Here's everything you missed at Beyond Wonderland SoCal from a gay man's perspective

Rave season is officially back!

Insomniac Events continues to outdo themselves with each and every event thrown, so this year's Beyond Wonderland SoCal festival served as no exception.

There were too many unbelievable headliners to see as popular DJs The Chainsmokers, Alesso, SAYMYNITTI, R3HAB, Afrojack, Dillon Francis, Valentino Khan, and more performed sets that people will remember forever.

As if the music wasn't enough, the overall vibe at an Insomniac event is truly unlike anything you'll ever experience in your life.

I've personally had the privilege of attending a few incredible Insomniac festivals including two Electric Daisy Carnivals (EDC) in Las Vegas and one in Orlando, along with the inaugural Forever Midnight festival last New Year's Eve, with each and every event outperforming the last.

When I attended my first EDC in Las Vegas back in 2022, I'll never forget experiencing the rave culture for the first time. By learning the PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect) motto and dancing the night away with my best friends and new rave baes, my whole outlook on life changed.

I was just a baby when my festie besties brought me to my first EDC. Since then, I've traveled to plenty of Insomniac events and raves across the country all my own and created memories that'll stick with me for the rest of my life.

Fast forward to today, I got to bring my boyfriend to Beyond Wonderland SoCal and show him the rave way of life for the first time. Let me tell you... it was one of the most beautiful full circle moments I've ever been a part of.

Of course I had a blast strutting my stuff in my outfit, busting a move on the dance floors, making new friends, riding the swings, and kissing him all night... but there was absolutely nothing like watching him take it all in.

The way his eyes lit up at every corner as he saw the incredible light displays, walked through the interactive areas, danced to the exhilarating music, and exchanged kandi (bracelets and necklaces) with the kindest people around us... it felt like I was reliving my inaugural rave memories again, but even better.

I can't even count all of the times I turned to him and said things like, "I can't believe we're here. This is what life is all about. There's nothing better than this. This is my happy place."

Then, to come home and get to write all about it and share it with the world? I really don't know how I got so lucky. To be honest, I wasn't even planning on this article going this way.

I was planning on just reviewing all the highlights from this year's iconic festival, but as I look back on it, I just can't stop thinking of my boyfriend dancing with the biggest grin on his face and cracking his fan like his life depended on it. That's what life is truly all about, isn't it?

So while it's important to shine the light on everything Beyond Wonderland SoCal and Insomniac has to offer... I think it's even more vital that I tell you my perspective.

I hope that no matter where life takes you next, you remember that sometimes it's just as simple as listening to some music, throwing on a fun outfit, slapping on some cute bracelets, and dancing all night without a care in the world.

If you're lucky enough to attend an Insomniac event by yourself or with someone you love, then I personally think you've cracked the code. You're witnessing a slice of heaven on earth.

So what are you waiting for? EDC Las Vegas is just a couple months away and tickets for Beyond Wonderland SoCal 2025 are already available for pre-sale.

Take it from me... make sure you experience something like this in your life at least once. You won't regret it.