Cool new show: Keen Halloween

What are you doing September 29? Can you get to Tempe, Arizona? Do you like Halloween?

Okay. I know, enough questions already. What is this event that's happening in two weeks? It's Keen Halloween, and I have a hunch it's going to be amazing, inspiring, and altogether awesome.

Exclusive print available only at Keen Halloween

Dubbed a "Maker's Faire for Halloween," the first Keen Halloween wants to go back to the roots of the Halloween. Okay, maybe roots is the wrong word, but you know what I mean - making crafts and masks when you were little and enjoying the spooky aspects of the fun holiday. It's becoming a bit like Christmas in that it's terribly commercial. Halloween decor and flimsy costumes flood the markets way earlier than they should, and we rush around buying all the standard accessories without really thinking or caring about them. It's become part of a routine when it should be treated as a special event. Granted, I love Halloween so I have strong feelings about, but I know I'm not alone in the sentiment.

I think it's important to mention that some stupendous and incredibly talented people are organizing Keen Halloween: Daniel and Dawna Davis of Steam Crow. If you've been to WonderCon, SDCC, Phoenix Comicon, Emerald City, or a whole host of other West coast conventions, you've probably seen their colorful table. Besides the fact that they are wonderfully creative, I know that they are organized and dedicated and that they are doing everything in their power to make this event smooth, fun, and educational. They don't do anything half-heartedly.

What can you do at Keen Halloween? Buy from indie crafters and creators at the Monster Market, make costumes, attend workshops, learn how to apply theatrical make-up, and so much more. From the press release:

Costuming is, of course, a large part of the event. Anabel Martinez, a local costuming enthusiast, explains how Keen Halloween works to provide a walk-up “Evil Genius” Costume Bar, a “Scarecrow King” themed photo-booth, and an Iron Skull Costume Challenge. “We wanted to help inspire people who have the next month to plan and make their own costumes,” Anabel explains. “People can walk up and learn how to apply theatrical make-up, build movie-style armor, and learn techniques that can really help them stand out during Halloween parties.”

Workshops are another draw, with “How to host a Halloween party”, “Stylish Zombies 101,” “How-to make a Poison Apple Crate,” and a class on the Dia de Los Muertos style of sugar skull face painting. “We want to help people make their own Halloween better, and be more creative in the process.”

There will even be live music.

I know.
I wish I was free that weekend because I would definitely make the trip from Los Angeles. I hope you attend if you can, and if you do, please come back here and let me know what you thought!

Pre-order tickets today! They're $7 in advance and $10 at the door.