By Rachel Gasparini
Paradiso Festival is hailed as the largest EDM event of the Pacific Northwest, situated at one of the world’s most beautiful and remote venues – The Gorge Ampitheatre. This killer three-stage event is run by USC Events and just keeps getting better and better. Just like the festival’s mantra proclaims, this special event really is where “Where Digital Meets Nature.”
Although Paradiso is well-known within the EDM community, the festival is only six years old. In a mere six years, Paradiso has created a kickass reputation for itself and always manages to bring in big name artists such as Kaskade, Skrillex, Above and Beyond, Bassnectar, Seven Lions, Marshmello and more.
Aside from the fact that it’s situated in a hallmark venue, the festival organizers always create a seamless, safe experience. USC Events make improvements and additions each year to make the Paradiso experience that much better! This highlight reel is going to make you want to plan your trip for Paradiso 2018.
2012 – Over 19,000 attendees and the largest EDM event to date at the Gorge Ampitheatre. The festival started as a one-day event and featured camping right next to the venue. Headliners: Above & Beyond, Afrojack, Knife Party, Excision, Avicii
2013 – The festival expands to two days and becomes the first ever two-day EDM event at the Gorge Ampitheatre.
Headliners: Tiesto, Kaskade, Porter Robinson, Eric Prydz
2014 – Paradiso sells out. The festival amps up the production of the two smaller stages and features artists like Seven Lions. Conscious Crew is introduced as a safe resource to help festival-goers in medical need by offering water and assistance.
Headliners: Bassnectar, Above & Beyond, Zedd, Krewella
2015 – USC continues to add art installations, performers and activities to the festival experience. The Gorge experiences a heat wave this year, but continues to stress hydration and shade with ‘The Message’ campaign and Conscious Crew members.
Headliners: Martin Garrix, Knife Party, Alesso, Skrillex
2016 – Paradiso starts getting so popular that USC Events adds a one-day EDM festival called Magnifique in September to satisfy the Pacific Northwest demand for EDM at the Gorge. Headliners: Bassnectar, The Chainsmokers, Hardwell, Dillon Francis
2017 – The inaugural Paradiso Livestream goes public with 18 sets from Day 2. USC adds campsite activities such as acroyoga, kandi and totem making and free face and hair accessories to get ready before the festival.
Headliners: Porter Robinson, Marshmello, Tiesto, Zeds Dead
With this progression, 2018 is bound to be another one for the books.
This event is successful for a trifecta of reasons: a world-renowned venue, a mind-boggling diverse lineup and an event company that doesn’t take on too much! The event has three stages and doesn’t overpack the space. About 25,000 to 30,000 attendees travel to the Gorge for Paradiso each year. USC Events runs Paradiso like a well-oiled machine because the logistics are manageable – therefore leaving more resources to focus on atmosphere, safety and good vibes.
Honestly, this festival is a hidden gem. It’s less than a mega-festival like EDC Las Vegas, but much more than a one-day event. As a festival organizer and a festival attendee, the size and scope of Paradiso Festival creates a prime experience.
See you at Paradiso 2018!
Comments are closed.