Category: Events

entertainment, Events, Lifestyle, Nightlife, Travel

Odd & Macabre Events 2022

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Odd & Macabre Events 2022
Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights
Vamp Jenn at Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

It’s the start of a new year, which means it’s time to release my annual Odd & Macabre Events Calendar for 2022! Unlike the past two years, there are quite a few venues that have already announced dates for upcoming festivities. My fingers are crossed that these will all take place. As always, I’m going to attend as much as I can. Activities are slowly popping up, and I’ll continually be updating this post, so make sure to check back for new additions.

Although I’m based near Los Angeles, I’m doing my best to include things that are happening in other parts of the globe. Who wouldn’t want to discover spooky adventures occurring in their neck of the woods? Some of what you’ll find here include the first-ever Satanic convention, vampire soirees, immersive shows, dark art exhibits, virtual gatherings and more. Cheers to another year filled with chills and thrills!

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entertainment, Events

Enter Delusion: An Immersive Horror Theatre Experience

by Jennifer Vasquez11 Comments on Enter Delusion: An Immersive Horror Theatre Experience
Me at Delusion: Reaper's Remorse at Phillips Mansion
Me at Delusion: Reaper’s Remorse at Phillips Mansion

Have you ever wanted to play a part in a horror story? To experience the thrills and chills of immersing yourself in a twisted plot unfolding right before your eyes? My answer to both questions is “yes,” and I had the chance to have such an experience when I attended Delusion. This attraction is not simply a maze or Halloween haunt. It’s dark theatre that requires guests to do more than just watch—they want them to join in on the action.

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Dining & Drink, entertainment, Events, Nightlife

Welcome to House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Welcome to House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée
In front of the giant Ouija Board at House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soiree
At House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soiree

You are cordially invited to take a peek behind the doors of the House of Spirits. It was my first time experiencing this mysteriously macabre event, and I loved every minute of it! As the name states, it is a Haunted Cocktail Soirée, offering a variety of adult libations on the grounds of a beautiful estate—but that’s not all that was offered. The property held secrets only to be revealed to attendees. There were hidden rooms, eerie characters lurking down hallways and magical performances.

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entertainment, Events, Nightlife

My Frightful Time at Universal Studios Hollywood: Halloween Horror Nights

by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments on My Frightful Time at Universal Studios Hollywood: Halloween Horror Nights
At Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights
At Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

I kicked off the first weekend of October checking out one of the biggest Halloween events in Los Angeles—Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights. I’ve been going to this event for several years as part of my birthday festivities. However, I didn’t attend the last two years, so it felt good to return! I thought it’d be fun to share some details and photos from that spooky evening.

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entertainment, Events, Performing Arts

The House of Red Velvet Returns With “A New Baptism”

by Jennifer Vasquez11 Comments on The House of Red Velvet Returns With “A New Baptism”
The House of Red Velvet at Pico Union Project (Photo credit: Meredith M. Carlson)
Pico Union Project stage (Photo credit: Meredith M. Carlson)

It’s been nearly two years since The House of Red Velvet last opened its doors to patrons, and it returned for one night only with the debut of “A New Baptism.” The latest incarnation of the show invited guests to witness a string of performances tied together by forbidden, ethereal forces that culminated in an entrancing ceremony. When I exited the building, I was absolutely struck by the visceral energy that had been generated that evening.

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entertainment, Events, Nightlife, Performing Arts

The Burlesque Series: Introducing Coco Noir, Founder of The Black Veils

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on The Burlesque Series: Introducing Coco Noir, Founder of The Black Veils
Aerial performance by Candace Small, aka Coco Noir (Photo credit: @omgsogood)

“Someone has to entertain them.”

The Black Veils

This is the maxim professed by The Black Veils, and the cabaret troupe definitely practices what they preach. The group recently put on their first performance in more than a year at Harvelle’s in Long Beach, California. I had the opportunity to see them live for a night of enticing revelry!

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entertainment, Events

Inside Midsummer Scream: Awaken the Spirits!

by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments on Inside Midsummer Scream: Awaken the Spirits!
Midsummer Scream: Awaken the Spirits!

This past weekend, Halloween cheer was alive and well during Midsummer Scream’s Awaken the Spirits gathering at the Pasadena Convention Center in California. For the last two years, the horror convention has had to cancel its original event in Long Beach due to the pandemic. However, the crew managed to put together a smaller version that was absolutely spooktacular.

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Art, Events

Spotlight on Necrosurrealist Artist David Van Gough

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Spotlight on Necrosurrealist Artist David Van Gough
"Poor Worm, Though Art Infected" dark art by David Van Gough
“Poor Worm, Though Art Infected”
48″ x 36″ – Oil on canvas (2014)

Never has death appeared more alive than when gazing at the works of David Van Gough. He is a necrosurrealist artist whose pieces explore themes of decay, esotericism, religion, the shadow self and mortality. His paintings lay bare the morbid terrain he treads as he creates, beckoning the onlooker to join him.

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entertainment, Events, Lifestyle, Travel

100 Days ‘til Halloween Guide

by Jennifer Vasquez10 Comments on 100 Days ‘til Halloween Guide
Halloween decorating

The 100-day mark to Halloween is a magical occasion, and that milestone is happening on July 23rd. If you haven’t started planning for spooky season, now is the time. I decided to create a special blog post to help you prepare. View it as an All Hallows Eve guide if you will.

Here’s a snapshot of what I’ll be sharing:

  • Where to shop for Halloween goods
  • My costume predictions
  • Halloween events & more

Let the Halloween countdown festivities begin!

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entertainment, Events

“Stranger Things” Drive-Into Experience

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on “Stranger Things” Drive-Into Experience
Promotional art for Stranger Things, Season Three (© Netflix)

This past 2020 Halloween season was quite different, to say the least. Many haunts throughout Southern California were cancelled due to COVID restrictions and I know I was disappointed that I wouldn’t be walking through haunted mazes with monsters hiding in every corner waiting to jump out at me. But there was an alternate type of haunt that would arise due to the circumstances and these were drive-thru attractions.  

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