On Saturday, October 25th, Boogieman Halloween Festival returns to the Royal American parking lot for its 5th annual installment. The festival, organized in partnership with Atlas Touring, features 15 bands across two stages for an all-day Halloween party in downtown Charleston.
The 2025 lineup features headliners Illiterate Light & Friends, The Vegabonds, and Penelope Road, plus undercard favorites like Winyah, Willis, Happy Landing, and more.
Boogieman Festival 2025 Interview
I caught up with John Kenney of The Royal American to discuss this year’s Boogieman Fest and the evolution of the venue since it opened its doors on Morrison Drive in 2011. It has since become a key hub for the Charleston music scene, and a frequent spot to catch Atlas Touring bands before they blow up.
“We work pretty closely with Atlas Touring,” John explains. “They represent many of the bands that regularly perform at the Royal American, both regionals and nationals. A lot of their acts have really gone on to do well.”
John mentions acts like Flipturn, Little Stranger, Mo Lowda & The Humble, and Illiterate Light as examples of Atlas Touring artists who played at The Royal American during their early years. Most have also performed at Boogieman Fest.
The Royal American has long hosted parking lot events like Summer Shindig, Cultura, and concerts by local favorites Shovels & Rope and SUSTO. Now with Boogieman, they’ve got it down to a system.
“We partnered 50-50 on it,” John continues. “So we’re the host, and we handle the infrastructure and the staging and the bar and the food and all that stuff. And then Atlas comes in with whoever’s hot and heavy in their artist roster, and a bunch of other fun people.”
This year is extra special to John, because his own rock & roll band, Rotoglow (founded in 2000), is also on the lineup. They have a new record on the way, and recently played at Hopscotch Festival, opened for SUSTO at The Windjammer, and even supported 90s legends Everclear in Myrtle Beach.
“We’re super psyched to have a little resurgence and get on stage at the Royal American ourselves in the parking lot,” John says.
The Royal American parking lot is unique because it provides space for a concert size that doesn’t normally fit on the Charleston peninsula. There have been other events, such as the Elliotborough Block Party, which closed down Bogard Street in front of D’Allesandro’s Pizza, but since Boogieman Festival takes place on Royal American property, there is much less red tape.
“I used to go to that every year,” John says. “But you’ve got to get permits to close down the street, and then you’ve got to deal with the city, and there’s a lot of hoops. We just have to adhere to the fire marshal code, which is no problem. But because it’s on our property, we don’t have to apply for a bunch of permits.”
This allows them to host up to 1500 people at Boogieman Festival, providing an experience that is not only fun, but also safe.
“It’s fun to have that many people in the parking lot on a holiday like Halloween where everybody’s just having a great time. We’ve got the security guards blocking off Morrison Drive so people can safely cross the road, which is huge. Having that volume of people in our parking lot is a lot to think about. So that’s a huge safety concern for us, and that’s – knock on wood, that’s always been great.”
The Royal American & Charleston’s Music Scene
Of course, in addition to parking lot festivals, The Royal American is also a home for Charleston’s music scene. This has been John’s vision from the start, and as a longtime regular myself, I am personally thankful for the space it has provided for the community, and for Extra Chill to establish itself by writing about that community.
“It’s been such a fun journey for me, being a band guy and coming to Charleston and starting this place,” John says. “What I’m most proud about is that we’ve managed to use the stage and the platform to really create a community.”
The Royal American has a large population of loyal regulars who frequent the venue multiple times per week, both for live music and delicious food.
“They’ve become part of our family. It feels like a place where everybody can gather and there’s no judgment or prejudice. It’s just a comfortable vibe. Then the music – being able to support original music. We’re very grateful that the people of Charleston have accepted us.”
John also expresses gratitude for his adventurous kitchen staff. He mentions a recent airline-themed show with Pip the Pansy and Loser Chris.
“Our kitchen, without even telling me, ran with four airplane food specials, which was hilarious, but also really delicious,” John laughs. “Everybody got really into it. I don’t think a lot of restaurants would get away with throwing out airline food.”
The Royal American is a well-loved place in Charleston, and its reputation in the community comes from the top down. From the ownership, to the bar and kitchen staff, to the patrons and musicians who frequent it on a regular basis. There’s a home for everyone to be found there.
Get your tickets to Boogieman Festival 2025 here.
P.S. – Extra Chill will also be back at Boogieman Fest in 2025 to host the costume contest for the third year in a row!
