NDMF organizers keep the local flavor and are ready for triple digit temps

The stages are set for El Paso’s 8th annual Neon Desert Music Festival.

With tens of thousands expected to attend, organizers say they are making it better than ever.

“When you do something big for the city, something that is supposed to be part of the city, you have to include the city,” said Neon Desert spokesman Kevin Hayden.

Hayden said aside from the 40 acts that include international and Grammy nominated acts throughout the two-day event, there will be a lot of local flavor representing the city.

“We need to include local artists, from music artists to visual artists, local food,” Hayden said.

The festival will be featuring local food from Tacos Chinampa, Crave Burgers and Nona’s Pizza among others.

There will also be work from an eclectic group of live local visual artists participating in this year’s event.

Attendees can expect to see artwork from Jellyfish Colectivo, which hails from Ciudad Juarez, Christin Apodaca, and JAM from El Paso’s own art gallery Dream Chasers Club.

But music lovers beware, the temperature is expected to hit triple digits on Saturday and Sunday.

Organizers said they are prepared.

“We’re putting out the message to drink water and actually have water available on site too,” Hayden said.

NDMF will be partnering with Event Water Solutions and adding filling stations with an unlimited amount of free water.

EWS connects to existing water sources like fire hydrants and triple filters and UV treats it to provide clean cold water.

Organizers also say security is a top priority for those attending.

“We have ample security with El Paso police and hired on security as well, so we do what we can to facilitate a good clean and smooth event while people can have fun but also be in a safe environment,” Hayden said.

Gates for the festival open Saturday at 3 p.m. Click here for more information on the event.

Video courtesy of NDMF