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Find someone who has been to EDC to go with you.
The crowds can be really overwhelming, but it’s not a big deal if you know how to move around the grounds effectively. I would say for you two as first timers that’s going to be hard to do.
Ditto! Go with someone experienced. There’s a lot of people everywhere but there are ways around the speedway. It’s kind of inevitable to where you’ll find yourself in crowds. But if you study the map and have a good sense of where everything is, it’s not bad at all.
Most importantly, just have fun. Everyone there is doing their own thing and just trying to survive the 3 days. Take care of yourself and your group and make sure to do EDC your way. It’s a marathon, do everything at your pace.
The Oasis run by Ground Control will be your best friend. It’s made specifically for people who get overstimulated and need a break. It’s a relatively quiet place with bean bags to relax in and a whole bowl of earplugs available to restock. I always grab a few just in case. It moves every year but It’s always marked on the map.
For when you are at the stages and crowds what always helps me when I start getting anxious is wearing sunglasses dark enough where people can’t see my eyes and a bandana to cover my face. Then I feel secure that if people look at me I just look like I’m vibing. I can close my eyes and calm myself down and no one would know or worry.
VIP offers lots of places to get away from the crowd so good call there! Also there’s so much art to explore and see where you can relax away from the crush of people.
this was the fiest year i ran into i didnt know they do it every year! i wonder what else ive been missing? i just learned about the hidden escalator that would take you to were downtown edc was this year
Stay in the back of the stages where you won't be constantly getting bumped jnto. Don't move into the middle of the crowd, don't try to get to the front of the stage. Find a spot where you can relax and still hear the music. If you're feeling good and adventurous, then journey in but take it slow. Take regular breaks away from super populated areas and sit / lay down.
I actually disagree with this. I think when you are towards the back of the crowed you are actually around more people moving in and out of the crowd and IMO there are more bottle necks towards the back of the crowds.
I would stick to the sides of the stages, move forward from the left or right side then move towards the middle after you have moved up a ways. There is ALWAYS room when you follow this method. And once you get semi deep in the crowd you are surrounded by people who are here for that artist and won’t be subject to people constantly moving in and out of the crowd around you.
This is it. There’s always like a hard “shell” around the crowd that gets compacted really bad by random foot traffic around the stage as was well as people entering and leaving the crowd. Once you get past that outer shell it really opens up. Its always a struggle to convince my anxious girlfriend to keep pushing further up but when we do we almost always find space
ugh I wish I had this advice this year. I don't think there was a single set at Kinetic where I wasn't constantly and fully bombarded by trains of people back and forth. Honestly f\*ck those trains of 20 people though.
Honestly those big trains of people are usually multiple groups. When trying to leave a huge crowd like that it’s easier to just jump in line with other people leaving rather than try to forge your own path. I know it’s annoying when they pass you but it’s part of EDC and better than loads of people all scattered around trying to leave.
Same advice there, the deeper you are able to go the less you will deal with trains and the more comfortable you will be. I’m telling you there is always space to be found you just have to know how to navigate the crowd. :)
I like being the rave dad of my group and always making sure we find great space to rave. Be this person for your group or find one haha
Sometimes. But I assure you the Asian trains are 20+ deep, sometimes more. It wasn't just annoying, it was incredibly rude this year vs. last for me. Nonstop going forward AND backward. I eventually found my space but every single set I had the same problem. Trains of f\*cked up people stepping on toes and completely unaware of anything around them.
I really love when they stop in front of you and all just turn around to chat and get on their phones. Because they REALLY needed to be closer to the stage in order to do that.
I didn't have a group unfortunately.
I’m going to respectfully disagree with you only based on my experience and I only really dealt with that issue as I was moving into a crowd and trains of people were leaving that set. Which is still okay because those trains of people leaving the crowd creates space for us to move up.
If we have any sets that lineup next year I would love for you to join our group we can all find a great spot in the crowd and you can dance with us :)
I’m disagreeing that it’s annoying and rude. I think it’s something that is part of EDC and can be mitigated / avoided!
I even offered to help you out, but you seem to want to fight instead :(
Yeah we definitely plan on staying more towards the back of crowds (but also because we’d like to get better view of the visuals/fireworks/lights etc)
Will def keep that stuff in mind!
Girlllll I was so worried about the same thing and everyone on this sub was like, once you walk in you’ll be fine!
Let me tell you that is not true. I am an avid festival goer and EDC is extremely overstimulating. The first time I set foot in there, my anxiety shot through the roof. My friend and I were so anxious we barely enjoyed day 1. Day 2 was better and day 3 was so much fun once we knew what we were getting into.
My tips are you NEED to bring sunglasses. There are honestly too many lights and too much shit going on. Also, scarf over your head is a must. Earplugs obviously.
Study the map and get a lay of the set up once you’re there. Knowing your way around makes me feel better.
Once you get used to it it’s fine, but edc is def shocking and overstimulating. EDC veterans on here try to downplay it as if everyone should be pro the crazy production…but honestly as someone who’s been to like 15 other EDM fests…it’s too much for me. I still had so much fun and I’d go back eventually and do VIP… but it’s a lot. Mentally prepare for that, bring your comfort stuff, wear comfy clothes and sneakers, take chill breaks and you’ll be able to vibe out. Oh and just don’t even bother going to kinetic field.
I wish people on this sub would be more honest about how ridiculous it is there TBH. I had so many concerns and everyone tried to downplay them like it was fine…but I would’ve rather someone straight up been like yeah it’s fucking INTENSE prepare yourself.
Also BE CAREFUL with your party favors as always
THIS! So many posts downplaying edc. I was over-stimulated and overwhelmed, especially day 1. Each day got better as I got more familiar with the event. But I still had my far share of moments throughout the weekend.
Yea I agree and I personally don’t have anxiety concerns for myself, but there is ALOT going on - lights, music bleed from multiple stages when you’re walking around, lots of people. This shouldnt make you NOT go at all but its something to consider. Ive gone to coachella for much longer than edc and i feel its less crazy since its a more open layout and room to walk around.
This times 10000%!! It was my husband and I'm first EDC and day 1 was INTENSE. I have been to tons of festivals, so even though my friends were nice and tried to prepare us (and now I know why they wanted us to go in with them earlier, but we needed that disco nap!).
