EDC Orlando: Photographer shares survival guide for 2026 festival

Matt Keller Lehman, a photographer who has documented Electric Daisy Carnival for several years, released a guide on Wednesday for attendees preparing for this year's event. The festival runs from Nov. 6 to Nov. 8 at Tinker Field in Orlando. Lehman, who describes himself as an old bass-head, says the experience has changed. He notes that some of the current sounds feel strict and the productions garish. He prefers the U.K. dubstep style from 2010. However, he acknowledges that every stage has its own distinct atmosphere. Some feel like heaven, others like hell, and the directional staff are often confused.

Lehman advises attendees to pick a specific genre or stage and watch their footing. He warns that two actual humans may be lying on the ground under the crowd. He suggests hugging strangers as a standard social protocol. He has observed the event as a ghost, tracking attendees to share tips for their survival and sanity.

For those who lose their friends, Lehman recommends building DIY totem poles. He says these handcrafted flags serve as a signal. A friend with dilated eyes can see the marker from far away. He calls the expense in crafting supplies worth the effort. For those who purchase VIP passes, Lehman calls the upsell questionable but useful. It provides better bathrooms and easier access to overpriced food. He warns that some staff stop checking passes after dark. This allows people who paid less to cut in line while recording livestreams. By 9 or 10 p.m., these intruders are usually friendly and may give attendees a charm bracelet.

Lehman identifies the Neon Garden stage as the best site for house music fans. He says it is the best exit point when the midnight show ends. For parking, he suggests arriving early to find free street parking on Church Street and nearby parallel streets. Otherwise, attendees pay $40 for the day. He urges people not to chain their bikes in these areas. He says the bikes will be gone before the Steve Aoki drone show and cake-toss.

Regarding tickets, Lehman warns against buying wristbands from scalpers. He notes that the Orlando Police Department has minimal monitoring of the practice. He recalls wondering if he turned a profit selling a band he found in the trash in 2022. He says he did not make it to that year's Sunday. He felt too old for three days in a row. On drugs, he says the rules say not to bring them, yet everyone appears to be on them. He advises attendees not to do a lot of drugs.

The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets range from $149 to $659. The event is located at 287 S. Tampa Ave.