Worth the Drive: Electric Daisy Carnival

Imagine a modern-day fantasy land in the heart of Los Angeles, complete with mind-boggling art installations, death-defying rides, tribal drum circles, aerial performers, stilt walkers and fire twirlers, a bazaar-style vendor village with an array of goods and services, and five stages of pumping live music. Better yet, it’s no fantasy: it’s the Electronic Daisy Carnival (EDC), which celebrates year 14 this Friday and Saturday at the L.A. Coliseum (3939 South Figueroa St., Los Angeles) with two full days of “beats, freaks, fun, and festivities.”

Insomniac’s EDC features two main stages this year, in addition to three side stages, which will pulse dance and electronic sounds around the clock from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Boasting over 70 artists and DJs, the event brings together some of the most illustrious names in the dance music industry. Friday night undoubtedly is the most promising, with sets from electronica reigning kings Deadmau5, Kaskade, Moby, Infected Mushroom, and UCSB’s own Steve Aoki. And Saturday’s lineup includes renowned artists Benny Benassi, will.i.am, Armin Van Buuren, Groove Armada, and MSTRKRFT. In addition, special guest appearances include Boys Noize, Second Sun, and 12th Planet.

Also worth mentioning is I&I Sound System, the L.A.-based mobile party operated by Aurelito and Shakespeare. The duo brings their positive vibrations to gatherings throughout the West Coast via a fully-restored 1969 ice cream truck named “Destiny,” that’s decked out with turntables, amps, and speakers. They’ll be cruising around the EDC both Friday and Saturday.

For 21-plussers looking for a cold one, there will be bars throughout the grounds, as well as a picnic area filled with a variety of delicious festival fare for those looking to refuel. Also provided are clean restrooms, as opposed to the understandably unpopular port-o-potties, a coat check, ATMs, and rentable lockers, for added convenience.

Known for throwing irresistible parties worldwide — including L.A.’s Together as One and Nocturnal Wonderland — Insomniac has been said to pack in more than 135,000 people over the course of EDC weekend, and this year will likely draw crowds just as large.

For the true insomniacs, there will also be official EDC after parties both nights. These late night/early morning shindigs take place at the Music Box at the Henry Fonda Theater, with Chuckie vs. Afrojack on Friday and Benny Benassi on Saturday, and will go from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m.

The staggering compilation of artists, thrilling free rides, and endless exhilaration makes EDC one of those must-see-to-believe experiences. Dubbed “Coachella in the City,” the festival is part pleasure playhouse, part block party, and promises be an unforgettable adventure.

For tickets and info about EDC, call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000or visit electricdaisycarnival.com.