And from the sounds of it, the outdoor electronic dance music event, which will make a return to the Valley on Saturday, May 16, after a two-year hiatus, is going to be quite a massive event. It will feature some of it biggest guests to date — including Israeli psytrance/electronica act Infected Mushroom, drum 'n' bass duo Camo and Krooked, and British dubstep artist Zomboy — and will take place at a higher-profile venue (specifically, Rawhide's Rodeo Arena).
According to Groove, it will also boast a slew of go-go dancers, stilt-walkers, and scores of fire effects and lasers. “We really wanted to take this event to the next level,” Groove says.
And if you're interested in attending, we've compiled a rundown of everything you need to know about the event, including what to bring, how to get there, and who you'll see.
Time/Place: Dirty Disco will take place from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. inside the Rodeo Arena at Rawhide Western Town, 5700 West North Loop Road in Chandler.
Price: General admission is currently available for $45 online while VIP admission (which includes express entry, access to special viewing areas, and a Dirty Disco t-shirt and lanyard) is $60 online. Hard tickets can also be purchased at any Zia Records location in Metro Phoenix and at the Graffiti Shop in Tempe.
Age Limits: Anyone 16-and-over can attend Dirty Disco, while those 21-and-over can drink.
The Lineup: Headliners include Infected Mushroom, Camo and Krooked, Zomboy, and Ghastly. Local DJs Burman and Sam Groove will serve as support.
Getting There: Rawhide is located off of Interstate 10 near Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino in Chandler, so your best bet is either driving yourself or carpooling with friends. No matter where you're coming from in the Valley, you'll want to get to the I-10 East and take Exit 162 for Wild Horse Pass Boulevard. Head west from there and follow the signs to Rawhide. Parking will be available for $10 per car.
Weather: Its going to be reasonably cool on Saturday evening during Dirty Disco as temperatures will be in the low 70s to high 60s. If you're going to be active throughout the whole event (or perched in the middle of the crowd) you'll probably stay plenty warm.
Food and Drink: A large concessions area will be set up at Dirty Disco with food and drink available for purchase, as well as a full bar for those of legal age. Free water will also be available throughout the Rodeo Arena.
Bring: Since the event is being held in Rawhide's Rodeo Arena, there's likely to be a little dirt being kicked up by all the dancers. As such, you might want to bring along a dust mask to Dirty Disco, especially if you are susceptible to any breathing issues. And given that this is an EDM event, colorful clothing is encouraged, but keep in mind that whatever you're wearing will probably be dirty by the end of the night.
A pair of earplugs are also a good idea, as are a Camelbak (albeit empty upon entry) if you want to stay hydrated. And, as always, you'll want to bring a state-issued ID card. Dirty Disco's organizers will also allow you to bring in hats, lighters, sealed packs of cigarettes, e-cigs and vaporizers, small bags, and furry backpacks, as well as most of the usual EDM gear (such as glowsticks, LED gloves and hula hoops, festival totems, flags and banners, and LED poi or other flow toys).
And if you're bringing a totem, however, make sure its no taller than 10 feet and is made from lightweight material like foam, PVC, or pool noodles, and doesn't seem dangerous in nature.
Don't Bring: As with any big EDM festival that's been held at Rawhide over the past year (like the Mad Decent Block Party or the Crush Music Festival), there are many things that won't be permitted inside. The list includes everything from illegal or mind-altering substances to potentially dangerous or disruptive items like laser pointers, wallet chains, spiked jewelry, or weapons of any kind. Equally forbidden are pacifiers, Native American headdresses, markers, stickers, eye drops, outside food and drink, blankets, and large bags. You also won't be able to bring in pre-opened cigarettes, Chapstick, or tampons.
Pre-Party and After-Parties: This week's edition of Bass Wednesdays later tonight at Wasted Grain in Scottsdale will serve as an “unofficial” pre-party for Dirty Disco and will feature DJ sessions by Matt Dunn, Wyght, Tempus, and Jay Spark. Doors open at 10 p.m. Meanwhile, the “official” pre-party kicks off at 9 p.m. on Friday night at BRKFST with Shmitty, Juhuen, and Swift Money behind the mixers. And if you've still got some party mojo left on Sunday night, the Dirty Disco after-party will take place starting at 9:30 p.m. at Wasted Grain and include performances by AC Slater, Ghastly, Dirty Doses, and David Anthony. Best of all, there's no cover for any of the events.
What to Expect:
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