Beyond Wonderland
As soon as I got back to Seattle from EDC in May I researched upcoming raves in my area. Luckily, Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge was happening the very next month! I knew this festival was going to be extra fun — it was only my second rave, I had never been to the Gorge before, I would be camping out with my friend, and the theme was Alice in Wonderland!
We arrived at The Gorge mid-afternoon the day before the festival began so we could set up our campsite. I definitely preferred arriving the day before rather than the day of. The process for driving in, going through security check, etc. was relatively easy but did take around an hour to sit in line. If you’re camping at a festival like this I’d recommend arriving the day before so you don’t have to rush!
Day 1
Day 1 was a total blast! I went all out with my White Rabbit costume and was so pleased to see all of the cool, creative costumes that people were decked out in.
Meeting new friends is probably my favorite part about raving. I met this other bunny - twins!
The Gorge is a truly magical venue and I felt so lucky to have my second rave experience be here. There were so many places to get a beautiful view of the stage and admire the winding river, gorge, and blue sky in the back.
There were some really fantastic artists on Night 1, I especially loved being down in the pit for Alison Wonderland, Mellodeath (Marshmello x Svdden Death), and Deorro, as well as Disco Lines and Nostalgix.
One part of this event that I really loved was the silent disco that was set up in the campgrounds that continued after the festival itself ended at 2 a.m. Compared to EDC, which typically wraps up after the sun rises, 2 a.m. felt almost early, so I was happy there was a space provided to keep dancing and wind down a bit.
Day 2
For Day 2 I dressed up as The White Queen. I combined some of the pieces I had bought for EDC with some new thrifted pieces. I also made sure to bring plenty of kandi (bracelets) that I had made to trade with new friends!
The stage decorations and sets were just as incredible on Night 2. Ending the weekend with Zedd was so perfect, as he is one of my favorite EDM artists. His set was amazing and the energy in the crowd was palpable all night. I also loved hearing Dillon Francis, Troyboi, and Sullivan King. DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal) also had a set that I went to briefly, which was so random and fun!
It was so much fun going on the ferris wheel and getting a glimpse of the venue from above just after the sun set. The lights were so beautiful and after the super hot day the cool night breeze felt amazing.
This was such a special experience for me. Being able to go to such a fun event in a gorgeous location close to Seattle was such a fantastic memory and I loved being able to go with a close friend. Even despite the hot weather, getting to experience camping out at a festival was also much more involved and felt more authentic. I can’t wait to experience more amazing festivals like this!
