Basement of Terror: Step Right Up

Erica Santmyer

The third annual Basement of Terror takes over local venue Basement Transmissions for a full day of music, mayhem, and haunted hijinks. With a killer clown theme this year, celebrate the season with a full slate of music, vendors, projection art, and more.

SATURDAY, OCT. 26

The witching hour is upon us once again as Basement Transmissions transforms into the Basement of Terror for their annual Halloween show. This yearly fete celebrates its third year — adding more bands, a sponsorship from John's Wildwood Pizza, and more tricks-and-treats for all the little monsters in attendance. For those of you who suffer from coulrophobia (fear of clowns) beware — this year's theme is dark circus/carnival, the decor featuring giant clown animatronics.

The event's co-organizer and vocalist for Odd Atrocity, Cy Eihwaz (40 Under 40 Class of 2024) says she's excited for this year's non-musical performers as well: "We have stilt walkers, a juggler, flow performers, and other surprises, including a costume contest." Eihwaz continues, "There will be an on-site professional makeup artist for people who don't have a costume, but want one." Expect carnival games on hand for those wanting to test their luck.

Every memorable Halloween party has a ghoulish soundtrack and at Basement of Terror you'll be doing the Monster Mash to some of the Eerie area's finest heavy acts, including local bands Odd Atrocity, Souls Collapse, Heart of Atlantic, and Massive Denial. From beyond Erie's hallowed waters, Dead Cassette will be creeping in from northeastern Ohio, along with the aggro sounds of the Steel City's Psych Ward Grips, and the macabre musings of Skellebox from northern Virginia.

In between sets, enjoy spooky projections, music from DJ LoneSav (40 Under 40 Class of 2024) and visit vendors including Lavender Cat Creations, The Raven's Nest, Shadow Knight Curiosities, Eerie Horror Fest, Art & Retro-Vending from Culture Vulture, and many more.

You better tell your mummy that you will be home late and get into your very beast attire, because there's no clowning around — this year's Basement of Terror is an hour longer than previous years, starting at 4 p.m. and going until midnight. 

4 p.m. to midnight // Basement Transmissions , 145 W. 11th St. // $15 at Door, $10 Pre-sale // 18+ unless accompanied by an adult // For more info: facebook.com/basementtransmissions