It’s been a long couple of years for the live music industry. Between lockout laws and pandemic restrictions, live entertainment has taken a serious hit, but now, there’s a new music festival in town.
Organised by Jasper Vallance, who used to run parties for Burning Man Festival, Xstatic Wonderland is a music festival with a twist — it’s a completely sober event.
The idea behind the festival is to give music lovers a chance to revel in the natural high of live music, without the hangover.
One survey commissioned by the NSW Treasury found that “78% of people would like more nighttime activities that do not centre around alcohol”, and Xstatic Wonderland has certainly delivered on that.
An event two years in making after numerous Covid restrictions saw the dance party delayed four times, here’s everything you need to know about Xstatic Wonderland.
What Is Xstatic Wonderland?
Xstatic Wonderland is an Alice in Wonderland themed, one-day music and arts festival.
It will have two music stages, as well as a comedy stage, games, art, and a 50-metre rabbit hole to go down.
It’s an all-ages event, and families are welcome. With a capacity of 2,500, it’s set to be the biggest sober live music event in Australia.
Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favourite Alice in Wonderland characters and get down on the dance floor.
The festival will take place in two halves.
First, there will be a massive Mad Hatters Tea Party, and later in the day, the rabbit hole will open up and the dance festival begins.
Who’s Performing at Xstatic Wonderland?
MAD HATTER’S STAGE
Goldheist – Opening with the Sydney International Choir
King Tide – One of Australia’s favourite roots and reggae bands
Jansen Brown – Disco and 80s classics
T-Dog & LeMAZEÂ – Deep house sunset set
Kid Kenobi – Closing set of house classics
RABBIT HOLE STAGE
Christian Ralston – Yoga Jam – Uplifting house
Sohm – Rainbow Tribe – Deep tribal with Latino flavours
VibaSe – VYOMA – Techno/psytrance
Castle Drumming – Drum circle dance to close
When Is Xstatic Wonderland?
Xstatic Wonderland will take place on Saturday, April 30th.
Gates open at 11am, and the event will finish at 10pm.
The Mad Hatters Tea Party will officially kick off at 1pm, opened by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Jess Scully.
Where Will Xstatic Wonderland Be Held?
Xstatic Wonderland will take place in Belmore Park, right in the middle of the Sydney CBD.
How Much Does Xstatic Wonderland Cost?
There are a few different pricing options, depending on what experience you’re looking for.
If you’re just wanting to dance, tickets can be purchased for $79, but if you want the full Mad Hatter, all-day experience, tickets are $209.
Where can I buy tickets for Xstatic Wonderland?
You can purchase tickets at Humanitix.
What Else Is on Offer?
Aside from the music acts, there will also be speakers and comedians performing, who have yet to be announced.
Attendees are also encouraged to bring their own instruments and join in the acoustic gam session.
During the tea party, guests can co-create their own tea party, right down to the tables and chairs, with a prize being awarded to the most outraged table setting of them all.
There will be other mini-events, as well as a costume parade, which will ensure that there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Instead of alcohol, Xstatic Wonderland will be serving up James Squires Zero Beer, as well as alcohol free cocktails by Seadrift Distillery. There will be plenty of healthy food options available, as well as sweet treats for those who purchase the full Mad Hatters Tea Party experience.
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