Thinking about your first Electric Daisy Carnival? We pulled together the condensed version of the rave wisdom veterans always wish newbies knew — practical, no-nonsense stuff to make your weekend less chaotic and more magical.
Top tips from experienced EDC goers
- Feet first: This is the number-one refrain. Comfortable shoes, pre-conditioning (walks, light running), and some foot care supplies go a long way — your feet will thank you by day two.
- Ear protection matters: Bring quality earplugs (custom or high-fidelity plugs) so you can protect your hearing without losing the music.
- Plan for rest: If you can, take extra vacation days — many advise arriving Thursday and leaving Tuesday. Festivals are exhausting; scheduling downtime makes the whole trip better.
- Pick your priorities: You will not see everything. Accept it. Choose a handful of sets and experiences and enjoy them instead of rushing between stages all day.
- Kandi & community: Making kandi to trade is still a great way to meet people and feel part of the scene — if that’s your vibe, bring some extras to trade and share.
- Pack for hygiene & comfort: Wet wipes, small towels, breathable layers, and a lightweight daybag will save you from a bunch of little headaches.
- Restroom strategy: Lines usually pile up at the front — try the back doors or less obvious stalls for shorter waits. Pro tip: check the back of the restroom for empty doors.
- Crowd etiquette: Keep an eye out for people sitting in crowd flow, and practice simple manners: “excuse me,” “sorry,” and “thank you” go a long way in tight spaces.
- Fireworks & views: For fireworks or a quieter vantage, bleachers or the Ferris wheel give a great vantage if you time it right.
On safety and substances
Commenters included reminders about responsible choices — some stated personal rules they follow and urged harm reduction. If you plan to drink or take substances, know your limits, stay hydrated, look out for your crew, and use the festival’s medical services if you need them.
Quick festival checklist
- Comfortable shoes + foot-care items (blister pads, bandages)
- High-fidelity or custom earplugs
- Wet wipes, sunscreen, layers
- Small daypack or fanny pack (lightweight & secure)
- Extra phone battery or power bank
- Simple kandi or small meet-and-greet items (optional)
- Plan arrival/departure with rest days in mind
EDC is loud, huge, and unforgettable — come prepared, pace yourself, and lean into the community. The best advice from vets boils down to: take care of your feet and ears, don’t try to do it all, and enjoy the vibes. See you on the circuit.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/electricdaisycarnival/comments/1p8pcw8/first_time_at_edclv/