About

Step into a world transformed by chaos and resilience at The Pacific Northwaste, a one-of-a-kind post-apocalyptic-themed event based in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Held every Memorial Day weekend, this immersive experience invites you to escape the ordinary and embrace a grittier, more thrilling vision of the future.

Unlike massive gatherings, The Pacific Northwaste focuses on creating an intimate, tightly-knit community of adventurers, creators, and enthusiasts. Whether you're a survivor seeking camaraderie, an artist showcasing your wasteland-inspired creations, or just looking for a unique escape, we’ve got a place for you.

This isn’t just an event; it’s a portal to a dystopian dreamscape where you can explore, connect, and let your imagination run wild. Come as the survivor, scavenger, or warlord you’ve always dreamed of being.

The Pacific Northwaste is more than an event—it’s an evolving experience that brings together a community of creative, open-minded wastelanders in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Held every Memorial Day weekend, this three-day gathering offers an extra day of immersive fun and connection, making it longer and more relaxed than most weekend events.

Our goal is simple yet ambitious: to create a fully immersive post-apocalyptic experience where creativity thrives, community bonds grow stronger, and everyone has the freedom to express themselves in a world reimagined. The vibe? Chill, inclusive, and unmistakably wasteland-inspired.

Set against the backdrop of the unique Pacific Northwest, The Pacific Northwaste stands apart. This isn’t about deserts and heavy metal—it’s about radiated forests, rugged landscapes, and the soulful fusion of folk punk and wasteland ingenuity.

Whether you’re a seasoned wastelander, a first-time explorer, or simply someone seeking an open and accepting community, The Pacific Northwaste welcomes you. Together, we’ll forge an unforgettable escape from the everyday world and dive into a realm where creativity and collaboration rule.

At The Pacific Northwaste, our mission is to create an unforgettable post-apocalyptic experience that sparks creativity, builds connections, and fosters a community where everyone feels welcome. We believe in celebrating individuality, collaboration, and the beauty of imagining a world transformed by resilience and ingenuity.

Our Core Values

• Creativity Without Limits

  We celebrate the artistry, imagination, and resourcefulness of our wastelanders. From costumes and stories to art and performances, every contribution adds to the immersive magic of the event.

• Community Above All

  The Pacific Northwaste is a gathering of people who support, inspire, and connect with each other. This isn’t just an event—it’s a family of open-minded and accepting individuals united by a shared vision.

• Immersion in the Apocalypse

  We aim to transport you into a world where the ordinary fades away and the wasteland takes over. Every detail, activity, and interaction is crafted to enhance the immersive experience.

• Respect and Inclusivity

  Our wasteland is a space for everyone, regardless of background or experience. We’re committed to creating an environment that’s welcoming, safe, and free from judgment.

• Celebrating the Pacific Northwest

  With its rugged landscapes, towering forests, and creative spirit, the Pacific Northwest is an integral part of our identity. We honor the unique beauty of our region and infuse it into every aspect of the event.

Our mission is to provide a space where creativity thrives, connections are made, and the apocalypse feels like home. Whether you’re a scavenger, storyteller, or survivor, we invite you to join us and make the wasteland your own.

Every great wasteland has an origin story, and The Pacific Northwaste is no exception. This event was born from a simple idea: to create a space where creativity, community, and the post-apocalyptic aesthetic could collide in a way that felt unique to the Pacific Northwest.

In the beginning, it was just a dream—a way to escape the ordinary and dive into a world of radiated forests, scavenged treasures, and gritty survival stories. Inspired by the untamed beauty of the region and its vibrant culture, we wanted to build something different from the desert-heavy, Mad Max-inspired festivals that dominate the scene. What if the apocalypse felt like it belonged in the lush, wild landscapes of the PNW?

