Freaky Deaky 2016 returns bigger than before

Freaky Deaky took over Toyota Park for an impressive return with a weekend filled with unforgettable moments.

Festival goers in their best homemade or store-bought costumes made Freaky Deaky their ultimate Halloween playground. The three stages: The Shrine, The Big Top, and The Crypt stage were perfectly crafted to capture the eerie Halloween feeling.  That feeling was matched with incredible performances from a stacked lineup during the three-day weekend.

Day 1 - Photos - Jeremy Franklin

The first day saw early support from local electronic duo The Trap House and San Holo. Naming a few the first day saw a strong start to an even more powerful finish.

The comedian turned rapper Lil Dicky used his humor to bring a quick laugh along with his lyrically impressive rap routine. Lil Dicky a true showman, brought his colorful personality to life.

Rapper Travis Scott made his return back to Chicago following his Lollapalooza performance in 2015. Running into no similar issue Scott didn’t disappoint fans who were eagerly awaiting his return. Scott ended his set with his hit record “Antidote”. Going a bit longer then his promoted set time Scott’s mic was cut off making him storm off the stage.

Disclosure’s set was one for remember for years to come. They knew they were in Chicago and they played for Chicago. A Chicago house heavy set made for a surprise treat for those who just wanted to jam to some house classics.

Day 2 - Photos - Jeremy Franklin

The second day of Freaky Deaky is an ultimate blend of bold modern hip-hop entering with in your face electronic music.

Harlem rapper and self-proclaimed trap master A$AP Ferg brought the show. A hip-hop heavyweight in the making A$AP Ferg played to the crowd performing his hit records like Shabba and New Level.

One of the most talked about artist in the past year DJ Khaled closed off the second night on The Big Top stage. A properly named stage for DJ Khaled through the roof persona he satisfied the highly anticipated curiously behind his set. Serving as both the hype man and DJ, DJ Khaled was pulling double in making sure the crowd was living up every second of his set.

Showing love to the Chicago Cubs and their playoffs efforts, Freaky Deaky screened two of the playoff games that were played during that weekend. Festival goers had the chance to chow down on their grilled cheese from Cheesies and hot wings from Harold’s Chicken while watching the cubbies. Nothing can top that.

Day 3 - Photos - Jeremy Franklin

The final night saw early support from local talent Light Em Up and Porn And Chicken. These local artists had the crowd going right from the start of the gates officially opening. A true sign on how incredibly talented our local scene is.

Electronic heavy hitters each brought their unique spin to the final night of Freaky Deaky. Duke Dumont was certainly not one to miss because of his signature tech house set. As well as BBC personality Danny Howard, and his perfectly crafted set list of electric bangers.

In just it’s second year Freaky Deaky created and filled a void that the Chicago music scene was missing. Along with young festivals like Mamby on the Beach and Reaction NYE, React Presents continues to add to Chicago’s rich music history.

Freaky Deaky is the perfect escape and the best way to celebrate a Halloween weekend with music. With clear skies and an unusual warmer weekend in late October, Freaky Deaky couldn’t have been any better.

It was a perfect mixture of the visual horrors of Halloween alongside the electric sky of that beamed from the crowds. Freaky Deaky like many Halloween attractions are worth the year long wait.

by Jesus J. Montero