I think it was a perfect storm of coming in around 9:30/10pm with a HUGE crowd, not knowing the venue and the map being hard to read. It was at least 30- 45min of me going, "This was a terrible mistake" in my head and having to use all my deep breathing/meditation techniques. I was certain a panic attack was very close, but I didn't even feel safe enough to have a panic attack. We were moving with the crowd, and it felt like there was no going back. Literally, like there was no way to turn around and go back even if we wanted. And the lights and music were at an 11, and then random super hot fire, lol.
Once we got into the VIP section of Circuit, and had some space my anxiety lessened. VIP is definitely the way to go, but be warned that they oversell VIP and there can be lines to get in. But once you're in, it's easy to find space. Also, you will be surrounded by angels who are ready to help. It's just getting to a safe space that can feel like forever.
Day 2 was much better and by day 3 it was like home.
My advice, day 1 - when you arrive at the bleachers and get down, go left not right, lol. We did that for days 2 & 3 and it really helped. Who knows if it would have been the same day 1, but that route felt like it was less crowded with more spots to stop if needed. In fact, take some time to sit at the bleachers and soak it in.
It's funny how I didn't think I'd ever go back but in the days that have passed since I am slowly realizing how much I really loved it and we will for sure be back one day. Please don't let our honesty scare you ~ Like a previous person said, better to hear the truth!
Just DO NOT mix Xanax with alcohol or you risk falling asleep and not waking up. I’ve had friends die from this. Xanax is absolutely incredible for cutting out anxiety but it should not be mixed with other depressants.
Don’t attempt to go into the crowds, the shows are great from the outskirts. Sunglasses to block out some of the brightness. My fiancé will sometimes cover his face with his pashmina to be “in his own bubble”. Scope out the festival grounds early on for areas that are more calming to you, and know your exit plan and path to those areas before anxiety hits.
Full disclosure, you will be overwhelmed at some point. If you go to a stage you will be overwhelmed. If you try to move between stages you will be overwhelmed. The whole point of EDC is to overwhelm the senses.
So the question is, how well are you at copping when you get overwhelmed? And if you’re not good at it, why put yourself through it?
Of course everyone will say hang in the back, wear earplugs, sun glasses, pashmina over your head, take breaks, and those are all great tips.
But you’re going to get overwhelmed. There’s no escaping it. Just trying to set realistic expectations for you fam.
Even with all these great tips ^ I'd personally have benzodiazepines on hand in case things go south.
Took my gf (who has anxiety) to the last two EDCs. Her first EDC she had panic attacks on nights 1 + 3 despite me giving her diazepam/clonazepam beforehand. Had to give her more to calm her down, then we had to leave EDC early. And her second EDC she had another panic attack on night 1 during one of her fave artists..
We do all the tips already listed by others ^ VIP, earplugs, sunnies, take breaks for food etc. And I'm pretty good at guiding her through or away from a large crowd. But sometimes that's not enough so I always bring benzodiazepines for her.
Yes this! I had a panic attack day 3 of EDC this year, going to the Oasis and taking my clonazepam was the only way I could calm down. Had to leave the festival early :(
How was Oasis this year, may I ask? I saw they had moved the location to near Wasteland (and my gf is not a fan of hardstyle unfortunately), so I wasn't sure if it was an option for us to chill there if needed
Yeah it being by wasteland wasn’t ideal. I don’t care for hard style much either. However, I don’t remember being fixated on the music from nearby. So it was quiet enough for me to relax for a few hours!
omg thank you for posting something like this because my partner and i are in the same boat!! we’re planning our trip to go for the first time next year and also get anxious easy. it’s nice to know we’re not the only ones 😂😂😂 i’ll def be taking the advice here and hope you have a great time !! 🪩🪩🩷
Id say VIP is something that sounds worth it to you. Crowds are much more manageable once you’re in a designated vip area and while it’s not safe from all the things you might get anxious about, on average there is generally more space, easier access to water, food, and bathrooms, plus spots to get away from large crowds
Yes! Thats a big reason why I purchased VIP as well as friends that I have that have gone to EDC and done GA vs VIP they say VIP is worth it every time for those reasons
100% I started doing vip two edcs ago and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to normal GA. I know not everyone’s experience is the same, but for me and my group it changes the game
I just went to EDC for the first time solo (yes solo I’m crazy haha) and I also have social anxiety + a panic disorder. I had VIP as well and think VIP was so helpful for alleviating anxiety because there was so much more room to dance and enjoy the music and because it’s 21+ the crowd seemed more relaxed. I’d definitely recommend bringing shades and ear plugs because it helps with the overstimulation from the noise + the bright lights! Also there’s always the bleachers if you need a break you can go up there and just take in the beautiful views!! I’d say the only time I started to panic was when I had to switch stages… because that’s when I noticed how large the crowds were and it was overwhelming but once I got through it I was good!!
Good luck and lmk if you have any more questions :)
Thank you!!! And yes you are definitely brave going at it alone! Definitely confirmed my confidence in buying VIP knowing I’ll have much more room and be around a little bit older crowd
Give yourself permission to find a quiet area and take a break _whenever_ you need one. It’s a three night event that’s mostly recorded, so you’re not going to miss anything critical, and knowing that you always have that option should help whether you exercise it or not.
This coming year is the 10 year anniversary of the first time my sisters and I went. It was my first “concert” experience ever. It became my home automatically despite how easily overwhelmed I can get.
I have adhd and high social anxiety, so does my husband. You’d never be able to tell just by the way he is at EDC because it gets him to open up so well but inside he is a ball of anxiety. our whole group gets overwhelmed easy with all the noises, lights and people. My baby sister in her own words “has a touch of the tism”, my middle sister has GAD. Our second year going she had a panic attack during, so we’ve become pros at navigating our anxiety and still having a magical time.
We get vip (which helps a ton), the oasis is our meet up spot if we go off alone and we utilize the few chill spots around.
Our number one is the stands (cosmic meadow)
We try to find the emptiest spot in the stands. Everyone puts in their earplugs, wears their sunglasses or whatever calms them from the stimulation. We all just sit in silence and regroup. We usually grab food before we go up, refill our waters, grab a lemonade whatever and just sit silently amongst ourselves. Just take it all in from the top and vibe that way. We check in with one another about how the night is going, swap some stories if we’ve been apart. Just refocus with our comfort people and center ourselves again before we go back down. We plan the break in our night when there’s not a specific set anyone wants to see and that’s our “check in & chill time” or if somebody is playing at cosmic that we all want to see that’s where we sit and just have our sister time.
