Ghouls and gals, the Fall season is upon us, and it is time for my favorite event of the year. Insomniac’s 9th edition of their annual Halloween event Escape: Psycho Circus 2019 returns home to the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, October 25th and October 26th. Each year the last weekend of October is reserved for this spooky and dream haunting event. The two-day bone chiller never fails to provide an incredible lineup full of artists to watch and well-known veterans of the game. Insomniac has chosen to blow our minds even more by introducing new stages, themed areas, and more performers who refuse to break character while roaming the haunted area. As I mentioned, this is my favorite event of the year and I would love to share why.
The Performers
Each of the Insomniac events we attend is special to their theme. In addition to the large scale stages and art installations that captivate your mind and transition it into another realm for the night, there are performers that scour the intricately decorated grounds. The men and women who play these parts are mesmerizing. They do not break character nor do they allow you to believe they are of this world. Escape: Psycho Circus has my favorite costumes out of all the events. They are creepy, scary, and downright Ludacris. I give each of them mad props for what they go through. A dear friend of mine is a long-running Insomniac performer who has graced the stage worldwide. I had the pleasure of meeting with her backstage at last years Escape: Psycho Circus to discuss her experience. She shared with me how complex her costume was and how much it took to put on. As well, that it was at times to see from under the mask. However, never once did she complain or express that it wasn’t something she enjoyed more than anything. At that moment my respect for those individuals grew tremendously.
The Stages & Art Installations
I mentioned above the stages for each of these events are on a large scale. When I say that, I mean they are psychically massive! The lighting and additives such as pyro and laser beams add tremendously to the experience. Specific to Escape: Psycho Circus, they are frightening in all the right ways. I would have to say that last year I didn’t have a favorite, every inch of stage presence was perfectly horrific. I cannot wait for what Insomniac has in store this year with the addition of new stages. Furthermore, last year’s art included a Medusa head of fire breathing snakes that hailed from Burning Man. As well as, numerous glow-in-the-dark spaces and features that add the allure of the dark night.
The Asylum
The Asylum is a place for the known crazies and those who wish to dare. In last years festivities, the Ring Leader lead individuals into the house of horror in a straight jacket and face mask. If you choose to enter the madness you were able to keep your mask as a scary souvenir. It is personally not my style to be willfully frightened while being confined and controlled; to each their own. With that said, those who decided to participate were taken on the ride of a nightmare. There are many hopes this sinister funhouse comes back for another round in 2019.
The VIP
Most of the Insomniac festivals have an option to choose the VIP, extended experience pass for a higher price. In my findings, the Escape: Psycho Circus is one of the best! Not only does it include dedicated dance areas and expedited entry, but it also includes a separate restroom area that is a higher-end porta potty option. Last year, the main stage VIP area was the spot to be. The features are similar this year including a hookah bar, WiFi, signature cocktails and gourmet food trucks, hot chocolate, and coffee, as well as a Kandi making station. One of my favorite parts is the essentials table where you can find such needs like hair ties, mints, earplugs, and an official Escape laminated lanyard that usual features the lineup for easy access on one side. One of the other most desirable features of the VIP experience is the Bewitched Beauty Bar which is hosted by the Lunautics team to aid you in your Halloween glow. Tickets are still available and quickly rising in price. Get them while you have the chance.
The Freedom of Freak
It is no secret that in our adult years, we enjoy dressing up for Halloween just as much as we did when we were kids- maybe even more. I’d say my favorite part of this eerie event is the freedom and creativity all the Headliners use when choosing their costumes and freaky fits. Everything from traditional sexy lingerie and some sort of animal ear, to fully dressed head to toe makeup. To those who go for the full send, you are valued. You are one of a kind that does not care at the end of the night when their fake blood may be running down their face from being front and center pressed again the rail headbanging the night away. So once again, grab the black glitter, fake blood and wounds the time is decreasing before we head back into the Psycho Circus.
I mentioned a few times, this is one of my favorite events of the year, and those are just a few reasons why. The Insomniac team and CEO/Founder Pasquale Rotella does their best to keep us on our toes. They have mentioned they are bringing it on this year. The excitement is unreal, and the anticipation is killing. I can only imagine what is in store for us as we pass the gates into a hell of our own kind. Tickets are still available but, the tiers are progressing and amounts running low. Get on it while you can, you will be sorry if you don’t. Head over to the official Escape: Psycho Circus official website for the full line by day. Also, be sure to check out their Instagram TV posts for some insights to what’s ahead. See you there, Freaks.
1 comment
this looks amazing!!!!!