By Kierstin Belden
It’s May, which means that EDC Las Vegas is just around the corner! While EDC itself is the main event, there are tons of pool parties, club shows, and massives that can be enjoyed by festival attendees as well as fans who happen to be in Vegas looking for a good time. The lineup boasts an impressive array of artists ranging from those who’ve just released their first album to international superstars. If you need help deciding on which shows you’d like to attend, keep reading!
Chris Lake (21+)
Where: Marquee Dayclub
When: Wednesday May 15th 11:00 AM
Cost: $25-$35
If you want to get a head start on the EDC Week festivities, head over to Marquee to catch some deep house vibes with legendary producer Chris Lake. Enjoy sipping on a drink at the poolside while listening to his club hits and heavy basslines.
Illenium (21+)
Where: Hakkasan
When: Wednesday, May 15th10:30 PM
Cost: $30+
Illenium, one of EDM’s increasingly popular stars, is a solid choice for your first night out. He combines intense dubstep and emotion-filled, melodic future bass that appeals to both headbangers and the general population alike. The dress code at Hakkasan is upscale, fashionable attire so be sure to change after spending the day at the poolside.
RL Grime (21+)
Where: Intrigue the Nightclub
When: Wednesday, May 15th 10:30 PM
Cost: $35+
If you want to catch one of the best club sets of your life, do not sleep on RL Grime. Often referred to as the king of trap, his live sets are comprised of nonstop bangers that will keep you dancing. He incorporates popular rap and hip-hop songs along with his own legendary hits and remixes such as “Tell Me”, “Core”, “Pressure”, and “The Hills (Remix)”.
Above & Beyond (21+)
Where: Kaos Dayclub & Nightclub
When: Thursday, May 16th11:00 AM
Cost: $30+
Day two of EDC Week has so many amazing shows that it’s difficult to decide which to attend. As far as pool parties go, consider heading over to see vocal trance sensations Above & Beyond at Kaos. Kaos is the all-new club at the Palms Casino Resort and it’s definitely a club that you’ll want to check out while in town.
Bassrush Pool Party (21+)
Where: Daylight Beach Club
When: Thursday, May 16th 11:00 AM
Cost: $70
If trance isn’t really your style, there’s always the Bassrush pool party. Ranging from Adventure Club’s dubstep to the trap-heavy style of Quix, this day party is sure to be a rager. Other artists on the lineup include Ghastly, JSTJR, Lick, and Virtual Riot.
Major Lazer (21+)
Where: Encore Beach Club
When: Thursday, May 16th 11:00 AM
Cost: $35+
Another great option for a daytime party is Major Lazer at Encore Beach club. The trio consists of Diplo, Jillionaire, and Walshy Fire. Their music crosses multiple genres resulting in vibey, reggae sounds that can be enjoyed by everyone.
NGHTMRE (21+)
Where: Liquid Pool Lounge
When: Thursday, May 16th 11:00 AM
Cost: $20-$30
NGHTMRE has come to the forefront of the EDM scene within the past few years because of his collaborations with Slander. Recently, they’ve announced the Gud Vibrations label after performing numerous sets together under the same name. If you want to see one of the best that bass has to offer, this is the place to be.
Basscon Pool Party (21+)
Where: Stratosphere Pool
When: Thursday, May 16th 12:00 PM
Cost: $42.50
Fans of hardstyle will undoubtedly enjoy attending this pool party. The lineup consists of Da Tweekaz, Geo, Happi, Radical Redemption, Sub Zero Project, Technoboy N Tuneboy, and Warface. Hardstyle is slowly but surely gaining popularity in the US after having a large fan base in European countries as well as Australia.
Factory 93 Presents Adam Beyer X Cirez D (18+)
Where: Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
When: Thursday, May 16th 6:00 PM
Cost: $70
If you’re looking for darker techno vibes, don’t miss out on Adam Beyer X Cirez D (an alias of Eric Prydz). After performing a few successful sets together last year, the duo has announced more for 2019. This is sure to be a b2b that you don’t want to miss. While Beyer and Cirez are the main act, the supporting lineup consists of equally great artists that shouldn’t be overlooked. This show is not restricted to 21+ so a wider audience can attend it.
Bassrush Massive (18+)
Where: Cox Pavilion
When: Thursday, May 16th 7:00 PM
Cost: $40-$45
As if the Bassrush Pool Party weren’t enough, they’ll also be hosting a massive with a spectacular lineup. Andy C, Gentlemen’s Club, Liquid Stranger, Slander, Snails, Svdden Death, and Zeke Beats will be the artists mixing. If you are interested in drum and bass, dubstep, or just really cool bass sounds I’d recommend attending this one.
Porter Robinson (21+)
Where: Omnia
When: Thursday, May 16th 10:30 PM
Cost: $40+
Sure to be one of the biggest events of EDC Week is a DJ set by none other than Porter Robinson. Porter recently announced his own festival, Second Sky, which sold out instantaneously proving that he is still just as popular now as he was when Worlds was released. Omnia tends to be one of the more crowded venues during EDC so be sure to get there earlier if you want to have a good view.
