Save the “rave” for another fest
“No furry boots. No pacifiers. Some kandi is OK, but anything overboard will be turned away. Please use your judgment – this is a festival, not a rave” was how the promoters worded it on the inaugural event’s website, causing a rumble across the EDM community. Adding LED lights, totems, pacifiers and pasties to the list of discouraged items, it was more than clear that CRSSD was positioning itself as the dance music festival for adults.
San Diego is SoCal at its finest
CRSSD’s location in the heart of downtown San Diego provides ample opportunity to take in the city’s immense charms and myriad destinations, including the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Packed with restaurants, boutiques, nightclubs and bars, fans have plenty of attractions to choose from when not grooving to the festival sounds.
Festival with a view
Set in San Diego’s scenic 12-acre Waterfront Park, CRSSD makes the most of its idyllic Southern California locale. Nestled between the sparkling bay and the city’s striking skyline, CRSSD exudes a calm and relaxed nature rarely found at such large-scale music events. With ample areas of shade and abundant grassy knolls among the three stages (Palms, City Steps and Ocean View Live), finding a place to chill out and reenergize between sets is hardly a problem. The space also holds two ankle-deep fountain pools in which to cool off under the hot San Diego sun.
24-hour party people welcome
CRSSD inspires a host of after-parties and satellite events in and around the city, many of which are sanctioned by the event promoters. After catching the likes of James Murphy and Chromeo at the first spring festival, hardcore fans were able to get up close and personal with them in much more intimate club confines at official after-parties. From raucous boat parties to underground soirees, those with the stamina and fortitude can make CRSSD virtually an around-the-clock experience.
Eat like a local
CRSSD brings much San Diego flavor to its onsite amenities, tapping some city favorites to provide food and drinks to festival fans. Bang Bang (sushi and Japanese fare), El Camino (Mexican), Sol Cal Café (vegan) and Juice Saves are just some of the native vendors who served at the event’s first year.
Cheers to that
The 21-and-over restriction allows for alcohol to be served and consumed throughout the grounds, as opposed to being confined to beer gardens like the ones found at all-ages events.