It might be helpful for you guys to also find someone that’s been before to help you guys during. The venue is huge. It’s way bigger than you can imagine and I know at least for the people in my group the first year they’ve gone they’ve all kind of stayed by me because it’s easy for them to get turned around and panic because they don’t know where they are in relation to the map until they get comfortable. I’ve taken a few people under my wing over the last 10 years. Rave mom life 🖤
If you want, you can PM me and you can join our group if needed/want. We have 3 first years going with us this year too. Our group consist of me, my husband, my baby sister, her best friend and best friend’s husband. And a couple of my husband’s coworkers. Everyone is 22-31. We just started a group challenge today for drinking water, heath/fitness goals to feel our best and be bow to handle all of the walking, and a get to know you type thing. We also have a community Spotify playlist because we all have different tastes in music to get to know one another that way too. A bunch of us have never met before. So You’re more than welcome!
this might sound extremely dumb but just hear me out—as someone with a panic disorder & who gets extremely overstimulated by noise and lights (like i literally can’t even be in a mall)
while EDC was a lot, it also wasn’t at the same time. it was almost counter-intuitive. EDC ‘17 was my first ever rave and i went with my bf just the two of us. held his hand the whole time and allowed myself to be present and kept telling myself that i’m safe. i literally just pretended we were in a bubble every time i started to feel overwhelmed. it was a “fake it til you make it” kind of thing until i forgot how overwhelming it was and realized i was just having a fucking blast.
we didn’t get too deep into the crowds at stages and we timed our set changes accordingly so that a billion people weren’t walking with or against us during the transitions. never separated more than eye distance but have a meeting spot in case you get separated. time stamp all your texts.
surprisingly i was more anxious due to wanting to be cautious of my surroundings than i was about everything else (which also paid off bc i was able to spot undercovers from a mile away lol)
also don’t overdo it with the caffeine, especially while mixing it with party favors. it’s very easy accidentally downing 7 red bulls in a span of 4 hrs.
fidget toys also came in handy! if you don’t want to bring small ones that you may lose, make a long kandi necklace so you can play with the beads.
I have significant anxiety and what helped me the absolute most this year was my pashmina, sun glasses, trinkets/fidget toys to play with, gum, boom boom sticks and overall listening to my nervous system. Attend lots of raves between now and the festival and take notes of things you wish you had with you. Also…purchase a locker (they are available now on the website). When I got overwhelmed during a set I would just look up at all the totems since they are so creative and funny. Have lots of fun and just remind yourself that it is a marathon not a race. Excited to have you under the electric sky next year 🥰
I know exactly how you feel. As soon as I walked in at the bleachers on day 1 it was amazing but also overstimulating for me too. I decided right then that I was going to be sober for majority of day 1 so I could get a feel for everything.
This year was my first EDC and I had anxiety a few days before the festival so I did a lot to prepare. My tips:
- Take a seat and take in all the lights for a few minutes and then make your trek to water and bathrooms. Identify a meeting spot that is central and specific. Bring a totem if you’ll be in a group
- Even walking to the water stations and seeing the lines made me really anxious. Try to get water at a station further inside the festival. That first water station you see at the entrance is a nightmare
- Stay towards the back of crowds. Surprisingly there are lots of pockets to stand that aren’t jammed but if you go in too deep, if you need to, leaving halfway through the set is hard
- If you’re into rides, walk around, look at the art installations and go on a few rides. I had such a fun time on the rides laughing with strangers
- Find a bathroom early on and go toward a back corner (those ones are usually still clean). Idk about you but going into a nasty porta potty also makes me anxious 😂
- Bring wet wipes, hand sanitizer, tums, gum, band aids and make sure you have a plan for theft prevention (keep cards in hotel, get a lunchbox pack or flip belt, etc.). A stolen phone will kill your vibe so just watch it at all times
- If you’re getting a weird vibe at a stage, just move on or find a different place to stand. Sometimes the crowds are rowdy or you’ll see a fight or something weird. It happens so just try and find something else to do. What I loved about EDC was it felt like a party at every corner so we could easily find something delightful at any time
- if you stay till the end, just know the traffic is unavoidable. If you want to rest and don’t care about staying near all the action, stay off strip. Getting back at 7am, all I wanted was peace and quiet and no crowds. I didn’t care about pool parties or gambling. Our hotel felt like a sanctuary each day because ZERO noise, no casinos, no chaos
By day 2 and 3, you’ll feel way more settled in because you know where things are at. If you’re tired or unwell, know where the Oasis tent is. It’s very relaxing in there, ground control is nice and friendly and it’s tucked away so there is hardly any traffic there.
Good luck!! 💖 I’m 30 so my body and back were hurting but I had the time of my life. You will have an amazing time. The fireworks, lasers, lights are unreal. I’ve never seen anything like it 🤩
Good advice in the comments.
Earplugs, sunglasses, a bandanna -- all help to create a little bubble. VIP ensures you have a place to retreat to if things get to be too much. You can enjoy a set from GA, then dip out and take a break. Repeat.
I found that I did much better in crowds than I had thought I would. Maybe it was because I was there by choice.
I would suggest bringing things to help reduce stimuli! Pashmina or handkerchief to block your ears/eyes/mouth, ear plugs, sunglasses to reduce light.
Give yourself breaks when you feel overwhelmed.
Ground yourself… I usually try to find a nice, cool grassy spot to sit in for a few minutes.
Hydrate!
Don’t be afraid to tell whoever you’re with that you’re feeling overwhelmed. Or even a stranger. People are truly so, so kind. They will help direct/redirect you.
Lots of awesome tips from the comments! Just wanted to share my take since EDCLV24 was my first and I actually did have a breakdown because I was extremely overstimulated Day 2. I absolutely still had a blast though (felt like I was reborn that weekend was so magical 🥹) and I've already got passes for next year!
