For the last Monday of 2013, we closed out the year with an absolute bang. On December 30th, we all met at the
State Farm Arena for the third annual Winter Fantasy. We had such a blast listening to the sets of deadmau5 (unhooked) Adventure Club, Showtek, Le Castle Vania and Nom De Strip even in the cold and rain. Now that we’re all dry, here are the official photos from the holiday event!

Click over to our photo galleries to refresh your memories of Winter Fantasy. If you’re feeling social, share the photo albums with your friends who didn’t attend so they can see what they missed for themselves. Be sure to tag yourself and everyone you know in our Facebook gallery.

Thanks to everyone who came and made this Winter Fantasy such an amazing experience. We’ll see you next you next year!

Winter Fantasy Photo Albums

• Winter Fantasy 2013 Photos by Rebecca Britt

Well, that last Monday of 2013 was certainly one for the books. Though Winter Fantasy has come and gone, Disco Donnie Presents, Global Groove, and Sugar Society would like to give a HUGE thank you to those of you that stuck it out in the cold rain with us to close out the year right. Deadmau5’s headlining performance set the place on fire – and we mean that quite literally.

No matter what kind of festival or event we produce, it won’t mean anything unless the music lovers to fill our dance floor. THANK YOU AGAIN RGV for all of your support! We couldn’t do it without you.

We’ll see you next year!

After months of countdowns and waiting, Hidalgo’s Winter Fantasy is finally here. Head on down to the State Farm Arena where the gates are open, the bass is booming and the acts are ready to perform. We’ve got tons of surprises for you so put your dancing shoes down and meet us on the dance floor.

If you haven’t bought your tickets to the festival yet, don’t worry. On-site ticket sales will be available at check in. Please beware of frauds and scalpers, buy your tickets from official outlets only!

We’re starting to get antsy now that Winter Fantasy is almost upon us and if you haven’t bought your ticket yet, some general admission might be available at check-in — but we highly recommend you purchase your tickets ahead of time.

Avoid frauds and scalpers, we’d hate for you to miss out on the excitement because of an invalid ticket. This event will take place rain or shine so dress to dance, come what may. That being said, we have a few other guidelines and reminders to make sure you have the best holiday experience at the third annual Winter Fantasy.

Zero Tolerance For Drug Use Or Possession

The use or possession of any illegal drugs or substances will not be tolerated — either inside or outside the venue. If you are found inebriated at the entrance, security will not allow you to enter the festival.
 Event staff reserves the right of admittance refusal.

Please bring a big smile and be prepared to enjoy the full Winter Fantasy experience — the people, music and dancing.

Security and Entry

Everyone will be searched upon entrance to the venue. You will need to empty your pockets and have all items examined. We reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone.

Bars for 21+

For patrons who are 21 and older, a selection of mixed drinks and cold beer will be served at the bars located throughout the Winter Fantasy grounds.

Food

An assorted menu will be available for purchase in the vendor village and at various stations around the venue.

Guidelines

• NO Re-entry/Ins & Outs
• NO Refunds or Exchanges
• NO Sitting on Designated Dance Floor Areas
• NO Moshing, Crowd Surfing or Stage Diving
• NO Unauthorized/Unlicensed Vendors Allowed
• NO Unauthorized Solicitations, Handbills, Sampling, Give-Aways, etc.

Prohibited Items

• NO Illegal Substances
• NO Drugs or Drug Paraphernalia
• NO Pets
• NO Massagers
• NO LED Gloves
• NO Orbs
• NO Glowsticks or Batons
• NO Laser Pointers
• NO Pacifiers or Dust Masks
• NO Glass, Cans, Cups or Coolers
• NO Markers, Pens or Spray Paint
• NO Large Chains or Spiked Jewelry
• NO Stickers, Flyers, Banners or Posters
• NO Balloons, Balls, Inflatable Balls or Frisbees
• NO Tents, Umbrellas, Chairs or Blankets
• NO Backpacks Over 10″x10″
• NO Camelbaks or Bota Bags
• NO Large Purses or Bags (Anything Over 10″ x 10″)
• NO Stuffed Animals or Dolls (Including Plush Backpacks)
• NO Open Packs of Cigarettes or Unsealed Tampons (Upon Entry)
• NO Outside Food or Beverages (Including Alcohol and Candy)
• NO Weapons of any Kind (Includes Pocket Knives, Pepper Spray, Fireworks, etc.)
• NO Professional Recording Equipment — Photo, Video, or Audio (No Detachable Lenses, Tripods, Big Zooms or Commercial Use Rigs)
• NO Video Cameras, including GoPros
• NO flags or totems which contain metal pieces, sharpened elements, or are capable of being pounded into the ground or hurting others. Totems without these pieces and deemed safe at entry will be allowed.

