I have done a lot of festivals in the last three years. And for all of them, EDC Las Vegas 2025 has most stood out.
I am now convinced it’s the top US festival experience in 2025 and beyond. And much like my other favorite festivals, I have returned to it because I have come to know what to expect. What it costs, what the logistics concern, and how potent the memories are afterward. But unlike some of my other go-to’s, this is one I will continue to schedule for years to come.
To say “it’s just the best” isn’t doing it justice. The name brand, the legacy, and all the investment this weekend takes is unlike any other. In this article, I am going to boil down my three consecutive visits to this magical place and hopefully help you see what makes it so special.
1. The Spectacle of EDC Las Vegas
I am a sucker for spectacle. Bigger, brighter, the mind-blowing stuff. Simply put, I am here for the vibes that I can only get here. Having only one EDC experience in Orlando before my first Vegas in 2023, I thought I knew what to expect.
Of course, it’s an Insomniac event like all the EDC’s. All the stages are “the same”, just different scale. It’s still dance music exclusive. It can’t be that much different? Wrong, it can. And it is.
For most festivals, my commute can usually be done in about 30-45 minutes barring unique circumstance. You’re basically just getting there, no big deal. To get from the Vegas strip to Vegas Motor Speedway is a build up of anticipation with great payoff. One to two hours spent in a car leaves your mind plenty of time to wonder.
Pulling up to the venue, it makes sense why they do it where they do.
After all, they’re fitting 450,000 – 550,000 people in this space. And we need every inch they can spare.
The stages are bigger.
The lights and pyrotechnics are breathtaking.
The level of performance from the artists relayed to the crowd is unlike any other. Not to mention every night, Kinetic Field is home to what I would call the greatest fireworks display I’ve witnessed in my 32 years. Usually followed by the most sought after sets of the billing.
I’ve spoken repeatedly on my love for heavier dubstep. Could you imagine seeing said fireworks only to see Slander go b2b with Illenium right after? To call it the best dubstep set I’ve ever seen is putting it lightly.
For all my sadboi’s, if you missed this – consider retiring from crybanging.
Even just walking across the venue from stage to stage is a task in and of itself with great payoff.The production, the drone shows…it’s all catered so you never forget. And it’s safe to say I never will.
In my three years of festival hopping, my most potent memories are still at EDC Las Vegas.
2. EDC Week and Vegas Itself
If you’re staying on the strip, you’re in for a real treat. EDC Vegas Week is exactly what you want when it comes to keeping the party going during your stay.
From Tuesday afternoon until Sunday night, there are parties and shows dedicated to keeping the spirt of EDC alive on the Vegas strip. Over the years I have been able to see James Hype, Meduza, DJ Snake, John Summit all before ever heading to the venue for the festival itself. The best part is, that’s just a small sample of the pool parties and pregames I’ve sent. Even if you don’t like dance music, Vegas is renowned for top notch pop artist residencies. Let’s say you don’t necessarily want to see live music the whole time – you’re in Las Vegas.
Go shopping. Head to the pool and get some sun to come home nice and tan. Gamble, if that’s your bag. Enjoy some of the best food and dining services in the US. See some Vegas centric entertainment.
The idea is, we’re here for a good time – not a long time. And as far as the place to achieve the most, Las Vegas is the spot for it.
And this is coming from a guy who is marginally cheap. I do not like to spend money if it isn’t necessary. But for these few days, I am going to enjoy myself to the fullest. And what a blessing it is to be able to use this as the pregame to the best festival of the year. This is one of those situations where I find it hard to believe you can leave without having the time of your life.
3. Hitting Camp After the Festival Ends
Let me be clear, I am not the camping type. I very much enjoy an air conditioned hotel room after a long night in the desert. However, if you are a camping fan or can just locate a band, you’re in for a treat.
No matter how many hours I’ve spent at the venue, the party seems to end too soon. From there, it’s trying to get service to hitch a ride back to the strip. But, not if you have a camp band. For those of us who want the full EDC Vegas experience, camp is probably in your best interest.
Flocking to the on-site location with thousands of other people wanting to keep the party going is honestly a godsend. Once in camp, you can either crash until it’s time to head back or rage until it’s time to close up shop.
The last two years, I have been able to secure a band for camp and when I tell you it makes a huge difference even staying on the strip, the difference is immense.
Not struggling for cell phone service. Shade, food, beverages. Having fun house music as day begins to break. Just being able to enjoy a slower pace during this wild weekend is remarkable in and of itself. And for the last two years, this is where I’ve been able to make some real connections.
It’s usually the folks I’ve bumped into at camp who I follow on social and begin to form new relationships with. And the memories are just as special as everything you went through the last 8-12 hours.
And when it’s said and done, cell phone service is restored. You don’t have to wait for 1-2 hours for a ride. Ride fares are much less than a few hours earlier. It’s been so impactful that every year I do EDC Vegas, I will always find my way to camp after the fact. At this point, the festival experience isn’t the same without it. Does this mean I’d ever opt to camp over finding outside room and board? Not likely, but potentially.
But having friends whom are willing to give extra bands or finding them on third party sites is always a great backup plan. The memories alone are worth it.
Conclusion
Look, this isn’t just going to a festival. This is an all out investment in an annual experience.
I have enjoyed so many great national and regional level festivals in my day that I now otherwise would cease to prioritize EDC Las Vegas. Because when it comes to what sticks with me, I am of the opinion there is nothing else that will hold a candle to its greatness. The signature moments, the new song releases, the endless amounts of things to do both inside and outside the festival cannot be understated.
If it means not going out drinking with the boys at the same bars you frequent, it’s worth it. Putting your ticket on layaway just to make the cost more manageable, you bet. Whatever expectations you have, they aren’t high enough.
Because as I get older, my priorities will change. But the one thing I am certain of, EDC Las Vegas has more than earned my patronage for years to come. And with the 30th anniversary less than a year away – it’s safe to say we’re just getting started.
If you haven’t already got your passes, they are currently all sold out. However, waitlists are available for when/if they become available.