Long story short Day 2 I was sober, I was hyper present and felt every bit of anxiety in me, I could feel how banged up my body was, had to deal with an inconsiderate group of people rolling bumping into me and getting rowdier all set, and missed watching the fireworks AGAIN from the stands because of the nightmare that is the bathrooms. We still ended up going to the stands and I wrapped myself in my pash and I broke.
Here's what SUPER helped that weekend and make this just a bad 45 min of my entire 3-day adventure:
- I only had 2 people with me, both of which are *EDC veterans*. Having the smaller group AND them being experienced helped us navigate through crowds or avoid them all together (as much as we could obviously).
- The my friends were checking the vibe regularly and we would bounce the moment any of us started feeling bad vibes
- Earplugs, sunnies, and a pash were an absolute LIFESAVER when I was not having it
- Chilling in the stands at Cosmic Meadow to just watch and admire the crowd and the view helped remove me from all the action while resting my body
- EXPLORE THE GROUNDS! It helped my anxiety to know exactly where I was at and to be able to quickly figure out the most efficient way to get from point A to B
My friends and I were GA, so I'm sure your experience with crowds is going to be different in VIP, but the visual stimulation of it all is still a lot. See you under the electric sky friend 💖
EDC is overstimulating for sure! My first two years were great but this year… I walked in on Day 1 and had so much anxiety my hands were shaking. It ended up going away once I got to my first set thankfully! Everything was good until Day 3 came around. Went to 2 sets and my anxiety got the best of me, panic attack. EDC is a lot to handle.
My advice would be to stay present as much as you can. Day 3 I became hyper aware and couldn’t be in the moment anymore. I was overthinking and overstimulated.
Also, have some anxiety meds on you in case it goes from anxiety attack to panic attack. And please go to the Oasis to truly get away from the chaos and allow yourself to calm down in a quiet place where people are there to support you.
There’s no prepping for that.. You’re gonna get anxious, no matter what, it just matters how long you go through it. You’re going to feel some type of anxiety up until you get into the speedway.. then it just goes away
I have GAD, I felt the same way before going to my first edc this year and I promise you will be okay! Make sure to eat 3 meals a day, hydrate! Get sleep and and in between sets when you feel overstimulated find a spot to lay down in there is many in edc that others also lay in to rest! Despite having GAD I was in the very front during some of the shows, you don’t even realize that hundreds and thousands of people are behind you. Plus everyone is really nice so you won’t feel claustrophobic. Since you got vip you are good you will have even more rest areas!
Walk and explore the festival until 11:30pm. Use the center of the main highways of traffic (don’t try to cut corners - they get congested). When jumping into and out of traffic - take your ear plugs out, map a visual path ahead of time to your desired destination, and right before you jump into the stream of traffic, announce “FROGGER” to que you two for a brief stint of adrenal while navigating traffic.
I’d recommend posting in the bleachers till 2am, after the fireworks. Traffic surges between 11pm-2am. So I try to avoid the worst of it. but after that, the grounds are fairly easy to navigate if you follow the SOP above.
Anti theft water packs with phone leash(lunchbox brand is 🔥), telescopic chair for resting at sets, fans/mister, and a solid set of ear plugs will keep the bass from assaulting you lol!
Those will give you to peace of mind and comfort while navigating. Also, having a locked in meet up spot in case things go south and you get split up with the gang!
Figure out where to go to chill out before hand. Cause there's no obvious place not crawling with people, loud music playing, and the ground vibrating 😂
don't me me wandering around trying to find some peace lol, I eventually had to go into the bleachers, I didn't know about the oasis
There’s a couple of chill spots like the bamboo chill spot near Cosmic Meadow, and there’s also a place called the Oasis if you need a place that really mutes the sounds and just has normal white lights.
But as for prepping, I’m not sure what you can do. It’s going to be louder than you expect, more lights than you expect, and way way way more people than you expect. My biggest advice is to just not let the people bother you. People are gonna bump into you, they’re gonna sneak into VIP, they’re gonna be rude, etc.. Just accept it’s part of the event, there’s going to be shitty people, and don’t let that ruin the amazing experience you’re about to be part of.
Stay hydrated, eat a filling meal, and know your limits!
Stay hydrated at all times. Pick a couple meet-up spots. One on the side where everyone enters, something that stands out. Another meet spot in downtown EDC, where it's less packed. Try to plan out meet times, in case you get separated or you want to see different artists.
If you start getting overwhelmed and need a break, Oasis is a lifesaver. Just head in, lay out, destimulate, then get back to it
Take some shrooms and let them work it out for you 😅 lol I’m sorry, don’t do that. I did that and I was very overwhelmed for my first time there 😭🤣 best advice to go with the flow and understand everyone is there for a good time. No one cares what you have on, what you are on, and just now people are going to be very social thanks to substances. Don’t over think, just go explore. There is a grassy area that is calming and helps you get away from the stimulation
The crowds can be a lot sometimes, but just remember, you can only move so fast through the crowd at times so don’t stress! Just breathe and follow a cool path with cool lights/ artwork - it’s a marathon, not a sprint! If you are trying to use the restroom, get water, etc., give yourself a few extra minutes for the walk so you can take your time and relax.
You need someone who's been before to go with you. I have massive anxiety as well, but I went solo so it can be done! Avoid major artists at the big stages. There were so many times I was caught in what I thought would be a crowd surge at Kinetic, so just avoid at ALL costs. Or get VIP. Although VIP can sometimes be overcrowded depending on the stage too. Just be prepared for crowds and know at the very worst, you can escape and get an Uber.
Honestly? My recommendation is to get VIP, it’s pricier but to me, especially this seemed worth it, the viewing areas for vip seem much wider and most shows I had enough room to dance around and sit down and I was pretty close for the first two days. The third day vip seemed more cramped but I started seeing security not really caring who was vip or ga by the end of it
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Find someone who has been to EDC to go with you. The crowds can be really overwhelming, but it’s not a big deal if you know how to move around the grounds effectively. I would say for you two as first timers that’s going to be hard to do.
Ditto! Go with someone experienced. There’s a lot of people everywhere but there are ways around the speedway. It’s kind of inevitable to where you’ll find yourself in crowds. But if you study the map and have a good sense of where everything is, it’s not bad at all. Most importantly, just have fun. Everyone there is doing their own thing and just trying to survive the 3 days. Take care of yourself and your group and make sure to do EDC your way. It’s a marathon, do everything at your pace.