Acceptable Items

• OK Small Bags, Single Compartment Backpacks and Purses (maximum 10″ x 10″)
• OK Fanny Packs
• OK Non-Professional Flash/Still Cameras
• OK Ponchos
• OK Cell Phones
• OK Sunglasses
• OK Hats
• OK Lighters
• OK Closed Packs of Cigarettes
• OK Sealed/Wrapped Tampons
• OK Earplugs
• OK Sealed Chapstick and Lipgloss
• OK Glowing/Illuminated Costumes or Jewelry
• OK Hula Hoops
• OK Sealed Packs of Gum

Please Bring

• Your Ticket
• Your Photo ID
• Smiles
• Comfortable Clothing and Shoes
• Good Vibes

Don’t get lost on your way to Winter Fantasy. Make sure you get directions catering to your exact starting location to the State Farm Arena‘s address at 2600 N 10th St, Hidalgo, TX 78557.

The State Farm Arena will have FREE parking. Multiple parking lots surrounding the venue will be available to you so street parking is not recommended. Please be green and carpool with your friends. We’ll see you soon!

Directions from the East

• Take Expressway 83 West towards McAllen, TX to 10th Street (Hwy 336).
• Go left on 10th Street heading towards Hidalgo, TX.
• Arena is approximately one half mile within Hidalgo, TX city limits on the right hand side.

Directions from the West

• Take Expressway 83 East towards McAllen, TX to 10th Street (Hwy 336).
• Go right on 10th Street heading towards Hidalgo, TX.
• Arena is approximately one half mile within Hidalgo, TX city limits on the right hand side.

Directions from the North

• Follow 281 South to Expressway 83.
• Take Expressway 83 West towards McAllen, TX to 10th Street (Hwy 336).
• Go left on 10th Street heading towards Hidalgo, TX.
• Arena is approximately one half mile within Hidalgo, TX city limits on the right hand side.

Directions from the South

• Take the Hidalgo International Bridge into Hidalgo, TX.
• Follow 23rd Street (Hwy 115) North approximately 2 miles.
• Arena is on the right hand side.

In just a few days on Monday, December 30th, we will experience another year of Winter Fantasy and in preparation of the upcoming event, we have a few ticket reminders to make sure you have a fun and carefree experience.

If you haven’t bought your tickets to the festival yet, don’t fret! General admission tickets can be purchased online through the day of the event.

Eventbrite Mobile App

For all of you who have smartphones, take advantage of the Eventbrite App on both iOS and Android devices. Skip the hassle of printing and dragging your ticket around, just pull up your tickets on your phone to check into the event.

Ticket Warning

Do not buy tickets from scalpers. Beware of frauds. Assure your admission into the event by buying your ticket from an authorized ticket outlet. Authorized ticket outlets include the WinterFantasyRGV.com website, Eventbrite.com website, and official Winter Fantasy street team members.

Winter Fantasy will take place rain or shine. All acts advertised have confirmed their appearance, however acts are subject to change without notice. Guard your tickets carefully, just like cash!

The 2013 edition of Hidalgo’s Winter Fantasy is right around the corner and we are about to have the time of our lives! But before we get down to the sounds of deadmau5 (unhooked) closing out our main stage, we’ve got some helpful tips and information to make sure you and your friends stay safe and responsible at this year’s holiday event.

Stay Hydrated

There will be a lot of dancing come Monday, December 30th and sometimes people will get sick from overheating and dehydration. We encourage you to drink lots of water, but remember drinking too much water can be dangerous!

Accidents surrounding music events have been associated with low levels of electrolytes that are lost along with water when one becomes dehydrated. Such low levels of electrolytes, especially salt, can lead to brain swelling, seizures, heart problems and even death.

So be sure to alternate between water and sports drinks that will naturally be provided for you. Gatorade will be made available upon request at information and medical booths located throughout the festival grounds.

Festival and Holiday Costumes Encouraged

We will have world renowned acts pumping great music all night, so be sure to wear something comfortable, lightweight and easy to dance in. Dark colors absorb heat rays, so avoid wearing all dark clothes. You should also steer away from heavy fabrics and faux furs, always remembering that comfortable tennis shoes are the best option on the dance floor.

Find Your Buddy

Winter Fantasy is set to draw in thousands of amazing people from the Rio Grande Valley area so it could be really easy to get separated from your group. Always keep track of where your friends are by setting up meeting points and sticking together.

Look out for one another. If you and your friends have been sweating, grab some water for the group to replenish nutrients lost – you can’t live off dancing alone. We will have personnel stationed around the festival, so be sure to ask for help if you or one of your friends needs it.

Is There a Doctor in the House?

Medical personnel will not only be readily accessible but ready to assist you at any time in the medical tent. From Band-Aids to aspirin, assistance is available to you should you need anything at all. Gatorade will also be made available upon request.

