Long Beach’s army of zombies and ghouls have invaded Marina Green Park and have now gone back to their slumber, but hooray! – we still have Halloween to look forward to!!  We wish you all a very Happy Halloween!

Did you get your official 2012 Long Beach Zombie Walk T-Shirt?  Our shirts are available online for a limited time, and at the same $15 price  as they were at the event (plus shipping!), at LongBeachShirts.com.

These original designs were created by three successful Long Beach artists: Gary Margrave skipped straight to Double Dutch, Jeff McMillan came out swinging with Bert Jerpener, and Rhett Johnson’s grinning zombie is simply titled, Smile.  Read more about the artists and the development of their designs by reading Sander Wolff’s Long Beach Post story here!

Your purchase helps support the Long Beach Cinematheque’s year round cultural programming – get yours today!

RETAIL TICKET LOCATIONS ARE:

Fingerprints Music
420 E. 4th Street Long Beach CA 90802 - (562) 433-4996
website / facebook / yelp

Burger Records
645 S. State College Blvd.,  Fullerton CA 92831 (714) 447-4280
website / facebook / yelp

The Gold Diggin Wench

1440 E. 4th Street, Long Beach CA 90814 – (562) 313-6173
website / facebook

And don’t forget – all three of these businesses are Zombie Friendly!  Pick up your passport, then save 10% on your purchases through November 15!

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions, in order of frequency – please feel free to let us know if we should add anything!

Is the “SHAUN OF THE DEAD” screening included in the $15 Zombie Passport, or is it a separate event? 

Edgar Wright’s epic “rom-zom-com” Shaun of the Dead will screen on a massive 50-foot-screen, which will be located within this year’s Marina Green Park venue, and is most definitely part of the event and included in your ticket!  For more information on everything you get with your Zombie Passport, visit http://zombiewalklb.com/tickets/!

Is the Zombie Passport something separate from my admission ticket?  Or are they the same thing?
Your Zombie Passport IS your admission ticket!  We’re calling this year’s ticket a Zombie Passport because it gets you far more than just admission into the Zombie Walk Music & Arts Festival – Zombie Passport holders get discounts at over 25 local restaurants, attractions, and specialty shops (visit our Zombie Friendly Businesses page for a full and updated list), as well as discounted admission and/or drink specials to several Zombie After-Parties (listed on our Official After-Parties page)!  Discounts at participating locations last through November 15!

I want to get my makeup done at the event.  Where can I do that, and how much does it cost?
There will be several make-up artists stationed throughout the event, and each charge their own fees, mostly based on the severity of your zombification.  Basic zombie makeup generally runs around $20, and depending on the complexity desired, could range higher.   Come early! – Shoreline Village will be housing a makeup station of their own starting at 12pm, three hours before our event opens at 3pm!  PLEASE NOTE:  IF YOUR MAKEUP IS SO INSANELY AWESOME THAT SECURITY CANNOT IDENTIFY YOU AGAINST YOUR ID, YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO BUY ALCOHOL!!!!

Speaking of alcohol  - if I want to buy  a drink, will I be relegated to a drinking area, or can I enjoy my beer while I check out the bands, on the grass for the movie, and throughout the event layout?
We are very glad to confirm that this year you will be welcome to enjoy your drink throughout the event grounds!  Visit the ID booth for your 21+ wristband, and remember – you MUST be able to be recognizable against your ID to receive your wristband!

But the event IS all-ages, right?
Yep!  Our event continues to be very kid-friendly – plus zombies LOVE children…  That’s why children 12 and under will be admitted for free!

Yea, speaking of free, this event used to be free, and now it’s $15!  What gives, man, what gives!?
It has been incredible to see the community embrace this event and take it to the level that it has grown, but along with that has come increasing and exponentially mounting considerations in security, staffing, permitting, infrastructure, licensing, and many other costs.   It became clear that to allow this event to continue and grow we would have to charge, but with this decision came a fun and exciting challenge – to ensure that we give our guests maximum bang for their buck.  We are confident that the introduction of two stages, over a dozen bands, an outdoor screening of a zombie classic, carnival games, city-wide discounts, and discounted after-parties is well worth the price of an adult ticket to see Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted.  And again, keeping family budgets firmly in mind, we are still welcoming the little ones free of charge.

Where do the profits of this event go?
Since year one, the Long Beach Zombie Walk has been an independent event produced by the Long Beach Cinematheque, a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization dedicated to the exhibition of classic and contemporary cinema and multimedia art.  Proceeds will support the Cinematheque’s continued projects, including the 2013 Long Beach Film Festival, a potential series of outdoor classic film screenings, and much more!  Learn more about the Long Beach Cinematheque at http://lbcinema.org/.

I’m glad kids get in free, and I’d like to bring my children, but will they be scared of all the zombies?
Here’s what we’ve found over the years – it really, really depends on the child.   You know your kid better than anyone – some children really dig the event, and some have a hard time with all the makeup and music.  What we DO recommend is that you consider making up your child like a zombie – we’ve noticed that children seem to embrace the event much more, and participate more actively, if they’re also in makeup – almost as if everyone around them is playing the same game they are.  Again, though, YOU know your child best….if your little one is anxious and scared of monsters, please consider getting a sitter!