Dreamstate Presents (21+)
Where: Marquee Nightclub
When: Thursday, May 16th 10:30 PM
Cost: $25-$45
Fans of trance will be pleased with this show hosted by Dreamstate. Egyptian duo Aly & Fila, trance god Ferry Corsten, legendary JOC, and Australian-based favorite MaRLo will be taking over Marquee for an epic night. Prepare to be uplifted by this talented lineup.
Armin van Buuren (21+)
Where: Kaos Dayclub & Nightclub
When: Friday, May 17th 11:00 AM
Cost: $30-$40
Another pool party geared toward trance fans features one of EDMs consistently biggest stars, Armin van Buuren. While Armin is known for putting his audience in a state of trance, he also plays big room songs with catchy lyrics that are easy to sing along to.
Kygo (21+)
Where: XS Nightclub
When: Friday, May 17th 10:30 PM
Cost: $30+
Those who won’t be attending the first night of EDC don’t have to fret about missing out on great music. Tropical house artist Kygo has a residency at XS and will be spreading positive vibes all night long.
Martin Garrix (21+)
Where: Omnia
When: Friday, May 17th 10:30 PM
Cost: $30-$50
Voted DJ Mag’s Number One DJ for the third time in a row, Martin Garrix is sure to throw down. He’s one of the youngest producers to attain this level of success and continues to release chart-topping hits, often collaborating with other popular musicians.
Marshmello, Jauz (21+)
Where: Kaos Dayclub & Nightclub
When: Saturday, May 18th 11:00 AM
Cost: $45+
Marshmello and Jauz have huge followings, which means that a pool party featuring both of them is a big deal. Between Marshmello’s poppy house songs and Jauz’s bass/dubstep beats, you can be sure that you’ll experience the best of both worlds at this show.
Dillon Francis (21+)
Where: Intrigue the Nightclub
When: Saturday, May 18th 10:30 PM
Cost: $35+
Starting out as one of the big players of trap, Dillon Francis has branched out in recent years to make songs ranging from popular house to moombahton beats that you can’t help but move your hips to. His success at infusing electronic and Latin sounds makes attending this set extremely worthwhile.
Party Favor (21+)
Where: Jewel Nightclub
When: Saturday, May 18th 10:30 PM
Cost: $24-$36
With his newly released debut album, Layers, Party Favor is an artist that you want to keep on your radar. He makes trappy songs that are upbeat and fun to dance to. Layers features an impressive array of collaborations, including GTA, A$AP Ferg, and Salvatore Ganacci.
Zedd (21+)
Where: Omnia
When: Saturday, May 18th 10:30 PM
Cost: $30-$50
Everyone in the EDM community knows about Zedd. His songs have always been well loved, from 2012’s “Clarity” to last year’s “The Middle”. Zedd’s live sets are some of the best that I’ve ever seen so if you can’t make it to the festival, I’d highly recommend attending this one.
A-Trak (21+)
Where: Drai’s Beachclub
When: Sunday, May 19th 11:00 AM
Cost: $25-$35
Another artist that you won’t be able to see at EDC, A-Trak will be performing at Drai’s Beachclub, located in The Cromwell Hotel & Casino. A-Trak is both an amazing mixer and producer who incorporates various sounds in his sets, ranging from hip hop to house with new age feels.
Bijou (21+)
Where: Liquid Pool Lounge
When: Sunday, May 19th 11:00 AM
Cost: $25-$35
If you’re a fan of house with a lot of bass, head over to the Bijou pool party. With previous releases on Night Bass and his own recently founded label, Do Not Duplicate Recordings, Bijou puts on entertaining sets that hit a bit harder than the typical house set.
Elrow (21+)
Where: Encore Beach Club
When: Sunday, May 19th 11:00 AM
Cost: $25+
This year, Fisher and Patrick Topping will be mixing at Elrow’s pool party. Fisher’s sensational hit “Losing It” has been one of the most played songs this year, by DJs of all genres. Watch the man himself as you chill to some great house and tech house.
Green Velvet (21+)
Where: Jemaa
When: Sunday, May 19th 11:00 AM
Cost: $25-$35
Techno legend Green Velvet will also be playing at a pool party on day three of EDC. He will be joined by Solardo, the British duo that has risen in popularity and been announced on the lineup for many of this year’s biggest festivals.
Camelphat + Sonny Fodera (21+)
Where: Marquee Dayclub
When: Monday, May 20th 11:00 AM
Cost: $25-$35
Still have energy after attending EDC? EDC Week continues with more shows and pool parties if you aren’t quite ready to leave. Camelphat and Sonny Fodera will provide fun house feels as you recover from the past few days.
Deorro, Jeffrey Sutorius, Timmy Trumpet (21+)
Where: Marquee Nightclub
When: Monday, May 20th 10:30 PM
Cost: $25-$35
Whether you didn’t attend or you were unable to catch their sets at EDC, Deorro and Timmy Trumpet will both be in town for what is sure to be a party on Monday. Jeffrey Sutorius (formerly Dash Berlin) will be joining the lineup making this an epic event that is worth attending if you still have the energy.
Hopefully you found this information useful if you weren’t sure about which EDC Week shows to look into! If you’d like to follow some of my adventures at these shows and EDC itself, follow me on IG @rlnovagirl. Happy festival season!