My first Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge was nothing short of magical. The weekend was filled with non-stop incredible music, imaginative art installations, decadently dressed characters from Alice in Wonderland, epic views of the Columbia River Gorge, and tons of new memories. Insomniac never ceases to amaze patrons with their larger-than-life stage designs, an abundance of colorfully dressed performers, and a myriad of activities both in the campground and venue. Beyond Wonderland’s attention to detail was on point all weekend, from the impressive lights and lasers on stage to the amenities in the VIP Lounges to the carnival rides. 

The Highlights

CloZee

Her Majesty, Queen of Bass pulled out the big guns for her debut performance at the Gorge. It was so exciting to see her play Fractal Valley (the Main Stage) and own it. Her set started off slowly but she quickly amped up the BPM and had the entire venue raging in the rain. I don’t think I’ve ever danced as hard as I did for CloZee that night; she casually dropped my favorite song of all time, “Majesty” – CloZee Remix by Apashe and I thought I was going to have a stroke out of sheer happiness. That song reverberated throughout the gorge and around me I could hear people exclaiming in sheer disbelief. The crowd went wild for the French producer who has been steadily climbing to the top of the music scene. Even my friends who are house heads were going nuts during her set.

CloZee played crowd favorite songs “Winter is Coming”, “Overthinker”-CloZee Remix, “Us” and new single, “Back to the Top”. I honestly felt bad for whomever had to follow her on that stage as she would be a tough act to follow. She closed with her iconic song with Griz, “Color of Your Soul” and I was on Cloud 9. 

Apashe

Hailing from Brussels, Apashe played a truly dynamic and unique set of music that I can’t really place into a genre. Known for intertwining classical and orchestral music with bass music, Apashe brought the heat in an entirely different way. All around me in the crowd I kept hearing “what the f**k?!” from others also in shock. None of us could get over how incredible Apashe is live–his studio work does not do his live act justice. Expertly blending two types of music no one has ever mixed before with mind-bending visuals, he was hands down my favorite new act of the weekend. He’s going on a massive world tour this year and I can’t recommend seeing him enough. 

Kaskade

I had the sheer privilege of seeing Kaskade perform the last time he played the Gorge at Paradiso 2019. Closing out Saturday night, Kaskade performed his iconic songs, such as “Eyes”, “Room For Happiness”, “Disarm You” and “Atmosphere”. He remixed and reworked these classics and all-around played a fantastic set. Best of all, he played his new banger with DeadMau5, “Escape” and it was absolutely transcendent. Kaskade always can be counted on to play a wonderful show and he did not disappoint. I’m surprised I danced as hard as I did considering I had been dancing non-stop all day, but it’s hard to resist when the King of House Music is throwing down for you. To be producing and performing for as long as he has and still be on top is the mark of a musical genius.

The Details

As a seasoned festival-goer, I’ve noted one thing that creates a special experience for attendees is attention to detail. Insomniac knows this better than anyone as no detail is too small to go unnoticed. I like to compare their events to the Disney World of electronic music. There was a full menu of activities in the campground, from yoga classes with cacao ceremonies to flamingo croquet, to a life-sized pool game, to painting and even planting a succulent garden. There was a complimentary Beauty Bar where one could get their hair cut or braided, makeup done, face painting, and even massages. A silent disco ran each night into the wee hours of the morning for those who couldn’t stop dancing.

Inside the venue, art installations centered around the Alice in Wonderland theme greeted you at every turn. A massive Cheshire Cat art installation made out of wood featured a full-blown tea party inside with mannequins dressed to impress. Larger-than-life mushrooms dotted the rear of the Cheshire Stage and enormous chess pieces really made you feel as though you had been shrunk just as Alice had been. 

The main stage was also impressive given its sheer scale. Enormous LED screens dotted the display and projected artists’ visuals. They also displayed live videos of the artists themselves that were visible from high up on the hill, which is important to consider given the size of the venue. More than once we were engulfed by costumed performers who came to play in the crowd. 

The Verdict

My first Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge was nothing short of one magical moment after the next. Each artist we saw delivered top-notch performances and my face still hurts from smiling. I’m planning on returning next year and can’t wait to see what adventures are in store. I hope to see you there!