If you are feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately. Your health and safety is more important than waiting for the drop.

There are plenty of ways to stay safe at Winter Fantasy this year, so don’t miss out on your chance to go. Tickets are still available, buy your tickets today!

There is so much that awaits you at Winter Fantasy whether you’ve been naughty or nice. Set to take over the State Farm Arena (outdoors) on Monday, December 30th, get ready to groove in a winter wonderland with some of the best names in dance music today. Still don’t have your tickets? No worries! General admission ticket sales will continue through the day of event online!

Okay, enough of the boring stuff, let’s get down to business. We can finally release the artist schedule for the anticipated event. Make sure you don’t miss any of your favorite performers and plan out your night in advance. We’ll see you on the dance floor soon!

Winter Fantasy Headliners

• 12:30 AM – 02:00 AM deadmau5 (unhooked)
• 11:30 PM – 12:30 AM Showtek
• 10:30 PM – 11:30 PM Adventure Club
• 09:30 PM – 10:30 PM Le Castle Vania
• 08:30 PM – 09:30 PM Nom De Strip

Local Support

• 08:00 PM – 08:30 PM Danny Desmadre & Skootr Valdez
• 07:30 PM – 08:00 PM Kyzer & Ruben Divine
• 07:00 PM – 07:30 PM JonWayne Eaden & Tayrie
• 06:30 PM – 07:00 PM Impact & Hubba-Bubba
• 06:00 PM – 06:30 PM Frankie Gusto & Broseph

We’re just a little over a week away from the return of Winter Fantasy featuring deadmau5 (unhooked). We don’t know about you, but the excitement is starting to get to us. Only general admission tickets remain, so grab your tickets today before the event on Monday, December 30th.

Today, we have a special edition of Winter Fantasy’s Weekend Warriors as we countdown the final days until the holiday event. There is tons of free music on the internet – even when we don’t count all the illegal downloads. So instead of searching for mixes to soundtrack your weekend, we found a ton of free (and legal) downloads from our amazing lineup.

Showtek, Justin Prime – Cannonball (Rage Mix)

The festival-ready track will definitely make you want to RAGE!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/73592802″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Adventure Club – Wait

Once we heard the vocal sample from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ song “Maps,” we instantly fell in love.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/47970784″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Adventure Club – Rise and Fall Featuring Krewella

The juxtaposition of soft vocals and strings with a dirty grime was really all we needed.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/48206687″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Vitalic – Stamina (Le Castle Vania Remix)

The build in this song is the money maker. The melodic pianos into the nasty drop make this one a head banger for sure.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/64340005″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Le Castle Vania – Play Loud

The instructions for this song are in the title.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/54592799″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Nom De Strip & Hot Mouth – Wear The Trousers

If you’re in a need of an afternoon pick me up, look no further. There are funky, feel good vibes just pouring from this freebie.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/57037530″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The third annual Winter Fantasy is right around the corner bringing world renowned talent to the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, TX on Monday, December 30th. Tickets for this year’s winter wonderland featuring deadmau5 (unhooked) are available online, buy your tickets today!

For today’s Winter Fantasy Drop, we’ve got Showtek launching a new label and Nom De Strip giving the world some new music.

Showtek ready the launch of Skint Records

Showtek have had an amazing 2013. Their latest single “Booyah” with We Are Loud and Sonny Wilson, has been a worldwide success climbing up the charts in the UK and South Africa; and the boys followed up with an Essential Mix back in November. But the Dutch duo are not the ones to rest on their laurels.

Closing out the year with a bang, the brothers have announced the launch of their next project Skink Records. Drawing its name from a species of lizard, the imprint will be just like its reptilian inspiration. With its elusive and hard-to-pin-down nature, the skink is a survivor, making it the perfect mascot for Showtek’s continuing musical evolution. The Dutch producers will officially launch the label to the world with their forthcoming single “We Like To Party” out on December 30th.

You can expect plenty more music from Showtek and a selection of other artists in the new year.

Nom De Strip releases ‘I Can’t Believe’

With the dust not even settled from his latest collaboration with Congorock in “Minerals,” the ever eclectic Nom De Strip returns to Chris Lake’s Rising Music for the first time since summer anthem “Devil’s BBQ” alongside Nezza.

First premiered back in September when Chris Lake and TJR took over Diplo and Friends on BBC 1Xtra, “I Can’t Believe” is another stellar track to add to Nom’s discography. Packing in the energy, “I Can’t Believe” is a dance floor ready electro house tune. Equipped with intense high pitched synths, the gritty, ominous vocals guide you throughout track. With a bass line that just won’t quit, “I Cant Believe” just solidifies Nom’s reputation as a genre-blending artist and will fit into any high-energy set.

Grab the release today – we’re sure you’ll hear this track when Nom De Strip heads to Hidalgo for Winter Fantasy.

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