Cultivora

Every Labor Day Weekend, EDM (that's Electronic Dance Music for you newcomers) fans look forward to the Electric Zoo, one of the world's premier electronic music festivals. The annual festival is held on Randall's Island, set against the backdrop of New York City. Since the first edition in 2009, the festival has grown significantly, both in production and attendance; in 2011, they added a third day and expanded the venue to accommodate the growing demand.

The Electric Zoo, fondly dubbed "EZ" or "EZoo", is a festive affair, and attendees don't hold back when it comes to the festival's eponymous theme. Think animal costumes, bright colors, animal prints, body paint... people-watching at its finest.

Artists on the lineup are top-notch; they come from all reaches of the globe and range from EDM heavy hitters to up-and-coming critical darlings. The pulsating beats, spread across four stages and tents, are underscored by stunning visuals, and when you need a break, you can check out the t-shirt remix station or one of the many art installations sprinkled across the property.

Join what has become a tradition in the NYC EDM landscape - what better way to bring your summer to a close than by getting wild with a bunch of party animals? After all, it's a zoo, right?

Festival Line Up

David Guetta, Axwell, Tiësto, 3LAU, 12th Planet, A-Trak, Above & Beyond, Adventure Club, Andy C, Argy, ATB, Autoerotique, Benny Benassi, Bloody Beetroots DJ Set, Better Lost Than Stupid, Bingo Players, Boys Noize, Chris Liebing, Claude VonStroke, Congorock, Dada Life, Dash Berlin, Datsik, Dillon Francis, Dirtyphonics, Dixon, Excision, Felix Cartal, Ferry Corsten, Flux Pavilion & Doctor P, Frivolous LIVE, Hardwell, Gabriel & Dresden, Gesaffelstein, Kill the Noise, Knife Party, Koze, Laidback Luke, Luciano, Marco Carola, Mat Zo, Mathias Kaden, Martin Solveig, Maya Jane Coles, Mendo, Morgan Page, Mord Fustang, Mt Eden, Mustard Pimp, Nadastrom, Nicky Romero, Paco Osuna, Pierce Fulton, Porter Robinson, Pretty Lights, Robert Dietz, Reboot, Sander van Doorn, Sasha, Steve Aoki, Strip Steve vs Djedjotronic, Tommy Trash, Umek, Wolfgang Gartner, Zeds Dead

• How do I get to and from the festival?
• How do I get around during the event?
• What time does it start and end?
• Is reentry allowed?
• Are there any prohibited items?
• Can I bring outside food and/or drink?
• Will there be food sold at the event?
• Will there be alcohol sold at the event?
• What do I need to know about money?
• What will the weather be like?
• What should I wear?
• What should I bring?
• Anything else I need to know?

• How do I get to and from the festival?

  There are many ways to get to and from the festival. The easiest and most convenient way is the ferry, which departs from the East 35th Street Ferry landing at the intersection of East 35th Street and FDR Drive in Manhattan every 15 minutes. You can also take the festival shuttle bus, which will leave from, and return to, East 124th Street between Madison and Park Avenues in Manhattan. Check out our Electric Zoo Google Map to view their locations.
  
  Alternatively, you can use public transportation and walk across the footbridge from East 103rd Street to the festival entrance, which will take you around 20-25 minutes. However, keep in mind this footbridge is only open from 6am-9pm, so you'll have to find an alternative way back to Manhattan after the festival ends at 11pm each day. Pedestrians can also use the Robert F. Kennedy bridge, which is open 24-hours, to walk to Randall's Island from Manhattan (15 minutes), Queens (30 minutes), or the Bronx (15 minutes). Bikes are prohibited on the ferry and shuttle but biking is allowed on the bridges. You will need to park your bike at the Ferry Landing on the island during the festival.
  
  If you plan to drive, please take note that there is very limited parking, and you must purchase a parking pass as an add-on option to your festival ticket. One parking pass is required per vehicle, not per passenger. Keep in mind that there is no overnight parking or tailgating allowed on the island. The festival provides driving directions from Manhattan, Long Island, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey, and Westchester.
  

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• How do I get around during the event?

  There are multiple stages at the venue, and you will need to walk to get from stage to stage.
  

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• What time does it start and end?

  Gates open at 11am and close at 11pm each day.
  

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• Is reentry allowed?

  Reentry will not be allowed once you leave the festival (until the next day if you have a multiple day pass, that is).
  

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• Are there any prohibited items?

  Large bags/backpacks, weapons, professional recording equipment (cameras with detachable lenses), illegal substances, laser pen devices, glowsticks, bottles and camelpacks, pets, personal motorized vehicles (bikes, scooters etc.), musical instruments, sleeping bags, and umbrellas are not allowed inside the festival.
  

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• Can I bring outside food and/or drink?

  Outside food and drink are not allowed within the festival grounds.

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• Will there be food sold at the event?

  There will be a wide selection of food and beverages available for purchase at the vendor village within the festival, including some of NYC's favorite street vendors. Vegetarian/vegan options will also be readily available.
  

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• Will there be alcohol sold at the event?

  Beer, wine, and champagne will be served for those over 21 years of age. Mixed drinks and liquor will be offered in the VIP lounge, entry to which is reserved for those who purchased a VIP or Platinum Experience ticket.
  

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• What do I need to know about money?

  This event is cash-only, but there will be multiple ATMs throughout the festival grounds. However, to avoid long lines and high transaction fees, we suggest you bring enough cash to last you throughout the day.
  

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• What will the weather be like?

  The weather in late August/early September in New York is hot and humid. During the day, temperatures will be in the 80°s (25-30°C). At night temperatures may drop a little, but will still be warm enough that you will not need anything more than just another light layer.

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• What should I wear?

  Wear a tank top and shorts to maximize comfort and minimize heat under the sun and in the crowds dancing. Make sure to wear comfortable closed toe shoes so you won't get stepped on by fellow fans. Like many other electronic dance music festivals, neon, glitter, and wild outfits are the norm. Don't be shy when it comes to what you're going to wear - the crazier, the better.
  

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• What should I bring?

  Sunscreen is essential - it will most likely be sunny, so slap on the sunscreen and reapply regularly. Your weekend can take a quick turn towards the unpleasant once a sunburn emerges. Sunglasses are also a good accessory since you will be under the sun all day. You can bring a small blanket or towel if you want to lounge around on the grass field. If you plan on drinking, and are over 21, make sure to bring a valid form of identification to purchase alcohol. Last but not least, bring a small backpack/pouch to store all these essentials and to keep your hands free for dancing and lots of fist pumping!
  

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• Anything else I need to know?

  Not only is there music and food at the festival, but there are many other activities to check out between DJs. Go all out and get your face and body painted, customize your own t-shirts at the T-shirt remix station, and browse through festival merchandise. Also, make sure to visit the Garden of EZ at night - the green area will transform into a jawdropping visual adventure that you can enjoy and photograph.

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