Music Festivals

EDC To Return to Las Vegas in May 2021

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Insomniac founder and CEO Pasquale Rotella has confirmed that EDC Las Vegas will move forward with its planned May 2021 dates.

Sharing a number of cryptic countdown videos that were tantamount to torture for EDC fans, Rotella eventually announced the news in a triumphant Instagram post.

“Electric Daisy Carnival is finally on the horizon. There were times during the pandemic when many of us lost hope,” Rotella wrote. “We were challenged to learn & listen to our hearts & trust that the storm would eventually pass, making way for a bright & sunny future for those in our community & around the world.”

“With the world being shutdown for over a year, I’m happy to announce we’re on our way to being able to celebrate in person,” he continued. “Book your flights, hotels & shuttles — EDC Las Vegas is on for May 21+22+23!”

The news arrives after a tumultuous 24 hours for the festival, which the promoter expects to attract 200,000 people over the course of its three days, May 21-23.

After Live Nation posted a slew of EDC Las Vegas-specific job listings including the phrase, “Travel required in May,” many fans believed they had the smoking gun they needed to start planning for spring. Those plans were then marred by the news that the Nevada Department of Business and Industry went on to reject Insomniac’s robust safety plan.

However, it now seems the company was able to submit a revised proposal and secure the approval of state officials. “We are moving forward as planned & will be working closely with local & state officials to make the show as safe as possible,” Rotella’s statement continued, also noting that fans “can expect the full EDC experience with no details spared.”

The scope of the festival’s COVID-19 plan is not yet publicly known, but Rotella’s post says that more details on safety protocols and the lineup “will be shared soon.”

Insomniac’s initial proposal noted that the 2021 edition of EDC Las Vegas “will not rely on social distancing as its method for health safety.” In lieu of social distancing, attendees and staff members would either have to be vaccinated or able to produce a negative COVID-19 test onsite.

The preliminary proposal also revealed that organizers are also considering the deployment of COVID-19 scent detection canines, pending the results of ongoing studies of their effectiveness. If deemed effective, Insomniac is planning to place the dogs at all of the entrances of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway to search attendees. However, it’s important to note that the revised proposal may look vastly different.

Festive Owl, who claims to have spoken with “verified sources,” reports that if the festival’s capacity is reduced to 50% to adhere to Nevada’s COVID-19 ordinance, EDC Las Vegas “will be split over two weekends.” However, we don’t currently have any info on the capacity limits or whether there will be an additional weekend.

Coachella 2021 Cancelled; to Return in 2022

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The next iteration of Coachella will be held in April of 2022, according to insight from “two industry sources with knowledge of the situation,” Variety reports. Notably, representatives for Goldenvoice (Coachella’s promoter) and AEG Presents (its parent company) either declined to respond or did not reply to Variety‘s requests for comment. If the Indio Valley affair is indeed making the move to April 2022, Stagecoach, which traditionally takes place the weekend after Coachella, will likely follow suit, Variety reports. At present, Coachella organizers have not responded to the claim that the festival will be postponed to 2022.

In January, Coachella officials announced that the event’s April 2021 dates—April 9 – 11 and 16 – 18—were cancelled, marking the third time in less than one year that the festival was forced to postpone due to COVID-19-related health concerns. Speculation swirled that Coachella would push its 2021 installment to October, though no Coachella affiliates confirmed the supposed plan for a fall relocation.

Electric Forest Postponed to August 2021

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Electric Forest has announced a postponement of their original 2021 festival dates after assessing ongoing “COVID-19 considerations.” Organizers posted the announcement on social media and their website, explaining that evolving nationwide discussions related to large gatherings, vaccination timelines, and social distancing regulations were a few of the key considerations when making the decision to postpone.

Organizers also share that if the festival does take place in 2021, it will now happen in August. This does not come as a surprise given the White Lake Beacon reported in January that the Rothbury Village Council approved dates in June as well as securing two additional alternative weekends for the festival in August. According to Village clerk Carol Witzke, the alternate dates are August 12 – 15 and August 19 – 22, which were reported when the 2021 festival date was announced in January.

