Beyond Wonderland
Chicago | June 06 - 07, 2026
Down the rabbit hole we go. For the third consecutive year, Insomniac Events transforms Chicago's lakefront into a psychedelic playground. This is more than a festival—it is an immersive multidimensional journey where the skyline of the Windy City meets the whimsical madness of Wonderland.
The Sonic Architects
REZZ
The "Space Mom" returns to her Midwestern roots to deliver a hypnotic, bass-heavy sermon. Rezz's visual production is tailored for the massive screens of the Queen's Domain stage.
Tiësto
The Godfather of electronic music brings the "Drive" energy to the lakefront. Tiësto is currently undergoing a massive sonic evolution, leaning into "Vat-House" and high-tempo melodic techno.
Alison Wonderland
The high-priestess of trap and emotional bass. Alison Wonderland’s sets are a rollercoaster of live vocals, cello performances, and earth-shattering drops.
Zeds Dead
The Kings of the Northern Bass. Zeds Dead is synonymous with the "Deadbeats" sound, blending dubstep, house, and drum & bass into a seamless flow.
Venue Blueprint: Northerly Island
The Lake Breeze Factor
Don't let the June forecast fool you. Because Huntington Bank Pavilion is on a peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan, temperatures can drop 10-15 degrees the moment the sun goes down. **Bring a pashmina or light jacket.**
The "VIP" Secret
If you aren't in VIP, the best sound is actually found "dead-center" about 50 feet back from the sound booth. The acoustics of the Pavilion can get echoey on the far edges due to the water reflection.
Exit Strategy
Northerly Island is a bottleneck. If you wait until the very last note of the closing set, expect a 45-minute walk just to get to a point where an Uber can find you. Walk 15 minutes north toward the Adler Planetarium for faster pickups.
Hydration Stations
The main hydration station is near the "Mad Hatter's Gin Hole" (Bar 3). It usually has the shortest line compared to the ones located near the entrance.
The Survival Manual
Beyond Wonderland is a marathon, not a sprint. To survive 10+ hours of dancing on concrete and grass, you need to be prepared.
- High-Fidelity Earplugs: Preserve your hearing. Northerly Island's sound system is deafening.
- Portable Power Bank: Cell service is spotty and drains battery searching for signal.
- Hydration Pack: Insomniac allows clear CamelBaks. Fill it as soon as you enter.
- Comfy Footwear: You will walk an average of 8-12 miles over the weekend. No brand new shoes!
- Fan/Pashmina: The crowd gets hot, the lake gets cold. Be ready for both.
- Fanny Pack: Keep your phone in a zippered, front-facing bag. Pickpockets are active in large crowds.
PRO TIP: THE HYPRVYPR METRIC
Chicago weather in June is unpredictable. Check the "Wet Bulb" temperature. If humidity is over 70%, double your water intake. Northerly Island has very little shade once you are in the main stages.
Ready to enter the Rabbit Hole?
Secure Your TicketsUse code HYPRVYPR for a chance to win a VIP upgrade!
