About this time last year, I was feelin’ inspired to break out in Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” choreography—and dancing isn’t my forte.
Blame it on the elaborate stage make-up my family and I were wearing after stumbling, innocently, into downtown St. Paul to discover streets packed (and I mean packed) with zombies. It was the annual Zombie Pub Crawl—of Guinness Book of Worlds Records debate—and there wasn’t any participating without a quick make-under.
Per the site: It’s like a cross between Mardi Gras and a George Romero movie.
Truly, we didn’t see anyone without at least a bloody apendage, wripped wardrobe, or glazed look. To this day I’m still unsure why it’s such a popular event—the blood? The gore? The ability to act as weird as you want, without getting strange looks? Because really, it was us “plain-clothed folk” that got the stares.
So we jumped into a tent, led by professional makeup artists, and handed over a little cash so we could leave a few minutes later with our heads held high—or confidentally cocked at an unnatural angle. FYI: They may ask you to drink something suspicious and then let it dribble out of your mouth, onto your shirt. Just go with it. I speak from experience when telling you that it’s worth the final effect, you earn some bonus points for putting up with it, and it doesn’t taste too bad! And yes, it will wash off.
This year there are two main locations hosting, once again reaching into both Twin Cities: The West Bank neighborhood of Minneapolis and Midway Stadium in St. Paul, hereby named “Zombie Island.” There are a slew of participating venues and associated events, so check the itinerary online to map out your stops.
Buy a ticket, pick up your wristband ($22.99 in advance, $40 the day of), and then you’re all set. Your wristband gets you shuttle transportation and access into all bars, concerts, carnival rides or essentially, zombie “zones.” Drinks are an additional cost, unless you go VIP. Zombie Island is all ages (though it’s recommended that kids don’t stay too late, things get scary, if you will), but everywhere else is 21+. Note: Your wristband doesn’t guarantee entrance, since as I mentioned, it’s a pretty popular night, and capacity restrictions still rule.
And of course, you need to look the part. Get makeup tips online, plus clothes ideas (and discounts) at Ragstock, the wristband provider.
Really, I think if you’re traveling around the Twin Cities this Saturday, you might as well join in—or if anything, just be prepared. The zombies are loose!
“What do we want? Brains! When do we want ‘em? BRAAAAAINS!!!!!”
Zombie Pub Crawl
Minneapols and St. Paul
October 13, 2012
West Bank is 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Zombie Island is 2-11 p.m.
zombiepubcrawl.com/2012/
