Photo Credit: Turk Photos

Before entering the freakshow, I needed to pick up my ticket from will call, go through security, and do that whole process. Being the derp I am when it comes to directions, I had my driver drop me off at the wrong side of the venue, leaving me with a brief walk to the box office. I was alone, cold, and wearing the tiniest outfit when I stopped a guy wearing a Guest Services tee to ask for directions to will call. He was so kind and more than happy to stop what he was doing and walk me all the way to the box office so I didn’t have to be alone. Once I got there and picked up my ticket, I ended up chatting with more members of the Guest Services team and they assisted me through the entire entry process. Attending an event alone can be intimidating, so I am so appreciative of USC’s crew for being so accommodating, helpful, and overall kind! It was PLUR vibes to the max and I am so grateful to know that USC Event’s hires employees that are not only committed to their job, but their guest’s experience too. 

When I finally got inside, my jaw literally dropped-- it was a freakin’ FREAKSHOW! Games, rides, stages, lasers, this place had the whole 9 yards. I just remember thinking to myself, ‘holy crap, I don’t know how I’m going to get a chance to interact with every aspect of this place, but I refuse to leave until I do.’ I got there early enough to explore the venue before my must-see sets, so of course, I hit the rides first. There were three different amusement rides located right next the main stage, so everyone was headbanging on the rides while trying not to puke...or maybe that was just me? These rides were the crème de la crème of spinny rides. At first, I was worried about the lines taking forever, but surprisingly they went by pretty fast.

After finally getting myself to feel like I wasn’t spinning anymore, I noticed all the photo-opp structures and made sure to hit those next. Of course on theme, there were well-lit art installations scattered throughout the venue. When I ran into one of my good friends, I not only made sure to get a picture with him, but had him be my personal photographer for a bit as well. 

My entire outfit is exclusively from homegameauction: J. Valentine Daydreamin' Mesh Top, Pastease Swirly Stripe Pasties, Malibu BB High Cut Bottoms, and Hex Net Stockings with Attached Garter Belt.

After I had an entire photoshoot, I rushed over to the silent disco where one of my best friends, Yung Wub, was DJing. Silent disco’s have always had my heart; not only do you get to rage between three different DJs, but it’s also funny AF when you take off your headphones and see everyone crazy dancing in what seems like silence. During my time here, I ran into the homegameauction Unicorn crew looking bomb.com in their Halloween fits. 

homegameauction Unicorns dressed head-to-toe in homegameauction: No Rules Plaid Crop Top, No Rules Plaid Skirt, and Garter Thigh Highs.

At this point, I had explored all they had to offer and it was time to indulge in the music. I was able to catch half of Brohug and, holy sh!t, those guys throw down. It took me just two seconds to get sucked into their set. Right after Brohug came K?D, and he did not disappoint. His set was both artistic and rowdy as usual, so it was a good call for USC Events to put him on the main stage. Speaking of the main stage, AKA the Twisted Big Top, no matter where you were standing, you had the best seat in the house; due to the venue’s openness, I seriously always had a great view. Whether I was on the floor in the crowd or up the stairs at the VIP bar, the stage production was overall top-notch.

Later on, I decided to wander to the other stages, and the only way to get to the Midway Mayhem stage was through Vendor Village. Not only did they have the usual booths selling psychedelic clothing and light-up gear, but there were psychic readings too! I didn’t have the chance to stop for this because I heard Rabbit in the Moon playing and couldn’t help but book it there, but the psychic readings were definitely a nice touch I appreciated and would definitely take the time to engage with next year. 

To close off the night, I made sure to catch Black Tiger Sex Machine and Porter Robinson. These are some of my favorite artists and they did not disappoint. BTSM was a headbang and a half for sure, and they drew in a pretty large crowd. The Bass Asylum stage, where BTSM played, was a little hard to find a good view, so I just hung out in the bar area parallel to the stage. After BTSM ended, I rushed over to the main stage, found a nice little spot near the back of the crowd, and sat in awe of Porter Robinson. At this point in my raving career, I have had the opportunity to see Porter more times than I can count on one hand, and this guy delivers every single show he plays. This was the best way I could have imagined closing out Freaknight. 

