Because I hate TicketMassa’ and all their insane nickel and diming, I try to buy tickets either at the box office of the venue or at a participating retailer. Unlike TicketMassa’, they only charge an extra dollar or two for the handling cost, and Street Sounds on Melrose always has a lot of tickets on hand.

Although many go all out with their clothing, as evidenced on this page, most of the time I try to stay under the sartorial rave radar. I’ve bought several of those Under Armour style sports shirts here, that wick away sweat, and it’s comforting knowing that I won’t come out of EDC looking like I placed third in a wet T-shirt contest.

Even though street credibility is often measured by bling bling in the hip hop forum, electronica’s jewelry equivalent tends to be more economically viable (although equally flashy). Expect to make at least four or five bracelets before and pass them out to your new best friends that you will never see until the next rave rolls around.

Vicks vapor rub and glowsticks are to be found in abundance here. If you don’t know, now you know.

My girlfriend and I have made it a tradition to have a light dinner of Korean dumplings and chicken noodle soup before the event. The food is great but for some reason they are perpetually understaffed, so expect to get your own water, side dishes and utensils from the serving cart.

Because my place of employment (as well as Jesus) severely frowns upon illegal narcotics usage, I’ve found the only way to enjoy myself in a sea of hopped up ravers is to be totally inebriated. Esquire Liquor is conveniently located near the venue and as a plus, they’ll even dump out half of the orange juice container for you to make room for the vodka screwdriver you’re about to ghetto rig. Predrinking with a purpose.

EDC’s event location and where all the magique happens. That’s right… magique.

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year for the past 70 odd years, OPC serves greasy diner food with no regard for any religious or political regard to holiday cheer. Which strangely enough makes for some fine post-club dining.