Majestic Main Stage at Tomorrowland 2023
Music festivals have become a new way to travel and see the world. In particular, festivals of the EDM (electronic dance music) variety have exploded in recent years and can be found in just about every US state and developed nation. Attendance for these festivals is multi-generational and blurs all socio-economic lines. Even the performers themselves often represent Gen-Z, Millennials, and Gen-Xers alike. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon aka DJ D-Sol was a festival headliner until just recently, and 51-year-old Shaq aka DJ Diesel has made a new career of it. In this world, age is just a number.
As for the destinations themselves, the events offer great excuses to visit Tulum, Mexico, for the first time; to make a summer trip to Europe; and to experience Las Vegas in an entirely new way. Contrary to what you see on social media, though, the EDM experience does not have to include being packed onto a dance floor with thousands of rave kids and festival goers. Nor does it have to involve camping and traffic jams getting to and from the venues. There are better ways. There are VIP packages, along with various tips and tricks that create more of a luxury EDM experience. That’s what this guide is really about.
In chronological order, these are some of the top EDM festivals for 2024 and how to plan a proper VIP experience.
SXM Festival: St. Martin/Sint Maarten, Caribbean, March 11-18
The Villa Party is one of 10 venues throughout the island
The SXM Festival is a full takeover of the Island of St. Martin (French) on the North side and Sint Maarten (Dutch) to the South. For reference, the island is approximately 300 km east of Puerto Rico and just south of Anguilla. This is a week-long, full immersion EDM festival experience with 10 venues arrayed along the beaches and extending into the mountains with varying levels of access.
Venue: The Island of St. Martin/Sint Maarten (10 venues in total)
Talent: Eli & Fur, Vintage Culture, SOHMI, Anja Schneider, Shimza, &Friends
VIP: There are a number of VIP packages available. The “Party Like a Rockstar” package grants VIP access, a premium first-row table, and an exclusive 60-minute backstage rendezvous with a dedicated VIP host. This experience promises to transport guests into the heart of the festival. Furthermore, the “Inside the Arc Stage” experience invites revelers to dance within the stage alongside the artists, culminating in an exclusive backstage table adorned with champagne.
Accommodations: The festival’s Villa Collection offers luxury, beachside villas ranging from one to seven rooms that include pools, private airport transfers, VIP parking, concierge service, and first-choice table service booking. These range from $6,000 to $53,000 for seven nights and can accommodate groups of up to 14 guests.
Transportation: Flights can be booked to Princess Juliana International Airport. Once on the island, taxis can be scheduled through the SXM app, and everything is close by. The island itself is only 37 square miles.
Ultra Music Festival: Miami, Florida, March 22-24
The center of the EDM universe at this moment in time
The Ultra Music Festival marks the culmination of Miami Music Week, which takes place during the final week of March. This is one of those festivals that attracts the best talent and functions as the center of the EDM universe while it’s happening. The festival was founded in 1999, and I can recall downloading Sasha & John Digweed sets from the internet in those early years. Indeed, this is a Mecca-like destination for fans of the EDM experience.
Venue: Bayfront Park
Talent: Peggy Gou, Calvin Harris, Nora En Pure, Armin Van Buuren, Sasha & John Digweed, Afrojack, Martin Garrix
VIP: There are standard VIP tickets offered (which are sold out)...and then there is the VVIP Table Experience, which is hosted by Tao Group Hospitality. This experience begins with a private check-in and an escort down a red carpet to a VVIP table. The tables have the best views of Ultra’s Main Stage with dedicated table service that includes a la carte bottle service or bottle packages. The elevated table service includes creative bottle presentations with various themes and exciting additions from the hospitality team. VVIP attendees can also opt to purchase a boat ride into Bayfront Park which offers a breathtaking view of Downtown Miami as they arrive at the festival.
Accommodations: With the venue located in downtown Miami, there is no shortage of luxury accommodations in close proximity to the action. For convenience, my first choice would the Four Seasons Hotel Miami on Brickell Avenue, which is precisely 1.3 miles from Bayfront Park. However, if you’re seeking more of a beach vacation with your music festival, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach would be the ideal option...even if it’s a 30-minute drive to the venue. The Fontainebleau is also more of a party destination with LIV nightclub on site, whereas the Four Seasons will serve as a relaxing escape from the Ultra madness.
Transportation: Getting a ride share to the venue from your hotel is pretty straightforward. However, you’ll want to schedule a car service for pickup each night to avoid the ride share congestion and gouging when the event lets out.
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC): Las Vegas, Nevada, May 17-19
It's electric X10
EDC is massive with 520,000 attendees across the three days, nine stages and more than 200 artists. This is an ideal time of year to be in Vegas to enjoy the pool scene during the day, while you rest up for the parties that evening.
