EDC New York 2016 || The Essentials

EDC New York is TWO DAYS AWAY! In addition to world-class production value, Insomniac has outdone themselves with a stellar lineup, cushy VIP options, and an endless amount of fantastic food choices.

It’s time to prepare for the Big Apple’s weekend under the electric sky. In addition to these tips to navigate to, from and around Citi Field safely and efficiently, here are my top 5 artists you should definitely check out and some tips and tricks to navigate New York City if you’ve never been.

EDC New York 2016 Essential Info:

Will Call Hours: 11am–10pm
Festival Hours: 1pm–11pm

Venue Address: Citi Field, 123-01 Roosevelt Ave. New York, NY 11368

ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF ID

Any US government-issued driver’s license or ID card containing a photograph and date of birth

US or foreign government-issued passport containing a photograph and date of birth

Foreign government-issued driver’s license/ID with color photocopy of passport (Not valid for 21+ wristband. To purchase alcohol or enter VIP areas, a physical passport or US ID will be required.)

UNACCEPTABLE FORMS OF ID

NO school ID

NO consular ID

NO birth certificates

NO photocopies of any ID

EDC New York 2016 Festival Map:

EDC New York 2016 Set Times:

The set times have finally been released, so its time to plan our evenings and make peace with conflicting set times. The EDC New York app for Apple and Android devices is available free and can help you schedule your evening. It has a map as well.

The Subway Is Your Best Friend!

No matter where you’re staying, the easiest and cheapest way to get to Citi Field is to take the New York City Subway. The subway system may seem daunting to out of towers, but with a small amount of research it’s actually quite easy.

To use the Subway, you will first need a MetroCard. They can be purchased at any subway station and many convenience stores. A single ride is $2.50 and transfers are free, meaning you can get to and from literally anywhere in NYC for only $2.50. Unlimited daily, weekly and monthly passes are also offered. The great thing about traveling to EDC New York is that no matter where you are coming from, there’s only one train you can take to get you there to eliminate confusion.

You will need to take the 7 train to Mets/Willits Point!

Here are some tips to get there from various parts of NYC:

– If you are staying in Manhattan, you can catch the 7 train from three well-known and easy to access subway stations, Grand Central, 5th Avenue, and Times Square.
– If you’re staying in upper Manhattan/Bronx/Harlem, get on a downtown 6 train and transfer to a 7 at Grand Central.
– For those staying in Brooklyn, take a northbound G train and transfer to a Mets-Willits point bound 7 at Court St.
– If you’re in the Queens area, one of the many 7 train stops should be easily accessible, check the NYC subway map. Those in the nearby Astoria area can take a Manhattan bound Q and transfer to the 7 at Queensboro Plaza.

Once you get to a station that transfers to a 7 (look for a purple circle with a 7 inside it), take a Queens bound 7 all the way to Mets/Willits point, and you can walk from there!

Still confused? The app iTrans NYC can help you plan a step by step route from your house, hotel or any address to avoid getting lost in the concrete jungle!

Click here for a full size, detailed NYC Subway map.

Mind Your Belongings

Unfortunately, many people have reported pickpockets, bag slashings, and theft of wallets, smartphones, purses and other valuables during this festival season. While this small number of bad apples in the bunch doesn’t define an entire crowd, there are opportunistic people who come to these events to take advantage of unsuspecting party goers and it’s important to be mindful of your valuables while at EDC.

Pay attention to who’s around you and what’s going on around you. Keep your wallet and phone in your front pocket(s) if you can. Treat your phone the same way you would treat cash; don’t set it down on a table or bar and look away. If a friend isn’t standing behind you in a crowd, be careful of your backpack or purse, and don’t put valuables in a pocket that could easily be unzipped by someone behind in a crowded spot without you realizing.

New York City is a very densely populated place, and is well-known as a place where pickpocketing of unsuspecting people occurs. It’s easy to find yourself in a crowded environment in a subway train, elevator, or even out on the street where someone could slip your wallet or phone our of your pocket or bag in a matter of seconds.

Be Prepared For The Weather!

There is a 60 percent chance of showers in the afternoon on day one (Saturday May 14th) and high chance of wind on day two (Sunday May 15th). Make sure to watch the weather throughout the afternoon, and dress accordingly. EDC New York was actually put on hold completely in 2014 due to rain, but resumed after a few hours.

It’s May, so it won’t be freezing cold, but you should prepare to get wet and deal with the wind. For this weekend, I’ll be bringing a waterproof windbreaker and comfortable shoes that won’t easily get wet. Check out some of my other travel tips for what to wear during events or travel in general.

Do’s and Don’ts

ACCEPTABLE ITEMS

YES Small bags, single compartment backpacks, plush backpacks, & purses (maximum 12”x12”)

YES Official Insomniac water bottles—must be empty upon entry

YES CamelBaks with no more than two main compartments and one smaller compartment—must be empty upon entry

YES Cell phones

YES Fanny packs

YES Sunglasses & hats

YES Lighters and sealed packs of cigarettes

YES Single-use/disposable E-cigs or vapes that do not have refillable liquid chambers

YES Physician-prescribed medication that is not expired (must show physician’s prescription and consult with a safety officer upon entry)

YES Earplugs

YES Sealed lip balm & gloss

YES Powder makeup and sealed tampons

YES Glowsticks & glowing/illuminated costumes or jewelry

YES Sealed packs of gum

YES Hula hoops (including LED hoops)

YES Inflatables (must be deflated upon entry)

YES Flags/banners or handmade signs (no corporate/company branded and no hard flagpoles)

YES Festival totems or decorated pool noodles (see Totem Guidelines below)

YES Non-professional flash/still cameras, handheld video devices under 6” (Sony Action Cam, GoPro, etc.), and GoPro extendable poles

PROHIBITED ITEMS

NO Illegal substances

NO Drugs or drug paraphernalia

NO Pets

NO Massagers

NO Laser pointers and air horns

NO LED gloves or LED microlights used for light shows

NO Pacifiers, dust masks or gas masks

NO Eye drops (available inside festival at the general store)

NO Over-the-counter medication (available inside festival at general store or from a first aid station)

NO Liquid makeup or unsealed tampons (upon entry)

NO Glass, cans, cups or coolers

NO Markers, pens or spray paint

NO Large chains or spiked jewelry

NO Stickers, flyers

NO Balls or Frisbees

NO Tents, large umbrellas, chairs or blankets (except in campsite)

NO Bota bags

NO Large purses, bags or backpack (over 12″×12″)

NO Stuffed animals or dolls

NO Open packs of cigarettes (upon entry)

NO Outside food or beverages (including alcohol and candy)

NO Weapons of any kind (includes pocket knives, pepper spray, fireworks, etc.)

NO Professional photo, video, or audio recording equipment (no detachable lenses, tripods, big zooms or commercial-use rigs)

TOTEM GUIDELINES

Maximum height is 10’.

Totems must be made from a lightweight material (e.g., foam, PVC / no solid metal).

Collapsible/telescoping camera extenders that follow the above guidelines are OK (lightweight/hollow aluminum/polycarbonate).

PVC, light wood, aluminum poles must be no thicker than 1” in diameter.

Decorated pool noodles work great for easy entrance through security.

Inflatables attached to totems must be deflated upon entry.

Any item deemed dangerous will not be allowed.

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