The first Pacific Northwaste was small, but it was full of heart. From its humble beginnings, the event has grown each year, evolving through the creativity and contributions of the community. Every attendee, volunteer, performer, and vendor has left their mark, helping shape The Pacific Northwaste into more than just an event—it’s now a living, breathing world.

At its core, The Pacific Northwaste is about more than costumes and competitions (though those are incredible). It’s about forming bonds, sharing stories, and exploring the endless possibilities of a reimagined world. It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the wild spirit of the Pacific Northwest.

Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just joining us now, you’re part of our story. Together, we’re writing the next chapter in a world where the apocalypse isn’t the end—it’s the start of something extraordinary.

When it comes to post-apocalyptic festivals, The Pacific Northwaste stands apart. We’re not about deserts and dystopian chaos—we’re about the radiated forests, misty mountains, and untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Our wasteland isn’t scorched earth; it’s overgrown trails, rusted relics in the woods, and a world where nature and humanity’s ingenuity collide.

Unlike the heavy metal, Mad Max-inspired festivals you might know (which we love, no shade), The Pacific Northwaste blends rugged wilderness with folk-punk soul, jazz grooves, and a celebration of creativity. It’s a space where duct-taped costumes meet heartfelt stories, where scavenged art cars roll alongside immersive performances, and where the apocalypse feels as welcoming as it does gritty.

What truly makes us unique is our community. Here, everyone—from first-time wastelanders to seasoned survivalists—is welcomed as family. The Pacific Northwaste isn’t just a stage for spectacle; it’s a place to share your own creations, ideas, and passions. Whether you’re cooking in the Iron Oxide Chef competition, strutting in the costume show, or helping shape the event itself, you’re a vital part of what makes this experience unforgettable.

And we’re evolving. Every year brings new adventures, fresh creativity, and deeper connections as we reimagine the apocalypse together.

The Pacific Northwaste isn’t just another event—it’s a movement. It’s where the beauty of the Pacific Northwest meets the imagination of the wasteland, and where you’ll find a community that feels like home.

At The Pacific Northwaste, community is everything. Our event thrives on the creativity, passion, and shared experiences of those who come together to bring the wasteland to life. Here, you’re not just an attendee—you’re part of a tribe united by a love of expression and connection in a post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest setting.

Interactive Activities and Shared Adventures

From jaw-dropping costume shows to apocalyptic art displays, the community is at the heart of every experience. Join in the Iron Oxide Chef competitive cook-off, parade your wildest creations in the apocalyptic art car parade, or cheer on live music and burlesque performances that light up the wasteland nights. Got an idea for your own event? Bring it to life! Groups of attendees are encouraged to create and host their own activities, adding even more layers to the vibrant experience.

Opportunities to Collaborate

The Pacific Northwaste is a platform for creators of all kinds. Whether you’re a performer ready to captivate the crowd, a vendor with wasteland wares, an artist bringing the apocalypse to life, or a storyteller weaving tales of survival, there’s a place for you here. Volunteers are always welcome to help us build this unique world, and together, we make the impossible possible.

Our Atmosphere: The Wild Wasteland Meets Folk Punk

Unlike other apocalyptic festivals inspired by deserts, heavy metal, and Mad Max aesthetics, The Pacific Northwaste embraces the unique spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Picture radiated forests, sprawling wild wastelands, and the soulful sounds of folk punk and jazz. It’s a world where creativity and collaboration flourish amidst the greenery and grit of our region.

Stay Connected Year-Round

The bonds formed in the wasteland don’t fade when the event ends. Join our active Discord community, where survivors stay in touch, share ideas, and plan meetups for other events throughout the year. The Pacific Northwaste is more than an event—it’s a thriving, year-round community.

So come as you are, or as the scavenger, storyteller, or warlord you’ve always wanted to be. Together, we’ll create something unforgettable.

"Want to contribute to the apocalypse? Join us for an unforgettable journey into the wasteland. Get involved as a volunteer, vendor, or performer!"

- Volunteering

- Vending

- Performing