March is officially here and we all know what that means, IT'S FESTIVAL SEASON! And with that comes the beautiful chaos of every raver trying to decide which festivals they're attending this year. It's the hardest decision any of us can make, and with lineups not even dropped for some of them, it's tough! But we've teamed up with the Freedom Rave Wear crew to show you all the excitement of the major festivals coming up to help ease some of those festival season woes!
So with that being said, I've been hearing a lot of buzz about one of the most sought-after, and personal fave, of many ravers far and wide... I've heard about a magical land where anyone can go to escape the real world and submerge themselves into a new world of fun and adventure! So follow me as we enter the magical world of...
Beyond Wonderland
WHO | WHAT | WHEN | WHERE
That's right, let's journey (back) into the wonderful and wild world of Insomniac's psychedelic adventures with Alice in Wonderland. The Insomniacs host their So Cal Beyond Wonderland event at the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino every March, bringing together 75,000+ headliners for an unforgettable weekend down the rabbit hole.
The Stages: Your Portal Into Wonderland
After their 2017 "The Endless Sea" theme, Insomniac brought back the original Alice in Wonderland experience with all new upgrades and stage productions that transport you straight into the storybook. This year features four main stages at the NOS Event Center:
Queens Domain - The majestic main stage where house and trance reign supreme
Mad Hatter's Castle - Expect the unexpected with bass-heavy dubstep and experimental sounds
Caterpillar's Garden - A psychedelic journey through techno and progressive beats
Cheshire Woods - Hidden in the trees, this stage brings drum & bass and deep house to life
Each stage creates its own immersive world with custom production, laser shows, and theatrical performers that make you feel like you've actually fallen down the rabbit hole. Picture yourself dancing under massive LED screens as lasers pierce through the fog - this is where the magic happens.
Where Will You Begin Your Journey Into Wonderland?
In true Insomniac fashion, there are also roving stages throughout the venue. One of them features an oasis to break away from the mayhem and enjoy music and art all in one at the Beyond Wench. Make sure you don't miss Wide Awake either, another roving stage featuring new up and coming artists. It's rumored that you can catch rising artists here who've been unstoppable with their trance-based beats that take audiences on a journey through a progression of slow, smooth beats to fast, pulsating trance tunes that pull the crowd deeper into hypnotic soundscapes.
These smaller stages are where you'll discover your new favorite artist before they blow up. Some of the biggest names in electronic music today got their start on these very stages, so keep your ears open and your phone ready to Shazam tracks you've never heard before.
The Experience: More Than Just Music
The Insomniac crew has created an immersive experience for their headliners, including all-new stage productions, art installations, and other-worldly character and aerial performers. While last year featured a magical underwater world with twinkling sea lanterns, vibrant coral reefs, and mermaids, the Alice in Wonderland theme brings something straight out of a storybook.
Expect to encounter the Queen's card soldiers roaming the grounds, catch aerial performances from the Cheshire Cat high above the crowd, and stumble upon interactive art installations that respond to sound and movement. This isn't just a music festival - it's a full sensory journey where every corner reveals something new to discover.
Know Before You Go: The Venue
If you're not familiar with the NOS Event Center, make sure you're preparing properly! AKA: Know where you're parking and how you're getting there. A pro tip from gorgeous rave fam member @allyalv is to park in official Insomniac parking lots! Insomniac lots are monitored throughout the entire event, whereas unofficial lots aren't necessarily as tightly run and you risk getting your car broken into.
We always want everyone to have a great time, and even though the majority of us spread PLUR, there are unfortunately those who aren't always spreading those same vibes. Don't let it be a party pooper - just be prepared! Keep your valuables close, in pockets or hard-to-reach places in your bag, and be mindful of your surroundings. Pro tip: Don't forget to get a picture at the iconic NOS pond! It's become a Beyond Wonderland tradition and the lighting at sunset is absolutely magical.
Beyond Wonderland brings a diverse lineup of amazing artists to the NOS Event Center, ranging from sounds of house, trance, dubstep, drum & bass and so much more. It's a whole new meaning to 'What's in your head?' Outside of the gorgeous, psychedelic experience within the event's stages and lasers, the Insomniac crew has included enough food, water, and entertainment inside the event center to last everyone all day long!
What to Expect Inside Beyond Wonderland
Pro Tip: Make sure you bring enough money! Luckily, you'll be able to use cash, credit, debit, Apple Pay AND Android Pay. Now if that's not impressive, I don't know what is. Also, once you go in, make sure you're ready to stay because there is a strict no re-entrance policy.
