This past weekend, over 50,000 fans descended upon New York City's Randall's Island as over 67 DJ's, producers and live acts banded together for the second annual Electric Zoo festival.
The 12-hour, two-day festival showcased an eclectic mix of some of the world's best electronic dance music, house, trance, techno, dub-step and more. Across 26 acres with four different stages, indie music mavens, cat suit-clad ravers, Shore-like fist pumpers, true House lovers and festival first-timers grooved as one.
If one thing was made clear, it's that the thousands of devotees came there to dance and for twelve hours each day, dance they did. Despite discussion over the events safety and organization, the "dance 'till your dead" vibe at Electric Zoo was contagious.
"Electric Zoo is all about sharing your passion for dance music," one fan exclaimed. "There's something incredible about being surrounded by like-minded individuals who love the music just as much as you do."
Such energy and excitement was felt throughout the two-day festival as fans tormented over making the perfect schedule. For example, Armin Van Buuren, Bassnectar and Steve Aoki all played at the same time on Sunday evening, making it almost impossible to experience all three sets. Yet determined followers mapped it out to the minute and charged from stage to stage if only to catch each performer live just for a moment.
The main stage hosted big names like Dirty South, Benny Benassi, Moby, Armin Van Buuren and the Chemical Brothers. On Saturday, ATB (above) was the first headliner to woo fans with his smooth, European mix of "Ecstasy" and "Dancing on My Own."
Graffiti artist turned DJ Laidback Luke brought the audience to a roar with hits like Wynter Gordon's "Dirty Talk" and Temper Trap's "Sweet Disposition."
Crazed fans charged the stage to hear Boyz Noize's explosive set. The German producer played an aggressive mix of rising, repetitive drum beats, reminiscent of 1980's raves.
The Hilltop Arena featured progressive house stars like Markus Schulz, Sander Van Doorn, Avicii, Above & Beyond, Wolfgang Carter (above) and Chris Lake.
23-year-old Afrojack kept the crowd jumping for over an hour with his unique blend of chart topping hits like "Louder than Words," mixed with clean upbeat rhythms like "Bounce Little Kitty" and instrumental favorites like "Zeggie."
Steve Aoki stomped on the stage and sprayed champagne on his loyal fans. His dynamic set mixed rock, pop and electronic sounds.
The handsome Kaskade performed a beautiful, melodic set to a busting-at-the-seams tent. His signature balloons soared through the crowd as he played a soulful version of "Angel on My Shoulders" and Madonna's "Like A Prayer."
The Red Bull Music Academy tent offered a more hardcore vibe with acts like Diplo, A-Trak (above), Aeroplane, The Glitch Mob, Joachim Garraud and Rusko.
Mysterious, hair-covered Bassnectar played the loudest set of the weekend. Despite performing up against Armin Van Buuren and Steve Aoki, Bassnectar drew a massive crowd, anxious to experience his dark, brute sound.
Impressive lighting and LED screens cast a glow across the park during Armin Van Buuren's performance. The world's #1 DJ included bits from his new album "Mirage" as fans screamed in a cult-like manner.
The two-day dance party came to a close with this year's electronic dance music anthem, Swedish House Mafia's "One."