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Field Guide: Phoenix Lights EDM Festival Starring Hardwell, Zeds Dead, and More

Phoenix Lights is giving Sunday Funday a whole new meaning this weekend when Hardwell, Zeds Dead, Robin Schulz and more DJs drop in to Civic Space Park in downtown Phoenix for day raving antics. A little background for the youngins or those not on-point when it comes to "alien" sightings...
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Phoenix Lights is giving Sunday Funday a whole new meaning this weekend when Hardwell, Zeds Dead, Robin Schulz and more DJs drop in to Civic Space Park in downtown Phoenix for day raving antics.

A little background for the youngins or those not on-point when it comes to "alien" sightings. The music festival got its name from the alleged, infamous alien spaceship sighting that occurred over Phoenix in March 1997. Basically, there were lights in the sky that made seemingly unnatural patterns that made witnesses feel like they were looking at something a little unworldly. To quote the man who recorded it, "man, there's geometry behind this."

Back to music, Phoenix Lights is making its debut this year and is the brainchild of True Music Experience and Relentless Beats. Here's everything you need to know about the festival.

Who's Performing: Hardwell, Zeds Dead, Robin Schulz, Route 94, Lane 8, Kill Frenzy, SecondCity.

Time/Place: Phoenix Lights will take place on Sunday, March 22 2015 at Civic Space Park in downtown Phoenix. Civic Space Park is located at 424 N Central Ave. Doors open at 2 p.m., the event is scheduled to be over at 10 p.m.

Price: General admission is $65 a ticket and VIP tickets (includes express entry, commemorative lanyard and access to VIP area) are $99 per person. A value general admission four-pack is also being sold for $199. Various table packages are also available.

Getting There: Civic Space Park is located in the heart of downtown Phoenix between the major streets of Fillmore and Van Buren Streets, and Central and First Avenues. If you're driving from the West Valley, take the Interstate 10 east, then take Seventh Aveune south straight to the park. If you're coming from the East Valley, take the Interstate 10 west, then take Seventh Street south to Fillmore, go west until you hit the park.

If you're getting there early, try your luck around side streets for open curbs, metered spots and discount lots for your most convenient and cost-sensitive options. If you're arriving later in the day, chances are that the above options will be in use (although it's always worth it to check first) which leaves the parking garage option. Parking garages are fine, but plan to spend $15 or more. There is a light rail stop literally in front of the park, so (especially if you're planning on not being sober) the light rail may be the cheapest and easiest option for those planning to have a little more fun than usual.

Age Limits: Phoenix Lights is an 18-and-over event.

Weather: Expect a sunny day that starts in the low-80s, peaks just below 90 and falls to the low-70s near the end of the show.

Food and Drink: Food trucks and food vendors will be available. Alcohol will be available to attendees 21-and-up, the bar is cash only.

What to Bring: You must bring your ID and your ticket. The scanners can read tickets off of smartphones, but only if the screen is in good condition (not cracked, scratched or dirty), so it's suggested to print out a ticket regardless. Definitely put on sunscreen before you go, the website is unclear if you are allowed to bring it in. I would also suggest a hat and anything that will keep you safe from the sun. Event coordinators have listed the items below as OK!

• Small Bags and Purses (maximum 12″×12″ inches) • Camelbaks (empty upon entry) • Fanny Packs • Non-Professsional Still Cameras • Cell Phones • Small, Personal Umbrellas • Hats • Lighters • Sealed Packs of Cigarettes • Sealed / Wrapped Tampons • Sealed Packs of Gum • Earplugs • Sealed Chapstick and Lipgloss • Sunglasses • Removable Bandanas • Glowsticks • Festival Totems (Pool Noodles or Lights, hollow decorated poles) See below for more info • Inflatables (deflated upon entry) • Flags/Banners or Handmade signs (no corporate or company-branded ones) • Handheld camera devices (eg Sony Action Cam, GoPro) • Plush Backpacks • GoPro Extendable Poles • Disposable E-cigs/Nicotine Vaporizer pens are OK, but none with refillable chambers containing visible liquid • Sealed, Unopened Hand Sanitizing Wipes

What Not to Bring: Event coordinators have listed the items below as no-nos: •Illegal Substances • Drugs or Drug Paraphenalia • Pets • Massagers • Laser Pens / Pointers • Eye Drops • LED Gloves or LED Microlights used for Light Shows • Pacifiers or Dust Masks • Eyedrops • Glass, Cans, Cups, or Coolers • Markers, Pens, or Spray Paint • Large Chains or Spiked Jewelry • Stickers, Flyers, or Posters • Hard Balls, Frisbees • Tents, Large Umbrellas, Chairs, or Blankets • Backpacks Over 12″x12″ (except Camelbacs) • Bota Bags • Large Purses or Bags (Anything over 12″×12″) • Open Cigarettes, Lipstick, Chapstick, or Tampons (Upon entry) • Outside Food, Beverage, or Alcohol • Knives, Firearms, Pepper Spray, Fireworks, or Weapons of Any Kind • Toy Weapons or Real Weapons of Any Kind • Professional Cameras - SLR or Detachable Lens (without proper credential) • Video or Audio Equipment • Native American Headdresses

What To Do: Enjoy the chill, floaty atmosphere of day day partying and save going hard (if you are going hard at all, it is a Sunday) for after sunset.

Schedule and Set Times: Are not available as of Thursday, March 19. We will keep you posted!

Find any show in Metro Phoenix via our extensive online concert calendar.

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