EDC Orlando, a Festival Guide

A Beginner's Guide to Orlando’s Electric Daisy Carnival

By Edysmar Diaz-Cruz

Kandi bracelets, body glitter and kaleidoscope glasses — all rites of passage into the realm of Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), where ravers return to their home away from home at Tinker Field, Orlando.

Whether you’re a first-timer or not, EDC exudes a whimsical atmosphere where even the most serious of adults can act like children again — from gawking at gnarly art installations to dancing like a maniac amid a crowd of strangers.

There’s nothing quite like it, which is why you also never forget your first time.

For those heading over to their first EDC weekend, Narrow Magazine compiled a list of recommendations for artists to check out, items that you shouldn’t forget to pack and more importantly what the dress code is.

But first …

WHAT IS PLUR?

PLUR is an acronym summarizing the rave community’s motto: Peace. Love. Unity. Respect. When meeting another raver, you typically exchange Kandis, which are colorful bead bracelets with positive messages on them.

The exchange is done via a four-part handshake. Just approach anyone decked out in beads and they’ll show you the ropes. By the time you receive a new bracelet, you also gain a friend who is as passionate about electronic dance music as you are.

WHO TO SEE

EDC’s yearly lineup boasts classic must-see names that together create a diverse genre of electronic music. Throughout the three-day fest, artists are split among multiple stages, each with their own vibe: kineticFIELD, circuitGROUNDS, neonGARDEN, stereoBLOOM.

From techno to trance, dubstep to hardstyle, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone.

For those who love the four-by-four beat of house music, Green Velvet has been tearing up dance floors since the 90s. His timeless music will take you back to old-school Chicago warehouse raves.

Timmy Trumpet warps the lines between music styles by playing the trumpet during his sets, combining jazz elements with electronic music, fostering a unique experience for the crowd.

Supporting local talent, especially when they’re making strides in the community, is always a must. Blunts & Blondes hustled their way into the lineup by playing gigs throughout Florida and even at our very own Simon’s in Gainesville. Since then, they’ve been racking up a loyal fanbase.

We could go on and on about artists you should see, but nothing beats randomly walking into a set and getting hooked on a new artist by accident.

WHAT TO PACK

Like with any festival, packing efficiently can go a long way. Be mindful of what’s permitted in the festival by familiarizing yourself with its policies. From there, think of items that will help you power through non-stop raving. Narrow recommends the following basics to get started:

  • EDC wristband

  • ID

  • Water bottle/ Water pack

  • Earplugs

  • Sunscreen

  • Phone & Phone Charger

  • Spending money (card/cash/both)

  • Comfortable shoes

WHAT TO WEAR

The beauty of EDC is that the festival allows individuals the freedom to be whoever they want to be. Do you wear a boring uniform to your 9-to-5 job? At EDC, you can remove the fabrics that hold you back. Nobody will care how crazy you decide to dress -- or how little you decide to wear.

So what’s the dress code? There is none! You can show up to Tinker Field in full-blown festival attire. Whether that calls for tight fish-nets, 6 inch platform boots, or a sailors’ hat, you do you. You can also dress as your favorite cartoon character or coordinate with your friend group!

Have fun & rage on.

2019 EDC Orlando, Tinker Field, Nov. 8 – Nov. 11

Sway