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With EDC Las Vegas 2022 now completed, it’s safe to say that the summer festival circuit is finally upon us. Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge comes back for its second year on June 18 & 19, featuring a delightful lineup that includes Kaskade, Fisher, Porter Robinson, and Zeds Dead. Whether this is your first time in Washington State, you are a seasoned vet who attended Identity, or even re-entering the scene after the past few years, this is your guide to make sure that you show up like a pro and get the most out of your weekend. 

Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge takes place June 18 & 19th. Camping and pre-parties kick the weekend off on Friday, June 17th. Weekend passes and single-day tickets are available for purchase here. Details on travel, the event, and other information can be found on the official website. Download the Insomniac mobile app to stay up to date on all the details.

Camping

One of the best and most talked-about components of a multi-day festival at the Gorge is the campground experience. This includes meeting people from all over, food trucks, and a constant stream of pop-up DJ sets. Whether staying close to the venue in the Acorn Village (Gold), balling out in the Queen’s Ravine (Glamping), getting gritty in the Fox Den (General Camping – affectionately known as District 9), or wherever else you find yourself, there is something to be said for grabbing a beverage and taking an exploratory walk around the neighborhood. 

Be ready to wait in line for a bit 
Unless you’re able to arrive early when the campgrounds open on Friday at 10 am, there could be a few hundred to several thousand people showing up all at once. It’s possible to be sitting in traffic shortly after you leave the freeway. Remember to be patient, be courteous to the staff, and be prepared for your car to get randomly searched (this includes not openly drinking in line, especially as you get closer to the gate). This is a great time to socialize with the people around. I would also recommend having a full tank of gas to avoid running out in line – it has happened before!

If you’re staying elsewhere, down the road at Wild Horse or at a hotel/Airbnb, take some time to figure out your transit situation or if you need a designated driver. It is going to be extremely unlikely to get a ride share after the event. 

Take note/pictures of nearby landmarks
As you get situated, look out for any distinguishable flags, totems, lights, bathroom numbers, canopies – something that can help guide you home at night or direct friends to your location. Do this before the sun goes down. The area is sprawling and everything starts to look really similar at 3 in the morning. If you arrive late and are setting up in the dark, just be sure to pitch your tent before you go out and party. Don’t forget to stake down your tent – it gets windy out there!

Campground Activities
A consistently outstanding feature of an Insomniac event is the long list of other sideshows, activities, and attractions you can participate in. Yes, the music is great and obviously why you’re there, but don’t miss out on the other stuff. It’s a great way to relax, make friends, and expand your experience. From scavenger hunts to drag tea parties, shuffle workshops to silent discos, there is something here for everyone. Check the list out for things that catch your interest, and don’t forget your yoga mat!

Lock up your belongings
Really unfortunate that this even needs to be listed, but some people suck, and theft happens every year. Don’t get so excited to head into the festival that you leave a bunch of electronics and valuables out in the open. Put anything of remote value out of sight and if possible, locked up and hidden in your car.

Clean up after yourself 
Does this need to be said? If you are traveling from out of state, or for any other reason do not intend to use your camping gear beyond the festival – please, please, please do not leave your camping gear behind. It looks trashy, it is trashy, and all you’re doing is making someone else’s job harder. Be better than that. The campground has a donation bin at the exit, so someone who needs it can get use out of your belongings. While you are being responsible, take a look at the campground guidelines.

At The Venue

Arrive Early
Just like the bottleneck of cars arriving when you showed up to the campground, anticipate there being a line to get into the festival – especially if you are trying to go between the hours of 3-7. The process has gotten a lot better, but we are coming out of a two-year dry spell and people are still getting acclimated. That means probably leaving before you think you need to. Put sunscreen on before you leave camp and don’t cut in line.

Don’t forget your ticket and your ID
It’s about a mile from the center of the campground to the entrance of the venue.

How the pit works
This is for all of you who like to ride the rail. During the day, feel free to go down to the lower bowl and roam around as much as you want. Though be mindful that at a certain point in the afternoon, staff will divide the area in half with metal barriers. If you’re already in front of them at this point, you are welcome to stay throughout the night. However, if you leave the area for any reason – bathroom, drinks, etc. – you will not be allowed back in unless you have a VIP wristband. 

