The Ultimate Guide to EDC Las Vegas

Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is one of the most iconic music and art festivals in the world. Bringing awe-inspiring stages, global EDM performers and the perfect melting pot of creative energy, it's a bucket-list experience for any festivalgoer. No matter if this is your first or 20th trip to EDC Las Vegas, this guide will provide you with all the information needed to navigate the festival grounds, secure the best hotel room, discover authentic Vegas experiences and get tips for great local food. 

Get Festival-Ready: What to Know Before You Hit the Speedway 

There are some important things to know as you enter this unforgettable weekend, which is held annually in May. First, get familiar with the guide, which provides information on amenities, services, accessibility, and more. Also, keep in mind the importance of staying hydrated; have plans for food, transportation and accommodation; wear functional attire; and come bearing the principles of PLUR! (For rave newbies, that’s Peace, Love, Unity and Respect.) 

Where to Stay: From Campgrounds to High-Energy Hotels 

If glamping in Camp EDC isn’t your style, luckily you have a trove of accommodating resorts to choose from. There’s truly something for everybody. Among these options, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas stands out as the new home of Hotel EDC for 2025. From Friday, May 16 to Monday, May 19, this takeover transforms the entire property into a 360-degree, EDC-themed experience. Expect exclusive pool parties, surprise DJ sets, interactive art and perks throughout the weekend. Packages include a three-night stay for you and up to three friends, access to nonstop entertainment, food and beverage credits, a Headliner Party Pack and more. 

There’s plenty of other resorts close to EDC festival grounds at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, each with its own unique ambiance. Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa is a serene escape with amenities ideal for a relaxing recharge after the festival. Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino, is situated in the heart of downtown next to the Fremont Street Experience, right in the thick of the local arts scene. How about checking out the view from the tallest observation tower in the U.S.? With sweeping sightlines of the city, plus thrill rides at the top for the adrenaline junkie, The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower has something for everyone.  

There’s also Palace Station Hotel Casino, a perfect combination of comfort and convenience, which offers authentic, budget-friendly accommodations and is just a short distance from the Strip. 

Festival Transportation: Shuttles, Rideshares and Helicopters 

EDC provides shuttle services to different locations in the city.  

PRO TIP: This is the only shuttle option using a dedicated route to bypass regular traffic, taking festivalgoers to a special lot directly adjacent to the EDC site.  

Another go-to for festival-day transportation is a rideshare app like Lyft or Uber. For a more luxurious experience, private car services offer the comfort of traveling on your terms with a touch of exclusivity. Finally, for an entrance as epic as the weekend, you can charter a helicopter to practically air drop you into the festival grounds. This promises an Instagrammable arrival and allows you to bypass the Vegas festival traffic below. 

Inside the Festival: What to See, Hear and Experience at EDC 

EDC Las Vegas is an immersive experience of music, art and community. Prepare to be launched into a world of creativity, breathtaking stage designs, intricate art installations and roaming performances. 

The festival boasts four major stages, each with its own unique theme and genre focus. Kinetic Field offers mainstream electronic acts and stunning visual productions. Cosmic Meadow, situated in a grassy area, brings a more relaxed vibe with a mix of live acts and DJ sets. Circuit Grounds focuses on an immersive, visual experience and a variety of electronic genres. And finally, Neon Garden is the place for underground sounds like house and techno. 

Must-See Artists and Where to Catch Them 

The EDC Las Vegas lineup includes an exciting spectrum of electronic artists, like Martin Garrix, Tape B, FISHER, Dom Dolla, Sara Landry and Rezz—promising performances that set the tone for an incredible weekend. And should you miss one of your favorite artist’s sets, remember that many of the headlining talent will also be playing shows during the day at the many pool parties throughout the destination. 

The festival’s layout encourages exploration and new experiences. Between the stages, you’ll find art cars, interactive art installations and themed areas, each extending a unique experience. EDC is a sensory journey that offers something brand-new at every turn, be it carnival rides or relaxation zones. 

More Than Music: Wellness, Art & Interactive Experiences 

EDC Las Vegas is more than just a music festival. The festival grounds are sprinkled with art, interactive activities and workshops that invite you to explore the festival on an even deeper level. 

EDC is renowned for its large-scale art installations that transform the festival grounds into a living, breathing canvas of creativity. These pieces, crafted by artists from around the world, range from towering sculptures to intricate light displays, providing not just visual delight, but also spaces for reflection and connection.  

When you need a break from dancing, make sure to check out the auxiliary activities. Wellness workshops and craft-making sessions are nestled throughout the festival, providing an opportunity to learn new skills, chill and connect with new friends. Throughout the grounds, you’ll find street performers and mobile stages that bring less familiar musical talents to you in unexpected locations. The nomadic performers come complete with detailed costumes, enriching the festival’s magical atmosphere. 

Downtown EDC is one of the most unique areas of Electric Daisy Carnival. It’s a place that celebrates creativity and connection, and festivalgoers can explore themed spots like the YEEDM Saloon, a country-meets-EDM experience, or take a spin under the lights at a ’70s-style disco. You’ll also find live performances and even quirky social spaces for experiences like blind dates and even weddings. 

EDC Week Parties, from Kickoffs to Grand Finales 

In the days leading up to the main event, the entire destination pulses with electric energy. From May 13 to 19, EDC Week takes over with daytime pool parties—like the one at Daylight Beach Club at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino—and nighttime sets from headliners like ODESZA and Marshmello inside XS Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas.  

Many nightclubs across Las Vegas deliver high-energy live music throughout the week, showcasing exclusive sets and immersive experiences such as Lowkey in the Library at Marquee Nightclub, an intimate session featuring underground sounds from Beltran. On May 15, Worship Thursdays at TAO Nightclub brings high-energy sets from genre-blending DJ Damaged Goods, while Bassrush Massive at Hotel EDC offers a booming preview of the bassPOD stage before the festival even begins. Highlights include Kompany, YDG and Svdden Death. 

Everyone’s invited to cap off the entire week on Monday with John Summit at LIV Nightclub, the grand finale of EDC Week. From 10:30 p.m. to 4 a.m., enjoy a signature blend of house and tech-house inside one of the Strip’s most exciting nightlife destinations. 

With everything you need to make your experience incredible, you’re ready to dive into the magic. Whether you’re coming for the beats, the lights or the once-in-a-lifetime memories, Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas is more than just a festival—it’s a full-spectrum experience that stretches far beyond the Speedway. Maximize your fun while you’re here with hacks for finding the best Vegas deals. Want to know what happens after the final drop? Discover how to navigate Vegas nightlife and keep the party going the whole weekend.