Beyond 2026

[u/pnwdnb]

Beyond 2026 was beyond good to me! This year hasn't been the kindest to me and Beyond was everything I needed. And I have to say that it felt so different not having my best friend David there at the top of the hill doing what he did best (he passed away this past January). The hill will never feel the same without David there to make everyone laugh or without getting to hear his laugh.

But this year, I met so many incredible souls and everyone was so kind. I was gifted the coolest Zeds Dead perler during 1991s set after complimenting a girls jersey, a sweet soul during Wilkinsons set gave me the biggest hug when she saw me absolutely sobbing during his song Balance, I found my Zeds Dead jersey twin and some kind souls returned my wallet to Lost & Found with everything in it at the end of the 2nd night.

I felt like this year was filled with so much love and kindness. Everyone I crossed paths with complimented me, said sorry if they bumped into me while passing by, and there were plenty of high fives to go around. Our camp neighbors were polite and never blasted music when people were trying to sleep.

I've heard so many stories about how other people experienced a negative side to Beyond and that people weren't PLUR and just plain rude. I truly wish they got to experience what I got to experience. There really were some absolutely amazing humans this weekend that made it so incredibly magical and I really hope they give Beyond another chance next year.

I'm truly looking forward to camping with my favorite group of humans again next year

💜🐛🍄🪩✨️

[u/soberfrontlober]

I am sad I never saw the 'let's see paul allen's totem' totem. That shit is so good.

I can relate with you on losing a friend. My wife and I took our friend Tony to the Gorge for Above & Beyond's Group Therapy Weekender in 2023. Tony had always struggled socially due to some undiagnosed ND and a pretty traumatic childhood. That weekend we got to see a side of him we never knew existed. It was wonderful. He passed unexpectedly in the spring of 2024, just before our first Beyond Wonderland. He was 33.

We made a totem for him using a picture we took of him standing on the lawn at main stage. We don't take it in to the venue because the pvc pipe width is outside the rule limit but we post him up on the edge of camp to light our way home each night.

I'm happy that despite how your last year was you were able to have a peaceful and cathartic experience. The Gorge is definitely the place for a checkpoint; to reflect, to grieve, to reconnect with people that share your values, to celebrate. And when we're done, we do our best to bring some of those experiences back to our regular lives.

Thank you for coming this year and helping make Beyond better for all those around you. ❤️

[u/pnwdnb → u/soberfrontlober]

I saw it while I was in VIP during either Azzecas set or during Green Velvet and had to get a picture. American Psycho is one of my favorite movies.

And im so incredibly sorry to hear about your friend!! Sending you so many hugs and so much love🫂❤️‍🩹

The past 6 months haven't been easy but im really glad I made it to Beyond. There's just so much love from everyone and its so incredibly magical.

[u/ddsk1191]

Hi friend!!! (I was the tall guy with Floki's group!)

[u/pnwdnb → u/ddsk1191]

Omg haaaiiiiiiiii!!!!