Bring comfortable shoes and warm clothes
Yes, it’s central Washington in late June. It is going to be too hot during the day, but the temperatures at the Gorge drop significantly as soon as the sun goes down. Just as you may not notice how hot and dehydrated you’ve gotten during the day, it’s going to be an adverse situation at night. The cold will hit you quickly as soon as you leave the crowd and the body heat.

Stay hydrated
We know you know that you’re supposed to hydrate plenty while you’re dancing around and sweating in the heat, but it’s important to remember that hydration takes days (so hopefully you start prior to the weekend). Alcohol dehydrates you quicker and dancing for eight hours means you are going to be depleting more than just water. Liquid IV (limit one per day!) Gatorade, or some sort of electrolyte supplement is very important. You can buy dissolvable tablets that not only keep you hydrated, but also help get your nutrients to where they should be. 

You also need shoes that you can walk miles in. You’re covering a lot more ground than you would expect, and the Gorge is on an incline. The entrance to the venue is about a mile from the campground, and even if you were able to snag a camping pass in Terrace or Premiere and have the luxury of the shuttle, this is not the place for flip flops. Prepare for the night before you go in. Unless you have a VIP ticket, you do not have in and out privileges.  

Plan ahead
Make sure that you spend some time coordinating the weekend with your friends. Spontaneity is fun and flexibility is obviously a big part of what makes a festival fun, but there still needs to be general communication – what sets do you plan to be at, what time are you going to leave, where is your group posting up at certain stages, where is the meetup point when you arrive/leave/take a break, what do you do when someone doesn’t come back to the campsite. Make sure that people aren’t going off on their own. Cell service can be spotty and phones die, so it is extra important to set meeting points.

Buy your water bottles from the mobile vendors.
They let you keep the bottle caps!

Respect each other, respect yourself, respect the space.

I long for the day that this doesn’t need to be stated, but do not touch people without their consent. Go beyond no means no – think only yes means yes. If you aren’t sure, ask. Consent is sexy, and people can’t consent when they’re under the influence. If you have trouble remembering that, write it on your arm in sharpie. Remember to also keep an eye out for people who are by themselves or look like they might need some help.

Getting to attend live music at the Gorge is a privilege. Much like at your campsite, make an effort to pick up after yourself and leave the place better than when you found it. 

Also remember to take care of yourself! Drink water, eat food, wear sunscreen, get as much sleep as you can. Listen to your body and don’t over-exert yourself. Marathon, not a sprint.

Ground Control and the Medic Tent

Ideally you aren’t going to need it, but it’s a good idea to locate the medical tent when you first arrive. Additionally, start looking out for the folks in the purple t-shirts. This is Ground Control. Festival people, much like yourself, committed to “keeping people safe, being a friend to those in need, and reminding our community that it’s okay to ask for help.” They can be found throughout the festival grounds, entrance areas, parking lots, first aid tents, and water stations. You can also locate them at the Oasis, Ground Control’s dedicated space to decompress and relax. Don’t hesitate to ask them for help if you or others need it.

Odds & Ends

A little list of things to make the weekend better. Bring most any of these with you into the venue in your day bag and someone will love you for it.

• Baby wipes – It all gets dusty. Your hands, face…just everything.
• Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer – This was a thing I was bringing to shows even before. Not only does it have a practical application, they have a bunch of different fun scents they make nice little gifts you can give to people that you meet. 
• Travel deodorant stick/aerosol deodorant – Bring this into the venue for your sake and the sake of those around you. Aerosol if you feel like sharing.
• A change of socks – Not always necessary, but it can be really nice to swap out midday.
• Space blankets – Even if it doesn’t get cold at night, that doesn’t mean you won’t. 
• Portable charger – If you want to be a homie, bring multiple kinds of chargers. Someone may need the other one at some point. 
• Water flavor packets – Makes hydrating easier and masks the taste of the water from the refill stations. Ultima Electrolyte Powder is also a great option.
• Bandana – The bass stage is known for kicking up a dust storm, as does the trek back to the campground at night.
• Safety pins – For outfit emergencies.
• Double sided carpet tape – Also for outfit emergencies.
• Lighters – Great icebreaker, always appreciated when needed.
• Straws – Kind of essential since we learned just how much of a germ factory everyone is, but also helpful for anyone wearing lipstick.
• Hi-Chew – Gum is good. Hi-Chews are better.
• Shoe insoles – Protect those feetsies! Especially if you are strong enough to be wearing heels.
• Mini Febreze – Freshen up those clothes.
• Continuous spray plant mister – Fill it up inside the venue to help beat the heat. Pleasant without being overbearing.
• Power inverter – Plug things in, charge things at your camp – hair driers, electric kettles, air mattresses, etc.
• String lights for your camp – It just makes it look nice
• Eye mask and earplugs – For sleeping through your neighbor’s music and 5:43am sunrise. 
• Melatonin and CBD oil – Also for that previous little sleep you’re chasing.

