While relatively new to the festival world, Beyond Wonderland at The Gorge is quickly making a name for itself. Between the cast of magical characters wandering through the crowds, whimsical art installations, and the beautiful setting itself, it’s a place where fantasy meets reality.
There’s a lot to love about this festival in addition to the music, and adding these simple moves to your plans will help your time at the Gorge feel truly special.
1. Admire Mother Nature
Thanks to its stunning natural beauty, the Gorge Amphitheater is a perfect place for the magic of Wonderland to come to life. There’s nothing like crossing the hill over Queen’s Valley stage and taking in the stunning view of the cliffs over the Columbia River for the first–or tenth time: Fairy tale meets the magic of the wild west.
The pure bliss I felt sitting in the grass while watching the sunset sky paint the canyon and the rolling prairies orange will forever live in my core memories.
Taking time to sit and soak in the views is a simple but priceless way to liven up the weekend at Beyond Wonderland PNW.
2. Gear Up For Comfort
Being immersed in nature boosts the festival magic, but it also requires coming prepared for the elements. It’s hard to enjoy the moment when fighting the shivers or nursing a sunburn, and campers can experience sweltering sun, thunderstorms, and crisp cool temperatures all in one day.
That’s why I never hit the road for a weekend at the Gorge without plenty of layers, sunscreen, and a shady hat to stay comfortable. Bringing extra coverage for camp like tarps and pop-up canopies (that fit festival guidelines) is also never a bad idea.
Prepping for the terrain is also a must, which means bringing good quality comfy shoes. Attendees not using shuttle transit can face some rugged road terrain and lengthy walks between the festival grounds and the campgrounds, and the amphitheater itself sits on a hill, so it’s also best to come prepared for some (mild) hiking action while inside the venue.
This is especially the case if you want to get close to the action in the Queen’s Valley pit. Platform baddies may want to give their kicks a rest this round!
3. Share The Love
People travel far and wide to gather at the heart of the great Pacific Northwest, and the journey that comes with getting there is part of what makes Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge a special experience.
Of course, no festival is immune to issues that come with large gatherings, but the Gorge has a way of bringing out good vibes all around.
Many people go out of their way to make the weekend feel magical, and it shows in the way they treat each other. Striking up a conversation with neighbors at camp, on the dancefloor, or even in line for coffee line is remarkably easy.
Connecting with fellow ravers and making new friends–even if it’s just for the weekend– is another priceless highlight of the experience.
4. Get Into The Spirit
As a themed festival, Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge is full of color, vibrant characters, and crazy costumes. Attendees go all out with outfits, whether it be fun DIY group costumes to full-on otherwordly wearable masterpieces.
Dressing up for the Wonderland theme is always a fun way to get creative and get in the spirit, and campers attending the Friday pre-party can even show off their crafts at a special costume party.
5. Roam Around The Pivot
The Pivot is the central hub of the camp experience, and it’s where some of my favorite memories come from.
Whether it be unwinding and recovering with a sound bath or guided yoga class, getting creative with guided painting, or betting on lady luck at Frick Frack Blackjack, there’s no shortage of activities to explore (my personal favorite is Alice’s Kandi Workshop!)
The Pivot also features several local independent artists and food vendors that go above and beyond to showcase their crafts. Handmade jewelry, paintings and home decor, delicious iced coffee, and some of the best street tacos I’ve ever tasted outside of So Cal are just a few hidden gems worth mentioning.
6. Swing Through The Silent Disco
Finally, the Pivot is also home to Beyond Wonderland’s legendary Silent Disco, which is the perfect place to wind down at the end of the night—or keep grooving until dawn breaks over the horizon.
There’s something magical about watching the wilderness come to life under the early morning glow as everyone dances on without a care. it’s like being in a place without time: A real-life Wonderland.
And for those who prefer to skip the afterparty to get some sleep, the good news is there’s no sound bleed to worry about.
The Silent Disco is also a great place to support local producers and DJs. The PNW is full of talented rising producers and DJs who deserve a spotlight, and playing at the Silent Disco presents an important stepping stone for these artists as they reach for opportunities to grow.
Tuning in is a great way of showing the local talent some love while living up the Wonderland adventure until the very end.
Images courtesy of Insomniac.
