As the popularity surrounding themed raves has grown, recently made trendy by a Shrek-themed rave, yet another childhood cartoon has been turned into a beachy bash. The Bikini Bottom Rave, based on the show “SpongeBob SquarePants,” took place last Friday night at The Rialto Theatre downtown.

Ka5sh, a celebrity DJ, is the mind behind these nostalgic parties, including Shrek’s Swamps Across America tour. They kept the setup simple with psychedelic graphics of favorite SpongeBob characters, lights and lasers. What truly brought the spirit of Bikini Bottom was the audience’s costumes. 

From sexy Patrick equipped with fishnet stockings and stiletto boots to oversized jellyfish costumes, most of the audience took part in the hoopla of playing a character. A favorite of the night was sexy Sandy rigged with a full tail and chrome body suit, although others stuck to more simple get-ups.

Isis Gamez is a senior at the University of Arizona and has frequented raves at the Rialto before. Gamez explained that she attended the Bikini Bottom Rave for the rave aspect over the SpongeBob theme.

“It is a part of your childhood. It seems like a good time with good costumes,” Gamez said.

DJ performers included Kendal Chun and Dennett, both Tucson performers who brought many local fans out to watch, including Gamez.

We ran into the Goofy Goober Gang in line, all dressed in matching shirts and beanies. Goofy Goober is an animated peanut character within the show, attributed to the song “Goofy Goober Rock.” Trinity Serna, a Goober Gang member, attended the Shrek rave previously, which sparked her interest in this event. 

The gang expected a lot of EDM-SpongeBob mashups and for it to be the “most bonker shit as possible.”

Thomas was one of the last people to buy tickets as they sold out 15 minutes before the show. He came with friends and was there “for the vibes” more than the theme itself, he said. Who would have thought a SpongeBob-themed rave was so in demand?

Ravers started their journey to Bikini Bottom with the famous song “It’s the best day ever,” sung by SpongeBob in the 80th episode of the show. The audience’s hands were in the air, hugs were given and youthful joy emanated from the crowd. 

This was just the beginning as the DJ transitioned into other Nickelodeon songs, such as “I Found A Way” by Drake Bell, the theme song of the hit show “Drake and Josh.” A variety of guest DJs and performers mixed up their take on a SpongeBob rave while also satisfying the cravings of rave regulars.

However, others in the crowd weren’t so keen about the night. Someone who referred to themselves as Jellyfish number two explained that the theme was fun, but they didn’t like the DJ’s choices of EDM, although the throwback songs were entertaining.

Swamps Across America, the Shrek rave, will be held at the Rialto on Saturday, April 15, although tickets are already sold out, highlighting the appeal of themed performances. The Bikini Bottom Rave members were in line with the rave’s slogan: “It’s dumb just come have fun! Cool is dead! Who Cares!”

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