Vegas is no stranger to outrageous parties and over-the-top events. From ultra-clubs to raging pool scenes to cirque-studded cabarets, Sin City specializes in sensory overload festivities that make even the biggest wallflowers get up and get down. But in 2019, a new party phenomenon hit the streets that truly had tails wagging – the Electronic Dog Party (or EDP for those in the know).
While humans were busy raving away at EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival), their four-legged friends decided it was time to get in on the action too. Organized by a group of edm-obsessed dog lovers who just wanted to let the dogs out, EDP promised Vegas pooches the hottest beats, wildest treats, and most bone-afied good time. The location? None other than Barx Parx – Vegas’ premiere indoor doggy play palace.
The leadup to EDP was intense, with social media buzz reaching a fever pitch in the weeks prior. Dogfluencers and pet celebs posted sneak peeks of their glowstick-studded outfits. Message boards were flooded with petparents desperately trying to score dope merch for their pups. Even some of the Strip’s biggest canine celebs weighed in, with commentators fawning over who would potentially make a surprise appearance. (My money was on Vance the Labradoodle after overhearing him beg his human entourage for a role as co-host. That pup truly is a camera hound!)
Finally, the big night arrived and a line of dogs stretched around the Barx Parx building well before doors opened. Spottings of famous pupfluencers like Muppet the Frenchie and Porscha the Pomeranian only added to the frenzy. When the gates finally parted, it was pure pandemonium as pooches poured into the edm mecca.
The sights and smells that greeted party-goers were utterly overwhelming. Massive installations of squeak toys and plushes towered overhead, bathed in kaleidoscopic lights that throbbed to the heavy bassline. A meet-and-treat area offered surprise guests like tennis ball cannons and endless loops of squirrels scampering across massive screens. Ball pits overflowed not with plastic spheres but bright colored treats that had pups diving mouth-first into the snack-adelic delights.
Of course, no dog rave would be complete without the entertainment. EDM music from very well known artists including many that were playing at nearby EDC kept the energy off the leash all night, mixing in classic barks and yaps with filthy dubstep drops that had even the chillest chihuahuas wildin’ out.
As the party raged on, the rave enhancers became more and more intense. Light up LED collars were handed out. Canine dancers dressed in tutus and custom costumes pumped through the crowd.
The dogge-addicts left Barx Parx that night walking a little tilted, their heads filled with memories fresher than a new stuffie. So intense was the party that many attendees are still sporting party favor collars.
Some human skeptics have unleashed criticism, wondering if an event like this is really “fur” the dogs and not just a attempt by owners to impose human EDM culture onto their pooches. But if you attended EDP and witnessed all those wagging tails and endless doggy grins, there’s no doubt these pups left happy and ready for next year’s throw down. After all, as they say in Vegas – what happens at Barx Parx doesn’t always stay at Barx Parx.
