout the grounds. Vendors sell food, drinks, and merchandise inside the festival.
Prohibited items include weapons, illegal drugs, professional cameras, drones, and large bags. Glass containers, cans, and outside alcohol are also not allowed. Check the official EDC website for the complete prohibited items list, as rules can change year to year.
Getting to and from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway
The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is located northeast of the Las Vegas Strip, roughly 15 miles from downtown. If you are flying in, you will land at Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran). Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate from the airport and throughout Las Vegas, though surge pricing is common during festival nights.
Many attendees rent cars or use shuttle services. EDC offers an official shuttle service that runs from multiple hotels on the Strip to the speedway; you purchase shuttle passes separately from your festival ticket. Parking at the speedway itself is available but fills up, especially on Friday night, so arriving early helps.
Plan your return trip before the festival ends. Ride-sharing demand is extremely high when the festival closes, which can mean long waits and high prices. Some attendees book return shuttles or arrange designated drivers in advance.
Entry procedures and timing
Gates typically open in the late afternoon or early evening, and security screening happens at entry. Bag checks are standard. Arrive at least one to two hours before the first stage you want to see, especially on Friday when lines are longest. Saturday and Sunday entry lines are usually shorter.
The festival runs until sunrise or early morning, so you will be awake through the night. Plan rest time during the day if you are staying multiple days, or book a hotel room where you can sleep before returning to the festival the next evening.
Stages, music genres, and artist lineups
EDC features multiple stages spread across the speedway grounds, each hosting different electronic music styles. The main stage typically features big-name DJs and producers; other stages focus on house, techno, trance, drum and bass, and other subgenres. The artist lineup is announced weeks before the festival, usually in April.
Stages run simultaneously, so you will have to choose which artists and stages to visit. The festival grounds are large enough that you can walk between stages, but travel time between them can be 10 to 20 minutes depending on crowds. Many attendees plan their night around 3 to 5 must-see artists rather than trying to catch everyone.
Food, water, and staying safe on the grounds
Free water stations are located throughout the festival grounds. Vendors sell food, energy drinks, and other beverages at various prices. Typical vendor food costs more than off-site restaurants, so budget accordingly if you plan to eat multiple meals during the festival.
The festival is crowded, especially near main stages. Keep track of your group, establish a meeting point if you separate, and stay aware of your surroundings. Security and medical staff are present throughout the grounds. If you feel unwell or need help, approach any staff member or visit a medical tent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hotel room if I am going to EDC?
Not required, but many attendees book one. Since the festival runs through the night and you will be awake for 12+ hours, a hotel room lets you rest during the day before returning for the next night. Some people drive back to their homes or stay with friends instead.
Can I leave the festival and come back the same night?
Yes. Your wristband or ticket is your re-entry pass. If you need to rest, eat off-site, or change clothes, you can leave and return. Just keep your wristband find and do not remove it.
What should I wear to EDC?
Wear comfortable shoes and light, breathable clothing for the evening and night hours. Many attendees wear costumes, body glitter, and festival fashion, but it is not required. Bring a light layer for the cool desert nights. Avoid anything that restricts movement since you will be walking and dancing for hours.
How much should I budget for food and drinks at the festival?
Vendor prices vary, but expect to pay more than off-site restaurants. Budget $15 to $30 per meal and $5 to $10 per drink as a rough range. Bringing cash helps because some vendors do not take cards, though most do accept both.
Is EDC safe for first-time festival attendees?
EDC is well-staffed with security and medical personnel. The main risks are dehydration, exhaustion from staying awake all night, and getting separated from your group in large crowds. Drink water regularly, wear sunscreen, establish a meeting point with your group, and stay aware of your surroundings.