Dreamstate SoCal 2024: What we loved about the festival [Recap]

Dreamstate SoCal, North America’s premier trance music festival, made a triumphant return to its iconic Queen Mary venue in Long Beach. This marked its second edition at its new home, solidifying its place as a must-attend event for trance fans.

Dreamstate SoCal 2024 was nothing short of magical, uniting trance lovers from around the world for a weekend brimming with unforgettable moments, cutting-edge performances, and breathtaking production. Celebrating its 10th edition from November 22-23, the festival returned to the iconic Queen Mary Waterfront in Long Beach for its second year. With a star-studded lineup featuring powerhouse artists such as Nifra, Ace Ventura, Vini Vici, Andrew Bayer, Ben Gold, and the legendary Darude, the diversity of sounds and styles offered something special for every attendee, from uplifting anthems to high-energy psytrance.

Dreamstate was about more than just music—it was an experience. The vibrant energy of the crowd, paired with stunning stage designs, mesmerizing visuals, and the idyllic waterfront backdrop, made it a truly immersive event. Whether you were dancing under the lasers or soaking in the camaraderie of like-minded fans, the festival radiated a sense of unity and celebration. Read on as we take a closer look at what we loved about this unforgettable weekend!

A Star-Studded Lineup That Never Disappoints 

Dreamstate SoCal 2024 delivered a lineup that read like a trance lover’s dream, featuring an impeccable mix of legends, rising stars, and genre pioneers. Across two days, fans were treated to a variety of styles, from uplifting and progressive melodies to psytrance and tech-driven beats, all performed on immersive stages like The Dream, The Void, and The Sequence. 

Kicking off Friday at The Dream, John O’Callaghan delivered a powerful set blending uplifting anthems with hard-hitting trance, setting the perfect tone for the weekend. MaRLo kept the energy soaring with his signature “tech-energy” sound, transitioning seamlessly between euphoric buildups and bass-heavy drops. Markus Schulz then took fans on a sonic journey, combining progressive, uplifting, and darker tones with stunning visuals that made his performance unforgettable.

Transported to another dimension with @JOCofficial. 🚀🌀 #DreamstateSoCal pic.twitter.com/mqFA4tnncV

— Dreamstate (@DreamstateUSA) November 29, 2024

Giuseppe Ottaviani’s Ottagon live set was a masterclass in trance production, showcasing soaring melodies, intricate beats, and euphoric drops. Friday’s finale belonged to none other than Armin van Buuren, who closed the night with a career-spanning set that felt both nostalgic and forward-looking. Mixing classics like ‘In and Out of Love’ with tracks such as Maddix’s remix of ‘Computers Take Over The World,’ Armin proved why he remains a legend of the genre.

Dreamin' big dreams with @arminvanbuuren.💭💙

Thank you, Dreamers for an amazing Day 1! Your love illuminated our Trance Destination & captured our hearts. Get home safe and dream sweet.🌙 #DreamstateSoCal pic.twitter.com/8F4E57HUHj

— Dreamstate (@DreamstateUSA) November 23, 2024

Saturday opened explosively with Nifra at The Void, captivating the crowd with her high-energy tracks and seamless transitions. At The Dream, Paul van Dyk brought a sense of nostalgia and emotion, thrilling fans with timeless classics like ‘For an Angel’ while reminding everyone why he’s a trance pioneer.

Captain Hook brought a hypnotic psytrance experience to The Sequence, with deep basslines and psychedelic beats that transported fans to another dimension. Above & Beyond followed with one of the weekend’s most emotional performances—a two-hour set filled with heartfelt tracks like ‘Thing Called Love’ and new releases from their ‘Tranquility Base Vol. 2’ EP. The trio’s connection with the crowd was electric, with fans waving flags and dancing with pure joy. Closing the festival, Vini Vici delivered a high-energy finale at The Sequence, leaving fans euphoric with tracks like ‘Great Spirit.’