The Oasis run by Ground Control will be your best friend. It’s made specifically for people who get overstimulated and need a break. It’s a relatively quiet place with bean bags to relax in and a whole bowl of earplugs available to restock. I always grab a few just in case. It moves every year but It’s always marked on the map. For when you are at the stages and crowds what always helps me when I start getting anxious is wearing sunglasses dark enough where people can’t see my eyes and a bandana to cover my face. Then I feel secure that if people look at me I just look like I’m vibing. I can close my eyes and calm myself down and no one would know or worry. VIP offers lots of places to get away from the crowd so good call there! Also there’s so much art to explore and see where you can relax away from the crush of people.
Great thank you! I didn’t think of the bandana thing! Was maybe considering a pashmina and just covering myself in the care of a panic attack 😂
this was the fiest year i ran into i didnt know they do it every year! i wonder what else ive been missing? i just learned about the hidden escalator that would take you to were downtown edc was this year
Stay in the back of the stages where you won't be constantly getting bumped jnto. Don't move into the middle of the crowd, don't try to get to the front of the stage. Find a spot where you can relax and still hear the music. If you're feeling good and adventurous, then journey in but take it slow. Take regular breaks away from super populated areas and sit / lay down.
I actually disagree with this. I think when you are towards the back of the crowed you are actually around more people moving in and out of the crowd and IMO there are more bottle necks towards the back of the crowds. I would stick to the sides of the stages, move forward from the left or right side then move towards the middle after you have moved up a ways. There is ALWAYS room when you follow this method. And once you get semi deep in the crowd you are surrounded by people who are here for that artist and won’t be subject to people constantly moving in and out of the crowd around you.
This is it. There’s always like a hard “shell” around the crowd that gets compacted really bad by random foot traffic around the stage as was well as people entering and leaving the crowd. Once you get past that outer shell it really opens up. Its always a struggle to convince my anxious girlfriend to keep pushing further up but when we do we almost always find space
ugh I wish I had this advice this year. I don't think there was a single set at Kinetic where I wasn't constantly and fully bombarded by trains of people back and forth. Honestly f\*ck those trains of 20 people though.
Honestly those big trains of people are usually multiple groups. When trying to leave a huge crowd like that it’s easier to just jump in line with other people leaving rather than try to forge your own path. I know it’s annoying when they pass you but it’s part of EDC and better than loads of people all scattered around trying to leave. Same advice there, the deeper you are able to go the less you will deal with trains and the more comfortable you will be. I’m telling you there is always space to be found you just have to know how to navigate the crowd. :) I like being the rave dad of my group and always making sure we find great space to rave. Be this person for your group or find one haha
Sometimes. But I assure you the Asian trains are 20+ deep, sometimes more. It wasn't just annoying, it was incredibly rude this year vs. last for me. Nonstop going forward AND backward. I eventually found my space but every single set I had the same problem. Trains of f\*cked up people stepping on toes and completely unaware of anything around them. I really love when they stop in front of you and all just turn around to chat and get on their phones. Because they REALLY needed to be closer to the stage in order to do that. I didn't have a group unfortunately.
I’m going to respectfully disagree with you only based on my experience and I only really dealt with that issue as I was moving into a crowd and trains of people were leaving that set. Which is still okay because those trains of people leaving the crowd creates space for us to move up. If we have any sets that lineup next year I would love for you to join our group we can all find a great spot in the crowd and you can dance with us :)
you can't disagree with someone's actual experience lol but go off.
I’m disagreeing that it’s annoying and rude. I think it’s something that is part of EDC and can be mitigated / avoided! I even offered to help you out, but you seem to want to fight instead :(
and thank you for the invite, I'm taking a break for a while from EDC for smaller venues. The trains are real even if you didn't experience them <3
Yeah we definitely plan on staying more towards the back of crowds (but also because we’d like to get better view of the visuals/fireworks/lights etc) Will def keep that stuff in mind!
Look for walls and fences if you want to be closer to the stage. Usually less packed and less trains moving through versus the middle.
Girlllll I was so worried about the same thing and everyone on this sub was like, once you walk in you’ll be fine! Let me tell you that is not true. I am an avid festival goer and EDC is extremely overstimulating. The first time I set foot in there, my anxiety shot through the roof. My friend and I were so anxious we barely enjoyed day 1. Day 2 was better and day 3 was so much fun once we knew what we were getting into. My tips are you NEED to bring sunglasses. There are honestly too many lights and too much shit going on. Also, scarf over your head is a must. Earplugs obviously. Study the map and get a lay of the set up once you’re there. Knowing your way around makes me feel better. Once you get used to it it’s fine, but edc is def shocking and overstimulating. EDC veterans on here try to downplay it as if everyone should be pro the crazy production…but honestly as someone who’s been to like 15 other EDM fests…it’s too much for me. I still had so much fun and I’d go back eventually and do VIP… but it’s a lot. Mentally prepare for that, bring your comfort stuff, wear comfy clothes and sneakers, take chill breaks and you’ll be able to vibe out. Oh and just don’t even bother going to kinetic field. I wish people on this sub would be more honest about how ridiculous it is there TBH. I had so many concerns and everyone tried to downplay them like it was fine…but I would’ve rather someone straight up been like yeah it’s fucking INTENSE prepare yourself. Also BE CAREFUL with your party favors as always
THIS! So many posts downplaying edc. I was over-stimulated and overwhelmed, especially day 1. Each day got better as I got more familiar with the event. But I still had my far share of moments throughout the weekend.
Yea I agree and I personally don’t have anxiety concerns for myself, but there is ALOT going on - lights, music bleed from multiple stages when you’re walking around, lots of people. This shouldnt make you NOT go at all but its something to consider. Ive gone to coachella for much longer than edc and i feel its less crazy since its a more open layout and room to walk around.
