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Home Editorials EDC Las Vegas 2024: What we loved about the festival
EDC Las Vegas 2024: What we loved about the festival
EDC Las Vegas 2024
Image Credit: Alex Perez for Insomniac Events

EDC Las Vegas 2024: What we loved about the festival

Home Editorials EDC Las Vegas 2024: What we loved about the festival

And just like that, EDC Las Vegas 2024 has wrapped up, leaving a trail of neon lights, euphoric memories, and unforgettable beats in its wake.

EDC Las Vegas 2024 once again proved why it is one of the most anticipated and celebrated electronic dance music festivals in the United States and the world. Nestled in the desert outskirts of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Insomniac’s flagship festival drew over 500,000 dance music enthusiasts from around the globe, bringing ravers together for an electrifying weekend. From dusk till dawn May 17-19, the desert landscape transformed into a vibrant, pulsating wonderland where music, art, and dance culture converged in a spectacular display beyond imagination.

EDC Las Vegas 2024 was a sensory overload in the best possible way. The festival grounds were a dazzling tapestry of neon lights, immersive art installations, and awe-inspiring stage designs. Every corner of the venue was meticulously curated to create an otherworldly experience that felt both fantastical and deeply personal. The energy under the electric sky was abundant, the crowd was diverse and inclusive, and the atmosphere radiated pure euphoria and unity.

Reflecting on this year’s festival, it’s clear that EDC Las Vegas continues to set the standard for what a music festival can and should be. It’s not just about the music, although that is undeniably the heart of the event. It’s about the sense of community, the shared experiences, and the memories made on the dance floor and beyond. Here’s a closer look at what made EDC Las Vegas 2024 a truly magical event.

The return of kineticCATHEDRAL as kineticCIRCLE 10 years later was highly anticipated and did not disappoint! 

One of the most anticipated moments of EDC Las Vegas 2024 was the return of the kineticCATHEDRAL, reimagined as kineticCIRCLE for its 10th anniversary. In a post from Pasquale Rotella announcing the kineticCIRCLE theme, the Insomniac CEO said, “I can’t wait for us to celebrate one of our most important circles of all, our EDC family🫶 We’re coming full circle in a big way… get ready😎.” The accompanying image, featuring cathedral arches rather than anything related to circles, hinted to the festival’s loyal following that this year’s stage would resemble that of EDC Las Vegas 2014. The iconic 2014 cathedral stage, known for its massive LED screen, pyrotechnics, and glowing neon pipe organ surrounded by two gigantic twin owls, was a milestone for the festival, marking its first grand-scale stage and the first to tour other EDC events worldwide.

The revival of kineticCATHEDRAL as kineticCIRCLE was one of the best stage designs EDC has had in a while for kineticFIELD. The massive LED circle-like structure and other gigantic LED screens within the arches were extremely immersive, constantly changing to the beats of DJs such as Armin van Buuren, Maddix, Illenium, David Guetta, and Lost Frequencies. Stained-glass visuals paid homage to previous EDC main stages, adding a nostalgic touch for longtime fans. Pyrotechnics, lasers, strobe and flood lights, and a killer sound system with multiple rows of speakers enhanced the experience, gradually awakening one by one as the night progressed into the main stage opening ceremony. kineticCIRCLE was a feast for the senses, providing a truly unforgettable experience for festival attendees, both old and new.

The kineticFIELD opening ceremony was one of the most beautiful main stage ceremonies to have graced the electric sky.

The kineticFIELD opening ceremony at EDC Las Vegas 2024 was a truly spectacular sight and felt like a religious experience. Before the ceremony, kineticFIELD ran with minimal visuals and lighting, but as each DJ’s set intensified, so did the main stage. The opening ceremony had its own six-minute time slot, starting in silence. Soon after, flames lit up the sky as an organ slowly transitioned into a dance track. The LED panels displayed stained-glass visuals paying homage to previous main stage designs. A bassline and organ were soon the only sounds playing as drones synchronized to form an enormous owl in the electric sky.

As the drone owl disappeared, another owl landed in the LED centerpiece of the stage, breaking through the stained glass. The ceremony continued with the owl summoning the drones back into the sky, transforming them into a circle and then into the words “WELCOME HOME HEADLINERS.” The owl on the LED screen rearranged the drones to spell “EDC LAS VEGAS” while summoning fireworks and flames into the sky. The owl then spun around, glowing green as it summoned the stage’s lasers. The grand finale brought all these elements together, ending with the owl settling back into place in the center LED screen.

The homage to previous stage designs, the nostalgia of the kineticCATHEDRAL stage, the drone show, and the iconic owl—an enduring symbol of EDC—were all beautifully synchronized into an emotional experience that touched the hearts of those in attendance. The opening ceremony showcased the power and magnitude of the main stage while also presenting a theme throughout the night between sets. EDC Las Vegas did a remarkable job bringing this wonderful theme to life, creating an unforgettable memory imprinted in the minds of the masses.

