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Aims. To describe the patterns of drug use at dance (rave) events in terms of prevalence, frequency, type of drugs used, patterns of use, access and risk‐associated behaviours. Design. Self‐selecting participant‐completed survey. Setting. Three dance events in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Participants. One hundred and twenty‐two drug users (57% males, 43% females), 90% of whom were in employment or education, with an age range of 16‐47, 80% between 18 and 23 years. Measurements. Participants who answered 'yes' to the question 'Have you used drugs for dance events in the past year' reported (i) the prevalence, types and frequency of drugs used; (ii) prevalence and contents of mixing drugs; (iii) accessing drugs; and (iv) engagement with drug‐associated risk behaviours. Findings. Over 80% of the participants had used ecstasy and amphetamine, over 30% cocaine and LSD; over 10% nitrites …