Countdown NYE 2024: An Unforgettable Extraterrestrial Experience for Dance Music Fans
New Year’s Eve is a highlight for electronic music enthusiasts, offering a vibrant array of events as the year draws to a close. Among these, Countdown NYE, presented by Insomniac, stands out as one of the largest celebrations in Southern California, making it a fantastic way to bid farewell to 2024.
While some friends chose to attend Forever Midnight or PROPER NYE/NYD, I returned to San Bernardino to immerse myself in the enchanting atmosphere of Countdown NYE. The impressive lineup, featuring diverse genres from house and techno to drum and bass and mainstream EDM, promised a production that would transport me to another realm. Although I felt a hint of disappointment over the festival’s reduction from two days to one, the midweek timing of New Year’s Eve justified Insomniac’s choice.
Venue Layout Enhancements at Countdown NYE
We arrived early to avoid entry delays, and to our surprise, the venue had been relocated compared to the previous year. This change brought about new stage placements and an overall seamless layout. We swiftly made our way inside, catching Clawz’s opening set within minutes.
The refreshed layout allowed for easy navigation between the Mothership, Nebula, and Twilight Zone stages, while the Galactik Gate and Area 51 stages were slightly more tucked away. The sound quality was excellent, with no sound bleed, and ample room to explore the various art installations, arcade games, vendors, and the Alien Red Light District throughout the venue.
The Mothership stage, now “20% larger,” showcased the biggest acts, yet the overall experience felt spacious and comfortable. Even with the chilly temperatures and competing events in Southern California, it was a relief not to feel overcrowded throughout the night.
A Diverse Musical Lineup at Countdown NYE
Clawz initiated the night with a hard-hitting set at the Twilight Zone stage, paving the way for artists like Carv, GRAVEDGR, Lilly Palmer, and Shlomo. I was particularly impressed by Ghost In Real Life, who infused Area 51 with exhilarating drum and bass vibes, while later sets explored dubstep, midtempo, and more.
For house music lovers, the Galactik Gate stage was a must-visit. The performances by Ky William and Girl Math (VNSSA b2b Nala) were particularly memorable as they kept the dancefloor alive. I only managed to catch Zeds Dead’s closing set at the stunning Nebula stage, but others from the EDM Identity team raved about their experiences dancing to Joyryde, Jauz, and more.
The Mothership Stage: A Musical Haven
I spent a significant amount of time at the Mothership stage, where the lineup featuring W&W, Chris Lake, Knock2, and Zedd was unmissable. Knock2, stepping in for Alesso, electrified the crowd with his infectious energy, while Zedd skillfully led us into the new year with anthems like “Clarity,” uniting everyone in song.
Immersive Alien Theme at Countdown NYE
The alien theme was the highlight of Countdown NYE for me. I found myself wishing Insomniac had selected a warmer venue to fully embrace this theme. Alien performers roamed the festival grounds, enhancing the atmosphere around stages, the Lunar Lagoon, and more. The themed areas like the Alien Landing Zone, Launch Pad, Black Hole Bazaar, and Earth Arcade contributed to the immersive experience. My personal favorite was the Alien Red Light District, a cosmic space featuring its own DJs, a bar with minimal wait times, and alien performers captivating audiences.
Make Countdown NYE Your Destination for a Unique Year-End Celebration
Countdown NYE presents a polished festival experience from Insomniac that I highly recommend. If you enjoy hopping between stages, prefer not to feel cramped, and appreciate exploring beyond just the music, this festival is a must-visit. I had an amazing time dancing alongside fellow festival-goers in this year’s edition, and I eagerly anticipate what Insomniac and their extraterrestrial friends will bring for 2025.