Overall, Freaknight 2019 went beyond what I had expected and I finally understand what all the hype is. Seattle one of those cities that truly embraces PLUR, and it is a community of ravers that I am proud to be a part of. Big shoutout to USC Events for going full send for Halloween year after year. 

Photo Credit: Turk Photos and USC Events

5. Rabbit in the Moon (Live)

A Rabbit in the Moon Live set is unlike anything you have ever seen. Their mesmerizing performances will have you captivated until the end. The hypnotic beats paired with psychedelic visuals will have you feelin’ some type of way. Take a look at what happened last time they were in the PNW... this was at Paradiso:

Photo Credit: Turk Photos and USC Events

4. Neelix

Psytrance is one of my personal favorite genres so the next one is easy: Neelix . Neelix is a psy-god. More than likely he’ll play at Freaknight’s trance stage, and you can catch me there. The energy this man creates with his crowd is unmatched, and you can tell from watching his sets.  Do. Not. Miss. Him.

3. Dimibo

Did someone say psytrance? Dimibo is a duo from Seattle that has been doing it BIG in the psy-world. Check out their remix of Jason Ross’: The Gorge, you won’t regret it. They are currently working on a project with the king himself, Seven Lions, called “Abraxis”,  and if we are lucky, we will get a taste of their psy-project at Freaknight. Not to mention, they are as nice as they are talented.

2. k?d

k?d definitely will take the cake for most original set at Freaknight. His sets are filled with feels, psy, hard dance, dubstep and more. He is a master of all genres and he plays by his own rules. k?d has massive tracks out, and his live remixes are to die for. 

1. Porter Robinson

This one speaks for itself.  We have been blessed in the PNW once again with Porter Robinson. Porter is a master at his own game. If you have never seen Porter before, make sure to prioritize this. His sets will have you in your feels one minute and completely mind blown the next. He will be playing a DJ set, brace yourselves for greatness.

Tickets and all other info are available here. Buy yours now and join me under the Twisted Big Top for a night full of musical treats and scary tricks.

Lineup

This lineup is absolutely fa-BOO-lous! With such an eclectic mix of artists, this fest is about to be one jam-packed night full of ghostly good sets. Prep right for your night by checking out this lineup, and all the talent you are about to rage to!

Click here to check out the official USC Events FreakNight playlist on Spotify. 

Tickets

Tickets are currently on sale to the public via Ticketmaster. If you dare attend this year (which you definitely should), beware that this event is 18+. FreakNight offers a variety of tickets, ranging from affordable, all-access fun, to top-shelf ultimate experiences:

General admission tickets include entry to the fest, as well as access to hair raising attractions, including rides, games, and more. There will also be bars mixing alcoholic potions for those of you ghouls who are over the age of 21.  These tickets are currently for sale at Tier 3 pricing: $107 (plus taxes and fees). To read more about GA tickets, clickhere.

For those of you planning to trick or treat yo’ self, FreakNight’s VIP offers are to DIE for. First up is the VIP Experience pass, available only to our 21+ folks. In addition to admission, this pass grants you access to an exclusive VIP entrance, sick FreakNight 2019 merch, coat and bag check, and special viewing areas and bars. VIPs are granted full access to VIP water stations, a photo booth, tarot card readings, and lots more treats! To read more about VIP tickets, click here.

If you’re lookin’ for something frighteningly luxurious for you and your squad, get yourself a Premium VIP table. In addition to the VIP Experience pass amenities, these Premium packages include tickets all participants, VIP parking, and a private table for you and your friends to dance the night away at TO read more about Premium VIP tables, clickhere.

Attractions

Photo courtesy of Turk Photos

What sets this freakshow apart from most is the insane amount of entertainment beyond the music. In between sets, you have to check out the carnival attractions, including ghostly fast rides, frighteningly fun games, hauntingly interactive performers. With a venue of this size with two large stages, the rides and games are usually pretty doable in between sets, as wait times aren’t that long. You can also explore Vendor Village, a community of vendors selling rave related products within the fashion and technology realms. 

