Janelle Monáe appears as fish character at Santa Monica Halloween event
The singer performed under working coasters while BACARDÍ promoted a new cocktail lineup.
By Sarah Montgomery ·
Janelle Monáe arrived at Santa Monica Pier on October 30 wearing a full-body fish suit for the annual Wondaween Festival. The singer, who styles herself the HalloQueen, used the event to open her Halloween weekend with a live musical set.
Monáe revealed the Fishboy costume to the crowd before stepping onto the stage. She performed while roller coaster cars operated directly above her head. Creatures wandered the carnival grounds during the show, creating an immersive environment for attendees.
BACARDÍ served as the official spirits partner for the second consecutive year. The brand introduced a signature drink called the BACARDÍ Spookito. Organizers described the cocktail as a variation of a classic mojito that includes grenadine.
The drink menu featured other themed options. These included the Creature of the Night Lemonade, the Pina-Ghoul-Ada Spritz, and the BOO-BARDÍ & Cola. Staff served these beverages from temporary bars constructed specifically for the night.
Musicians Shaun Ross, DJ Millie, and Nana Kwabena also performed at the festival. Guests had access to the pier's rides throughout the evening. This allowed them to ride attractions in costume while listening to live music and eating carnival food.
This marks the latest entry in Monáe's history of elaborate Halloween transformations. In previous years, she has used prosthetics and special effects makeup to appear as characters such as Cat in the Hat, The Mask, and E.T. The current Fishboy look continues that tradition of theatrical disguise.
