Backyard shows brought East LA’s DIY scene to life on Halloween

East LA came alive this past Halloween weekend running from Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 with the Screamin Weekender ‘25. The festival, organized by Barajas Entertainment and MadMagic Records, an independent music collective and record label, aimed to create an accessible space for artists and audiences to connect through live music. The three-day event featured sets from more than 13 local bands, blending genres from punk and indie to alternative rock. Weekend wristbands sold for $30 and included a free pin at the door.

Photo curtesy of Geoffrey Nicholson

The event opened on Halloween night at “House of Abu,” a small and independent backyard venue in the heart of the Eastside. The space is well-known by the community for its intimate atmosphere where emerging artists can perform up close for an audience, offering a unique space in LA for musicians and fans to connect outside traditional venues. Those who dressed up in a costume received a discounted entry, and the crowd showed up in a variety of outfits, from horror movie icons to pop culture characters. 

The first night also featured a creative twist, as each band played a tribute set. Liminal performed as the Smashing Pumpkins, The Burners covered The Beatles, The Tripps played as Muse, Hexengarten took on Black Sabbath, A Red Sun performed as Slipknot, Apocalypsis covered Motörhead, and The Barflies performed as Title Fight. The tribute night set the tone for the weekend, combining nostalgia with local energy and drawing a packed audience.

A Red Sun, an East LA-based Chicano hardcore band, represent their local scene at the Screamin’ 25 Weekender.

“It’s inspiring to see how much talent is in these LA communities,” Ruben Barajas, a guitarist and vocalist for the band Wenzdaze and one of the event’s organizers, said. “I work a lot with professional musicians who have some commercial success and they always say, ‘I wish there was a young scene who play instruments like I did when I was beginning to play,’ and without missing a beat  I say, 'It DOES exist and it’s in East Los Angeles!’ I wish the world could see how much raw talent comes out of East LA.”  

The Weekender continued the next day on Saturday, Nov. 1, with a dead celebrity night theme and extended performances to more local acts such as Steak, Samodiva, and Wasted HXC. This event took place at yet another independent backyard venue in East Los Angeles, known to the community as “The Clockwork.” 

Between performances, attendees filled the outdoor area of Clockwork talking with other local artists, photographers, and vendors. The atmosphere reflected the collaborative spark in East LA’s creative scene, where music, art, and DIY production often intersect. It was clear that the Screamin’ Weekender was an alternative to larger, commercial festivals by highlighting independent artists and DIY promotion. Flyers were distributed digitally, with most of the publicity spreading through word of mouth and social media. For Barajas, this was also a very special debut. 

“Screamin’ 25 weekender was the first event I’ve helped organize on my own, without my band Wenzdaze and record label, Wild Records,” Barajas said. To me it was an experiment to see if I can fully fund an event and have some success on my own. To the community, I think it meant the same. No one knew what ‘Barajas entertainment’ was, so it was something new for them. But overall, it’s about having a night out enjoying local live music and being with friends.” 

On Sunday, Nov. 2, the lineup closed the Weekender with sets from Wenzdaze, The Burners, Deadlock, and The Tripps as a celebration of the Day of the Dead. This event was the last backyard show of the festival at “The Driveway,” known by the local scene. The crowd’s energy reflected the DIY spirit the Weekender represented. Audience members wore face painted skulls, sang along to the music, and recorded clips on their phones.

“I just want to throw shows at the highest production quality possible with what I have access to,” Barajas said. “I just hope that bands continue to host their own shows. Wherever, whenever, and with whatever they have access to in order to keep the DIY attitude alive!”