Electronic dance music, or EDM, has been a nightclub staple for decades. The steady rhythm of music and beats is guaranteed to get anybody on the dance floor. Check out this list of the best EDM bars or clubs in DC and see just what the fuss is all about.
Kabin
1337 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 810-2770
www.kabindc.com
Get your party started at Kabin, a 3,200-square-foot party mecca for EDM fans. With inspiration from the Alpine culture, this full-service bar features lush and modern-day cabin accents, a state-of-the-art sound system and an extensive liquor bar. Reserve a VIP table and enjoy sophisticated bottle service. Specials at the nightclub include Steal the Scene Wednesdays, which features drink discounts for those who work in the hospitality industry, and Circus Chalet Fridays, which features circus acts, dancers and local performers plus one hour open bar from 10 to 11 p.m., 21 and up only. Admission is free.
Echostage
2135 Queens Chapel Road N.E.
Washington, DC 20018
(202) 503-2330
www.echostage.com
Fans of EDM music flock to Echostage, a high-quality nightlife concert venue with over 30,000 square feet of space to get your dance on. Hear the difference a cutting-edge, German-imported sound system makes as you jam out to the latest EDM artists. Previous guests to the club include Calvin Harris, Avicii, Hardwell and Armin van Buuren. The full-service venue features two 60-foot bars on both sides of the dance floor, an LED screen wall as well as 30 VIP mezzanines, which provide bottle service. In addition to well-known EDM acts, Echostage features local artists and musicians as well. Entry is allowed for 18 and up. Tickets are required for entry.
Flash
645 Florida Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 827-8791
www.flashdc.com
For an intimate EDM experience, head over to Flash where you will find a smaller setting that packs plenty of studio-quality music. Head upstairs to the Club Level and enjoy an acoustically treated soundstage with mood lighting, a dance floor and wall-to-wall bench seating. Or check out the Flash Bar on the ground level where you will find another dance floor with a DJ booth. Both floors feature a fully-stocked bar. Table service is also available. Open Friday and Saturday nights, the venue features a variety of national and international artists. Flash is 21 and up only and tickets are required for entry.
Heist
1802 Jefferson Place N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 450-2126
www.heistdc.com
If you prefer glitz and glamour, check out Heist, DC’s newest opulent nightclub. Decked out with gold-plated urinals, Swarovski crystals and a blinged-out VIP alcove, this full-service hip lounge caters to a very selective crowd. Grab a drink at one of two fully-stocked bars or bust a move on the dance floor. The design of Heist can be stated as eclectic as the nightclub features custom wall panels, mirrored floor and ceiling designs and a 24-karat gold buffalo skull. Featured events at Heist include well-known local and national DJs. There’s no cover charge but Heist is only 21 and up.
U Street Music Hall
1115 U St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 588-1889
www.ustreetmusichall.com
Owned and operated by DJs Will Eastman and Jesse Tittsworth, the U Street Music Hall features a simple layout and design that fans of EDM music will enjoy. The 500-capacity room features a cork-cushioned dance floor, two full-service bars and an awesome sound system. U Street Music Hall is well known for booking artists right before they make it big as well as supporting the DC music scene through its U Street Music Foundation, which provides music education programs and events for DC youth. Previous guests at the venue include Mutrix and Skrillex. Tickets are required. See event details for age restriction information.
Susan Diranian is a freelance writer living in Ashburn, VA. She is covering Travel & Outdoors. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