The announcement verbiage indicates that a 2021 festival is still uncertain. With reopening looking more promising amid vaccination efforts in addition to festivals implementing entry standards requiring either a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination, there is certainly a hopeful path forward for events like Electric Forest. 2021 would be Electric Forest’s rescheduled 10th anniversary celebration, and organizers will keep attendees updated on the status of the festival here.

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What You Need To Bring To A Music Festival Abroad

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If you’ve considered attending a music festival abroad but are unsure of what to bring, then you’ve come to the right place. Aside from the usual things to pack on a trip, such as clothes and toiletries, we have compiled a thorough list of items that you might not have considered yet and could help you feel prepared for your first time in another country. So if you feel like you will benefit from seeing some new ideas, check out this list to see what to bring to a music festival abroad! 

1. Items To Prep Beforehand 

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  • Passport (Check to make sure it is not expired!)
  • Photocopy of Passport 
  • Drivers Licence or ID Card
  • Copy of Your Drivers Licence or ID Card 
  • Debit and Credit Cards 
  • Cash 
  • Plane Tickets 
  • Hotel Reservation Confirmation Emails/Confirmation Numbers 
  • Mode of Transportation (Many festivals have shuttle passes you can purchase to get to and from the venue).

2. Miscellaneous Items to Bring 

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  • Travel Pillow 
  • Eye Mask 
  • Earplugs 
  • Luggage Travel Lock 
  • Portable Chargers for Electronics 
  • Universal Power Outlet Adaptor
  • Disinfectant Wipes 
  • Face Masks 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Mini First Aid Kit
  • Necklace Wallet 
  • Protein Bars 
  • Backpack

3. Items to Bring With You Inside the Venue

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  • Backpack With Water Compartment
  • Sealed Hand Sanitizer
  • Tissues
  • Disinfectant Wipes
  • Cash 
  • Portable Phone Charger 
  • Hand-Held Fan
  • Gum
  • Sunglasses 
  • Earplugs
  • Chapstick
  • Bandana Or Facemask

4. Good Things To Consider Before You Go    

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  • Temporary International Phone Plan for Cell Service 
  • Language Translation App on Your Phone 
  • Travel Insurance 
  • Check Travel Restrictions: Understand Covid Protocols for the country you are travelling to because some places may require a 2 week mandatory quarantine period before you can roam about in society.               

We hope this checklist of what to bring to a music festival abroad has helped you consider a few more items that you could pack in your suitcase. As you might see, there are many things to consider when traveling to another country so be sure to read up on your destination beforehand to help the trip run more smoothly. And if you would like to start shopping around for your next music festival, click this link here to see a list of frequently updated events that feature EDM artists and their performances!

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Camping Festival Checklist For All First-Time Campers

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If you’re anything like us, the thought of camping at a music festival makes you feel all kinds of emotions: excitement, intrigue, and a rush at the thought of going on a three day adventure with your closest friends. But again, if you’re anything like how we were at our first camping rave, you could also be feeling one other, less desirable emotion: a bit of anxiety. We get it, packing for a three day camping trip can seem daunting, but you don’t need to worry! We have experience and research on our side to teach you about the most important and critical items to bring to an overnight festival. So if you need a little coaching to get you comfortable with all of the essentials, check out our camping festival checklist and get ready to rave.

Note: If you plan on attending the EDC campsite, check out this list for the do’s and don’ts of what to bring to Camp EDC!

1. The Campsite

These are the most necessary items on your checklist.

