State Street Halloween Party

The State Street Halloween Party, renamed Freakfest in 2006, is an annual Halloween party in Madison, Wisconsin.

State Street Halloween Party
State Street Halloween Party, Madison, WI
Date(s)Varies by year
Begins7:00 pm
Ends1:30 am
FrequencyAnnual
Location(s)State St. Madison, WI
Inaugurated1979[1][2]
Participants100k people

On Halloween State Street is a gathering place for tens of thousands of party-goers who come from several states. Before the city began charging admission, the festival saw crowds of up to 100,000, many dressed in costume, but in recent years the crowds have been a fraction that size.[3][4]

City government influence

The Halloween celebration, which lasts all weekend, has often culminated in rioting, contributing to its "wild" reputation. As a result, the celebration has become a point of contention in local government. The cost of additional police force, the potential of damage to local businesses, and the protection of the city's reputation have prompted the concern of Madison leaders, some of whom have suggested canceling the event altogether. The university has also taken steps to curtail Halloween mayhem, including restrictions on guests at University residence halls during the weekend.

In the summer of 2006, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz unveiled the city's plan for the upcoming Halloween events on State Street. The plan at its core consisted of blocking off State Street, charging five dollars for admission from select points of entry and closing off the street at midnight.[5] The price has increased since.

As of 2006, the city government officially calls the party "Freakfest." It includes both films and live performances by nationally known bands. The 2008 version of Freakfest had O.A.R. as its headliner and took place on November 1.[6]

Attendance and arrest rates
Year Attendance Arrests
2001 60,000 to 120,000[7] 0[8]
2002 65,000[9]
2003 65,000 Fri; 40,000 Sat[10] 350 (180 Fri, 170 Sat)[10]
2004 80,000[11]
2005 100,000[12] 334[13] to 566[14][12]
City government took control of the event
2006 32,000 148[13] to 230[14]
2007 34,000 181 (55 Fri, 126 Sat)[15]
2008 38,000 77
2009 44,000 47[16][17]
2010 35,000 43[18]
2011 25,000 30[19]
2012 35,000 36[20]
2013 31,000 28
2014 35,000 46
2015 37,000 9
2016 32,000 13

*2012-2016 data is tickets sold.

References
  1. "Dane 101". Archived from the original on 2009-10-12. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
  2. "Madison's halloween history".
  3. Channel 3000 Archived 2009-10-22 at the Wayback Machine
  4. The Daily Page Archived 2011-03-17 at the Wayback Machine
  5. Channel 3000 Archived 2011-05-22 at the Wayback Machine
  6. Knutsen, Kristian (2008-09-24). "O.A.R. to headline Freakfest 2008 Halloween party in Madison". The Isthmus. Retrieved 2008-12-09.
  7. "Halloween, Homecoming relatively tame".
  8. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2009-11-03.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  9. "Police 'will not take sole ownership' for Halloween Riot".
  10. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-09-27. Retrieved 2009-11-03.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. "Officials revisit Halloween nights".
  12. http://www.dailycardinal.com/article/17691
  13. "Arrests down for 2nd year in a row".
  14. "Success! Far fewer arrests, no pepper spray give city reason to celebrate".
  15. "One day later: Police itemize Halloween crimes".
  16. "Wisc-Tv".
  17. "44,000 attend Freakfest in Madison".
  18. "Wisc-Tv".
  19. "Fewer Arrests at Freakfest This Year".
  20. "Freakfest FAQ".
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