EDM Events at Rawhide - Gold Rush and Crush

The employee scans my wristband, checks my ID, and I enter the music festival. The air around me is electric and vibrant with energy. Every form of self-expression is out tonight whether it be glitter, outfits, pashminas or hats. The various light flow artists are gearing up their orbits and gloves, ready to put on a show while the music pumps around them. I walk by groups taking photos as I head to fill up my camelback. I can’t wait to dance the night away.

My friends and I in our pashminas

At Rawhide Event Center, just off the I-10, various music festivals lasting one or two days are put on by Relentless Beats for the Electric Dance Music genre. It is approximately a 20-minute drive from ASU’s Tempe Campus (Google Maps). To break down the events and explain some key differences, as well as emphasize a fall versus spring event, the two festivals I will be focusing on are known as Gold Rush and Crush.

Kaylee and I at Gold Rush

Goldrush

• Occurring in the fall with a wild-west theme, Gold Rush is a two-day festival experience. This past year it took place on September 27 & 28 (1). It was actually my first time attending a “rave.” This event is for those 18 or older. The festival is open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. both Friday and Saturday (3). I advise getting there either right when the gates open or at-least an hour before the artist you want to see goes on to perform because lines can be long for security, the bathroom and filling up your water.

• There are five stages, all outside, littered throughout the Rawhide western town, each with unique names like “Pioneer Peak,” “The Hideout,” and “Wagon Wheel” (2). The lineup consists with a variety of popular DJ’s, including some of my favorites like Adventure Club, Alison Wonderland, Boogie T and Troyboi (1). Be sure to check the lineup or have a photo saved on your phone so you know who is playing when and where you will want to be. Also, determine a meeting spot with your friends in case you get separated because with the amount of people in the small area, cell reception can be spotty. TIP: time stamp your texts that way if they take a long time to send, the recipient will know when it was supposed to originally come through.

• Two-day tickets initially go on sale a few months prior and are $179 (3). Single-day passes go on sale about a week or two before the festival takes place and are $99 (3). There is also the option for VIP admission, which includes “express entry, a souvenir lanyard, access to a private lounge, front-row viewing” and more for $149 one-day or $399 both days (3). I always enjoy how the tickets come in the form of wristbands because then I save them after like a souvenir. If you want other souvenirs, there is artist merchandise available for purchase as well as small vendors that sell outfits, pashminas and fun light-up masks. There is also food and drinks available for purchase.

• Parking at the venue is $10 per car or $30 for premium, closer parking (3). If you choose to Uber there, that is about $15, but coming back there is a surcharge that occurs and can cause the price to spike to above $50 (personal). TIP: check the Uber Premium prices because they can be cheaper. One time my boyfriend and I did this because only the Uber X’s were experiencing a surcharge. Don’t want to drive or Uber? There is a shuttle service offering roundtrip service to and from Shady Park in Tempe for 21+ attendees (3). It costs $30 for both days, $25 for just Friday and $15 for just Saturday (3).

Goldrush 2018

Goldrush 2019

The Crush stage

Crush

• A valentine-themed music festival is just what everyone wants and needs in February! Taking place on or around Valentine’s day annually, Crush is great event to attend with your significant other, galentine’s or “rave fam.” With all the love in the air, why not add some lights and sound as well? This year, Crush took place on February 15 and was only one day, however, last year, the year I attended, it was a two-day event. Another change added to this year was instead of having one stage, Relentless Beats also added a second stage that was a silent disco, where you put on noise-cancelling headphones, with local DJs playing (5). This event also has an age requirement of 18+ (4). It is open from 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. (4).

• Crush is a smaller event, with a lineup consisting of only seven artists performing per stage. Some of the names present this year were Jauz and Audien (4). Last year, I was fortunate to see my favorite DJ, Seven Lions, for the very first time and I still remember it as one of the best nights of my life. Unlike Gold Rush, Crush takes place inside the warehouse located Rawhide instead of outdoors. TIP: be sure to still bring a jacket despite it being inside, because once you leave at two in the morning, I promise you that nighttime desert air is cold!

• Tickets for Crush are $69 for general admission or $99 for VIP, which includes the same perks as with Gold Rush (5).

• Parking is $10 per vehicle (5). Since it also takes place at Rawhide, the same Uber situation as mentioned earlier applies. However, because this is a smaller event, there are no shuttles. Food and drink, as well as artist merchandise, is available for purchase at the venue. One of my favorite parts about Crush is there is this tree-like sculpture with a giant heart on top of it to take photos in front of. You can also carve initials or words of advice on the bark!

• Both of the events are fantastic whether you are attending an EDM event for the first time or are a seasoned raver. The energy everyone gives off and the excitement at getting to see the lights and visuals that go along with the music are incredible and astounding. These were the very first two EDM shows I witnessed and were the perfect, local, new adventure.

The big heart sculpture

Lasers!

Tips and Tricks:

1. Bring a camelback and be sure to drink water – all that walking, standing and dancing can dehydrate you

2. Wear comfortable shoes – it’s a long night ahead and the last thing you want is sore feet or blisters

3. Wear whatever you are comfortable in – one of the main points of the EDM community is to express yourself, so wear what makes YOU happy

4. Eat beforehand – yes, you can buy food there, but your body is going to need energy prior

5. Fanny packs are your friend – keep all those valuables (phone, wallet, keys) close to you

6. Say excuse me – it can get pretty crowded, so don’t be rude and just say excuse me as you walk through

7. Have fun – if this is a brand-new experience for you, embrace it. Make friends, ask how to trade kandi, go watch a light show. Have no judgement and just enjoy yourself

Want More?

If you are interested in more EDM shows that happen throughout the year, here’s a list:

• Decadence

• Phoenix Lights

• Deadbeats

• Wet Electric

• Arizona Roots

• Shady Park shows

• Van Buren shows