Venue: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Talent: David Guetta, Fisher, Dom Dolla, James Hype, Zedd, Wax Motif, The Martinez Brothers, Pretty Pink
View from the Marquee EDC Skydeck
VIP: EDC offers several tiers of premium service and viewing options. The ultimate experience, though, is a table with bottle service at the Marquee EDC SkyDeck at kineticFIELD, which is powered by the legendary nightlife and hospitality provider, Tao Group. Another unique offering is Salvage City Supper Club, which is essentially a pop-up restaurant at the EDC venue that features a circus performance as part of the main course.
Accommodations: Hotel EDC is a partnership with Resorts World that offers a room at the Hilton, festival tickets and a variety of add-ons as a package deal. Given that this is Las Vegas, however, there are plenty of other luxury options to choose from. If you’re looking for the best combination of pools and day clubs, I’d recommend The Venetian for Tao Beach or The Wynn for Encore Beach Club. You can opt for a show at the day club or relaxation at the main pools. Not to mention the excellent spas and dining options at each property.
Transportation: The traffic to and from Las Vegas Motor Speedway for EDC is notorious. Avoid it at all costs. The best way to get to and from the venue is via helicopter with Maverick Helicopters. You lift off from a private terminal at the airport and get dropped off 15 minutes later at the festival grounds...and vice versa when the festival lets out.
Tomorrowland: Boom, Belgium, July 19-21 and 26-28
Sensory overload is included with all tickets
Tomorrowland is perhaps the biggest and most profound EDM festival in the world with total attendance approaching one million people in 2022, following two years off from the pandemic. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the festival and will feature some 600 DJs across 14 stages, taking place on two consecutive weekends in July.
Venue: De Schorre Provincial Recreational Park
Talent: Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Amber Broos, Swedish House Mafia, TRINIX, Hardwell, Lost Frequencies, Will Sparks
VIP: The “Full Madness Pass” offers access to various comfort areas throughout the festival. These along with all other tickets are sold out, so you’ll have to explore ticket brokers to get them.
Accommodations: Much of the Tomorrowland experience can be found in DreamVille, which is a Burning Man-like camping village with various levels of accommodations. The Mansion Package takes the glamping experience to eleven, complete with fully equipped beds, private bathrooms, a stocked fridge, espresso machine, room service and a private terrace. All within walking distance to the venue.
Transportation: If you stay in DreamVille, everything is within walking distance. If you’re both a cycling enthusiast and an EDM fan (hello!), Tomorrowland also offers a unique cycling experience, where you get to ride a Ridley gravel bike on some of the planet’s most legendary cobblestone cycling routes (think spring WorldTour classics with better weather) for three days before you head into the second weekend of the festival with a Full Madness VIP pass.
Das Energi: Salt Lake City, Utah, August 9-10
Das Energi main stage on the shores of the Great Salt Lake
Das Energi is Utah’s biggest music festival, taking place at the iconic Great Saltair along the beach of the Great Salt Lake. Dancing and partying on the salt flats can have a Burning Man vibe, where the dust makes for part of the overall experience. The lineup always features a range of genres including some top dubstep artists, many of which are native to the region. There are also many local artists from the Salt Lake City nightlife scene.
Venue: The Great Saltair
Talent (2023): Dombresky, DJ Snake, Excision, Porter Robinson, Zed’s Dead
VIP: Packages include VIP entry to skip the lines; artist meet-and-greets; and private lounges, bars, and viewing areas throughout the festival grounds.
Accommodations: See my story on places to stay for Salt Lake City nightlife. These are some of the best hotels and are only 20 minutes to the venue.
Transportation: You can easily get a ride share to the festival. However, you’ll want to schedule a car service pickup for your return, as it can be challenging to get a ride share when the festival is letting out. There are also shuttles to and from the venue, which pick up and drop off at SKY Nightclub, which is walking distance to several hotels including the Hyatt Regency.
Decadence Arizona: Phoenix, Arizona, December 30-31
Wax Motif celebrating the 2024 New Year at Decadence Arizona
When it comes to celebrating the New Year with great weather and killer music, the Decadence Arizona festival in the Sonoran Desert delivers an amazing two-day lineup with consistent sun and relative warmth. The temps at night can dip into the 50s, which means you’ll want to bring a jacket to the venue, but daytime temps are ideal for mountain biking, hiking and golf. If you want to attend an EDM festival in the Northern Hemisphere for New Year’s Eve, this is the place to be.
Venue: Phoenix Raceway
Talent (2023): John Summit, Steve Aoki, Wax Motif, Chris Lake, Bonnie X Clyde
VIP: The Platinum pass grants access to all of the VIP areas plus an exclusive tent located between the two main stages. This serves food and alcohol, including mixed drinks, which are included with the pass. The main stage also features a balcony with tables and bottle service for groups.
Accommodations: The Wigwam Resort is only about 25 minutes from the Phoenix Raceway festival venue. The adult pool is an ideal spot to decompress during the day, and you’ll want to make dinner reservations for Litchfield’s for New Year’s Eve before you head to the festival venue.
Transportation: It’s easy to get a rideshare from the Wigwam to the venue. However, you’ll want to reserve a town car service to pick you up, as getting an Uber or Lyft from the venue at 2:00am is nearly impossible.
