Insomniac’s Beyond Wonderland 2018 Recap

With subtle hints of spring in the air and the sounds of music lovers driving through the streets in their brightest of colors, the NOS events center in San Bernadino, California once again transformed itself into one of the largest, transcendent dance music events in the country, Insomniac’s Beyond Wonderland festival!

Bennett Sell-Kline | Jake West Coverage for Insomniac

Beyond Wonderland is one of Insomniac Event’s longest running phenomenons, and we could easily see why! Decked out from corner to corner in beautiful Alice in Wonderland themed decor, themed dancers and performers of every variety, and massive stages with incredible lighting, sound, and theatrics, this years rendition was beyond all imagination. More than 70,000 dance music fans traveled from across the globe to be transported down the rabbit hole to a psychedelic realm this year, along with over 60 of the world’s top dance music artists.

Ivan Meneses Coverage for Insomniac

As thousands of excited party goers began exploring the NOS Events Center, enjoying sets from an array of dance music genres, they were struck with awe while gazing upon the Queen’s Domain, an enclosed megastructure spanning 196 feet by 452 feet, complete with 10 lasers, 623 LED panels and 12 confetti blasters located throughout. Inspired by the Queen of Hearts, fans shuffled and danced all night long to the sounds of Oliver Heldens, Dash Berlin, Tiësto, Valentino Khan, Alesso and more.

Bennett Sell-Kline | Jake West Coverage for Insomniac

Bass addicts were delighted by Insomniac’s renowned heavy-hitting bass music brand, Bassrush, who hosted the massive Mad Hatter’s Castle stage on Saturday, featuring nearly 200 lights and lasers suspended from truss hanging over the entire crowd. Tastemakers like Kayzo, Andy C, Kill The Noise, and Flosstradamus played heavy-hitting sets for thousands of head-banging fans.

Jake West | Ivan Meneses Coverage for Insomniac

Headliners with a more groovy taste in music discovered the Caterpillar’s Garden, a beautiful oasis pumping out house and techno tunes from Chris Lake, Claptone, Solardo and Born Dirty, as well as the Insomniac Records-hosted Cheshire Woods Stage. They were greeted by the Beyond Wench Art Car, hosted by Cats & Boots and Bassrush, as well as the Wide Awake Art Car, hosted by Space Yacht, which featured a YDG throwback dub set, LondonBridge & Friends, WAVEDASH and more. Even the rain couldn’t stop these incredible DJ’s from throwing down massive sets while fans danced through the night.

Jake West |  Coverage for Insomniac

Factory 93 was in charge of the festivals final stage, the Cannibals’ Tea Party. Decorated and influenced by true underground fashion and minimal vibes, and with a giant black disco diamond at its center, the best in house music grooved and shook the dance floor the entire weekend, with hypnotic sets by Green Velvet, Jamie Jones, and Nicole Moudaber to name a few.

Ivan Meneses | Bennett Sell-Kline Coverage for Insomniac

Insomniac events are known for having some of the best festival food around, and Beyond Wonderland’s food options were top notch! Headliners had the opportunity to refuel and dine on some of the best food trucks and vendors around Southern California, including Leno’s Tacos, Shake Ramen, Kogi, Brooklyn Pizza and more.

Jake West | Bennett Sell-Kline Coverage for Insomniac

VIP Headliners had access to a variety of exclusive amenities, including a dedicated festival entrance, Kandi bracelet making station, croquet games, interactive photo ops and a beauty and glitter bar, presented by Gypsy Shrine, while Happy Toast served gourmet, rainbow grilled cheese and glitter tater tots. In addition, dedicated dance areas were available for VIPs to get up close and enjoy their favorite set at the Queen’s Domain, Mad Hatter’s Castle and Caterpillar’s Garden.

Bennett Sell-Kline | Ivan Meneses Coverage for Insomniac

Insomniac never disappoints on their events, and Beyond Wonderland once again proved why they are the leading festival organization on the planet. We thank them so much for allowing us to cover their amazing event, and we can not wait for EDC in May! We’ll see you under the electric sky!

Make sure to follow Insomniac Event’s On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and check out their website for all the latest news, info and upcoming shows. Also stay connected with Escape, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and their website. We also have a full photo gallery of the event, click here to check it out.