We all know that electronic dance music devotees know how to party like it's nobody's business – using every holiday as an excuse to dress-up (and we don't mean the classy black-tie affair kind). New Year's Eve has always been one of the biggest parties of the year in the dance music community. Remember back in the day when Insomniac and Go Ventures would team up to bring ravers “Together As One?” Well in this day and age of mainstream EDM festivals, there's an event or club night playing massive drops at just about every corner. We put together this list of the five best EDM parties so you can pack your rage essentials and celebrate life as you ring in 2014.
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XL NYE with DArrigo and Dean Mason
The Bayside Pavilion at the Dunes
For those who want the classy VIP experience, while partying with familiar club faces and dancing to some sick house beats, then Identity Management Group's XL NYE event at the Newport Beach Bayside Pavilion is just for you. This event is overlooking the water, boasting a 25,000 sq. ft space, balloon drops, confetti, cryogenics, lighting effects and sounds by local favorites DArrigo, Dean Mason, BB Guns, Steven Wright and Re-Dak. If you're in the OC Club culture you know just what to expect; sexy females, baller bottle service types, and a medley of all sorts of dance music genres, which you probably will be too turned up to remember anyway. 9pm – 2am, 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660, 21+. Info
Focus 360° with MANIK
Focus OC at Tapas
After celebrating it's 10 year anniversary earlier this year with special guest Kaskade, the crew at our favorite underground house music spot gets to celebrate NYE's at their normal night since it's the first time the holiday lands on a Tuesday. They will be debuting Focus 360°, an immersive, visual experience that will cover all of the walls of the small dance club with visuals from multiple projectors while New York's Manik hits the decks alongside the Focus residents Wobs, DJ Nonfiction and Josh Billings with a special warm-up set from DJ Missy B. Known for it's local house heads underground feel Focus is the perfect spot for Manik to help OC dance music vets ring in the new year with some deep, funky house. 9Pm – 2am, 4253 Martingale Way, Newport Beach, CA 92660, 18+. Info
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LA Loves Techno with John Digweed and Claude VonStroke
Exchange LA
Insomniac and Exchange LA bring you LA Loves Techno featuring the legendary John Digweed and our favorite Dirtybird Claude VonStroke. Rejoice in your love for the underground sounds of dance music in the atmosphere of an exclusive upscale night club in the heart of downtown LA. Known for bringing world class DJs and artist to this massive venue, having a top of the line Function One Sound System, and massive LED screen display; Exchange is the ultimate nightlife experience bringing the best in EDM and dance music until 6 a.m. Whether you're looking to get lost in the deepness of techno in a dark full club or wanting the ultimate VIP experience in their exclusive Sky Loft this event caters to everyone. 9pm – 6M, 618 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014, 21+. Tickets
White Wonderland with Steve Angello, Laidback Luke and more
Anaheim Convention Center
Insomniac's Third Annual White Wonderland returns to the Anaheim Convention Center featuring Steve Angello, Laidback Luke, Cosmic Gate, Congorock, Dash Berlin and ATB as well as the Discovery Project winners BLAUS. This all white affair lets you experience EDM at it's finest with art installations, theatrical dancers, a brand stage, confetti, pyrotechnics and the production that makes Insomniac so unique. Sponsored by Motorola and giving attendees free goodies, Insomniac has you covered with everything from VIP packages and table reservations to free water stations. As one of thte largest EDM New Year's Eve events, you never know what kinds of surprises are in store. 7pm – 2am, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim CA, 92802, 21+. Info
OMFG! NYE With Boys Noize, Diplo, Nero and more
Valley View Casino Center December 30th and 31st
Shrine Expo Hall December 31st
Known for packing dance floors and arenas in San Diego as some of the most ratchet, twerking, get wild parties in Southern California – LED has teamed up with Goldenvoice to bring their annual OMFG! NYE party not only to the Valley View Casino Center once again, but also the Shrine Expo Hall on the 31st to allow Angelinos (and OC dwellers) the same experiences without the far commute. Focusing a little less on the production and more on the top name DJs as well as a killer good time this years line-up features Boys Noize, Diplo, Laidback Luke, Nero, Madeon, Feed Me, GTA, Nervo, Bro Safari, Brazabelle, Ookay, Hendrix, DJ Snake and Cole Plante over the course of two days. If getting sweaty on a packed dance floor and ringing in the new year with thousands of other fellow ragers is your thing – then this is the party of the year for you. Valley View Casino Center 9pm – 4am, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego CA. Shrine Expo Hall 7:30pm – 2am, 649 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007, 18+. Info
See Also:
Pasquale Rotella on the Future of EDM in 2014
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