#EscapeSoCal Headliner #TBT

When the leaves turn yellow and the winds grow cold, it’s a sign that All Hallows’ Eve is quickly approaching. For many of us, that can mean only one thing (and yes, it’s quite obvious): The time to escape from Wonderland is finally near! With Insomniac’s epic return to the NOS Events Center for two nights of wicked fun, it’s no wonder so many people—including me—are stoked for this year’s event.

In recognition of our infectious excitement, Insomniac is celebrating #TBT with three unique Headliners who shared nothing but amazing memories from our all-time favorite venue. They were asked to send a photo that best describes their overall Escape experience. Here’s what they had to share.

Headliner: Kyle
Hometown: El Centro, CA
Escape From Wonderland: 2011

What’s going on in this picture?
After watching ATB, we decided to get water, relax and sit down by the lake at the NOS Events Center. This photographer came up to us and asked for a group photo, so we all huddled up, posed, and gave him our best rave faces.

Why did you choose to share this one with us?
This photo is special to me because it captures the first time my group of new friends from EDC came together to rave together. The people to the right were our new friends from San Diego, and the people on the left were friends we made from Chicago and Indonesia. This picture signifies one of the reasons why I love going to music festivals: being able to meet people from around the world and share the most beautiful experiences with them that can result in friendships that last a lifetime.

How does this picture best describe your overall #EscapeSoCal experience?
We used to attend smaller events like Monster Massive and HARD Haunted Mansion. While those were both amazing events, Escape From Wonderland 2011 was something fresh. It became a new addition to our list of annual Insomniac events at our home away from home, the NOS Events Center. The good vibes, the unity, the love, the feelings, and the madness were all there that night and, even to this day, hold a special place in our hearts.

Headliner: Mikey
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Escape From Wonderland: 2012

What’s going on in this picture?
This is a picture of my good friend Randy and me. We took this as soon as we got inside the venue and saw that beautiful lake with the sun setting in the background. Our group spent a good 15–20 minutes taking pictures and just hanging out here. It was a really neat place to relax and just take in the sights before tumbling down the rabbit hole together.

Why did you choose to share this one with us?
To be honest, this is one of the only pictures I have from that night! We were all too busy dancing, making new friends, and enjoying some incredible sets (Laidback Luke, I’m talking about you!). We didn’t really spend too much time on our phones—which is the way it should be, in my opinion. That said, this picture always reminds me of what a blast I had at Escape, and it reminds me of the amazing company that I enjoyed it with.

How does this picture best describe your overall #EscapeSoCal experience?
My friends and I are originally from the Bay Area. That weekend, we all made the journey down to Southern California for a trip that I would never forget. It was the weekend that turned nine friends into nine brothers and sisters, into family. It’s been two years since this picture was taken, but I can honestly say that this was the most fun event that I’ve ever been to, even to this day! When I look at this picture, I’m reminded of that.

Headliner: Zephra
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
Escape From Wonderland: 2011

What’s going on in this picture?
I usually go to music festivals with a small group of friends, but somehow, I always end up running into other friends randomly throughout the night, including these two amazing people right here! We took this picture during Zedd’s set at the first Escape From Wonderland in 2011.

Why did you choose to share this one with us?
I attended my very first rave at the NOS Events Center, so it’s definitely a special place for me because some of my most memorable moments happened there, including this one. It’s a magical place where you can spend time with good friends that you typically don’t see due to your normal busy schedules. I shared this one because it captures a really awesome memory for me.

How does this picture best describe your overall #EscapeSoCal experience?
This photo represents unity as a whole, running into people you care about and getting the chance to share a special moment that will always be remembered. What is it that they say? “A picture is worth a thousand words.” In my opinion, this photo captures much more than that. It depicts a satisfaction of life that’s being lived to the fullest, and it’s something that I will never forget, thanks to Insomniac!

If you’d like the chance to relive your favorite Insomniac moments, email us your best #TBT photo.