The new layout was well overdue and it finally relieved the infamous Rainbow Road congestion.

One of the biggest changes to EDC Las Vegas 2024 was the new layout of the festival grounds. Previously, the main artery from kineticFIELD to circuitGROUNDS, EDC’s two largest stages, was Rainbow Road. In between was wasteLAND and the wildly popular bassPOD stage, which attracted large crowds of bass music lovers to watch artists such as NGHTMRE, Crankdat, Wooli, and Zomboy. The crowds moving between kineticFIELD and circuitGROUNDS would constantly gridlock with the often overcrowded bassPOD stage, causing major congestion. To resolve this, Insomniac relocated wasteLAND and bassPOD to the far end of the festival where quantamVALLEY and neonGARDEN were previously located. Consequently, quantamVALLEY and neonGARDEN were now placed between kineticFIELD and circuitGROUNDS on a new road called Power Path, running perpendicular to Rainbow Road.These changes, along with placing Downtown EDC in the middle of the festival and moving bionicJUNGLE to a more exposed area, were a major success. Festival attendees could move around the grounds more easily, and there were fewer bottlenecks. The new layout also made it easier to find friends and meet up with people, as Downtown EDC had many unique areas centrally located within the festival. These long-overdue changes made EDC Las Vegas 2024 a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

circuitGROUNDS again proved to be the most immersive stage (aside from kineticFIELD) with incredible artist performances all throughout the weekend. 

Since 2016, circuitGROUNDS, EDC Las Vegas’ second-largest stage, has featured an immersive 360-degree panoramic design with LED walls, pyrotechnics, lights, and lasers surrounding the crowd. This year was no different, with a design closely resembling last year’s, incorporating minor LED wall design adjustments. The panoramic nature of the stage is truly unique and rare at many festivals, giving artists and their visual teams more tools to create unforgettable musical experiences.

Two standout performances at circuitGROUNDS this year were Dom Dolla’s set and Eli Brown and HI-LO’s back-to-back set. Dom Dolla seamlessly fused techno and house, leaving the crowd craving more drop after drop. His evolving sound is one of the most exciting in the industry. A peak moment during the Australian DJ’s set was when the EDC fireworks show began. Dom Dolla played a dirty techno track that transitioned into an emotional trance/techno remix of Gotye’s hit track ‘Somebody That I Used to Know.’ The combination of circuitGROUNDS fireworks and lasers with the festival’s fireworks show created an even more intense experience. Following Dom Dolla, Eli Brown and HI-LO delivered a legendary back-to-back set. The two renowned DJs/producers played a fast-paced techno set that kept the crowd dancing the entire time. circuitGROUNDS was the perfect stage for their performance, which undoubtedly was one of the highlights of the weekend.

Maddix brought the heat while playing his signature fast-paced techno sound to kineticFIELD.

If there’s anyone in the industry deserving of more attention and recognition right now, it’s Dutch producer/DJ Maddix. His set at kineticFIELD was a masterclass in fusing techno and trance to create an atmosphere like no other. Despite the main stage visuals and lighting being a bit subdued before the opening ceremony, Maddix had the crowd in a frenzy with hits like ‘ACID’ with Hardwell, ‘My Gasoline,’ ‘Heute Nacht,’ and his unreleased edit of John Summit’s ‘Where You Are.’

The raw energy he exuded during his set was precisely what kineticFIELD needed to kick off the night. Maddix’s debut in Las Vegas undoubtedly marked two career milestones. Let’s hope the EXTATIC label boss secures a later main stage slot at EDC Las Vegas next time, or better yet, a late-night spot at circuitGROUNDS. If you haven’t seen Maddix live yet, be sure to add him to your festival lineup if he’s playing.

Downtown EDC was an immersive experience with much to offer and is worthy of a visit.

When the call for a side mission comes, it’s time to venture into Downtown EDC, the vibrant heart of the festival brimming with entertainment. A new addition this year was the club called YEEdc, featuring an intriguing subgenre of EDM that blends dance and country music. Not feeling the music vibe? Then try your luck at the Kandi Casino (no actual monetary betting takes place). Love is also in the air with festivalgoers having the option to attend a wedding at the EDC chapel or participate in a dating show. Various art installations, a cornerstone of EDC, add to the eclectic atmosphere.

Downtown EDC exudes a whimsical and playful vibe, boasting street performers, interactive games, intimate stages, and chill-out zones, providing the perfect escape from the intensity of the main stages. Whether you’re seeking a quirky photo opportunity or simply a space to unwind and soak in the ambiance, Downtown EDC offers something for everyone.

From the breathtaking stages and diverse lineup to the vibrant community and innovative experiences, this year’s event was a spectacular celebration of dance music culture. As we bid farewell to another unforgettable edition of EDC, we’re already counting down the days until next year. Don’t miss out on any magical moments such as the ones above next year! Be sure to secure your Early Owl tickets for EDC Las Vegas 2025 here.

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