How about my dog?
Zombies LOVE animals!   That being said, we do not recommend bringing dogs out for their stroll as the evening progresses, because there will be A LOT of foot traffic and walking-dead congestion. We are fairly sure that it’ll be over-stimulating for dogs, and smaller dogs run the risk of getting stepped on.  Plus leashes run the risk of tripping others in areas of higher congestion.  So whereas we’d love to have dogs attend, we really do advise you leave them safely at home.

I would like to attend, but I want to attend dressed as Punky Brewster.  Can I attend dressed as Punky Brewster?  Or do I have to be a zombie?
We’d LOVE to see your Punky Brewster costume!  Punky’s are welcome, ghosts are welcome, witches are welcome, Ghostbusters, droogies, spies, mad scientists – all are welcome!  At its heart, this is a Halloween celebration – we’d love to see any and all of your costumes.  But keep in mind – you will be surrounded by zombies, and definitely encourage a zombie costume.  (Zombie Punky Brewster, anyone?)

Does that mean I HAVE to wear a costume?
Nope!  We get several non-zombies every year, and all are welcome!    Besides – zombies need food, too…

What time does the Thriller Dance start?  Can we join in?

Thrill the World will lead the hordes in the ultimate tribute to Michael Jackson at 7pm sharp!  They’ll have choreographers on both stages, so no matter what end of the park you’re in, you can join along!

What time does the Zombie Walk start?  Where do we meet?
The Zombie Walk will begin immediately after the Thriller Dance, and will lead straight out of Marina Green Park!  There will be plenty of volunteers and a few friends from security to ensure your secure crossing, and to lead the way through Shoreline Village and Rainbow Harbor!  We want to be able to do this again next year, so let’s all be respectful zombies!  Remember – not all non-zombies are zombie-hunters, and some are fighting the good fight to keep the undead populatino safe!  Let’s continue to show the city that Long Beach’s zombies are AWESOME, and should be allowed back year after year!

Will there be food and drinks available at the festival?
Yes!  We will have several food trucks on hand, curated by our partners at Atomic Eats!  Our friends at Harvelle’s are keeping our 21+ guests happy with bar stations throughout the venue!   And don’t forget to visit Shoreline Village and Downtown Long Beach’s various locations for food and drinks after the event – especially those who are providing our Zombie Passport holders with discounts!   

Can we bring outside food?
There will be bag checks for larger bags at the entrance, and discovered food and drink items will not be permitted.

Will there be enough parking for thousands of zombies?
The Long Beach Convention Center has plenty of parking!  Having said that, it is VERY possible that the lots will fill so ARRIVE EARLY – AND WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND CARPOOLING!!!  Click here for directions to the Convention Center parking lot – Marina Green Park is a quick hop across Shoreline Village Drive!

Can I get to the event using Public Transportation?
 The City of Long Beach has a most awesome public transportation system, and there is an exit conveniently located right outside Marina Green Park!  Click here to visit Long Beach Transit and map your route – aim for Marina Green Park, located at 386 East Shoreline Drive  Long Beach, CA!   Beat the traffic and save on parking – ride with Long Beach Transit!

Can I bring a camera?
You may bring personal/cell phone cameras and take as many pictures as you’d like!  However, professional-quality cameras are not allowed without the express consent of the Event Organizers, provided upon approval of a Press Application.  If you’d like to cover the event at a professional level, click here to obtain and complete a Press Application!

I purchased package tickets that include Long Beach Comic-Con tickets – where and when do I pick up my tickets?
This year’s Long Beach Comic-Con takes place a week after the Zombie Walk Festival, on Saturday November 3 and Sunday November 4.   Your Long Beach Comic-Con tickets will be available on both the mornings of the 3rd and 4th, and the event will once again be at the Long Beach Convention Center.  Keep posted – we will be sending updated and specific information as to where to pick up your Comic-Con tickets as the dates approach!   Package tickets are still available – visit http://zombiewalklb.com/long-beach-comicon-tickets-and-packages/ for information!

I want to Volunteer!
We would LOVE your help, and truly need it!  Please e-mail our volunteer coordinator Mike Kamer at volunteers@zombiewalklb.com!  The event is quickly approaching, so e-mail Mike TODAY if you can help!

Do zombies dream?
All the time…

If you want to pick up your Zombie Passports in person, don’t forget you can still pick yours up at:

Fingerprints Music
420 E. 4th Street Long Beach CA 90802 - (562) 433-4996
website / facebook / yelp

Burger Records
645 S. State College Blvd.,  Fullerton CA 92831 (714) 447-4280
website / facebook / yelp

 The Gold Diggin Wench

1440 E. 4th Street, Long Beach CA 90814 – (562) 313-6173
website / facebook

And don’t forget – all three of these businesses are Zombie Friendly!  Pick up your passport, then save 10% on your purchases through November 15!

“This! That! This! That!”

