the mommy avenger

October may be all about pumpkin patches and haunted houses, but let me tell you about a new Halloween tradition that will have the whole family tapping their feet and drumming along in their seats. I’m talking about Warehouse 5 Drum Theatre’s Paranormal Percussion, an incredibly fun, drumming spectacular that’s as family-friendly as it is musically impressive. With a show like this, the Warehouse 5 team has taken all the Halloween vibes we love – ghosts, goblins, and plenty of spooky sounds – and transformed them into a mesmerizing percussion-based performance that’s impossible not to enjoy.

If you haven’t heard of Paranormal Percussion yet, you’re not alone. This Utah- based gem of a production only started in 2018, but judging by the crowd we joined this past weekend, it’s quickly becoming a must-see on the fall events calendar. Warehouse 5 took this idea of celebrating Halloween through music and added their own twist – no creepy vocals or standard Halloween soundtracks, just two hours of wildly creative percussion that brings classic Halloween music to life in a totally new way.

The VIP Treatment – A Meet & Greet with the Drum Team

Our afternoon started off on a high note with a VIP meet-and-greet before the show. This was the perfect way to start. Warehouse 5 does an amazing job making the experience personal and welcoming for everyone, including the younger ones who may not know a bass drum from a snare. We got to meet the performers, learn about their unique drum setups, and even have a quick Q&A. The drummers were incredibly patient and so fun with the kids, answering all their questions and even letting them see the instruments up close.

The meet-and-greet wasn’t just for the kids, though – adults will appreciate it too, especially if you’re a music lover. We got to play the instruments solo and in a jam session with members of the group. Seeing the percussionists up close gave us an idea of the level of skill and dedication that goes into a production like this, and Warehouse 5’s drummers are a talented bunch, each with their own signature style. It made the show feel more personal, like we were cheering on friends rather than just watching a performance.

The Show – Two Hours of Spooky, Family-Friendly Fun

Now, let’s talk about the show itself. Running for two hours with a short intermission, Paranormal Percussion is a true Halloween spectacle. But don’t expect the usual spooky soundtrack – this is an all-percussion performance, which means that familiar Halloween tunes get transformed into rhythmic, heart-thumping masterpieces. They cover everything from classic Halloween-inspired themes to movie soundtracks that everyone recognizes, and it’s done entirely with percussion instruments.

Imagine iconic Halloween sounds – thunderous crashes, eerie rhythms, and that spine-tingling sense of suspense – created solely through drums and other percussion. The skill and creativity of Warehouse 5’s percussionists make it hard to believe there’s no digital enhancement or background track; it’s just raw, rhythmic power. And somehow, they make it perfect for all ages, avoiding anything too scary but still managing to capture that Halloween excitement.

Our family was absolutely fascinated. Warehouse 5 uses lighting, a bit of fog, and perfectly timed drum sequences to create a show that’s engaging and visually interesting without crossing into anything too spooky or intense. The audience was filled with everyone from toddlers to grandparents, all equally entertained, and there’s something really special about finding an event that brings generations together in shared fun.

A Local Halloween Must-See

What I loved most was the way Paranormal Percussion brought the community together. Warehouse 5 Drum Theatre has turned this into a local Halloween tradition, and I can see why. Founded in 2018, this production has become the place to be for Halloween music lovers and families looking for something unique. The staff, the performers, and even the audience felt like one big Halloween-loving family by the end of the night.

Unfortunately, the shows for 2024 have wrapped up, but if you’re thinking of family activities for next October, I cannot recommend Warehouse 5 Drum Theatre’s Paranormal Percussion enough. It’s the kind of show that appeals to music lovers of all ages and backgrounds, and whether your kids are just getting into Halloween or are practically pros, they’ll have a blast. Plus, how often do we get the chance to experience a full night of live music that doesn’t break the budget, gives the kids plenty of thrills, and ends with a round of applause from the whole family?

Be sure to get on their email list (and enjoy 10% off your tickets each year) to get notified of next year’s shows, get ready to tap your feet, and start practicing those rhythms! This is one Halloween tradition I know we’ll be back for next year.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}