Irvington residents now have a new destination for family‑friendly Halloween entertainment and creative learning. Monsterz Inc., located at 7 Johnson Ave., operates as a bar, event space and costume studio, all under the imaginative direction of local artist Jess West.
From YouTube Lessons to a Community Hub
West, 42, began designing costumes at age 12 after being inspired by Uma Thurman’s Poison Ivy performance. She launched her first business, Jess West Costumes, in 2010 and later appeared on Hulu’s Dress My Tour in 2024, where she crafted stage outfits for musicians. After the show, she opened Monsterz Inc. the same year, turning a former storefront into a two‑story “living horror movie” experience.
West describes the space as “part venue, part bar, part costume shop of meticulously wicked proportions.” The interior is built inside the jaws of a giant monster, with themed rooms dedicated to classic monsters such as Frankenstein, Dracula and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Replicas of monster lairs and lifelike props create an immersive atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
Weekly Events Celebrate Creativity and Community
Every weekend in October, Monsterz Inc. hosts a different themed event, culminating in a three‑floor Halloween night party. General admission tickets start at $39.49, while VIP packages—including private rooms, a pool table and bottle service—are priced at $1,500.
The venue also offers a range of community‑focused activities. Weekly “industry nights” give service‑industry workers a chance to play euchre, enjoy drink specials and socialize. Sundays are reserved for hands‑on creation: participants can bring crochet projects, coloring books or other supplies while the shop provides tables, drinks and a backdrop of classic horror films.
West emphasizes the shop’s commitment to reuse and stewardship. She repurposes items such as wedding dresses from a closed bridal shop to build a “Bride of Chucky” hallway and uses cardboard to fashion organ pipes for a “Phantom of the Opera” installation. “No matter how weird it is, we will find a home for it,” she says.
Teaching the Next Generation
Beyond entertainment, West sees Monsterz Inc. as an informal art school. She hopes to develop an apprenticeship program that awards credits for skill development, allowing participants to apply what they learn toward a degree or their own business ventures.
“Everyone is welcome,” West affirms. “So many people tell me how safe and at‑home they feel here. This is a place for people to find their inner child. I create armor here.”
Local Impact
Monsterz Inc. adds a unique cultural offering to Irvington, supporting local artisans, providing a venue for live music, burlesque shows, yoga classes and craft nights. By turning a former commercial space into a thriving hub of creativity, the business contributes to the neighborhood’s economic vitality and offers families a safe, family‑oriented environment for holiday celebration.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
