Downtown Mesa’s Monsterland opened its doors for the Halloween season last October, with a two-story haunted attraction that consisted of elaborate sets and animatronics, and provided some much needed seasonal work for a slew of local monsters and maniacs. But the receipts for the grand opening were scarier than expected, and owner Kevin Wynn decided that the planned horror museum might not be enough to pay the bills, so with the recent changes and more progressive culture pervading downtown Mesa, Mr. Wynn has decided that a nightclub might be more lucrative.
In the past few months, Monsterland has remained active in the community by co-hosting a zombie walk and opening its doors for the Amazing Arizona Comic Con, as well as scaring up fun on the sidewalks of Main Street during downtown event nights. During this time, Monsterland management revised the vision for their business and has announced that on April’s Friday the 13th they will be re-opening as historic downtown Mesa’s first nightclub. Or should we say, “Frightclub!”
It is hoped that this fun and festive nighttime attraction will be the catalyst for bringing a nightlife to downtown Mesa beyond the Mesa Arts Center. I spoke with Monsterland’s public relations manager Kristy Smith about the plans for their new themed nightclub.
When was the decision made to go the Nightclub route with Monsterland? Will this be an 18+ themed venue and/or will alcohol be served?
I think Kevin Wynn, the owner, was always hoping to make it part of the business. We’ve just received approval of the liquor license by the city council, and should have it in hand by April at the latest. We are most likely going to start opening the nightclub on Wednesdays – Saturdays so we will be able to do weddings, private events and/or underage events also.
Will the wait staff be in costume? How far will the monster theme be incorporated into the experience?
Staff will be in costume, there will be spooky signature drinks and it is possible there will be some scaring. We will also have movie facts and other interesting decor in relation to the history of horror movies and it is possible that we will set all the animated props on timers so every hour or so there will be a show.
Are there plans to have a restaurant area, or is this strictly a nightclub? Any plans for big name “themed” bands? Or will you be mostly tapping the local music community/DJs?
There will be some food but in no way a restaurant. For sure a DJ and dance floor, we have plenty of unique ideas/events including some live music that will hopefully pack the place.
Is Monsterland still planning on holding its haunted attraction event in October and how will that tie into the nightclub?
We are still doing the haunted attraction and hopefully we will have a much larger turn out this year. But for this year we are hoping to have the patio area open with TV’s so people can enjoy cocktails and watch people get scared.
Prior to its nightclub opening on April’s Friday the 13th, Monsterland will be continuing to hold smaller events and is planning to host themed weddings and other private affairs. For this Friday’s downtown Mesa 2nd Friday “Sweethearts on Main” festival, Monsterland will be holding a Vow Renewal & Commitment Ceremony event with the venue’s own version of cupid, their Sinister Minister.
The commitment ceremonies start at 7:00 p.m. this Friday (2/10/12) and will be held in one of Monsterland’s attraction rooms. For $10, couples can renew their creepy commitment vows and will receive a certificate signed by the Sinister Minister. Photos of the special moment will be available for an additional $5.
Anyone can participate, but no first time ceremonies will be allowed. The first 12 couples will receive a free red velvet cupcake with black cream cheese frosting (and bloody Bavarian cream filling) compliments of www.kikiscupcakes.com. There will also be options for something a little more conservative, for the more traditional love birds. For more information, contact Kristy Smith at kristy@monsterlandmesa.com
