Janelle Monáe Debuts Fishboy Look at Wondaween Festival

Janelle Monáe appeared as The Amazing Fishboy at Santa Monica Pier on Halloween, marking the return of her Wondaween Festival: Creature Carnival. The singer, who calls herself the HalloQueen, revealed the elaborate costume to the crowd before taking the stage for a live performance. The show took place beneath operating roller coasters, with cars moving overhead while she played.

The event served as a promotional showcase for BACARDÍ, which is the festival's official spirits partner for the second year. The brand launched the BACARDÍ Spookito, a variation of a Mojito with grenadine. Organizers described the drink as having a frightful twist. Other themed options on the menu included the Creature of the Night Lemonade, the Pina-Ghoul-Ada Spritz, and the BOO-BARDÍ & Cola. These beverages were served from temporary bars built for the evening and located throughout the carnival grounds.

The musical lineup extended beyond Monáe to include Shaun Ross, DJ Millie, and Nana Kwabena. The artists performed to keep the crowd engaged late into the night. Festivalgoers also had access to the pier's permanent rides, allowing them to operate the attractions in costume while eating carnival food and drinking cocktails.

Monáe has a history of using extreme special effects makeup and facial prosthetics for her Halloween appearances. Past characters include Cat in the Hat, The Mask, and E.T. She is known for blending music, fashion, and theatrical elements in her public presentations. The Wondaween Festival continues that style by creating an immersive environment for attendees.

The second year of the partnership with BACARDÍ supported the expanded scale of the event. The brand integrated its products into the experience through the signature cocktail and the themed drink menu. The combination of live music, themed bars, and ride access created a specific atmosphere for the Halloween weekend kickoff in Santa Monica.