Wet Electric, Arizona's annual EDM-tastic water park festival, returns to Tempe this weekend. A long list of producers, including Tiesto and Dillon Francis, will hit Big Surf Waterpark on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26.
To those who have attended the event in the past, this year promises major upgrades from talent to production. Along with this year's event being 18 and up, this weekend the event will include a floating wave pool stage, zip line, a private 21-and-over VIP pool, lounge areas, photo booth, upgraded sound, lighting and special effects, a silent disco, and more bars, including a swim up bar and shot bar. There will also be a full vendor village that will include a free phone charging station.
Whether you're going for the music, the party or the clothing-optional perk, here's a guide to getting wet this weekend.
See also: 50 Most Beautiful People at Wet Electric
WET ELECTRIC 2015 PROMO from Edmundo Yeomans on Vimeo.
Who's Performing: Tiesto, Dillon Francis, Caked Up, Sultan + Shepard, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Tommy Trash, Will Sparks, Zaxx, Chris Garcia, Eddie Portillo, Stonebridge, Tony Arzadon. As of this publication, organizers Activated Events and Relentless Beats have yet to post specific set times.
Time/Place: This Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, at Big Surf Waterpark at 1500 N. McClintock Drive in Tempe. Doors open at 11 a.m. each day.
Price: Two-day general admission is $150. All the rides will be open to GA ticket-buyers except the zip line, which will be $10 for GA and free for VIPs. Two-day VIP is $200 and includes "express entry, private 21+ pool and viewing area, a free t-shirt, VIP restrooms, and discounted drink specials," according to the event's web page. Single-day "Chill Pack" tickets are available for $200 and include two general admission tickets, one oversized lounge bag, and access to cocktail servers. A pair of two-day general admission 7UP sponsorship tickets are available for $300. Party Packs are sold out but Cabanas are available for $2,450 with a $666 facility fee -- creepy.
Getting There: Big Surf is pretty easy to find, it's located on McClintock Dr. just north of the Loop 202 freeway. If you're coming from downtown or southwest Valley, take the Interstate 10 east to the 202 and exit McClintock. If you're coming from north or central Phoenix, take the 51 south to the 202. If you're coming from the southeast Valley take the 101 North to Rio Salado to access McClintock Dr. Last year parking was cash only, to avoid parking fees try the side streets surrounding Big Surf for free parking first.
Age Limits: The event is 18 and up, alcohol is available for guests 21 and over.
Weather: Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high of 82 degrees, Sunday will be cloudy with a high of 84 degrees.
Food and Drink: Alcoholic snow cones, gourmet popcorn, and an assortment of typical festival food. There will also be all sorts of bars and young-person drinks such as jello shots. There will also be Rave Kotton Kandi, which is cotton candy on glow stick. Finally, you can give a light show with my food.
What to Bring:
Your ID. Only government issued IDs, which contain both a birth date and a photo will be accepted. Beach Towels (highly recommended) Small Bags, Single Compartment Backpacks and Purses (maximum 12″×12″) Fanny Packs Cell Phones Sunglasses Hats Lighters Closed Packs of Cigarettes Sealed/Wrapped Tampons Earplugs Sealed Chapstick and Lipgloss Sealed Packs of Gum Inflatables (must be deflated upon entry) Non-Professional Flash/Still Cameras Flags/Banners or Handmade Signs (No corporate/company branded and no hard poles) Handheld Camera Devices (e.g., Sony Action Cam, GoPro. Must be 6″ in size or less) GoPro extendable poles Smiles, Energy, Positive Attitudes and Good Vibes Sunscreen (Must be in a 3oz or less bottle)
What Not to Bring: Illegal Substances Drugs or Drug Paraphernalia Weapons of any Kind (Includes Pocket Knives, Pepper Spray, Fireworks, etc.) E-Cigs Pets Massagers Laser Pointers LED Gloves or LED Microlights used for Light Shows Pacifiers or Masks of any kind (Dust Masks, Character Masks, Gas Masks, etc...) Eyedrops Camelbaks Over-The-Counter Medication Liquid Makeup Glass, Cans, Cups or Coolers Markers, Pens or Spray Paint Large Chains or Spiked Jewelry Stickers, Flyers Balls or Frisbees Tents, Large Umbrellas, Chairs or Blankets Oversized Backpacks Coolers Stuffed Animals or Dolls Open Packs of Cigarettes or Unsealed Tampons (Upon Entry) Outside Food or Beverages (Including Alcohol and Candy) Professional Recording Equipment - Photo, Video, or Audio (No Detachable Lenses, Tripods, Big Zooms or Commercial Use Rigs)
Correction: The dates of the event have been corrected since this article originally published.
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