Gathering of the Goths

Gathering of the Goth

On Saturday, October 19, the USS Hornet will be transformed into a gothic haven for the annual Gathering of the Goths, a one-of-a-kind event blending music, art, and the supernatural. From 5 PM to 1 AM, this phantasmic festival offers a chance to revel in the dark allure of goth culture while aboard one of San Francisco Bay’s most storied and haunted ships.

As part of the Halfway to World Goth May Festival, this night promises an immersive Halloween experience for both the devoted and the curious. The event kicks off with a Halloween Bazaar and Goth Marketplace, where 40+ artists and vendors from the goth community will offer dark art, oddities, fashion, and more. Explore the Hangar Bay 2, where tarot readings, face painting, and workshops on butterfly pinning and scorpion domes invite you to indulge your eerie curiosities. Hungry spirits can enjoy food trucks and libations while soaking in the otherworldly atmosphere.

The music begins at 7 PM with performances by headliners Ashes Fallen (Sacramento), Octavian Winters (San Francisco), Dildox (Los Angeles), and Jeweled Snakes (Oakland), all performing in Hangar Bay 3. Their mix of post-punk, dark wave, and synth punk will fill the night with deep basslines and ethereal melodies, echoing through the cavernous spaces of the ship.

For those looking to connect with the paranormal, ghost hunting tours offer the chance to explore the haunted corners of the USS Hornet, guided by seasoned investigators. It’s an ideal setting for those intrigued by both history and the supernatural—after all, the Hornet is reputed to be one of the most haunted ships in the nation.

At 11 PM, the energy shifts as Club Enigma opens in Hangar Bay 3, turning the night into a full-on goth dance party. DJs from around the country will spin post-punk, industrial, and dark wave tracks, while performers and aerialists mesmerize the crowd. It’s a fitting end to a night where music, art, and the otherworldly collide.

Tickets start at $55 for festival access (which includes music, ghost tours, and access to the art market) or $20 for the market-only experience. Those seeking the full goth adventure can upgrade on-site, while the most dedicated can stay until the early hours with Club Enigma tickets for an additional $10.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, October 19

Time: 5PM – 1AM

Location:

USS Hornet
707 W Hornet Ave
Alameda, CA

Festival Tickets:

• $55 (18+)
• Market Tickets: $20 (all ages)
• Club Enigma: $10 (11PM – 1AM)