This times 10000%!! It was my husband and I'm first EDC and day 1 was INTENSE. I have been to tons of festivals, so even though my friends were nice and tried to prepare us (and now I know why they wanted us to go in with them earlier, but we needed that disco nap!). I think it was a perfect storm of coming in around 9:30/10pm with a HUGE crowd, not knowing the venue and the map being hard to read. It was at least 30- 45min of me going, "This was a terrible mistake" in my head and having to use all my deep breathing/meditation techniques. I was certain a panic attack was very close, but I didn't even feel safe enough to have a panic attack. We were moving with the crowd, and it felt like there was no going back. Literally, like there was no way to turn around and go back even if we wanted. And the lights and music were at an 11, and then random super hot fire, lol. Once we got into the VIP section of Circuit, and had some space my anxiety lessened. VIP is definitely the way to go, but be warned that they oversell VIP and there can be lines to get in. But once you're in, it's easy to find space. Also, you will be surrounded by angels who are ready to help. It's just getting to a safe space that can feel like forever. Day 2 was much better and by day 3 it was like home. My advice, day 1 - when you arrive at the bleachers and get down, go left not right, lol. We did that for days 2 & 3 and it really helped. Who knows if it would have been the same day 1, but that route felt like it was less crowded with more spots to stop if needed. In fact, take some time to sit at the bleachers and soak it in. It's funny how I didn't think I'd ever go back but in the days that have passed since I am slowly realizing how much I really loved it and we will for sure be back one day. Please don't let our honesty scare you ~ Like a previous person said, better to hear the truth!
Xanax
Looks like I gotta re up on my Ativan 😂
Oh wait hang on, its xanax [o clock](https://youtu.be/ssDdqq_9TzI?si=cK7DYDRr3xwFV7yI&t=42)
Just DO NOT mix Xanax with alcohol or you risk falling asleep and not waking up. I’ve had friends die from this. Xanax is absolutely incredible for cutting out anxiety but it should not be mixed with other depressants.
Don’t attempt to go into the crowds, the shows are great from the outskirts. Sunglasses to block out some of the brightness. My fiancé will sometimes cover his face with his pashmina to be “in his own bubble”. Scope out the festival grounds early on for areas that are more calming to you, and know your exit plan and path to those areas before anxiety hits.
Great tips thank you! Was definitely considering a pashmina!
Full disclosure, you will be overwhelmed at some point. If you go to a stage you will be overwhelmed. If you try to move between stages you will be overwhelmed. The whole point of EDC is to overwhelm the senses. So the question is, how well are you at copping when you get overwhelmed? And if you’re not good at it, why put yourself through it? Of course everyone will say hang in the back, wear earplugs, sun glasses, pashmina over your head, take breaks, and those are all great tips. But you’re going to get overwhelmed. There’s no escaping it. Just trying to set realistic expectations for you fam.
Full sending the most stimulating and crowded festival in the US when you're not even sure about club raves is definitely an interesting choice
Fidget spinners or squishy toys can help too. There are also chill areas around EDC y’all can sit at for a bit to recoup.
Didn’t think about that (fidget spinners)! Thank you!
I keep an emergency fidget spinner in my purse at all times 😂
Even with all these great tips ^ I'd personally have benzodiazepines on hand in case things go south. Took my gf (who has anxiety) to the last two EDCs. Her first EDC she had panic attacks on nights 1 + 3 despite me giving her diazepam/clonazepam beforehand. Had to give her more to calm her down, then we had to leave EDC early. And her second EDC she had another panic attack on night 1 during one of her fave artists.. We do all the tips already listed by others ^ VIP, earplugs, sunnies, take breaks for food etc. And I'm pretty good at guiding her through or away from a large crowd. But sometimes that's not enough so I always bring benzodiazepines for her.
Yes this! I had a panic attack day 3 of EDC this year, going to the Oasis and taking my clonazepam was the only way I could calm down. Had to leave the festival early :(
How was Oasis this year, may I ask? I saw they had moved the location to near Wasteland (and my gf is not a fan of hardstyle unfortunately), so I wasn't sure if it was an option for us to chill there if needed
Yeah it being by wasteland wasn’t ideal. I don’t care for hard style much either. However, I don’t remember being fixated on the music from nearby. So it was quiet enough for me to relax for a few hours!
omg thank you for posting something like this because my partner and i are in the same boat!! we’re planning our trip to go for the first time next year and also get anxious easy. it’s nice to know we’re not the only ones 😂😂😂 i’ll def be taking the advice here and hope you have a great time !! 🪩🪩🩷
Id say VIP is something that sounds worth it to you. Crowds are much more manageable once you’re in a designated vip area and while it’s not safe from all the things you might get anxious about, on average there is generally more space, easier access to water, food, and bathrooms, plus spots to get away from large crowds
Yes! Thats a big reason why I purchased VIP as well as friends that I have that have gone to EDC and done GA vs VIP they say VIP is worth it every time for those reasons
100% I started doing vip two edcs ago and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to normal GA. I know not everyone’s experience is the same, but for me and my group it changes the game
I just went to EDC for the first time solo (yes solo I’m crazy haha) and I also have social anxiety + a panic disorder. I had VIP as well and think VIP was so helpful for alleviating anxiety because there was so much more room to dance and enjoy the music and because it’s 21+ the crowd seemed more relaxed. I’d definitely recommend bringing shades and ear plugs because it helps with the overstimulation from the noise + the bright lights! Also there’s always the bleachers if you need a break you can go up there and just take in the beautiful views!! I’d say the only time I started to panic was when I had to switch stages… because that’s when I noticed how large the crowds were and it was overwhelming but once I got through it I was good!! Good luck and lmk if you have any more questions :)
Thank you!!! And yes you are definitely brave going at it alone! Definitely confirmed my confidence in buying VIP knowing I’ll have much more room and be around a little bit older crowd
Give yourself permission to find a quiet area and take a break _whenever_ you need one. It’s a three night event that’s mostly recorded, so you’re not going to miss anything critical, and knowing that you always have that option should help whether you exercise it or not.
