Ever feel like dancing for hours on end while pressing up against thousands of fellow sweaty, smiling revelers?  Perhaps you picture flashing green and purple lasers overhead, or fog machines blotting out the stars above?  Is the music playing a combination of sidechains and 808s, evolving pads and LFO wobbles?  If your ears just perked up, then look into Electric Daisy Carnival, an electronic music festival series with dates across America.

What?:

Electric Daisy Carnival is a family of annual electronic music festivals that take place in multiple locations across the United States and Puerto Rico.  The most prominent of the 2011 fests takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a venue with a capacity over 140,000.  Since 1997, Insomniac Events, a Los Angeles based promoter, has held an EDC at a variety of southern California venues, including the Shrine Auditorium and the Los Angeles Coliseum, and 2011 is the first year that Vegas will play host.  The festival features DJs and live bands playing cutting edge electronic music of all genres, and always attracts the top international talent.

Who?

Past headliners include trance luminaries Above & Beyond, Ferry Corsten and Armin van Buuren and prominent acts from other genres, such as Pendulum (Drum and Bass), Benny Benassi (House), David Guetta (House) and Infected Mushroom (Psytrance).  This year, the festival will be headlined by the king of trance, DJ Tiesto, along with Euro-house super group Swedish House Mafia, minimal mastermind Plastikman, dance-hall party boys Major Lazer and electro-indie rockers Empire of the Sun.  They are joined by a host of additional acts performing on six stages over three days.  For those not well versed in the whose-who of electronic music, I must remark that this list is truly impressive.  Van Buuren and Tiesto have held the title of #1 DJ in the world (bestowed by DJ Magazine, the accepted authority on the matter) a combined eight times and are major draws individually.  Plastikman is an alter-ego of famed minimal pioneer Ritchie Hawtin, and all of his rare performances include a cutting edge visual display.  I could go into detail about all of the groups and individuals performing this year, but instead I suggest heading to your favorite music source to check them out for yourself.  My fav? Pendulum, who combine heavy D&B beats with soaring vocals and metal guitar riffs.

Why?:

Electric Daisy Carnival began as a fairly niche event, catering to a small selection of American electronic music fans.  However, as electronic music’s popularity has exploded in the US, EDC and other large-scale rave events have become major destinations for enthusiasts the world over.  Fans pack shoulder to shoulder (and often closer) to dance the night away and take in fantastic light and laser shows accompanying the throbbing basses and ripping snares.  Contrary to popular media images, ravers come from all backgrounds and are a very diverse group, sharing love of music and the principle of PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect).  While it is true that many attendees use illegal substances to augment their experiences, the vast majority come to enjoy the show safely and responsibly.

How?:

The 2011 festival takes place from June 24^th-26^th at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with music running from 8pm to 6am.  Tickets for all three days can be purchased here and hotel reservations can be booked here.  The event is expected to sell out, so it is advisable to purchase tickets ASAP!

This must-attend music festival is three days long and has eight stages hosting a line up of 124 bands including such headliners as The Strokes, Lady Gaga, Phoenix and Green Day. Don’t be discouraged if these are not your favorite musicians, the lineup also includes R&B artists Erykah Badu and Rapheal Saadiq, as well as Reggae artist Jimmy Cliff and veteran acts such as Social Distortion, Devo and Mavis Staples. The vast majority of music at this festival is guitar-based rock and electronic, but the festival will feature a DJ stage showcasing the most influential DJs from all around the globe, such as 2ManyDJs,  the Belgian mash-up masters.

As if seeing your favorite bands perform all in one venue isn’t good enough, you can go to the F.Y.E. Autograph Booth to meet some of the bands and get your hands on their latest CD’s and vinyl. Also on display will be two new works of art from local artist John E. Bannon.  His life-sized mirrored man hovering over Butler Field appropriately titled, “Universe,” will be there for your viewing pleasure. The Adidas Originals Van will also be there so you can check out the latest products and even designs by your favorite Lollapalooza artists. You may even enter to win a chance to design your own shoe.

Now, most importantly, where are you going to stay and what are you going to eat? If you want somewhere nice to stay check out the Hard Rock Hotel on Michigan Avenue, or the Sax Chicago on Dearborn. Both of these hotels offer the finest amenities and are fairly close to Grant Park. If you want to save some money you should check out some of the local hostels. The Hostelling International Chicago has cheap rates and easy access to the bus terminal and train station to make getting to Lollapalooza easy.

What is there to eat? Only some of the best food you’ll ever have in your life. Lollapalooza is offering up its Chow-Town menu featuring options from some of Chicago’s favorite restaurants. You can indulge in everything from tacos and tamales to jumbo hot dogs and Pad Thai noodles. Anything that you might crave will be there for your indulgence. You can savor every bite knowing that all items being served are on eco-friendly plates and cups in the festivals collective effort to help keep our environment clean and safe.

Grab your tickets and book your room because this is a must-see festival!

National Independence Day Parade – Washington D.C.

If you’re into large crowds then viva the July 4th with the masses and head to D.C. for the largest annual 4^th of July parade in the country.  Every year, Washington D.C. fittingly sets off Independence Day with a bang that’s highlighted by a parade of elaborate floats stretching down Constitution Avenue.  With more than 25 bands and 400,000–yes 400,000 spectators, there will be plenty of opportunities to indulge in entertainment.  Plus, this celebration has the all day factor.

