For two days in June, the already breathtaking Gorge Amphitheater in Washington state transformed into something even more magical—Beyond Wonderland, a surreal, Alice-inspired music festival full of wonder, whimsy, and wild bass drops. Held June 21–22, the event delivered on its promise of immersive fantasy, though not without a few logistical hurdles.

This was my first time attending Beyond Wonderland, but as a former Paradiso-goer, I was familiar with the layout and vibe of the venue. Still, I was struck by how much more deeply themed Beyond was. The venue was dotted with glowing mushrooms, giant rabbit heads, a massive smoking caterpillar, topiary chess pieces, and clever “Eat Me” and “Drink Me” signs marking food and beverage areas. The fantasy wasn’t just visual—it was environmental.

The Gorge itself is one of the most stunning festival venues in the world. The mainstage overlooks a vast canyon, and watching the sunset while music washes over you is an experience that borders on spiritual. I spent most of my time on the grassy hill that faces the stage, lounging with my friends and soaking in the view, music, and crowd energy. As a 30-year-old raver, I’ve traded rail-riding for vibing in the grass—and Beyond Wonderland is the perfect festival for that kind of magic.

Musically, Day 1 highlights included Loud Luxury and Illenium, both delivering high-energy sets peppered with unreleased tracks. Said the Sky’s sunset set on Day 2 was the emotional climax for me. I’ve been a fan since 2016, but this was my first time seeing him solo. Hearing both new and classic songs while the sky turned orange behind the stage was absolutely unforgettable. LP Giobbi, whom I had photographed a few months prior, also put on a powerful and dynamic set. The sound quality throughout the event was excellent, with no noticeable technical issues. There were three stages total, each offering a unique energy, but the main stage—with its view and production—was unbeatable.

The immersive world extended beyond the visuals to interactive performance art. One standout moment involved dancers carrying enormous, shimmering butterfly wings that fluttered above the crowd on long poles—simple but magical. Another highlight was a semi-hidden cocktail bar tucked beside the main stage, its only marker a subtle “Drink Me” sign. Inside was a charming balcony view of the Gorge, offering more elaborate drinks than the usual seltzers. It was an unexpected gem that nailed the theme.

That said, not everything went smoothly. Parking on Day 1 was a nightmare—I waited over three hours just to get into the lot, missing several sets. And while the festival provided water stations, they were all located in one area, which made staying hydrated a bit of a chore. Between the pricey shuttles, $21 drinks, and $18 food, budgeting was another challenge.

Still, Beyond Wonderland is a festival that knows what it is—a surreal playground for dance music lovers, framed by one of nature’s most awe-inspiring backdrops. My advice for future attendees? Hydrate, budget smartly, and don’t be afraid to follow the white rabbit—you might just find a secret bar with a killer view.