Do you have an inner zombie? How about a superhero, or a pirate? Maybe you have a Chewbacca costume squirreled away, or a pair of two-tone spectator pumps that would love to see the light of day?
Whichever sounds most appealing to you, the Fresno Zombie Society has got you covered.
The Zombie Society is the brainchild of Patrick Quiring. He was hanging out with friends one night, checking out zombie events on YouTube, and wondered out loud why there weren’t similar crawls in Fresno.
Eight or nine years later, the Zombie Crawl is a Fresno institution, and it has given birth to other themed pub crawls. It started out as a grassroots effort, just flyers and a Facebook page, and it’s now grown into something huge—2,000 Fresno zombies attended the last Zombie Crawl.
All the events are put together by Patrick (Fresno Zombie Society President), VP Ashley Brincefield, and a revolving cast of volunteers, family, and friends who fill in the gaps. The society likes to reassess and try out new themes and events every year.
Get Dolled Up for the Dapper Stroll & Soiree
The latest event, the Dapper Stroll & Soiree, will take place Saturday, March 11, in Fresno’s Tower District.
The Dapper Stroll & Soiree is inspired by Dapper Day at Disneyland and Disney World, which is an unofficial (meaning, not put on by Disney) event where folks dress in their finest, vintage-inspired clothes and hang out at the park. Fresno’s Dapper Stroll, which costs $5 per person, will take participants to various bars and lounges.
The Fresno Zombie Society Facebook page encourages you to “think Mad Men” when it comes to choosing your persona.
Guys, that means grabbing a fedora, tie, and suspenders, or an amazing suit. Ladies, dust off a vintage day dress or a chic cocktail number. Grandma’s triple strand and gloves are encouraged, but optional. If you’re feeling feisty, check out 1940s and 50s hairstyles on Pinterest. (At a minimum, you’re gonna need bobby pins and LOTS of hairspray!)
If you don’t have any of these items in your closet, you can head over to Bebe O’s in the Tower District for a selection of fun and festive 40s and 50s finery. While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up a Dapper Stroll & Soiree wristband.
Bands are also available at Blue Shell Gaming in Clovis, and will be available at the pre-party, though participants are encouraged to avoid the line and get them in advance.
Pub Crawl Details
Unlike Dapper Day at Disneyland, this is a 21 and over event. Also unlike Disneyland, a wristband is only $5 (unlike the $125 or so to get into Disneyland).
Your wristband will get you into all the participating establishments and includes you in period-appropriate drink specials. Dry martinis and Old Fashioneds should definitely be on the menu somewhere. Props to anyone who orders a Sidecar, Gimlet, or Corpse Reviver #2.
The pre-party starts at 7:30 p.m. at The Ivy Room, with a lounge singer and piano. From there, the participating locations include:
• Strummers, 833 E. Fern Ave.
• Detention, 750 E. Olive Ave.
• FAB, 716 E. Olive Ave.
• Zen Wok Fusion, 609 E. Olive Ave.
• Bobby Salazar’s, 725 E. Olive Ave.
• Sequoia Brewing Company, 777 E. Olive Ave.
• Goldstein’s Mortuary & Delicatessen, 1279 N. Wishon Ave.
• Tower Sports Club, N. Wishon Ave.
Sounds like a great night out. Hope to see you out there, dressed to the nines!
I was born in Fresno and grew up here, as did my husband and my parents. I'm thrilled to be raising my young son here too! I've gone away for school and spent brief periods in other parts of California, but have always ended up homesick for my hometown.
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