Have you ever dressed up in scary clown makeup and gotten drenched in faygo? If so, you might consider the 23rd annual Gathering of the Juggalos, a cult-like festival for mega-fans of the hip hop group, Insane Clown Posse.
Even if it’s not your thing, the Gathering of the Juggalos, or just “The Gathering” for short, is impressive in its dedication to fostering a massive sub-cultural movement that has developed its own slang, idioms and characteristics. Members of the group, called Juggalos, consider themselves a family and unite in a common obsession with horrorcore and other types of underground rap music as well as questionable activities like spraying and drinking the sugary soft drink faygo and expressing a (hopefully) tongue-in-cheek enthusiasm for murder committed with a blade weapon. Juggalos are most commonly recognized by their goth clown makeup and their fixation on all music signed to the Psychopathic Records label.
This year’s Gathering of the Juggalos lineup showcases a range of hip hop and rock fusion from bands like Alien Ant Farm, rappers Riff Raff and Yelawolf, and multiple shows from the Insane Clown Posse. You’ll also hear from Lardi B, who raps about hamburgers, and Raven Black, whose shows are self-described as a “dark metal carnival.”
While the full party schedule isn’t released yet, you can expect to find wrestling, burlesque and even a wedding between juggalos Lunatik and Sunshine, where guests will be invited to shower the bride and groom in none other than faygo, of course.
The Specs
- The Gathering averages around 10,000 people, but has seen upwards of 20,000 guests.
- General Admission tickets cost $230. ICP’s VIP Experience cost $150 and gets you a meet and greet with the Insane Clown Posse. ICP’s Alien Probe Adventure costs $350 and lets you join ICP in an exploration of a secluded area of Ohio’s forest known to be a UFO sighting hotspot.
- Car, RV and camping passes are sold out.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to Ohio here. And read this if you want to learn about a different kind of horror band in Ohio.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to the Gathering of the Juggalos?
Port Columbus International Airport is 35 miles away, around 33 minutes by car.
Where can I camp?
While the Big Balla camping passes are sold out, you can camp anywhere within the designated camping area on a first come first serve basis with a general admission ticket.
What can’t I bring?
No golf carts, mini bikes, four-wheelers, e-bikes or motorized vehicles. Also no fireworks, animals or glass.
Who is performing at Gathering of the Juggalos?
Alien Ant Farm, Arrested Developmetn, City Morgue, Dropout Kings, Eshame & Mastamind as Natas, Hatchet Man Project, Hexxx, Insane Clown Posse, Krizz Kaliko, Kung Fu Vampire, Mac Sabbath, Ouija Macc, Riff Raff, Rittz, Sponge, Sugarhill Gang, Whitney Peyton, Yelawolf, Zack Ass, 9 Dead, Al Mal, Freeze Martian, Juggalo Psypher Live, Klockwerk E, Korihor, Normundy, The 6ix, D-Loc, Lardi B, Madchild, Nekrogoblikon, R.A. The Rugged Man, DJ Lala, Raven Black, Shakewell, Abstrakt, Babble The Demon, Barz!, Belushi Speed Ball, Benny Buttonz, Big Fluff, Darby O’Trill, Facetatmami, Freeze MF, Gunnerb, Heathensun, Jvnebug, Kace Cayne, Kingsmen, Matt Foy, NGS, Redefind, Rob Zilla, Seenloc, Shilow, Summoner’s Circle, The Coursing, The God Bombs, Tierre Diaz, Trey Magic with Splice (Doctors of Doom), Tso Ghostly, Wil E. Haze & Faygo Gang, Zitro Zombi3cult.
2023 Poster