STOLEN BABIES are set to headline the Zombie Stage at Long Beach Zombie Walk 2012!

Although they might be a square peg in a round hole, they may just fit somewhere within this heavily hyphenated description: Quirky-Prog Pop-Art Rock-Avante Garde–Cabaret Metal-Horror Punk-with a tinge of Industrial, Goth and Dark Wave…    Call them whatever you want…just don’t call them late for dinner!

Once upon an awkward adolescence, there was a girl that tripped often and spoke very little, a boy who ate too much junk food, but spoke a lot, and his identical twin that hit things and spoke even more. Then along came a pianist with very wiggly fingers and a baseball bat. Musical misadventures unfolded…

Having theatrical roots, Stolen Babies formed from a popular 12+ member performance troupe named The Fratellis.  Horns blared, oversized dolls jumped out of toy boxes, squabbles were had, and babies were stolen, turned into flies and fed to giant spiders. Eventually, the blundering theatrics came to an end, but the four stuck together to create more emotionally focused songs with a new band name taken from one of the skits entitled, Stolen Babies, performed by their old incarnation.

The band’s musical style is a cauldron of ideas that serves up a wonderful variety of vibrant styles meshed together into a pure chaotic frenzy.   Check them out Saturday as they headline Long Beach Zombie Walk Festival!

Hailed as “Teddy Bear Punk’s finest teen-dream brother-and-sister duo,” Long Beach’s wunderkind Emma Simons-Araya’s mature and witty lyricism, crunchy guitar riffs, and astounding stage presence are a force to be reckoned with. “Her voice gets gritty and reminiscent of Courtney Love or Brody Dalle and her lyrics are punk rock pith.” – Maggie Boles of Yonic South

While Isaac Simons-Araya murders his drum set with a slick face and forearms working like Keith Moon and Animal the Muppet combined, his frantic bass drum hits and melodic tom tom power leaves you wondering what just happened.

Together they create an energy reminiscent of true 80′s LA punk rock.

Since 2008 they’ve wowed audiences with their passion, angst, and passive aggression.  The Potential Lunatics released their first underground and grungy EP “Eating Paste” Jan 2009.  Their highly anticipated first record “Well Trained Youngsters” was released June 2011.  The record release party brought a large crowd of ecstatic fans, wearing 1950′s style clothing and cementing The Potential Lunatics as a band that’s already building a rabid cult following.

Visit the would-be lunatics at www.thepotentiallunatics.com!

From Dave Williams, LongBeachIndependent.com

The Barrelhousers are a local trio that I’d describe as ‘Folk music’ if I were forced to stick them in a bag…  It’s ready for the pub, and a Pint of Guinness or three…  Blessed with real multi-instrumentality (just because you have the axe, doesn’t mean you play it well, or should call yourself a ____ player—very nice pickin’ on this), the vocals have a
thick pad of bright chords to float on…. Very Nice Effort, cleanly recorded….

Grandpa At War—Pub Music, plain and simple…the instrumentation is bright, tight and spirited (Ryan Pena plays Mandolin, Snare Drum, Piccolo, Bass, Banjo, and performs Backing Vocals on this project)

Love Me Sometimes—Funky, a la The Beatles “Rubber Soul”…has a fun little bounce to it… “You have to desecrate the temple to keep it standing…”  - Great lyric, and a daring vocal, with unexpected high notes.

General Sherman Blues—The Banjo is driving this one, like a hip version of a Kingston Trio song… “And, you’ll beg for mercy you never gave your fellow man..” GREAT Banjo pickin’ on this one.

See The Barrelhousers on the House of Brains stage at Zombie Walk Music & Arts Festival 2012!

An all-zombie Dead Kennedys cover band!? Yes please!

Performing zombified versions of DK classics, the Undead Kennedys are to horror rock what peanut butter is to chocolate. A mad mash up of punk and zombie culture, led by L.A.’s horror cult icon Dukey Flyswatter, writer of the 1987 horror cult classic Blood Diner,  and former frontman of the legendary Haunted Garage!

We can’t wait to have this horror legend on our Zombie Stage!

Check out Dukey in his Haunted Garage glory days!

The trio blends their love of grunge and experimental modern rock that gives a nod to their influences Muse, Led Zeppelin, Radiohead and Nirvana. Sarah Green and Laurita Guaico pour their deadly harmonic melodies and dark lyrics over the heart thumping and mesmerizing rhythms of unrivaled drummer, Tosha Jones. Green and Guaico alternate bass and guitar and often team up for the groups’ catchy combo of vocal layers.

Though SP4BH formed in early 2010, the members combine more than a decade of repping the local scene. Well known players of the SoCal grrrl territory, and as self-proclaimed road dogs, Guaico and Green first teamed up in Orange County’s favorite 90s grunge girl group Relish. Guaico and Jones later toured the country in the all-girl band The Randies.  In early 2011, SP4BH released their first EP, and in early 2012 they performed a few dates at SXSW and will continue to tour through the end of summer, returning to be back in studio for their second release.

Don’t miss Peter Pants, playing 4:40-5:10 on the House of Brains stage!