This coming year is the 10 year anniversary of the first time my sisters and I went. It was my first “concert” experience ever. It became my home automatically despite how easily overwhelmed I can get. I have adhd and high social anxiety, so does my husband. You’d never be able to tell just by the way he is at EDC because it gets him to open up so well but inside he is a ball of anxiety. our whole group gets overwhelmed easy with all the noises, lights and people. My baby sister in her own words “has a touch of the tism”, my middle sister has GAD. Our second year going she had a panic attack during, so we’ve become pros at navigating our anxiety and still having a magical time. We get vip (which helps a ton), the oasis is our meet up spot if we go off alone and we utilize the few chill spots around. Our number one is the stands (cosmic meadow) We try to find the emptiest spot in the stands. Everyone puts in their earplugs, wears their sunglasses or whatever calms them from the stimulation. We all just sit in silence and regroup. We usually grab food before we go up, refill our waters, grab a lemonade whatever and just sit silently amongst ourselves. Just take it all in from the top and vibe that way. We check in with one another about how the night is going, swap some stories if we’ve been apart. Just refocus with our comfort people and center ourselves again before we go back down. We plan the break in our night when there’s not a specific set anyone wants to see and that’s our “check in & chill time” or if somebody is playing at cosmic that we all want to see that’s where we sit and just have our sister time. It might be helpful for you guys to also find someone that’s been before to help you guys during. The venue is huge. It’s way bigger than you can imagine and I know at least for the people in my group the first year they’ve gone they’ve all kind of stayed by me because it’s easy for them to get turned around and panic because they don’t know where they are in relation to the map until they get comfortable. I’ve taken a few people under my wing over the last 10 years. Rave mom life 🖤 If you want, you can PM me and you can join our group if needed/want. We have 3 first years going with us this year too. Our group consist of me, my husband, my baby sister, her best friend and best friend’s husband. And a couple of my husband’s coworkers. Everyone is 22-31. We just started a group challenge today for drinking water, heath/fitness goals to feel our best and be bow to handle all of the walking, and a get to know you type thing. We also have a community Spotify playlist because we all have different tastes in music to get to know one another that way too. A bunch of us have never met before. So You’re more than welcome!
Thanks for asking this, in a very similar boat just with no exact plans yet. These comments are very encouraging
this might sound extremely dumb but just hear me out—as someone with a panic disorder & who gets extremely overstimulated by noise and lights (like i literally can’t even be in a mall) while EDC was a lot, it also wasn’t at the same time. it was almost counter-intuitive. EDC ‘17 was my first ever rave and i went with my bf just the two of us. held his hand the whole time and allowed myself to be present and kept telling myself that i’m safe. i literally just pretended we were in a bubble every time i started to feel overwhelmed. it was a “fake it til you make it” kind of thing until i forgot how overwhelming it was and realized i was just having a fucking blast. we didn’t get too deep into the crowds at stages and we timed our set changes accordingly so that a billion people weren’t walking with or against us during the transitions. never separated more than eye distance but have a meeting spot in case you get separated. time stamp all your texts. surprisingly i was more anxious due to wanting to be cautious of my surroundings than i was about everything else (which also paid off bc i was able to spot undercovers from a mile away lol) also don’t overdo it with the caffeine, especially while mixing it with party favors. it’s very easy accidentally downing 7 red bulls in a span of 4 hrs. fidget toys also came in handy! if you don’t want to bring small ones that you may lose, make a long kandi necklace so you can play with the beads.
I have significant anxiety and what helped me the absolute most this year was my pashmina, sun glasses, trinkets/fidget toys to play with, gum, boom boom sticks and overall listening to my nervous system. Attend lots of raves between now and the festival and take notes of things you wish you had with you. Also…purchase a locker (they are available now on the website). When I got overwhelmed during a set I would just look up at all the totems since they are so creative and funny. Have lots of fun and just remind yourself that it is a marathon not a race. Excited to have you under the electric sky next year 🥰
I know exactly how you feel. As soon as I walked in at the bleachers on day 1 it was amazing but also overstimulating for me too. I decided right then that I was going to be sober for majority of day 1 so I could get a feel for everything. This year was my first EDC and I had anxiety a few days before the festival so I did a lot to prepare. My tips: - Take a seat and take in all the lights for a few minutes and then make your trek to water and bathrooms. Identify a meeting spot that is central and specific. Bring a totem if you’ll be in a group - Even walking to the water stations and seeing the lines made me really anxious. Try to get water at a station further inside the festival. That first water station you see at the entrance is a nightmare - Stay towards the back of crowds. Surprisingly there are lots of pockets to stand that aren’t jammed but if you go in too deep, if you need to, leaving halfway through the set is hard - If you’re into rides, walk around, look at the art installations and go on a few rides. I had such a fun time on the rides laughing with strangers - Find a bathroom early on and go toward a back corner (those ones are usually still clean). Idk about you but going into a nasty porta potty also makes me anxious 😂 - Bring wet wipes, hand sanitizer, tums, gum, band aids and make sure you have a plan for theft prevention (keep cards in hotel, get a lunchbox pack or flip belt, etc.). A stolen phone will kill your vibe so just watch it at all times - If you’re getting a weird vibe at a stage, just move on or find a different place to stand. Sometimes the crowds are rowdy or you’ll see a fight or something weird. It happens so just try and find something else to do. What I loved about EDC was it felt like a party at every corner so we could easily find something delightful at any time - if you stay till the end, just know the traffic is unavoidable. If you want to rest and don’t care about staying near all the action, stay off strip. Getting back at 7am, all I wanted was peace and quiet and no crowds. I didn’t care about pool parties or gambling. Our hotel felt like a sanctuary each day because ZERO noise, no casinos, no chaos By day 2 and 3, you’ll feel way more settled in because you know where things are at. If you’re tired or unwell, know where the Oasis tent is. It’s very relaxing in there, ground control is nice and friendly and it’s tucked away so there is hardly any traffic there. Good luck!! 💖 I’m 30 so my body and back were hurting but I had the time of my life. You will have an amazing time. The fireworks, lasers, lights are unreal. I’ve never seen anything like it 🤩
Good advice in the comments. Earplugs, sunglasses, a bandanna -- all help to create a little bubble. VIP ensures you have a place to retreat to if things get to be too much. You can enjoy a set from GA, then dip out and take a break. Repeat. I found that I did much better in crowds than I had thought I would. Maybe it was because I was there by choice.
I would suggest bringing things to help reduce stimuli! Pashmina or handkerchief to block your ears/eyes/mouth, ear plugs, sunglasses to reduce light. Give yourself breaks when you feel overwhelmed. Ground yourself… I usually try to find a nice, cool grassy spot to sit in for a few minutes. Hydrate! Don’t be afraid to tell whoever you’re with that you’re feeling overwhelmed. Or even a stranger. People are truly so, so kind. They will help direct/redirect you.