Get your tickets HERE.

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Fall down the rabbit hole for the second edition of Beyond Wonderland at The Gorge. Debuting last October, Insomniac continues the tradition of bringing epic lineups, unparalleled production and mind-bending installations to the Pacific Northwest. Mark your calendars for June 18-19, 2022 and join me for an epic adventure at the iconic Gorge Amphitheater in Washington. This will be my first Beyond and I’m beyond ecstatic to be back at my favorite place in the world with my favorite people. For tickets, visit here.

Take in epic views as you enjoy artists such as Zeds Dead, Kaskade, Porter Robinson, Acraze, CloZee, GreenVelvet, Alesso, Liquid Stranger, and TroyBoi, to name a few. There’s something for all, whether you love house, bass, techno, trap or dubstep; check out the full lineup listed below.

Artists on My List

This dreamy lineup is packed with incredible names–big and small. I’ll be doing lots of cardio in the weeks leading up to Beyond so I can dance the night away under the stars. I’m most looking forward to the Queen of Bass, CloZee. Hailing from France and gaining momentum like the supernova she is, CloZee has cultivated the genre World Bass. Evoking sounds from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and beyond, she takes you on the most beautiful journey through sound. This will be her first appearance at the Gorge and she is not to be missed! 

Kaskade first played at the Gorge at Paradiso 2019 (RIP) and I still get chills when I think of his set. He closed the weekend out and mixed in his iconic tracks with newer favorites. Chicago native and one of the founders of the House movement, Kaskade’s sets are nothing short of magical. His latest project Kx5 with DeadMau5 has excited the dance community and I’m hoping he plays some unreleased tracks for us. 

Canadian duo Zed’s Dead (baby) have been producing and performing since 2009 and show no signs of stopping. Their extensive song catalog is littered with bass, dubstep, and rap, and their live shows are ridiculously fun. I usually tend to give myself whiplash at their sets (despite my best intentions) and could watch them play for hours.

The fun-loving Funk Hunters always deliver high-energy shows that leave you wanting more. Inspired by old school funk, electro, hip-hop and soul, their sound ranges from funk to downright filthy bass. Be prepared for a wild and fun-filled ride! 

Here’s a playlist to help get you pumped for your trip down the Rabbit Hole! 

Choose Your Own Adventure

As Alice once said, “this is my dream, I’ll decide where to go from here.” With three stages, art installations, lounges, yoga classes, kandi making stations, and many more surprises in store, you and your crew will make unforgettable memories. If you’re camping, join the dance pre-party on Friday night with Bijou, Champagne Drip, Ivy Lab and The Librarian. 

Hosting the weekend’s festivities is the Eighth Wonder of the World, The Gorge Amphitheater. Breathtaking views of the gorge span as far as the eye can see with the Main Stage nestled right on the edge. Nothing but world class sunsets are served each Golden Hour. Be sure to check out the observation decks located on each side in the bar to get an unobstructed view. I always pay a visit each time and it never gets old. 

Master of Details

If you’ve ever been to an Insomniac event, you know no detail is too small to be left untouched. Each themed stage will receive the royal treatment with an above average number of lights, lasers, and fire elements. The most inventive stage and artistic design elements are brought to life and help reinforce the magical ambiance. 

Decadently draped performers showcase their talents on stage with fans as well as roaming throughout the grounds, stirring up mischief and encouraging smiles along the way. Interactive art installations lure your inner child to play and explore. 

This event in particular seems to garner the most crowd participation in costumes. Fans express their creativity though dressing up as various characters from Alice in Wonderland. I can’t wait to see these fits firsthand, so dress to impress! Will I see you there?

The post WE’RE ALL MAD HERE – BEYOND WONDERLAND AT THE GORGE UNVEILS 2022 LINEUP appeared first on Festival Squad.