Electric Zoo Festival 2016 Preview

Stephanie Kazhiloti | August 31, 2016

There is only one time of the year that we can completely let loose and unleash our inner animal. It's where we party from day to night, and where us animals of all shapes, colors, and sizes come together at Randall's Island Park for one massive 3-day party in the concrete jungle of NYC. This ain't just any ol' zoo; this is Electric Zoo.

For it's 8th year in a row and following it's "Transformed" concept last year that was a massive success, Electric Zoo has prided themselves on being New York City's premier dance music event, that has made people travel across the country just to experience the Zoo firsthand.

The Perfect Way to End Summer

Ezoo has it all; a gorgeous venue location right in the heart of NYC, a stellar lineup every year, INSANE stage productions and a one-of-a-kind festival concept. And taking place this Labor Day Weekend, there is no better way to close out the summer.

As an Ezoo veteran, the best part about attending all these years is being able to see how the festival evolved. Each year still manages to absolutely blow me away and exceed my expectations.

Wild Island

For 2016, get ready for those expectations to be exceeded yet again. They're creating a whole new theme "Wild Island" and it's most definitely gonna be wild.

Zoo is stepping it UP to a whole other level with stage designs this year. Slither your way on over to the cobra snake main stage that will have laser beams shooting from it's eyes and scan the crowd. Submerge yourself in darkness at the crystal cave, be a funny little monkey at the treehouse stage, or educate yourself on some of the finest tech-house beats at the Sunday school stage.

Best EDM Lineup

And the best part of it all: the lineup. When I say that this might be one of the best Ezoo lineups of all time, I mean it.

Every dance music lover in attendance will be catered to with this lineup, regardless of what genre they prefer. Most of the stages are curated by the best labels in the game such as Anjunadeep, Buygore, Elrow, Steve Aoki's Dim Mak imprint, and Ants.

Something for All Dance Genres

If you're down to get deep with Anjunadeep, head over to the Sunday School stage on Friday to get lost in the music with Lane 8, Âme, Moon Boots, Way Out West and more.

If you're in the mood to put yourself in a neck brace from headbanging too hard, then the Hilltop Arena will be stacked with bass champions like Datsik, Zomboy, Cookie Monsta b2b Funtcase to name a few.

Be prepared to fall into a state of trance on Sunday at the Riverside stage with Gareth Emery and friends, along with Anjunabeats' Andrew Bayer, Ilan Bluestone and Jason Ross.

If you wanna let some devilish techno beats fill up your soul, then legends like Joris Voorn, Henrik Schwarz and Jackmaster will do the trick.

Top Headlining Acts

As for headliners, you're gonna need to sit down and take a breather for this one. We've got the big players like Bassnectar, Hardwell, Flux Pavilion and Tiesto headlining the King Cobra mainstage.

The mainstage will also be ~blessed~ by having the GODLY Porter Robinson in the flesh throw down a Worlds live set *cue screaming*. I know, I'm just as overwhelmed as you are.

Unleash Your Inner Animal

Electric Zoo is the perfect themed festival that allows you to unleash your inner animal. Attendees get creative from bunnies to pandas. What's your spirit animal? Time to free your wild side.

I hope you guys are prepared for what's to come at this year's Electric Zoo, because it's time for us to come out and play, animals. See you guys in the concrete jungle!