Guided by @aboveandbeyond, The Dream reached new heights of euphoria & transcendence. Thank you, Dreamers, for all your love, connection, and passion that helped make #DreamstateSoCal 2024 an incredible experience that we will cherish forever! 💭 pic.twitter.com/z2XlYaKDyT

— Dreamstate (@DreamstateUSA) November 24, 2024

Improvements to the Venue Were Noticeable and Appreciated

Dreamstate SoCal 2024 exceeded expectations with thoughtful enhancements to the festival experience, earning praise from attendees. One of the most noticeable improvements was the new shuttle location at the marina, a significant upgrade from last year’s downtown Long Beach pick-up point. The change not only simplified the journey to the festival, but also reduced congestion, making the commute smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Although longer lines for the shuttles developed later in the day, there were plenty of convenient alternatives. Attendees could enjoy a scenic walk in the cool night air, take an e-scooter across the bridge, or use bike services and rideshare options, all of which made getting to and from the venue a breeze.

Another major improvement was the earlier start time, with gates opening at 1 PM on both days. This change offered a more relaxed flow of attendees, easing festival traffic and spreading out the arrival rush. It also gave fans extra hours to explore the grounds, catch up-and-coming talent, and soak in the early sets, which are often just as memorable as the headliners. For those who arrived early, it felt like an extended celebration rather than a race to catch the main acts.

The most striking upgrades, however, were to the stage production, particularly at The Dream. This year’s setup featured massive statues flanking a central, larger LED wall, giving the stage an iconic, larger-than-life feel that gave the vibe of an EDC Las Vegas stage. The combination of fireworks, pyrotechnics, and a mesmerizing laser show transformed every performance into a visual spectacle. Whether you were up close or taking in the view from further back, the immersive design and improved sound quality ensured that every note and every beat resonated deeply.

The Festival’s Community is Like No Other

One of the most remarkable aspects of Dreamstate SoCal is the undeniable sense of community that permeates the festival. Year after year, trance fans come together, creating an atmosphere that is both welcoming and inclusive. What sets Dreamstate apart from other events is the unwavering positivity and enthusiasm of the crowd, which consistently stands out as one of the nicest, most considerate, and happiest groups of attendees in the entire Insomniac festival lineup. From the colorful outfits and kandi trades to the heartfelt conversations shared between sets, it’s clear that the spirit of unity is alive and well at Dreamstate.

Captivated by your beauty, Dreamers. 🤩🫶 #DreamstateSoCal pic.twitter.com/c2x1dLA0Hq

— Dreamstate (@DreamstateUSA) November 24, 2024

The trance community has a unique energy that radiates from the fans, with many taking the time to connect with others, whether through spontaneous dance-offs, exchanging music recommendations, or simply sharing a moment of appreciation for the music and the atmosphere. There’s a genuine sense of camaraderie, as fans from all walks of life come together, bound by their love for trance music. The smiles are infectious, the positivity is palpable, and it’s easy to feel like you’re part of something much larger than just a festival. The energy of the crowd at Dreamstate is unlike any other, and it’s this strong sense of community that keeps attendees coming back year after year.

Looking Ahead

As the curtains closed on Dreamstate SoCal 2024, it was clear that this festival continues to set the standard for trance events worldwide. The Queen Mary provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable weekend, solidifying its place as the ultimate destination for trance music lovers. Mark your calendars and start counting down—Dreamstate SoCal 2025 is sure to be another unforgettable chapter in this iconic festival’s history, one that will elevate the experience to even greater heights.

#DreamstateSoCal 2024 was everything we imagined & more.✨ From the first set to the last, we danced together united by love, energy & the trance we all share. 💙

Already counting the days until we return to the Ultimate Trance Destination in 2025. Thank you, Dreamers.💫 pic.twitter.com/LbWlXCRZ9m

— Dreamstate (@DreamstateUSA) November 28, 2024