EDC Mexico combined the best of Insomniac’s creative vision and production with local charm from OCESA to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Over the last ten years, Insomniac has established a commanding presence in the festival industry in the US. Enthusiastic crowds flock to events like EDC Las Vegas, Beyond Wonderland, and Nocturnal Wonderland annually for their electronic music fix. However, their influence reaches beyond the US, bringing EDC Mexico to life every year in partnership with OCESA.
Residing near the border, I have always viewed EDC Mexico as a chance to experience what an Insomniac festival could be like outside the US. For years, I tuned into live streams, hearing about the incredible crowds and witnessing its growth to a massive three-day event. In late 2024, I decided it was time to experience it firsthand, and after a weekend in Mexico City , I can confidently say it was one of the best festivals I’ve ever attended.
My adventure at EDC Mexico began before the festival itself.
Like any other trip beyond Southern California, I chose to arrive a day early, and it was a wise decision. Not only did it allow me to attend the festival’s opening day, but it also provided an opportunity to explore Mexico City and attend a pre-party in the area.
On Thursday night, Insomniac Records hosted a pre-party at the W Hotel. The emerging label showcased a Latin house-infused lineup brimming with quality performances. Although we missed OS and PAUZA, we arrived just in time for Wakyin and Luch ‘s b2b set. The crowd buzzed with excitement, setting the stage for Maz to take over soon after. It was a fantastic way to kick off the weekend and helped build anticipation for EDC Mexico.
As I made my way to EDC Mexico on Friday, traffic dampened my excitement slightly.
According to Google Maps, the trip from our hotel to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez should take 30 minutes, but heavy traffic extended our journey. The city’s layout is more reminiscent of Europe than the US, forcing us to navigate through side streets to reach the venue as quickly as possible.
Our total journey from the hotel to the festival site took an hour and a half, which felt fortunate compared to others who reported journeys of two and a half hours or more. A few artists, including Layton Giordani, even missed their entire set due to the traffic.
Upon arrival at the venue and after passing through security, the spaciousness of Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez became apparent.
Each day of the festival, we entered through Puerta 15, experiencing smooth entry within minutes. The booming sounds from the wasteLAND stage echoed to my left, blending with the lively chatter of attendees. However, it was clear that this was only a fraction of the excitement.
Having become accustomed to the vastness of EDC Las Vegas, I found EDC Mexico’s venue to be even more immersive. Beyond the wasteLAND stage, down a pathway, was neonGARDEN, and further into the venue were the grand structures for bionicJUNGLE, stereoBLOOM, the Dos Equis Stage, the Buho Stage, circuitGROUNDS, and kineticFIELD.
Many of the stages at EDC Mexico felt familiar, incorporating elements from the Las Vegas and Orlando editions. I appreciated the fresh design of bionicJUNGLE, which first premiered at the festival in 2022, compared to its smaller counterpart at EDCLV. The Dos Equis Stage and Buho Stage provided a unique touch, featuring predominantly Latin artists who performed a variety of genres, from house and techno to reggaeton.
The grounds were filled with countless activations, vendors, and EDC’s signature carnival rides.
At EDC Mexico, you couldn’t walk more than a few minutes without encountering something exciting to do. The festival featured typical carnival rides, including multiple Ferris wheels, a carousel, swings, and more, all of which had long lines late into the night.
Beverage vendors were conveniently located on Daisy Lane, Power Path, and Rainbow Road, as well as around the stages, ensuring attendees could easily grab everything from beer to water. Mobile drink vendors navigated through the crowds, so you didn’t even need to leave your spot!
If hunger struck, food vendors were plentiful, offering an array of Mexican delights such as cups of corn, spicy snacks, and even Cup of Noodles. The food truck area boasted options ranging from burritos to birria tacos, among others.
Besides the delicious food, the affordability was a pleasant surprise. Most food and beverage items ranged from 50 to 300 pesos, which is roughly $2.50 to $15 USD, making it much more cost-effective than many US festivals.