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  • Tent
  • Tent Stakes and Hammer 
  • Tent Poles 
  • Tent Locks
  • Sleeping Bags or Air Mattresses 
  • Pillows 
  • Flashlights 
  • Battery Powered Lantern
  • Folding Chairs
  • Coolers
  • Small Propane or Grill Stoves 
  • Disposable plates, cups, utensils 

2. Just-In-Case Items

These items are great to have around in the event of anything breaking or getting damaged unexpectedly:

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  • Zip Ties
  • Duct Tape
  • Bungee Cords 
  • A Tarp

3. Cleaning Supplies

Probably now more than ever, you are going to need these things to have a safe and healthy experience at your first camping festival: 

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  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels 
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Bath towels 
  • Lysol spray 
  • Disinfectant wipes 
  • Water Jugs
  • Trash Bags

4. Electronics

You absolutely do not want to be that person with a dead phone at the rave (#PicsOrItDidntHappen) so check this list and check it twice to ensure that you have all the different electronics and their power outlets necessary to survive the weekend:

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  • Solar Powered Phone Charger
  • Car Inverter to Charge Electronic Items
  • Jumper Cables 
  • Hand-Held Speaker

5. Decorations

Go absolutely insane with your decorations! This helps you clearly identify your campsite in the sea of tarps and tents, so be sure to bring items that you can recognize from a distance: 

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  • Hammock 
  • Tapestries 
  • Inflatable Lawn Decorations 
  • Glow in the Dark Items 
  • Glow Sticks 
  • Mini Disco Balls 
  • Fairy Lights
  • Hanging Glowing Lanterns 
  • Hula Hoops
  • Flags/Banners/Totems to Distinguish Your Tent 

6. Personal Items:

These  items are more of a friendly reminder. You have probably already thought of them but just in case…

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  • Earplugs 
  • Eye Masks 
  • Refillable Water Bottle
  • Hand warmers 
  • Towels and Sandals for Shower Use 
  • Acoustic Instruments
  • Sealed Gum  
  • Sealed Lip Gloss
  • Makeup 

Other Important Suggestions:

  • Do your research! Not all camping festivals have the same guidelines, so make sure to look up what your festival prohibits and what it allows. It’s never fun having to throw out items you paid for ahead of time.
  • Check to see if your campsite allows carside parking. This means that the venue allows you to set up camp right next to your car, giving you extra storage space and an optional extra space to sleep in. If your camp does not have campside seating, pack lightly so that you do not have to carry loads of stuff to and from your campsite.
  • Bring a wagon to transport your items to and from the campsite. This is good in the case of having to park your car in a lot separate from the music festival.

We hope this list has helped, and if it did, don’t be afraid to copy it and make it your official festival camping checklist. However, if you are looking for tips and tricks that are less about what to bring to a camping festival  and more about what to expect when you get there, check out this guide that will break it down for you and make you the most prepared Rave Rookie in the whole venue.

Life Is Beautiful 2021 Lineup Announced

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Billie Eilish, Green Day, and A$AP Rocky will perform at the Life Is Beautiful Festival, which is scheduled to return to Las Vegas later this year, September 17th through 19th.

The lineup for the three-day event also boasts Tame Impala, Haim, Young Thug, Illenium, St. Vincent, Modest Mouse, 6lack, Ludacris, Dillon Francis, Brittany Howard, JID, Earthgang, Death From Above 1979, All Time Low, Purity Ring, Noah Cyrus, Yaeji, Jamila Woods, and Ant Clemons. A complete lineup is available on the Life Is Beautiful website.

Tickets for Life Is Beautiful 2021 are set to go on sale Friday, March 12th, at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET. Three-day general admission tickets will be $330 (plus taxes), VIP passes will be priced at $685 and VIP+ pass will be $1,495. An “All-In” ticket package will be available for $2,995.

Life Is Beautiful is one of just a handful of festivals to announce plans to return later this year, joining Montreal’s Osheaga festival, Milwaukee’s Summerfest, and Virginia’s Lockn’ Festival. Outside Lands in San Francisco is also set to return in the fall, although they announced that decision last summer. All these events are scheduled to take place in late summer or the fall, which is generally when many in the live entertainment industry hope enough people will have received the Covid-19 vaccine to make concerts safe.