And as always, USC Events has blessed us with an amazing Conscious Crew Staff to help keep us safe, provide safe spaces and chill zones for those in need, and act as a resource for all things FreakNight. If you need a spritz of water on your face, they got you. If you need directions to the medical tent, they got you. If you just need someone to talk to, they seriously got you! Keep an eye out for folks in bright orange tees!

Location/Getting there:

Photo courtesy of Turk Photos

FreakNight will be held at WaMu theater from 6:30pm-1:30am. Located directly next to Century Link Field, WaMu theater is accessible in so many ways! If you don’t want to drive yourself, other affordable options are to take the bus, use a rideshare app, or carpool! The theater is in a very busy part of Seattle, so carpooling will definitely be the move. 

Parking

There are multiple parking lots surrounding the circus perimeters that will be available to attendees. The venue lots will be lit up and easily visible, while patrolled by security throughout the event (thank you USC events for keeping the evil spirits away from our cars).

Lockers

Photo courtesy of USC Events

We all know Seattle nights can be bone-chilling cold, so snag a locker for you and your friends to keep your belongings out of sight while you dance the night away. These 12x12x18 inch lockers are available for purchase online at an affordable price. The Festival Locker booth will be conveniently located within the venue for you to access whenever you need. 

See you in Seattle!

Photo Credit: @turkphotos & USC Events

We started the night off the right way (and by that, I mean she allowed me put face jewels on her face) and the initiation to raving had begun. One of my favorite things about festivals is putting glitter and jewels on people, so this was crazy cool to me. On our walk to the venue, I was trying my best to debrief her on the different stages, what was included in her VIP band, and an overall idea of what she was about to experience. But how could I ever capture that in a 15-minute walk?

Photo Credit: USNAP & USC Events

When we walked past the super long line to get in, she got scared, but with having VIP, we got to skip the line and use a separate entrance. As we walked into the venue we were greeted by a top-notch view of mainstage and performers taunting us. The look on her face was priceless - she had no idea what she was getting herself into.

First thing first, she had to go to the bathroom. I directed her to the appropriate place and she came out absolutely MORTIFIED (I forgot to tell her that the bathroom stalls don't shut because the WaMU Theater locks them open for safety purposes during festivals). I couldn’t have laughed harder as she told me about how the other ravers had to explain to her that she could keep trying to close every stall, but they were not going to close.

I then took her around the venue to all the different stages to see all of the local artists: Kendoll, Darrius and Quackson. We continued wandering through the festival to see all the art installations and carnival rides. Then, (of course) she was hungry. Guess what she got? Chicken Strips! (The deliciousness of the Chicken Strips served at most USC Events are a long-time running inside joke with people who frequently attend USC Events). Finally, my mom got to experience these delicious strips and was truly living her best life at the rave.

Photo credit: The Cheshire Cat (pictured)

A piece of important information that I shared with my mom was about #TheMessage. #TheMessage is a campaign started by USC Events & their safety team, The Conscious Crew, to ensure everyone at the venue has a safe and fun time. It’s more than just hydrating (which is super important). It’s about watching out for your fellow ravers - reporting something that you see, getting consent before anything, pin-pointing a meeting place for when you get lost, the list goes on. It embodies “PLUR” and what it truly means to be a part of this community. Everyone we ran into was super helpful and informative and was wondering if my mom or myself had any questions or concerns.

Photo Credit: @turkphotos & USC Events

We went and watched Bonnie x Clyde and she had a great time Snapchat-ing the whole thing and enjoying her chicken strips. Before the rave, she was worried that she wasn’t going to know any songs, but she slowly started to realize that most of the music she hears on the radio, and in commercials ( and really everywhere) is electronic music in different forms. Her expectations were slowly dissipating before her eyes.

This was the first year USC Events added a new stage to Freaknight: the Fun House Silent Disco! There were constantly three different DJ’s spinning on different channels for the participants to choose from while streaming to wireless headphones! Each channel had a different color so you were able to see what other ravers were listening to the same set as you.

