Mad Decent Block Party

I was lucky enough to be in the front of the line, so security didn’t get the memo to take people’s shoes off until after I had gone through. They had police dogs sniffing people out for drugs, too. Mad Decent itself was enjoyable and not too crowded! Eventually more people started packing in the place, but there was generally a lot more space than usual. Also, the music was loud and the area wasn’t too sunny, so you could still enjoy the experience without being up against the stage. There was a free water-​fill station, plenty of food trucks onsite alcohol if you’re 21+, and decent porta-​potties.
My only problems were that the DJs seemed to play a lot of the same songs, but I loved getting to hear Netsky for the first time. Riff Raff and CL were amazing, and Diplo was really fun onstage. Like any sort of rave-​type setting, things can get pretty crazy. Watch out for anyone super drunk or obviously tripping on drugs.
If you ever come to Mad Decent in LA (or any similar event) keep in mind that the parking lots (not inside a structure) are about $ 10-​$ 15, and that they sometimes pack more cars in than there should be. My boyfriend and I had to wait for another person to pull out their car, because the parking lot attendants had other people park behind us. They can block your car in if they feel like it, so be wary if you think you might have to leave early.

Security here is super strict!
This is the first time I’d ever seen them using dogs to sniff people for drugs. As you make your way through the security check, the lines split up for guys and girls. Girls… be prepared to be groped.
The security lady who was handling the line I was in, straight groped my boobs and patted down my butt and right above my crotch and didn’t even buy me a drink first!
Once inside, there are 2 areas for 21+ to get drinks, however, you have to stay in this (fenced off) area and finish your drinks before you can leave. You’ll be able to hear the music but you won’t be able to see the stage, so that kind of sucks.
They also had a few food trucks in case you get the munchies… I happened to pay the grilled cheese truck a visit.
Despite the nasty heat wave we’ve been experiencing in LA this summer, I’m happy to say that the stage area in nice a shaded due to all the tall buildings in downtown. Still… it can get pretty hot with all the bodies. Luckily, they had a giant mister near the back of the stage area that you can run to for a bit of an escape. Security is posted EVERYWHERE inside.
Overall, I had lots of fun (went on Sunday Sept 20) and felt like this was a much more laid-back.chill event compared to some of the bigger ones. The space is small, but so is the crowd. If they have a decent lineup next year, I’ll definitely return.