“We have always put the health, safety, and security of our community first,” Life Is Beautiful’s Festival Director, Lauren DelFrago, said in a statement. “As we prepare to produce the 2021 festival, we feel a heightened sense of responsibility to our staff, partners, performers, and attendees, and continue to work closely with local and state officials to ensure a safe return to live music.”

People At Park 'N Rave

Park ‘N Rave Guide: 9 Things You Need to Know Before Your First Time

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Ladies and gentlemen, the time has finally come to take your rave gear out of storage and start prepping to party, because Insomniac has officially announced one of their most creative events yet: Park ‘N Raves. If you are unfamiliar with the term or how these events work, we can help you out with this Park ‘N Rave Guide.

A Park ‘N Rave is an EDM drive-in concert that takes place at the NOS event center in San Bernardino. Concert-goers can enjoy the music from the comfort of their cars, and they can also get out and dance in a designated parking area assigned to them. It slightly changes the typical rave experience in order to ensure the health and safety of all guests but still allows EDM fanatics to enjoy the rush and thrill of live EDM music. If you are not familiar with how these concerts operate, take a look at these 9 tips to ensure that you are prepared for your first ever Park ‘N Rave!

Get tickets for upcoming Park N Rave events here.

1. The Layout

Park N Rave Drive in Concert

We know that part of the rush at EDM concerts comes from partying with strangers and creating memories with those you accidentally (or purposefully) bump into while head banging on the rails, but in order to accommodate safety protocols Park ‘N Raves have adopted a more spaced-out approach. When you enter the venue you will be assigned a fenced off 12×20 foot spot to park your car. This is where you and your fellow ravers will have the freedom to dance, eat, and sing along to all of your favorite songs. (This cool new feature ensures that every car has their very own rail…head bangers this is your time to shine!) 

2. The Location

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After understanding the layout of these events, it’s probably a good idea to know where they are being held. All Park ‘N Raves are held at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California, and tickets can be purchased online through this link here. If you have not experienced it already, we must warn you that SoCal traffic can be quite messy and unpredictable. So make sure to be safe and incorporate some extra travel time into your schedule to ensure that you are on time to the show! 

3. When to Arrive

Colorful Watch

Insomniac has a pretty strict policy about entering the venue. Gates will open an hour and a half before the show begins, but if you arrive after the show starts there is a high chance that you will not be allowed into the venue. And since we all know that no one likes FOMO, it would be wise to arrive within the specified time frame on the day of the concert.

4. How to Arrive

Traffic On Highway At Night

Rideshare vehicles cannot drop off guests. This means that you and your friends must coordinate to arrive in the same car before the show, where you will then present a single ticket upon entry. In the event that you and your friends are taking multiple cars, it is important to get in line at the same time. This is because cars are stationed inside the venue according to how they line up, which makes it impossible for you to save a spot for your friends if they are in line far behind you.

5. Number of People Per Car

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One car ticket is valid for up to five people. You are allowed to bring an eight seater car, however there is an additional fee for any group over five. Insomniac does not allow entry to more than eight people per car, and they inspect vehicles upon entry. (So try not to go around scheming to sneak an extra person in…it won’t work).

6. The Cost

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The cost of a ticket is dependent on how close you are to the stage. So, if you purchase a seat closest to the stage your ticket costs start at $400, but if you buy a ticket furthest from the stage your ticket costs start at $200. This ticket accounts for five people, and will increase in price depending on how many extra friends you bring along. If you want to see an exact ticket guide for the Park ‘N Rave to view precisely how ticket prices increase as you move closer to the stage check out this link here! 

7. What Insomniac Will Provide

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Once inside the venue, you can order food and alcoholic drinks via an internet website. Concert workers will bring you your order, which means that you won’t have to miss any parts of the show by waiting in line for food and drink! In addition, the ends of each row of cars will have bathroom stations equipped with hand sanitizer, soap, and running water. 

