Escape: Psycho Circus
by Paulette Ely
Think spooky meets sexy meets psychedelic. Escape Fest has seriously outdone herself this year. Thanks to the beautiful minds at Insomniac Events, The NOS Event Center in San Bernardino was home to a sold out crowd of 125,000 freaky festival goers on October 26th and 27th. Yes, you’ve been to Coachella and you already have your Camp Flog Gnaw ticket, but Escape must be added to your list as an event that cannot be mirrored.
Not only was the lineup completely stacked, featuring mastermind mixers like Martin Garrix, Snakehips and Yellow Claw, but the event itself had way more than just music to enhance the crowd. After shuffling through a spooky set, one could visit the psycho circus on the grounds where they may get their fortune read, watch bewitching burlesque performances, and take their hand at some magic, all while waiting to get their brains and bodies re-booted for their next scheduled showtime. And, lets not forget about the Wonderland Asylum. I mean, really… there is no way you could forget about that. If the intensity of sets like Tchami x Malaa (which was absurdly amazing btw) wasn’t enough to immerse your soul in haunting happiness, try your hand at being masked and stuck in a straitjacket as you walk through over 30 rooms with 150 completely mental performers of The Asylum. I mean, c’mon, what’s a halloween party without getting the shit scared out of you, and getting your ear drums totally blown out?
The 4 stages, The Slaughterhouse, Ghouls Graveyard, Chopping Block and Factory 93’s Cannibal’s Tea Party were as fantastically ornamented as each festival-goer. Escape Psycho circus is not just an outlet for people to express their music appreciation, but also to show off their badass fashion and their sick, sick minds. Thanks again, Insomniac. You always bring out the freak in all of us.
Photos by: Paulette Ely