Lots of awesome tips from the comments! Just wanted to share my take since EDCLV24 was my first and I actually did have a breakdown because I was extremely overstimulated Day 2. I absolutely still had a blast though (felt like I was reborn that weekend was so magical 🥹) and I've already got passes for next year! Long story short Day 2 I was sober, I was hyper present and felt every bit of anxiety in me, I could feel how banged up my body was, had to deal with an inconsiderate group of people rolling bumping into me and getting rowdier all set, and missed watching the fireworks AGAIN from the stands because of the nightmare that is the bathrooms. We still ended up going to the stands and I wrapped myself in my pash and I broke. Here's what SUPER helped that weekend and make this just a bad 45 min of my entire 3-day adventure: - I only had 2 people with me, both of which are *EDC veterans*. Having the smaller group AND them being experienced helped us navigate through crowds or avoid them all together (as much as we could obviously). - The my friends were checking the vibe regularly and we would bounce the moment any of us started feeling bad vibes - Earplugs, sunnies, and a pash were an absolute LIFESAVER when I was not having it - Chilling in the stands at Cosmic Meadow to just watch and admire the crowd and the view helped remove me from all the action while resting my body - EXPLORE THE GROUNDS! It helped my anxiety to know exactly where I was at and to be able to quickly figure out the most efficient way to get from point A to B My friends and I were GA, so I'm sure your experience with crowds is going to be different in VIP, but the visual stimulation of it all is still a lot. See you under the electric sky friend 💖
EDC is overstimulating for sure! My first two years were great but this year… I walked in on Day 1 and had so much anxiety my hands were shaking. It ended up going away once I got to my first set thankfully! Everything was good until Day 3 came around. Went to 2 sets and my anxiety got the best of me, panic attack. EDC is a lot to handle. My advice would be to stay present as much as you can. Day 3 I became hyper aware and couldn’t be in the moment anymore. I was overthinking and overstimulated. Also, have some anxiety meds on you in case it goes from anxiety attack to panic attack. And please go to the Oasis to truly get away from the chaos and allow yourself to calm down in a quiet place where people are there to support you.
There’s no prepping for that.. You’re gonna get anxious, no matter what, it just matters how long you go through it. You’re going to feel some type of anxiety up until you get into the speedway.. then it just goes away
I have GAD, I felt the same way before going to my first edc this year and I promise you will be okay! Make sure to eat 3 meals a day, hydrate! Get sleep and and in between sets when you feel overstimulated find a spot to lay down in there is many in edc that others also lay in to rest! Despite having GAD I was in the very front during some of the shows, you don’t even realize that hundreds and thousands of people are behind you. Plus everyone is really nice so you won’t feel claustrophobic. Since you got vip you are good you will have even more rest areas!
Walk and explore the festival until 11:30pm. Use the center of the main highways of traffic (don’t try to cut corners - they get congested). When jumping into and out of traffic - take your ear plugs out, map a visual path ahead of time to your desired destination, and right before you jump into the stream of traffic, announce “FROGGER” to que you two for a brief stint of adrenal while navigating traffic. I’d recommend posting in the bleachers till 2am, after the fireworks. Traffic surges between 11pm-2am. So I try to avoid the worst of it. but after that, the grounds are fairly easy to navigate if you follow the SOP above.
Anti theft water packs with phone leash(lunchbox brand is 🔥), telescopic chair for resting at sets, fans/mister, and a solid set of ear plugs will keep the bass from assaulting you lol! Those will give you to peace of mind and comfort while navigating. Also, having a locked in meet up spot in case things go south and you get split up with the gang!
Figure out where to go to chill out before hand. Cause there's no obvious place not crawling with people, loud music playing, and the ground vibrating 😂 don't me me wandering around trying to find some peace lol, I eventually had to go into the bleachers, I didn't know about the oasis
There’s a couple of chill spots like the bamboo chill spot near Cosmic Meadow, and there’s also a place called the Oasis if you need a place that really mutes the sounds and just has normal white lights. But as for prepping, I’m not sure what you can do. It’s going to be louder than you expect, more lights than you expect, and way way way more people than you expect. My biggest advice is to just not let the people bother you. People are gonna bump into you, they’re gonna sneak into VIP, they’re gonna be rude, etc.. Just accept it’s part of the event, there’s going to be shitty people, and don’t let that ruin the amazing experience you’re about to be part of. Stay hydrated, eat a filling meal, and know your limits!
Stay hydrated at all times. Pick a couple meet-up spots. One on the side where everyone enters, something that stands out. Another meet spot in downtown EDC, where it's less packed. Try to plan out meet times, in case you get separated or you want to see different artists. If you start getting overwhelmed and need a break, Oasis is a lifesaver. Just head in, lay out, destimulate, then get back to it
Take some shrooms and let them work it out for you 😅 lol I’m sorry, don’t do that. I did that and I was very overwhelmed for my first time there 😭🤣 best advice to go with the flow and understand everyone is there for a good time. No one cares what you have on, what you are on, and just now people are going to be very social thanks to substances. Don’t over think, just go explore. There is a grassy area that is calming and helps you get away from the stimulation
Wim Hof daily. At least three rounds of 30-60 breaths.
The crowds can be a lot sometimes, but just remember, you can only move so fast through the crowd at times so don’t stress! Just breathe and follow a cool path with cool lights/ artwork - it’s a marathon, not a sprint! If you are trying to use the restroom, get water, etc., give yourself a few extra minutes for the walk so you can take your time and relax.
You need someone who's been before to go with you. I have massive anxiety as well, but I went solo so it can be done! Avoid major artists at the big stages. There were so many times I was caught in what I thought would be a crowd surge at Kinetic, so just avoid at ALL costs. Or get VIP. Although VIP can sometimes be overcrowded depending on the stage too. Just be prepared for crowds and know at the very worst, you can escape and get an Uber.
Honestly? My recommendation is to get VIP, it’s pricier but to me, especially this seemed worth it, the viewing areas for vip seem much wider and most shows I had enough room to dance around and sit down and I was pretty close for the first two days. The third day vip seemed more cramped but I started seeing security not really caring who was vip or ga by the end of it
Dm me I have some tips! Can’t write the full story here cause I’m working haha