Electric Zoo is returning to New York once again this Labor Day weekend. After last year’s two unfortunate attendee deaths, the City of New York shut down the festival’s final day, prompting both condolences for the loved ones of those who passed, and a re-examination of drug misuse at dance music events.
According to The Wall Street Journal, promoters are increasing security measures at the festival, including the introduction of undercover officers, additional canine units at entrances, amnesty bins, thorough pat-downs, and a new wristband activation requirement: watching an anti-drug PSA online delivered by EDM stars. Rumor has it that Electric Zoo will also provide cost-free electrolytes (and water) to festival-goers as well.
The new security measures are being funded by entertainment conglomerate SFX Entertainment, which acquired Made Events, EZoo’s previous promotions company, this past fall.
Last year’s tragedies sparked a worldwide discussion on drug abuse in the EDM scene, and new EZoo social media campaigns will emphasize safety regarding drug use. Hopefully this year’s festival will be tragedy-free.
But as always, it’s the magic of the music and the energy of the community that draws us to these events. Electric Zoo has brought the best electronic artists to NYC’s beautiful Randall’s Island Park year after year, and this year we should expect nothing less.
You can sign up now for the presale next week (April 29) to buy tickets to EZoo this Labor Day Weekend (August 29-31), and check out the official trailer above.