What else can you expect to find inside Beyond Wonderland? Check it out:
| Food Vendors (vegan and vegetarian options) | Bars | Free Water Refill Stations | Charging Stations & Lockers | ATM | General Store | Medical Safety & Health Tents |
The food vendor selection is seriously impressive - from loaded fries to acai bowls to proper tacos, you won't go hungry. The water refill stations are strategically placed throughout the venue, so bring a hydration pack or empty water bottle. Trust us, staying hydrated is key to enjoying the entire weekend. The charging stations and lockers are lifesavers too - there's nothing worse than a dead phone when you're trying to meet up with your rave fam!
What to Wear: Your Festival Fashion Guide
Beyond Wonderland is the perfect place to try out your psychedelic looks! Getting to see all the different variations of people rocking Alice in Wonderland-inspired outfits is incredible. Personal favorites include the Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum twin outfits, Queen of Hearts looks, and creative Cheshire Cat interpretations.
BUT as you already know, we're huge advocates for 'wear what you're comfortable in'. You're not the type to sacrifice comfort for the 'gram - you want rave outfits that move with you from sunset to sunrise.
For the guys heading to Beyond, check out our men's rave outfits collection featuring breathable mesh tanks, bold printed shorts, and statement pieces that stand out under blacklights. If you're looking for plus size rave wear that's actually designed for dancing all night, Freedom Rave Wear has you covered with sizes that fit and flatter every body type.
Some killer options for Beyond Wonderland include:
- Rave bodysuits - Perfect for the Alice or Queen of Hearts vibe, plus they stay in place all night
- Festival tops - Pair with high-waisted shorts for an effortlessly cool look
- Rave shorts - Breathable and comfortable for hours of dancing
- Festival pashminas - Essential for when the desert temperatures drop after sunset
- Matching rave outfits - Coordinate with your rave bae for unforgettable couple photos
The Moon Shower and Sweethearts Collections at Freedom Rave Wear feature pieces that catch the light beautifully under Beyond's legendary stage production. Think holographic fabrics, reflective details, and cuts that actually move with your body when you're dancing.
Need Help? Look for Ground Control
Lost your friends and can't get cell service? Feeling overwhelmed? Need directions or info? Look for "Ground Control" - the designated Insomniac volunteers rocking their signature purple shirts. They're all there to make sure you and your friends have the best. time. possible!
Ground Control team members can help with everything from finding lost items to providing water and a safe space if you need a break from the crowds. They're trained to handle emergencies and are connected with medical staff. Don't hesitate to approach them - that's literally what they're there for!
Download the App
If you're horrible at keeping track of paper schedules and you're directionally challenged (like many of us), don't miss the Insomniac Beyond Wonderland app. It gives you an interactive lineup for the weekend, set time notifications so you never miss your favorite artists, and a digital map to help you navigate through the rabbit hole. You can also create a custom schedule, connect with friends, and get real-time updates about surprise b2b sets and special appearances.
Pro Tips from the Rave Fam
Here are some insider tips to make your Beyond Wonderland experience unforgettable:
- Arrive early on Day 1 - Beat the crowds, get oriented with the venue layout, and catch the opening ceremony
- Bring a portable charger - Cell service can be spotty, and you'll be using your phone for photos and videos
- Meet up spot - Designate a specific landmark (like the NOS pond or a specific stage) as your group's meetup point
- Layer up - Desert nights get cold! A pashmina or light jacket saves the night
- Comfortable shoes - You'll be on your feet for 8+ hours. Break in those festival boots before the event!
- Explore beyond the main stages - The roving stages and art installations are where some of the magic happens
- Pace yourself - It's a marathon, not a sprint. Take breaks, hydrate, and refuel
Ready to Fall Down the Rabbit Hole?
So tell us, what are YOU most excited to experience inside the wild and wonderfully psychedelic world of Beyond Wonderland? Whether it's your first time entering Wonderland or you're a seasoned veteran of the NOS Event Center, every year brings new surprises, new friends, and unforgettable memories.
Share your favorite experiences, biggest pro tips, or must-see moments that everyone needs to experience at least once inside of Beyond Wonderland. And don't forget - your journey starts with the perfect outfit. Check out Freedom Rave Wear to find pieces that'll make you feel as magical as the festival itself.
See you in Wonderland!
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