Last month, we took a trip out to central Washington for Insomniac’s 2025 Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge. We joined ravers from across the country at the famous Gorge Amphitheatre for a weekend of EDM festivities and fun with friends. As we returned to the now-famous Pacific Northwest festival that started in 2021, we were excited to see what kind of changes, improvements, and renovations Insomniac had made since last year.
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Campgrounds and amenities provide upgrades this year
Getting into The Gorge festival grounds was never easier, more efficient, or faster than this year’s Beyond. We were able to enter the grounds, scan passes, go through two security checkpoints, and park our car to begin setting up our campsite at the Fox Den in under an hour. Our campsite was clean, spacious, and easily accessible to The Pivot.
The Pivot was also upgraded, featuring a wide selection of vendors with every garment, accessory, and rave-wear item imaginable. The campgrounds also now have permanent structures for food and drink vendors, and a camping store with many essentials that campers (including ourselves) might have forgotten.
Masses of hungry ravers from Friday to Sunday found reasonably priced food and drinks. A wide variety of choices were available, including some options for those with dietary restrictions and specific tastes. Water stations were all conveniently located for quick access in between stages, and there were no issues with water quality or availability.
Smooth entrance through security
Getting through the gates and into the festival grounds was fast and easy. Although security practices regarding prohibited items and search practices varied, ticket holders were taken through security promptly, and most everybody got into the festival without incident. VIP entry into the festival was even easier, with shorter lines, more attendants, and an express entryway that put you right at the heart of the festival.
Immediately upon entering the festival, we could see that this was the most picturesque year of Beyond to date. At nearly every point of interest across the grounds, we saw sculptures, statues, and backdrops themed as Alice in Wonderland. The iconic story is the inspiration behind Insomniac’s Beyond Wonderland Festival series. From caterpillars and playing cards to rushing rabbits and psychedelic patterns, there was no shortage of spots to take photos with friends and savor this fantastic weekend.
Credit: @turkphotos
Stellar music and production across three stages
The most impressive element of Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge was the three beautiful stages. Our favorite artists showcased their skills and latest songs. The first of the three stages, The Caterpillar’s Garden, was located at the festival entrance. The tent-covered stage featured a trippy atmosphere and prominent house DJs all weekend long.
Second, the Mad Hatter’s Castle kept the bass high and the energy even higher, hosting dubstep and heavy bass artists starting Friday night for the Beyond Wonderland Pre-Party. This stage was especially convenient for VIP ticket holders who wanted plenty of space to dance, as well as full restrooms and beverage stands access. Both Mad Hatter’s Castle and Caterpillar’s Garden’s impressive video walls were once again provided by Akari Production Company.
Credit: @turkphotos
Finally, the crown jewel of the festival: the Queen’s Valley main stage. This massive stage included an innovative new stage design that had the viewers’ interests in mind. Specialty curved lighting panels wrapped around the sides of the stage, and the wider profile gave those on the far sides of the stage a great view. Recognizing that wind hazards have plagued the Gorge in previous years, this year video panels were secured tightly to the stage’s scaffolding.
Credit: @turkphotos
Perfect weather and late-night activities
After each night of festivities, we visited the Silent Disco at the Pivot, where artists from across the PNW and beyond came for some special performances that kept the music going well into the early hours of the morning. The space provided for the silent disco was perfect for some late-night raving. It featured arcade cabinets, couches, and a nearly 360-degree stage design to give everyone a chance to watch their favorite local talent perform in an intimate and comfortable setting.
Despite some mild gusts and periods of rain throughout the weekend, Mother Nature was kind to central Washington with plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures. Overall, it was a perfect climate to enjoy the dozens of artists across the weekend and dance all day and night long.
From June 20 to 22, we thoroughly enjoyed everything Incomniac had to offer. From camping, food, and shopping, to the scenery, stages, and sounds, Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge 2025 was a feast for the senses, and we left Monday morning feeling absolutely satisfied.
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