2018 is coming to a close very very soon. I am so excited to be ringing in the new year with all of my friends that will be at Decadence Arizona. This will be my fourth Decadence Arizona and just wanted to share some general tips and info for those going. I know a lot of people may be traveling to Arizona for the first time so here are some general tips to keep in mind for Decadence Arizona. The event is on December 30-31st and doors open at 5 pm.
Getting There
Rawhide Event Center is located south Phoenix area at Wild Horse Pass. Technically considered Chandler and south of Ahwatukee if you’re a local. If you’re figuring out the best way possible to get to Rawhide here are your options.
Rideshare
You can take an Uber or Lyft to the festival. I would just caution you that depending the time you go at could be more expensive. Let’s not forget it is New Years Eve so prices when you leave the festival can get pretty expensive. If you have a huge group, might be beneficial to split the cost. I recommend getting to the festival around when gates open and leaving the festival 20-30 minutes before it ends to get the lowest price possible for leaving the festival.
Carpool
If you have a designated driver, parking is $10. Convenient if you have someone willing to drive that way you avoid any potential costs of doing a rideshare. I recommend leaving slightly before the event ends so you’re not stuck in the parking lot for very long while leaving the festival.
The Venue
Rawhide is like a second home to me. It’s where my raving days started. Here are some general tips about the venue itself:
- There is a huge warehouse that I can imagine the second stage will (hopefully) be this year.
- There are rumors that mainstage will be under a huge tent just like it was at Decadence Arizona 2016.
- There’s a third stage where you’ll find great and local talent. Last year it was outside not covered by a tent or anything but had heaters placed through it so you could stay warm.
- There were heaters throughout the grounds last year if you wanted to take a break outside without getting cold.
- Lots of food options!
- Security takes about 10 minutes depending the time you go at and they are pretty thorough so make sure to check the list of what you can and cannot bring.
- Cell phone service is best when you’re not deep in the crowd at a stage. The closer you are to a stage, the less you’ll have service.
What to Bring
Check what you can and cannot bring here. Here are some items I recommend making a point to bring:
- A BANDANA: Even if there is a slight breeze, the dust gets kicked up by all the people. My allergies go crazy every time I go to Rawhide.
- Chapstick so your lips don’t get dry
- Wear comfortable shoes!
- Pack something for if and when you get cold (I always pack a light jacket or pair of leggings in my Vibedration)
- Hydration pack or water bottle: you are in the desert, STAY HYDRATED
- Make some kandi beforehand to trade, PLUR is alive and well in the AZ rave fam
- If you’re bringing a totem, make sure it is no taller than 6ft!
Ticket Information
General Admission passes for Decadence Arizona are on sale now. VIP passes will be available at two levels: Standard VIP, including everything that a GA ticket provides plus express VIP entrance, a commemorative lanyard, access to VIP lounge, access to VIP viewing deck, premium restrooms and passed desserts in the VIP areas. Platinum VIP includes everything that the Standard VIP pass includes, plus: complimentary drinks, side stage viewing, access to artist hospitality lounge, steakhouse quality dinner, exclusive festival gift bag, and festival concierge. You must be age 21 and up to purchase Platinum VIP passes. For full details and all ticket options, visit www.decadencearizona.com. Decadence Arizona is an 18+ event.
If you have never been to an event in Arizona, I highly recommend it! The Arizona rave scene is what got me into going to festivals in the first place and I have some of the best memories from my events there. Check out my review of last year’s Decadence Arizona to get you excited too! Also check out my outfit ideas for Decadence Arizona if you aren’t sure of what to wear.
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