Dozens Of Moonrise Festival Attendees Hospitalized Saturday

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Despite some big names taking the stage, Moonrise Festival got off to an inauspicious start at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday as dozens of people were hospitalized, authorities confirmed.

Paramedics took a total of 27 people to the hospital, many of them needing treatment for dehydration, Baltimore City Fire Department spokesperson Sam Johnson told WJZ.

In light of the medical woes, organizers posted an emergency statement on the festival's website reminding people to drink plenty of water and vowing to ramp up staffing levels to make sure there's a safe environment at the venue. Empty water bottles and pouches, which are allowed, can be filled on site.

City health officials demurred when asked about the potential for club drug overdoses. At least 24 people were treated for drug overdoses at a music festival in Ohio on Saturday.

Moonrise has brought together some of the biggest names in electronic dance music, including Flux Pavilion, and hip hop, like Tyler The Creator. Performances are between 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.