Countdown NYE 2024: A Solo Raver’s Intergalactic Adventure 👽✨
As the clock ticked down to the final moments of 2024, I found myself stepping into a world where aliens had taken over—Countdown NYE at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. 🌌👽 This year, I embarked on this cosmic journey as a solo raver, a choice that might have intimidated me in the past but turned out to be one of the most empowering and rewarding experiences of my life.
From the moment I walked through the gates, it was clear that Countdown was fully committed to its extraterrestrial theme. Everywhere I looked, there were UFOs, glowing alien statues, and intergalactic décor that made the festival grounds feel like a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie. 🚀✨ Neon lights pulsed in sync with the music, creating a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere that was equal parts mesmerizing and electrifying.
The night was a bit chilly but featured beautiful weather, adding to the magic of the evening. ❄️🌟 However, the entrance to the festival was a bit smaller this year, which resulted in slightly longer wait times to get in. Once inside, though, the festival grounds were surprisingly uncrowded, which I think added to the overall enchantment of the experience.
Being a solo raver can be daunting, especially for someone like me who tends to be a bit shy. Approaching people and making new friends isn’t always easy for me, but I was determined not to let that hold me back. To help ease my nerves and make connections, I came prepared with a few tricks up my sleeve.
First, I spent hours crafting kandi bracelets before the festival. Each one was unique, adorned with colorful beads and heartfelt messages. 🌈✨ The act of trading kandi isn’t just about exchanging accessories; it’s about sharing a moment, a smile, and a connection. I also brought along a stash of stickers, packs of gum, and candy bags to share with fellow ravers. 🍬🎁 These small gestures turned out to be incredible icebreakers, opening the door to conversations and new friendships.
But the real game-changer? My face paint. 🎨🤡 I decided to embrace my inner clown, painting my face with bold colors and designs that stood out in the crowd. It was a hit! People were constantly coming up to compliment my look, take photos, and chat. What started as a fun way to express myself turned into a magnet for connection. By the end of the night, I had met so many incredible people who were drawn in by my colorful persona.
One of the absolute highlights of my night was meeting the one and only Pasquale Rotella. 🌟🤩 His team approached me and asked if I’d like to take a picture with him—I was completely star-struck. Pasquale is such a pinnacle in the EDM community, having built Insomniac from the ground up with the help of so many talented people. Meeting him was an unforgettable moment and a true honor.
The stages at Countdown were as impressive as the theme itself, each offering a unique experience:
The Mothership was the main stage, and it was nothing short of spectacular. 🚀🌌 Covered and reportedly 20% bigger than previous festivals, per Insomniac, it did feel more spacious. The production was top-notch, with stunning lasers and visuals that captivated the crowd. 🎶💫 Here, we enjoyed performances from artists like Zedd, Galantis, Chris Lake, and Diplo. Marshmello closed out the night with a set that was both high-energy and heartfelt, dropping fan-favorites like “Happier” and “Alone” while mixing in some unexpected surprises that kept everyone dancing until the very end. 💃🎉 The Mothership also featured an outstanding VIP area with super clean bathrooms, tons of indoor lounge spaces to keep warm, photo ops, a kandi-making station, and even barbers and beauty parlors. ✂️📸 There were also passageways leading directly into the VIP area of the stage, making it incredibly convenient.
Nebula, located to the right of the Mothership, hosted artists like Zeds Dead, Jauz, Joyryde, and TroyBoi. 🌠🎧 Though this stage was slightly smaller, it didn’t detract from the experience. The crowd was filled with happy ravers all night, and the energy here was infectious. 😊🎵 The Nebula VIP area also had a heated lounge space, which became one of my favorite spots to take a break and recharge. Sitting there, surrounded by warmth and good vibes, reminded me of how lucky I am to be part of such an amazing community.
Area 51, across from the Mothership, was the hub for bass heads and drum and bass lovers. 🔊👾 This all-indoor stage kept us nice and toasty, so much so that I didn’t even need my jacket because I was sweating! 🔥🕺 Artists like Liquid Stranger, INZO, Deathpact, and Reaper brought the heat, but my favorite moment was counting down to midnight with BTSM. Their set was an electrifying blend of heavy bass and dark vibes that perfectly matched the alien theme, making it an unforgettable way to ring in the new year. 🎇🎶
The Twilight Zone, another indoor stage located right at the festival entrance, featured artists like Basswell, Shlømo, and GRAVEDGR. 🌀🎚️ The intimate setting and pulsating beats made it a great spot to lose yourself in the music.
Galactik Gate, nestled in its own outdoor corner, was a hidden gem for house music lovers. 🌌🎶 Artists like Wax Motif, Westend, and Biscits kept the vibes high, making this stage a favorite for those seeking infectious grooves and uplifting beats. 🕺✨
The Red District, located nearby, offered a uniquely immersive experience. Here, you could lose yourself among sexy dancing aliens being paraded around by their captors, adding a theatrical and interactive element to the festival. 💃👽
Lastly, there was the Beatbox Boombox Art Car, a mobile party that I found myself drifting to several times throughout the night. 🚗🎧 My favorite set here was from Luca Lush, who played some crazy cool techno that I couldn’t get enough of. 🔥🎶
The music, of course, was the heartbeat of the night. 🎵💓 Each stage offered a unique vibe, from bass-heavy drops that shook the ground to euphoric melodies that lifted my spirits to another dimension. Dancing under the stars, surrounded by strangers who felt like family, was a reminder of why I love this community so much. 🌠❤️
Throughout the night, I also took moments to step back and reflect. Whether it was lounging in the warm VIP area at the Mothership, relaxing in the heated lounge space at Nebula, or attending one of the Sober Ravers meetings, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This community has not only given me unforgettable experiences but has also played a significant role in my personal growth and character development. 🌟🙏
As the countdown to midnight began, the energy in the air was electric. ⚡ Thousands of voices joined together, counting down the final seconds of the year. When the clock struck midnight, confetti rained down like stardust. 🎊✨ It was a moment of pure magic, a celebration of not just the new year but of connection, music, and the shared experience of being part of something bigger than ourselves.
Walking out of the festival grounds, I felt a sense of accomplishment and joy. Despite my initial nerves, I embraced the night with an open heart and found connection in the most unexpected ways. Countdown NYE 2024 wasn’t just a festival; it was a reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to unforgettable experiences. 🌌🌟
To anyone considering going solo to a festival, my advice is simple: do it. 💪✨ Bring a little something to share, wear something that makes you feel confident, and most importantly, embrace the moment. You never know who you might meet or what memories you’ll create. For me, Countdown was a night I’ll cherish forever—a celebration of music, community, and the magic of being unapologetically yourself. 💃🎶❤️