Each year as October approaches, we begin to see the season's Halloween and "Spooky Season" themed pop-up bars and series. The Black Lagoon is more than just a themed event series; it's a celebration of macabre, goth, and metal culture through the lens of a cocktail bar. Created by industry veterans Erin Hayes (Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles and Chicago's Lost Lake) and Kelsey Ramage (Trash Collective and Toronto's soon-to-open Supernova), it offers an immersive "creepy-as-hell" experience for guests at select bars across the U.S. and Canada.
The duo conceptualized the terrifying idea after running a pop-up at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans' infamous Dungeon Bar. After successful one-night-only events, they realized that Black Lagoon could be something special. Recently named Canada's Best Pop-Up Bar by Canada's 100 Best, Black Lagoon is expected to grow bigger and harder this year. Erin and Kelsey carefully selected cities known for their robust cocktail culture and openness to "counterculture."
Black Lagoon 2022 Pop-Up Series
Erin Hayes:
"We want this experience to be open to all, a place where anyone is welcome. Black Lagoon is a space for cocktail enthusiasts, adventure and thrill seekers, non-conformists, Halloween and horror lovers, and anyone interested in experiencing something new and fun. Some people don't feel comfortable at 'cocktail' bars, but we wanted to combine the expected high-quality products with the weird and spooky universe of Black Lagoon, making it a safe space for everyone to enjoy."
Kelsey Ramage:
"What sets us apart is definitely our cocktail menu. We wanted to create drinks that were unique, on-theme, and delicious. We spent a lot of time experimenting with different flavors, colors, and combinations. This menu is the most collaborative work either of us has done. While many pop-up events excel in decor, they often overlook the menu. We are excited about our final outcome and hope our guests enjoy the whole immersive experience at our pop-ups."
Pop-Up Locations and Dates:
- Butcher & Bullock, Vancouver: October 11th-31st
- Dandy Crown in partnership with Hospitality 201, Chicago: October 3rd-31st
- Hey Love, Portland: October 17th-31st
- Lost Property Bar, Los Angeles: October 1st-31st
- Nickel City, Dallas/Fort Worth: October 11th-31st
- Our Wicked Lady, New York City: October 1st-31st
- Third Space, Toronto: October 1st-31st
- Yacht Club, Denver: October 17th-31st
- 132 Bar Vintage, Montreal: October 1st-31st
The drinks menu features Halloween hues with beverages in blood red, darkest black, and eerie orange. Some drinks are served in custom glassware, available for purchase as a demented souvenir. Drink names like "Screaming Banshee," "Lilith's Cup," "Closed Casket," and "Hellraiser" set the nightmarish mood.
For the latest and most up-to-date information, visit www.blacklagoonpopup.com and follow along on Instagram at @blacklagoonpopup.
