JANELLE MONÁE’S WONDAWEEN
Artist: Janelle Monáe
Venue: Vampire Beach (Santa Monica).
Date: Oct. 30, 2025
Only 1,000 people knew where they were going. Janelle Monáe's inaugural Wondaween festival kept its location secret until days before, revealing itself as a private takeover of the Santa Monica Pier. The "select 1000" arrived in full vampire beach regalia—fangs and swimsuits, capes and sunglasses, glitter and fake blood—ready for what Wondaland promised would be "a next level costumed celebration."
They delivered.
The entire pier belonged to the Wondaweenies for the night. Free Bacardi drink tickets, carnival rides, and Janelle herself behind the decks, DJ-ing from a booth designed like a lifeguard post, pink and blue lights washing over the crowd as the Pacific Ocean stretched out behind her. Above it all, a full moon.
For over an hour, she curated pure joy. When "We Are Young" dropped, a thousand voices sang back. When "Float" came on, the crowd lost it—hands up, bodies moving, that specific ecstasy that comes from hearing the right song at exactly the right moment.
Between sets, people rode the ferris wheel in costume, the view of the ocean and moon at night feeling like something out of childhood—like watching Rocket Power and imagining what California nights could be. Strangers became friends on the roller coaster. Everyone's inner child got to play.
It felt communal in a way most concerts don't. Intimate. Curated. Like Janelle had invited 1,000 friends to celebrate Halloween the way it's supposed to be celebrated: with costumes, music, and permission to be free.
Vampire Beach wasn't just a theme. It was an invitation to remember what it feels like to dress up and play. If you get a chance, do not miss Wondaween.
