Top 5 Things That Surprised Me Most at My First Escape Halloween

As someone who’s been to EDC Las Vegas, Ubbi Dubbi, Lost Lands, Freaky Deaky, and Shaq Fest, I thought I knew what to expect from a big festival. But my first time at Escape Halloween surprised me in the best ways possible. Here are the top five things that blew my mind at this festival and made it an experience I’ll never forget!

The Sheer Size of It

I knew Escape Halloween was going to be big, but the scale of the event was beyond anything I’d anticipated—even compared to EDC or Lost Lands. The walks between stages felt long, but honestly, that only made it more exciting. Every path was packed with things to see, and the enormity of the festival added a whole new dimension to the experience. There was always something new and interesting around every corner, making the journey just as thrilling as the destination.

Insane Production Quality

I was seriously impressed with the production quality at Escape Halloween. The visuals were incredibly crisp, the bass hit perfectly up front, and there were no technical hiccups that sometimes come with a festival of this scale. I’ve been to events where getting close to the stage meant sacrificing sound quality, but not here—the bass was powerful, and the music was flawless. There was a tiny malfunction at the “Grimm” stage during the Steve Aoki/Afrojack B2B set, but I didn’t even notice it at the time. The entire setup was next-level, making every set feel like an immersive experience.

Endless Activities in Both GA and VIP

Another thing that caught me off guard was the range of activities outside the music. Escape Halloween was packed with attractions, from a Ferris wheel and haunted house to a carousel and the neon-lit Voodoo Village. I loved the fire setup at the Grimm stage where you could pull a lever to ignite flames—it was such a fun, interactive touch. There was literally something to do everywhere, so whether you were listening to a set or exploring, you were constantly entertained. (Stay tuned for my next article on why VIP is absolutely worth it!)

The Impressive Ground Control and Security Presence

I was really impressed with the amount of Ground Control and security at Escape Halloween. They were everywhere, from the entrance to inside the festival grounds, always doing rounds and making sure everyone was safe. When I got a little lost (first-timer problems!), Ground Control was incredibly helpful, providing a map and making me feel taken care of. The kindness and PLUR vibes from the team really stood out, and it was clear they were dedicated to making the experience as smooth as possible for everyone.

The Incredibly Friendly Crowd at Sewer District

Finally, I must mention the crowd, especially at the Sewer District stage. Going in, I’d seen many TikToks and YouTube videos saying there was no PLUR at certain festivals, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly and respectful the crowd was. The vibes were amazing—people were open to random conversations, watching out for each other, and just being genuinely kind. And, to my relief, I didn’t lose my phone—something I was half-expecting at an event of this size! Escape Halloween proved to me that the rave community spirit is alive and well.

My first Escape Halloween exceeded all my expectations. From the massive scale to the high production value, endless activities, caring staff, and friendly crowd, it was an experience that left me wanting more. If you’re on the fence about going, I say absolutely go for it—it’s a unique, larger-than-life festival that every raver should experience at least once!