Held at the NOS Event Center, Insomniac’s Escape Halloween festival was a massive, immersive experience with epic performances, jaw-dropping visuals, and interactive elements that made it the biggest and best edition yet.
Festivalgoers came in their finest costumes – from seductive and clever to downright hilarious and horrifying. Just people-watching was a highlight in itself! The entire venue was decked out in incredible, spooky decor, each area crafted with meticulous attention to detail that amplified the dark and thrilling vibes Escape Halloween is known for.
Day 1 Escape Halloween Highlights
I kicked off Day 1 with none other than Deadmau5 at the iconic Grimm Stage. This year was said to be the last for this beloved stage, so I spent extra time soaking in the electric atmosphere. Following Deadmau5, I caught Afroki, the epic collaboration between Steve Aoki and Afrojack. The pyrotechnics and lasers were next level, bringing the stage to life and setting the bar high for the night.
VIP guests with the Elevated Experience had extra perks like trick-or-treating and exclusive photo ops with the hauntingly beautiful ballroom ghost dancers. At the Quarantine area, there were unusual and eerie experiences that drew curious guests in. The Sewer District, the largest area in the NOS Event Center racetrack, provided plenty of space to wander and discover hidden gems.
Psycho Circus was another favorite, featuring a captivating variety show with singing, burlesque, and mind-bending contortionist acts. The Cathedral was perfect for those seeking warmth, with fire shows and drag performances heating things up. And if haunted houses and dance parties sound like a dream, Crazytown was the place to be. Voodoo Village brought a unique twist with black-light art from The Seventh Letter artists and haunting beats from the Danse Macabre DJs.
The music didn’t disappoint, either. Alison Wonderland delivered a chillingly awesome set, complete with visuals that pushed the creepy factor. Over at Wicked Woods, I was thrilled to catch Fatboy Slim – an unforgettable experience with his energetic set bewitched the crowd to life.
Day 2 Highlights
Day 2 was all about discovering new areas and reliving the excitement. One of the biggest highlights was Escape Halloween’s debut of the Giant Spider, an enormous structure that “birthed” colonies of Insomniac beach balls, adding an extra layer of fun for the crowd. I even managed to snag one of the balls as a keepsake!
Volta Beauty Bar was a unique feature, where festivalgoers could get festival-ready glitter makeovers by lead artist Lexus Amanda. I also explored the Ghost energy area, which featured a fun slide and vault setup for perfect photo ops.
James Hype’s set was a powerhouse of high-energy vibes, while Meduza brought joy to the crowd with their soulful beats. The Cauldron Stage, led by Boiler Room for the first time, was a standout addition this year, adding an intimate, underground vibe to the lineup. And the night wrapped up with a bang as Ludacris headlined at the Sewer District, getting everyone hyped with his live energy and classic hits.
Carnival rides added a playful touch, with guests enjoying thrilling rides in between sets. The food vendors didn’t disappoint either, offering a variety of delicious treats to keep us fueled all night. Plus, the limited edition merchandise stands were a huge hit, with exclusive items that let us take a piece of Escape Halloween home.
RNBW and PlugPlay‘s lounge activation was another great addition, providing a laid-back spot to recharge with cool surprises from their team. Insomniac Entertainers were on point as always, creating unforgettable moments with their vibrant performances.
A massive shout-out to Insomniac, Pasquale Rotella, and the entire team for creating a Halloween experience like no other. Next year, Escape Halloween will be on Halloween night itself, and I’m already counting down the days. Get your tickets here!
Until then, I’ll be reliving the memories of this unforgettable weekend!
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