8. What to Bring

Hand Holding String Of Lights

While these concerts will have food and drink to purchase, it is still encouraged to bring any sealed snacks and non-alcoholic beverages that you want! Lights, inflatables, flags, and many more decorations are also allowed so that you can personalize your parking spot and your rave experience. The possibilities are pretty much endless, and this new opportunity will allow you to get totally creative with what you and your friends decide to bring along. 

9. Safety

Handing Over Car Keys Photo

To ensure the safety of you and your rave fam, make sure to keep your masks on at all times unless you are consuming food and drink. Be sure to wash your hands after using the restroom, and try not to encroach on any other cars’ designated parking space. Lastly, please do not drink and drive. Since ride shares are not allowed at the venue you will be responsible for driving your car out, which means designated drivers are a must! 

There you have it ravers! We hope that this Park ‘N Rave Guide has prepared you for your first Park ‘N Rave and that you are just as excited as we are to get back into the nightlife scene. However, if you would rather go to a more traditional concert because Park ‘N Raves don’t seem to be your thing, check out the link here to see some singers that are performing in 2021!

Coachella & Stagecoach 2021 Postponed

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For the third time in less than a year, Coachella is being forced to postpone its dates. The festival’s planned return was slated for April 9 – 11 and 16 – 18, though organizers will now be forced to look for two new weekends following an announcement from Dr. Cameron Kaiser, the public health officer for Riverside County where Coachella takes place.

As of last year, Coachella had Travis Scott, Frank Ocean and a highly anticipated Rage Against the Machine reunion booked as the festival’s headlining acts. In March of 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the US, Coachella was forced to postpone, initially looking to lock in October dates. Then, in June of 2020, Coachella’s October dates had to be shelved as well, marking the first year since 2000 that the festival did not run.

In recent weeks, Glastonbury made a similar announcement, forgoing 2021, as well as Ultra Music Festival. Despite this month’s cancellations, Electric Forest does appear to be moving ahead in 2021 as planned.

Ultra Music Festival Cancelled for 2021

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Ultra 2021 has reportedly been cancelled.

According to a letter obtained by Billboard, organizers of the Ultra Music Festival are preparing to cancel this year’s event, and requesting that the City of Miami officials approve their permit request to stage the event in 2022 once a formal announcement has been made.

Last year, Miami’s Ultra music festival announced that it would not be taking place in 2020, citing the Florida Governer’s declaration of a public health emergency after the outbreak of COVID-19.

“The letter from Ultra attorney Sandy York to Miami city manager Arthur Noriega says that conditions created by the spread of COVID-19 that led city officials to cancel the festival in 2020 are still a threat to festival goers in 2021,” the Billboard report reads. “‘We anticipate that the City will again invoke the Force Majeure clause’ in the license agreement to stage Ultra at Bayfront Park, York wrote. Because the license requires the festival to take place over a single weekend in March, ‘we respectfully request the rescheduled dates to be March 25, 26, and 27, 2022.'”

When contacted for comment, an Ultra representative told Billboard: “Given the current status of the pandemic in relation to mass gatherings and the public health considerations of our local community, we are working cooperatively with our city partners and plan to release an official festival update soon”.

Music Festivals Continue to get Postponed in 2021

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Despite our high hopes, major music festivals continue to get postponed and canceled in 2021 — with two new announcements just this week.

First up, BPM Festival in Costa Rica has canceled its 2021 dates, following its other canceled event in Malta. New dates have been rescheduled to January 12-18, 2022 as coronavirus rages on.

The festival was set to headline Nicole Moudaber, Paco Osuna, Dubfire, Loco Dice, Luciano, and more. At this rate, the lineup may likely change by the time the festival happens.

Per the statement below, ticket holders will be contacted with options soon. Read the full statement below for more info.

In addition, The Governors Ball in New York City has been pushed back to September 24 – 26, 2021. Organizers say they are working closely with city and state authorities to ensure a safe experience for attendees.

Lineup has yet to be announced. Ticketing and refund info can be sought out at govball.com.