Monáe Debuts Fishboy Look at Pier Festival

Janelle Monáe opened her Halloween weekend events by appearing as The Amazing Fishboy at the Wondaween Festival: Creature Carnival on Sunday. The singer and actor made a dramatic costume reveal to the crowd before taking the stage for a live performance. The show took place beneath operating roller coasters at Santa Monica Pier, with coaster cars moving overhead while she played.

The event served as a showcase for BACARDÍ, the festival's official spirits partner for the second year. The brand introduced a new signature cocktail called the BACARDÍ Spookito. Organizers described the drink as a variation of the classic Mojito that includes a splash of grenadine for a distinct flavor profile.

The festival menu featured several other themed beverages served from bars built specifically for the evening. Options included the Creature of the Night Lemonade, the Pina-Ghoul-Ada Spritz, and the BOO-BARDÍ & Cola. These bars were positioned around the carnival grounds, allowing guests to consume drinks while moving through the venue.

The musical lineup extended beyond Monáe’s set to include Shaun Ross, DJ Millie, and Nana Kwabena. The performers kept the event active late into the night. Attendees also received full access to the pier’s rides, enabling them to operate the attractions in costume while eating carnival food.

Monáe has used her Halloween appearances to blend music, fashion, and theatrical elements. Past iterations of the celebration have featured her dressing up as Cat in the Hat, The Mask, and E.T. Those transformations relied on special effects makeup and facial prosthetics to create specific character looks.

The Wondaween Festival has evolved into a recurring event for the artist. The 2026 edition marked the second year of the BACARDÍ partnership. The collaboration supported an immersive experience that combined branded cocktails with live entertainment on the pier.