A glimpse into the music set up at Vampire Beat.

PAVED Arts is throwing it’s second annual Halloween bash, where everyone is invited to dress up and dance to their heart’s content.

Vampire Beat is more than just a halloween dance party. It aims to blend the artistic side of it’s venue and display everything PAVED stands for: photography, audio, video, electronic and digital art. The organization also partnered with Blackflash Magazine, a local photography and new media magazine, to throw the party, where the proceeds go to funding for both organizations.

Of course the main draw of the event is it being a video dance party, meaning that there is going to be a host of psychedelic visual art to go along with the live music. This is all done in an effort to make Vampire Beat one of the most unique parties out there. With the show already being sold out, it’s clear that the Saskatoon masses are taking notice.

“Just 2 years ago, we had to really push hard in terms of promotion to sell out the event.  This year it sold out more than a week in advance,” said Reilly Forbes, one of the event organizers.

Music is king at any party, and Vampire Beat has an excellent line up, featuring DJ Market Mall, Ravewind and headliner Helium 3. Known for his fusion of electronic and atmospheric sounds, Helium 3 is sure to get the party bumping all through the night.

Another of the unique aspects to the event is the return of the Sweetgif.com wall. Similar to the more commonplace photo booth, which will be present as well, Sweetgif.com allows people to come and make gifs (popular internet video pictures)  of themselves which will be later posted in a collage on their website. This is not only for drunk friends to embarrass themselves with, but a way to be creative while having fun and maybe create a memorable gif to mark the occasion.

The costumes do play a large part of at any Halloween event, even just to spectate the variety and complexity of then. Fittingly, there will be a contest for best costume to add extra incentive to dress your best.

There is a lot to look forward to, but there’s also a lot of mystery as to what else they have in store for the night.

“I don’t want to give too much away, but we always try and push the envelope in terms of what we present visually alongside the music,” teased Forbes.

With all of the excitement, Forbes and the rest of organizing crew feel very passionate about how great of a party they can throw.

“Vampire Beat is the counterpoint to everything that can be potentially terrible about partying on Halloween. It’s a party that people talk about for weeks after, saying ‘This is what a party is supposed to be!’”

Vampire Beat scares up some fun at PAVED Arts on Oct. 26. Tickets are sold out for this year.  

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Photo: Supplied by PAVED