Queer people have always loved horror movies. And it’s not hard to see why. Horror is a genre that’s all about the other, the monster, the creature who isn’t fully accepted in the bounds of polite society. Something else queer people have always loved is a good party. And this Pride, let your nerdy, horror-loving flag fly with Camp Monstrous, an immersive queer horror party where fear becomes freedom and all your favorite ’80s slasher movies come to life.
If you’re in NYC this Pride Month, party like you’re in Friday the 13th while dancing at the intersection of creativity, rebellion, and the macabre.
The official description of this terror-ific, immersive event shares the following about Camp Monstrous:
This summer, MONSTROUS returns with CAMP MONSTROUS, a love letter to campy 1980s slashers like Friday the 13th, Sleepaway Camp, and Slumber Party Massacre. Blending immersive theater, live performance, and nightlife, CAMP MONSTROUS unfolds an original queer horror story in two parts:
Camp Monstrous (Outside): The infamous Camp Monstrous has reopened its doors for another summer with a fresh staff of camp counselors whispering about rumors of Smoke Show, a vengeful park ranger, returning to kill again.
Club Monstrous (Inside): Taking place in a neon soaked music venue, the sole survivor of the first Camp Monstrous Massacre, Lexxe, is being hunted by a new masked killer while chasing her dreams of pop stardom.
As the night unfolds, danger escalates and when the clock strikes midnight on Friday the 13th, the veil thins and the ghosts of the past come out to play.
That sounds ABSOLUTELY incredible, if you ask us. And we’re proud to say we’ve attended a Monstrous event before and it was absolutely as advertised: immersive, aesthetic, themed to the gills, and a whole lot of queer fun. And honestly, what could be better than starring in your own queer horror story for Pride? Where every queer person IS the final gurl. We’re loving immersive theater recently, so any opportunity to explore more fun to that end is welcome to us.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a queer party without some COSPLAY! Camp Monstrous encourages all campers to come dressed in their 80s summer best for a night of horror, glamour, and camp.
But what are the details of the Camp Monstrous NYC Pride Party? Well, the delicious terror takes place on June 12 at Nowadays, Queens, NY. Amazingly enough, this NYC Pride party offers a free day party!
If you come early, from 5 pm to 8 pm, you can enjoy the following for FREE:
- 80s dance music and summer camp games
- Tarot readings and camp counselor shenanigans
- Early access and first drawing of our charity raffle benefiting The NYC LGBT Community Center
Then, the ticketed event begins at 8 pm and goes until 2 am. It features:
- Charity Raffle and grand prize drawing
- Live Performances by Lexxe, Bentley Robles, and Apocalypse Noir
- DJ Sets from Andi, Violet Sky, and DJ Dolarhyde
- Special Performances, Friday the 13th flash tattoos, Polaroid photo ops, marshmallow roasting, and a gory blood wrestling competition
- Outdoor horror screenings and immersive scares all night long
As we like to say, icons only! Additionally, there will be opportunities to give back. All proceeds from the charity raffle and donation activities go to The Center, which provides life-saving services for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers in advocacy, wellness, recovery, and more. And there will be a Pride Pantry Drive at the event. You can bring new non-perishable goods for donation to queer shelters. Each donated item earns you a raffle ticket. (Full list on Instagram @monstrous.nyc)
Tickets to Camp Monstrous are now available! They are $35 Online via Eventbrite or Resident Advisor or $40 at the door.