Why travel somewhere else for just two hours of fireworks?

After you’ve scoped out the parade explore the sights and museums then head over to the Capitol Building where the National Symphony Orchestra will perform to the tune of the largest televised fireworks exhibition in the country.

Plan to arrive the night before to prep for the crowds and plan to stay for at least two nights to recover from the fun.  Don’t rent a car, the streets will all be closed off and driving in the district is hell anyway.  Take a taxi and book a hotel somewhere close by, like the Hilton Garden Inn on 14^th street; this will give you a mere 5 block walk down to Constitution Avenue.  There is no better reminder of diversity in America, than this 4th of July fiesta. Whether, you like to Fiesta, Partay, or Petit Fete…come to DC, for the ultimate Partay.

1. Boston Harborfest – Boston Massachusetts

20 years ago, Boston Harborfest began as a humble festival with 30 events.  Today, the 7 day celebration has grown to more than 20 concentrated events and is considered “THE” national Independence Day celebration in the country.  The Boston Harborfest showcases the Maritime and Colonial vale of the revolution.  Critics have heralded it as one of the best family celebrations to attend because of its vast array of booths, activities and entertainment.  Events take place in the historic district and on the waterfront but the main events held exclusively on Boston’s City Hall Plaza.  Because of its colonial heritage, the festival trumpets, the austere aura of archaic American culture that has fizzled out over the last couple centuries.  The immersion into colonial Americana is completely outfitted with opulent revolutionary war costumes. Tours  reenact the American revolution regularly.  I guarantee the 4th of July will move up a notch on your top 3 holiday places to celebrate list. Otherwise, send me an email and tell me why YOUR local holiday celebration takes the cake.

1. Summerfest  09’ – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Welcome to the self proclaimed “World’s Largest Music Festival”.  Summerfest begins the week prior to the 4th and is the culmination of events and concerts that ushers in summer. This cornucopious music-fest is one of the best annual music event on the planet.  If you don’t believe us, you might listen to the Guinness Book of World Records, that has made the same proclamation about Summerfest, the event has comedy acts, shopping vendors and of course, fireworks.  Known as the “Big Gig”, Summerfest takes place in Henry Maier Festival Park and has been an annual tradition since 1968.  Everyone who is a real musician has taken part, including the Grateful Dead, Sting, Prince and Eric Clapton, all whom have graced the main stage at this ultimate celebration.  The 11 day playbill featuring over 700 bands that culminates  in the the ultimate fireworks show on the 4^th of July.  If you’ve been looking for something more than your standard-issue snap, crackle and pop fireworks show, then Summerfest 09′ may just be your calling.

1. Macy’s Firework Celebration – New York, New York

40,000 shells at a rate of 1,200 explosions per minute is a lot of sparkle that is a kaleidoscope you must see to appreciate.  Take a gander at some of the photos and see if you can wrap your head around the cacophony of colors crackling in the summer sky of New York City.  Save this piece of endless summer memory for your scrapbook and experience the ultimate July 4th fireworks bonanza, and try to attend Macy’s Fireworks show and parade on the Hudson River.

This global event is complete with NBC coverage, featuring international performers and the ultimate in fireworks. Besides, it’s New York, and everybody needs a good excuse to get away to the Big Apple. If you are looking for a crowd then New York is the place to be–fireworks or not.  The show sets the Manhattan skyline ablaze as skyscrapers reflect and intensify the explosions overhead and the familiar smell of summer sulfur fills the night sky.

We must warn you about the patriotic themed scores that will trumpet in the background, bringing flashbacks to emotional movie moments, which has brought many to tears. You won’t catch me crying, but, if we run into each other, I will have a box of tissues ready for you.

The best views for this year will be between the 23^rd and 59^th blocks of Manhattan’s west side.  These public spots will fill up quick so get there early to snag a good patch of real estate.

New York City parking guru “Gridlock Sam” says the best viewing area will probably be south of 42nd Street along the pier by the Circle Line. Other prime West Side public viewing spots include:

Dewitt Clinton Park (Access from 11^th Avenue)

Pier 54 (Limited access from 14^th St.)

Pier 84 (Limited Access from 44^th St.)

Needing a more upscale location to enjoy the show?  There are plenty of premier venues  in up for grabs.  Try the Chandelier Room at the new W Hotel in Hoboken (New Jersey).  If you’re feeling really ambitious the 86^th Floor Observatory at the Empire State Building is selling tickets for $125 dollars per person.  And our third pick would have to be the Hudson Terrace located off the west side highway (621 West 42^nd St.) for $125 dollars you can get an all you can eat gourmet buffet and for $75 dollars more you get a private cabana for 15 to watch the show in private (ish) luxury.

Check out some of the top 10 4th of July hot spots!

1. Boston

2. Cape Cod, Marthas Vinyard, Nantucket

3. Chicago

4. Mount Rushmore

5. Philadelphia

6. Queen Mary 2 (docked in Long Beach, CA)

7. San Diego

8. San Juan Island

9. U.S. Virgin Islands

10. Washington D.C.