The bottom line: Los Angeles’ biggest EDM festival doubles as a craft‑beer showcase, offering over 150 breweries on site and a curated bar map that makes it the top destination for music‑and‑brew lovers.
When most people think of an EDM festival in LA, they picture neon lights, massive sound systems and endless dancing. What they often miss is that the event has turned into a sprawling beer market, featuring everything from West Coast IPAs to experimental barrel‑aged stouts. In other words, if you’re planning to attend an EDM festival Los Angeles, you’ll also be walking through one of the city’s most diverse craft‑beer festivals without leaving the venue.
What is the EDM Festival Los Angeles?
The EDM Festival Los Angeles is an annual, three‑day celebration of electronic dance music held at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena and surrounding outdoor stages. It draws headliners like Calvin Harris, Alison Wonderland, and RL Grime, while also hosting a lineup of emerging local DJs. The festival’s production is known for its immersive light shows, giant LED screens, and interactive art installations that turn the venue into a multisensory playground.
Beyond the music, the organizers have partnered with more than 150 local breweries, taprooms, and specialty beer vendors. These partners set up curated bars, pop‑up tasting rooms, and even a “Beer Garden” stage where DJs spin while you sip a hazy New England IPA or a crisp saison. This synergy between sound and suds is intentional: the festival aims to give attendees a full‑sensory experience that reflects Los Angeles’ reputation as a craft‑beer capital.
How the festival’s beer program is built
Every year a dedicated “Brew Liaison Team” works with the LA County Alcoholic Beverage Control to secure permits for each brewery. They then map out high‑traffic zones near main stages, ensuring that beer tents don’t obstruct sightlines or safety exits. The selection process favors breweries with a proven track record of quality, sustainability, and local relevance. As a result, you’ll find flagship taps from places like Angel City Brewery, Modern Times, and the experimental “beer lab” at 8oz Craft.
Logistically, the beer program uses RFID wristbands that double as cash‑less payment for drinks. This system speeds up queues, reduces cash handling, and lets you track how many drinks you’ve had, which is handy for staying safe during a marathon dance session.
Styles and varieties you’ll encounter
Because the festival partners with more than 150 breweries, the beer styles span the entire craft spectrum. Expect to see:
- West Coast IPAs – bright, piney, and hop‑forward, perfect for cutting through the summer heat.
- Session Ales – lower ABV options (3‑4%) that let you keep dancing without a heavy buzz.
- Sour & Fruit‑Infused Beers – tart, refreshing, and often served in a fruit‑filled glass, matching the festival’s vibrant aesthetic.
- Barrel‑Aged Stouts & Porters – rich, complex, and best savored in the evening after the last set.
- Experimental Brews – think coffee‑infused lagers, hop teas, and hybrid kombucha‑beer creations that push the boundaries of taste.
Many breweries also offer exclusive festival‑only releases, so you can’t find those pours anywhere else in the city.
What to look for when buying a beer at the festival
With so many options, the key is to match the beer to the moment. Early in the day, when you’re still warming up, grab a light session ale or a crisp pilsner—these keep you hydrated and don’t weigh you down. As the sun sets and the energy peaks, a hoppy IPA or a juicy New England pale can amplify the experience. Finally, when the night winds down, a barrel‑aged stout or a sour can serve as a perfect cooldown.
Pay attention to the tap list’s “festival exclusive” badge; those brews are often limited‑edition collaborations between two local breweries and can become collector’s items. Also, use the festival’s official app to read tasting notes and see which bars are closest to your current stage.
Common mistakes other guides get wrong
Many articles treat the EDM Festival Los Angeles as a pure music event, completely overlooking the beer component. They either ignore the sheer number of breweries or claim that alcohol options are limited to generic beer brands. This misrepresentation leads attendees to miss out on the curated craft‑beer experience that makes the festival unique.
Another frequent error is advising festival‑goers to bring their own cooler or to rely on “free water stations” for hydration. While water is indeed provided, the festival’s RFID system actually tracks your drink purchases and can issue a complimentary refill voucher after a certain number of drinks—something most guides never mention.
Lastly, several sources mistakenly suggest that all beer is served in plastic cups. In reality, the festival uses recyclable glass tumblers for most specialty pours, with clear labeling for ABV and gluten‑free options. This focus on sustainability aligns with LA’s broader environmental initiatives and improves the tasting experience.
The decisive verdict: Which festival experience wins?
If you’re a music lover who also appreciates high‑quality craft beer, the EDM Festival Los Angeles is the clear winner. It delivers world‑class electronic acts while simultaneously offering a beer program that rivals any dedicated beer festival in the state. For those who come solely for the music, the beer scene is a bonus, but for the “drink‑and‑dance” crowd, it’s the main attraction.
Prioritize your goals: want non‑stop dancing with occasional sips? Stick to session ales and keep a water bottle handy. Want to explore LA’s brewing culture while you dance? Map out the beer garden route and sample a different brewery each night. Either way, the festival’s integrated approach ensures you won’t have to choose between beats and brews.
Ready to plan the rest of your LA night? Check out the ultimate guide to the city’s top night‑life spots and make sure your post‑festival hangout matches the vibe you just experienced.
