Talk about the eighth world Wonda. Queen of the night Janelle Monáe invited a few lucky ghouls to a secret location in Santa Monica for the ultimate haunt on La Playa. I’ve never been one to miss an exorcism, so I made my way post haste.
I walked into Wondaween Festival: Vampire Beach and was immediately surrounded by some of my favorite things: Fake blood, fangs, and BACARDÍ.
A surreal mix of music, art, and festive frights filled the night as I, dressed as Rick James Willy Wonka, danced to the sounds of funk DJs and free food.
I immediately stopped to try BACARDÍ’s Halloween cocktails, with Blood Moon being my go-to. My main man in VIP was pouring heavy and mixing right, so I was ready to howl into the night.
I showed up alone, but quickly ran into a deluge of friends, all of whom were waiting for Janelle to pop out and show ninjas. And that they did.
Posing for flashbulb after flashbulb, their vampiric camp filigree was on full display, and all we could do was fawn.
After taking in the first of many iconic experiences, my homegirl and I hopped on the roller coaster before the line got crazy, and rode around the festival above the quickly growing crowd.
That feeling of freedom was a portent to come, as every drink station and ride line ballooned to unimaginable fullness.
But I wasn’t about to let anybody stop my shine. I played carnival games and won my boyfriend a plush killer whale, danced to the sounds of dynamo DJs, and took incessant video for my stories.
BACARDÍ was at my side the whole time. You know that quote about Jesus and the footprints? That was me and BACARDÍ.
Janelle made her way to the booth promptly at 10 PM and blessed us with mix after mix of classic and modern sounds from “Knuck if you Buck” to David Bowie.
Yuxi Liu / Bacardi Rum
I was popping my so and so, but people behind me complained that my tall ass was blocking their view, so I had to make my way out of the gaggle and throw it in a circle from the rafters.
I cut up with actors on stilts, carnies, and people looking for a good time until it was time for me to make my exit.
Bar none, the best Halloween party I’ve ever been to. Grateful for it all and can’t wait to see the legend themselves at their next popping soirée.
