Immersion at The Pacific Northwaste

The Pacific Northwaste is a fully immersive, post-apocalyptic experience. From the moment you arrive, you’re stepping into a world transformed—a place where everyone is part of the story. This means:

  • Themed Costumes Required:  All attendees must wear costumes that fit the post-apocalyptic theme while walking around the event site.
  • Minimum Immersion Standards:  Everyone should contribute to the atmosphere, ensuring the experience is enjoyable for all.

This isn’t a spectator event. There are no onlookers or observers—only participants creating a shared world.

Event Zones

The event site is divided into two main areas:

Themed Zone (Upper Forest / Junktown)

  • This area is dedicated to full immersion. Camps, costumes, vehicles, and supplies in this zone must adhere to the theme guide as closely as possible.
  • Your camp should provide a reason for others to visit, whether it’s a unique aesthetic, interactive activity, or creative setup. Simply occupying space doesn’t contribute to the vibe.
  • Guests visiting the themed zone must wear at least Northwaste Norms (see below).
NOTE:Full enforcement of themed requirements for the Upper Forest will begin in future years, but we encourage you to aim for this standard in 2025.

 

The Wastes (Lower Flats)

  • A semi-themed area where camps, vehicles, and costumes are less regulated.
  • While inside your camp, you can relax in casual attire, but when walking around the Flats, you must wear at least Northwaste Norms.
  • Full theming is encouraged to help enhance the overall experience.

Theme Guide: Defining the Northwaste

The Pacific Northwaste is a post-apocalyptic version of the Pacific Northwest, drawing inspiration from diverse media and fiction. Our goal is to create a "general apocalyptic world" where elements of many apocalyptic genres coexist, bleeding into a unique, shared reality.

What Does This Mean?

In the Northwaste, you might encounter:

  • A trader carrying a Nuka Cola bottle fromFallout.
  • An art car inspired byMad Max.
  • A gang of Far Cry Highwaymen lounging in the local bar.

Northwaste Norms

At The Pacific Northwaste, everyone is part of the story. To create a truly immersive experience, we ask that all attendees meet our minimum costuming standard—what we call Northwaste Norms.

Northwaste Norms are simple, affordable, and easy to achieve. Think of it as the starting point for your post-apocalyptic look. Here’s how to get started:

  • A worn-out t-shirt: Painted, dyed, or weathered to look like it’s seen better days.
  • The least nice pair of pants you own: Ripped, patched, stained, or faded.

It’s not about being fancy—it’s about looking like you’ve just scavenged your way through the apocalypse.

Affordable and Creative Costuming

You don’t need to break the bank to create your Northwaste Norms. Second-hand stores and thrift shops are treasure troves for finding clothes you can distress and modify. Look for items that are already worn or can be easily aged with some creativity.

Tips for Creating Your Northwaste Norms

  • Discolor with bleach: Spray or soak your clothes in diluted bleach to create stains, fades, and discoloration.
  • Rip and tear: Use scissors or sandpaper to add frayed edges and holes for that lived-in look.
  • Dye and paint: Use fabric dye, spray paint, or acrylic paint to add grime, faux dirt, or patterns to your outfit.
  • Learn from the pros: There are countless tutorials on YouTube for distressing clothing and creating post-apocalyptic looks.
  • Ask for help: Our community on Discord is always happy to offer tips, share techniques, and help you craft the perfect wasteland look.

Make It Your Own

Northwaste Norms are just the starting point. Feel free to add your own flair and personality to your costume—after all, the apocalypse is a world of survivors, scavengers, and creative misfits. But remember, the key is to keep it immersive and gritty, staying true to the post-apocalyptic vibe.

With just a little effort and imagination, you’ll be ready to join the wasteland in style. See you in the Northwaste!

Getting Creative: Realism vs. Fantastic

While realism is encouraged, a touch of the fantastic is welcome—as long as it fits within the post-apocalyptic theme. Examples:

  • Do: Mutants, zombie hunters, scavengers, or DIY power armor.
  • Don’t: Pure fantasy like knights in shining armor (though post-apocalyptic knights made of hubcaps and trash cans are fair game).

Tech Level Guidelines

Advanced technology is welcome but should reflect the wear and decay of a post-apocalyptic world. Examples:

  • Do:&nbps;Weathered power armor or scavenged robotics that look like they’ve survived decades.
  • Don’t:&nbps;Shiny, pristine, or futuristic cyberpunk designs.

What Not to Include

To ensure thematic consistency, we’ve implemented the following guidelines:

  1. “Planet of the Apes” Clause:
    Media that’s technically post-apocalyptic but doesn’t look it (e.g., gorilla suits) isn’t allowed.
  2. “Genre Flip” Clause:
    Taking non-apocalyptic media and forcing it into a post-apocalyptic setting (e.g., Winnie the Pooh wasteland camps) doesn’t fit the theme.
  3. “Mental Gymnastics” Clause:
    If you need a long explanation to justify why something fits, it doesn’t fit.

Banned, Forbidden, and Restricted Markings

The following are prohibited:

  • Reserved Words:  STAFF, MEDIC, SECURITY (unless authorized by event organizers).
  • Banned Imagery:  Nazi or Confederate symbols, sayings, or related markings.

Breaking Theme Rules

To maintain the immersive experience:

  • If you fail to meet the theme requirements, you may be asked to leave the event.
  • If you have health concerns or accessibility needs, let us know! We’re here to help and won’t enforce theming in ways that hinder your participation (e.g., theming a wheelchair is not required but encouraged if desired).

Immerse Yourself

The Northwaste is a world where imagination and creativity run wild within a gritty, post-apocalyptic framework. It’s not about perfection—it’s about creating an environment where everyone contributes to the story. Whether you’re a seasoned wastelander or new to the apocalypse, we’re excited to see how you bring your vision to life.