8 road-trip-worthy NYE festivals to dance away 2017

This year sure has been something, hasn’t it?

Whether you’re trying to celebrate or forget all that 2017 has brought upon the world, here’s a rundown of some of the best road-trip-worthy (okay, maybe flight-worthy) dance music festivals happening around the country.

And cheers to new beginnings in 2018!

1. Decadence: City Beyond Tomorrow – Denver, Colo.

decadence-nye-atmosphere

Dec. 30-31; Denver Convention Center; 18+
Decadence has quickly grown into one of the most sought after NYE events in the country. Featuring two massive arena-style stages, performers include Armin Van Buuren, Bassnectar, Big Gigantic, Diplo, Galantis, Gramatik, Justice, Odesza, Porter Robinson, Rufus Du Sol, Zedd, and more. Two-day and single-day Decadence tickets are available here.

Also check out sister events Decadence Arizona on Dec. 30 and 31 and Decadence Utah on Dec. 31.

2. Lights All Night – Dallas, Tex.

lights all night 2013 lasers

Dec. 29-30; Dallas Market Hall; 18+
Lights All Night is by far the largest gathering of dance music fans in the southern US. The lineup for the ninth annual event includes Bassnectar, Marshmello, Porter Robinson, Illenium, NGHTMRE, Seven Lions, and more. Two-day and single-day Lights All Night tickets are available here.

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3. Snowta NYE – Minneapolis, Minn.

Dec. 30-31; Minneapolis Convention Center; 18+
Snowta NYE is back and bigger than ever for its second year in Minneapolis. The lineup features Excision, Pretty Lights, Gucci Mane, Post Malone, Ganja White Night, Bear Grillz, Joyryde, Liquid Stranger, Mija, Prof, Ookay, and more. In addition, attendees will enjoy arcade games, alien laser tag, human bowling, a skate park demo area, snowboard rail jam, ice sculptures, and more. Snowta NYE tickets are available here.

4. Snowglobe – South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

snowglobe-2015-fireworks

Dec. 29-31; Lake Tahoe Community College; All Ages
The lone three-day festival of the bunch, Snowglobe is especially unique because it’s an outdoor festival. While there are some heated areas, most of the festival stages are uncovered, with nighttime temperatures dipping into the teens. So don’t forget to bundle up as you head out to dance among the snowy mountains and ski lifts while Dillon Francis, Porter Robinson, Zedd, Tycho, Madeon, Alison Wonderland, Khalid, Travis Scott, Snakehips, Gryffin, Troyboi, San Holo, Lane 8, Jai Wolf, and many more provide the soundtrack. Snowglobe tickets are available here.

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5. Resolution – Seattle, Wash.

resolution-nye-seattle-atmosphere

Dec. 31; WaMu Theater; 18+
We think everyone’s New Year’s resolution should be to worry less and dance more. And this year you can get a head start on that goal at the Northwest’s biggest New Year’s party. Produced by USC Events (who brings you Paradiso festival each June), Resolution NYE will feature music by Alesso, Duke Dumont, Feed Me, Ferry Corsten, Gorgon City, Madeon, Nero, NGHTMRE, Crizzly, Destructo, Figure, Ghastly, and more. Resolution tickets are available here.

6. OMFG! – San Diego, Calif.

omfg-nye-2015-atmosphere

Dec. 30-31; Valleyview Casino Center; 18+ 
We all lose track of time sometimes, especially when a casino is involved. An evening on the dance floor after hours at the blackjack tables will surely have you yelling “OMFG! It’s 2018?!” when the clock strikes midnight. Performers for LED’s annual event include Zedd, Tiesto, Dillon Francis, Illenium, NGHTMRE, Kayzo, Ghastly, Mr. Carmack, San Holo, and more. OMFG! tickets are available here.

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7. Insomniac Countdown – San Bernadino, Calif.

countdown-nye-2015-atmosphere

Dec. 30-31; NOS Event Center; 18+
EDC producers Insomniac Events expands their Southern California year-end celebration to two days this year. Musical talent includes Porter Robinson, Deadmau5, Borgore, Dieselboy, Borgore, Datsik, Diplo, Flux Pavilion, Galantis, Ganja White Night, Zedd, Flosstradamus, Noisia, Spag Heddy, W&W, and more. And since it’s an Insomniac event, you know the production and special effects will be top notch. Countdown tickets are available here.

8. Minimal Effort NYE – Los Angeles, Calif.

minimal-effort-halloween-atmosphere

Dec. 31; LA Center Studios; 21+
Dig deeper with the NYE edition of LA’s Minimal Effort Festival. With a focus on techno and house, Minimal Effort features multiple indoor and outdoor stages with a finely curated billing of live and DJ talent from across the international dance music community. The lineup includes Justin Jay, Maya Jane Coles, DJ Tennis, Jimmy Edgar, J.Phlip, DJ Three, Ardalan, Oona Dahl, Droog, Human Resources, and more. Minimal Effort NYE tickets are available here.

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BONUS: All Day I Dream: It’s Almost 2018 – Los Angeles, Calif.

Dec. 30; Gin Ling Way; 21+
While not a massive festival, Lee Burridge’s “All Day I Dream” event series has grown to be a favorite of techno and house fans worldwide. The special year-end celebration in Los Angeles runs from 3 to 11 p.m. and features performances by Lee Burridge, Yokoo, and HOJ. Tickets for All Day I Dream: It’s All Almost 2018 are available here.

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Kent Otto

Kent is founder and editor-in-chief. He's always had a love and passion for music of all types, but didn't discover the music festival scene and community until moving to Southern California during his early post-college years. He returned to his roots in the Midwest in 2011 and has since been determined to share the magic and beauty of the music scene with as many as possible. Email kent@edmcalendar.com.