Activations were abundant, featuring vibrant booths from brands like Monster Energy, Takis, Dos Equis, Pepsi, Sico, Flashlight, Oxxo, Smirnoff, and Telcel. Each brand brought its unique flair, providing activities for attendees or offering product samples and swag.
What set the grounds apart was the astroturf-like material covering most areas. At times, navigating could be tricky due to obstacles like curbs, random boxes, and rocks. I stumbled a few times, but by the third day, I managed to find my footing.
As the crowds grew each night, I was glad I opted for VIP passes.
VIP access not only expedited entry into the festival but also provided exclusive areas at neonGARDEN, circuitGROUNDS, and kineticFIELD to relax. Each space felt spacious, offered seating, and provided the best proximity to the stage. Additionally, there were numerous bars and vendors throughout, along with trailer restrooms, which became invaluable as the night progressed.
One of the coolest VIP perks was the dedicated pathway between kineticFIELD and circuitGROUNDS. While you could wait for a golf cart to transport you between stages, the five-minute walk made it easy to move around. Unfortunately, I only discovered this shortcut late in the weekend, but it was a blessing to be able to hop between stages without leaving the VIP area.
A standout feature of EDC Mexico was the wristband payment system.
Unlike EDC Las Vegas or EDC Orlando, EDC Mexico utilized a cashless and cardless payment system. You could preload your wristband with pesos before the festival or do it on-site, a process that took mere minutes. To purchase anything from food to drinks to merchandise, vendors simply tapped your wristband.
This system eliminated the need to rummage through my bag for my wallet or phone each time I wanted to make a purchase, making the experience smoother. Implementing a similar system in the US would greatly enhance the festival experience.
The artists I caught at EDC Mexico delivered unforgettable performances.
I immersed myself in a variety of genres, from house and techno to trance and hard dance throughout the weekend, embodying the spirit of EDC. I enjoyed seeing established acts while also discovering incredible local Mexican talent.
Notable performances included Sara Landry, Chase & Status, TRYM, Mau P, Martin Garrix, Duke Dumont, AFROKI, KREAM, Nico Moreno, and Oliver Heldens. While these are artists I could see in the US, they all brought a fresh energy, resonating with the audience. I was also impressed by local talents like Rebolledo, DEAFNY, EMJAY, Bautista, Moisees, and others representing their home country.
A standout surprise was Deorro’s set. He embraced his Mexican roots during his “El Reventon” performance, delivering some of his biggest hits and featuring surprise guests including Jasiel Nunez, Neton, and Gabito Ballesteros.
The crowd was something I frequently heard about online, and everyone I interacted with was fantastic.
Discussions about EDC Mexico, and Mexico in general, often highlight how the crowd genuinely engages with the music. That was definitely true over the weekend, with many festival-goers focused on dancing and enjoying themselves rather than recording every moment. Phones were only raised during a few sets from major artists.
That said, I did hear reports on social media of individuals experiencing stolen phones or slashed bags. These unfortunate incidents can occur at any festival, so it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and secure your belongings.
My interactions with fellow attendees were overwhelmingly positive. Admittedly, while I have a basic understanding of Spanish, the language barrier posed some challenges during more complex conversations. Nevertheless, I managed to communicate effectively with what I know.
I also want to give a huge shoutout to our Head of Socials, Destinee, who was an immense help throughout the weekend. She made the language barrier virtually nonexistent when we were together, and I am grateful for her support. Be sure to check out the amazing content she created on our Instagram.
I will cherish my first experience at EDC Mexico.
After years of attending the same festivals and feeling a bit jaded, EDC Mexico reignited my passion for music festivals. Being in a different country, enjoying incredible performances, savoring delicious food, and sharing experiences with like-minded individuals was truly surreal.
If you’re seeking a festival experience unlike any other, I cannot recommend EDC Mexico enough. It seamlessly blends the best of Insomniac with the rich culture of Mexico, creating a magical experience that everyone should experience at least once.