Photo Credit: @turkphotos & USC Events

The art installations at Freaknight this year were SPECTACULAR. There was a giant cube that was made up of giant LED panels that were changing all night long. The performers were jaw-dropping; they were dressed to perfection and they wouldn’t break character even after all my laughter. All in all, my mom and I created memories that will last a lifetime.

After that, we spent most of our time up in the VIP area above mainstage: where there was plenty of seating, a glitter bar, a private bar and of course the best view the house has to offer. I asked mom how she was enjoying it, and her response made my entire night: “There are butts and boobs everywhere, all shapes and sizes- and no one cares! You can wear whatever you want and you’re still accepted. Christmas lights on your legs? Sure. Umbrella inside? Sure. I want a light up tutu.”

Photo Credit: @turkphotos & USC Events

The day after, I found this on her Snapchat and my heart warmed:

When asked if she would come back, she had no doubts in her mind that she would return. It’s a giant party filled with a community that cares about each other and with performers that are entertained all night long. We ended our night with Marshmello closing mainstage, exactly what she had been waiting for all night. He played all his commercial dance music that she recognized and she was overall satisfied.

Photo Credit: USNAP & USC Events

For the last 21 years, thousands of ravers have been flocking to the Pacific Northwest to unite under the Seattle sky for this annual Halloween rave. For the last few years, Freaknight has bounced locations between the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington and the WaMu Theater in downtown Seattle. This year, this ghoulish event is making its way back to the WaMu Theater for a single night of raving with an ultra-stacked lineup.  

Photo Credit: USC Events & Little Machine Productions

If you’re looking to spend your Halloween evening with world-renowned acts such as Marshmello, Steve Aoki & Yellow Claw, you’ve come to the right place.

Freaknight proudly boasts three awesome stages, so there’s truly something for everyone. While making your way between stages, the fire dancers will keep you lit and the amusement park rides will bring nostalgic trick-o-treating memories back to life (yes, that’s right.. there are actual indoor RIDES at Freaknight. Previous years have included bumper cars, a carousel and a spinny top. USC Events doesn’t mess around when it comes to entertainment) There’s also tons of carnival themed-games at Freaknight. Try your luck at skeeball or test your strength with the hammer at the High Striker.

Looking to concoct the perfect potion for the perfect night? Begin your quest at the Midway Mayhem Stage. Here is where you’ll find a cauldron of terrifying techno & haunting house beats provided by, Green Velvet, Kendoll and many more.

Photo Credit: USC Events & Parallax

For your next ingredient, you’ll need to visit the Bass Asylum Stage, where the zombies who have sacrificed their necks rise again to rage. Here you are likely to find bass legends such as: Cookie Monsta b2b Doctor P and Space Jesus.

Photo Credit: USC Events & Parallax

Finally, the magical main ingredient is located under The Twisted Big Top. This tricked-out stage is where you’ll find some of the biggest acts of the night, like Knife Party, and PNW’s very own, Darrius.

Photo Credit: USC Events & Parallax

As a Washington Native and Freaknight Veteran, here are some pro tips to maximize your Freaknight Experience:

• Book your hotel NOW - rooms will only sell out and get more expensive
• Public Transportation is your friend! There are buses that run throughout Seattle and can provide a great alternative to Uber if you want to save on cost. I suggest planning your route ahead of time (and, ahem, sober) so you don’t run into any issues on the night of the show
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help - if you, a friend or a stranger is too messed up, PLEASE reach out to the friendly guys and gals walking around in bright orange or yellow tees that say, “Conscious Crew,” These people are your friends and won’t get you in trouble for asking for help - I promise!
• Take care of yourselves! There are free water stations all over the venue and food vendor options. Check out the chicken strips, they’re the best

I’ve had some great memories at Freaknight, one year I broke my leg (before the event) and had to experience everything in a wheelchair. Everyone was so nice and helpful to me as I was trying to adventure through the venue. I met and traded with a lot of ravers and got a new respect for those who are immobilized. In my opinion, Freaknight is truly the best event because everyone goes all out with their Halloween costumes and everyone embodies what it takes to be a part of this community.

Photo Credit: USC Events & Turk Photos