From DIY Pop-Ups to Old Town Revival: Mochipet and the Catbus Halloween Block Party Invade Old Town

Written by Nickolas H.

This Halloween, Old Town Portland will host the Catbus Halloween Block Party—a multi-faceted experience that brings together live music, vibrant street life, and the eccentric creativity of Mocipet’s iconic Catbus. The event is more than just a night of dancing in costumes; it’s the initial sampling of an organized push to reignite Portland’s urban energy, aiming to breathe life back into an area hit hard by the pandemic, associated economic flight, and an undue share of unflattering national media coverage. With the support of local businesses, creatives, and the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), the Catbus Halloween Block Party in Ankeny Ally will showcase what has long made Portland’s arts and entertainment scene one of a kind.

The Catbus itself is rapidly becoming a staple of Portland’s underground music culture. Created by electronic musician and producer Mochipet, the Catbus is a fully customized mobile DJ booth and performance space that emerged from a time of global lockdowns and social isolation. “I started building it before the pandemic,” Mocipet recalls. “Then everything shut down. It threw me off because I couldn’t get materials, couldn’t build. So I had to put everything on hold, but I finally finished it two years ago.” Since its debut, the Catbus has been appearing at festivals, pop-up parties, and unique collaborations around PDX. "One of our first events was at Sellwood Park— it was super chill, no real promo, just friends spreading the word, and it was a hit,” Mocipet explains.

Since then, the Catbus has gained a reputation across Portland’s eclectic event scene, with appearances at Cascade Music Festival, The East Bank Esplanade, and the Tabor Dance Party. But this week’s Halloween bash at Old Town marks the first time the Catbus will take over a street in Portland’s historic district. PBOT - in conjunction with several other local agencies -  is taking an active role in supporting events like the Catbus Block Party as part of a greater effort to revitalize the downtown area and create spaces that bring residents back to the heart of the city. Mocipet reflects on this partnership, saying, “They want to revive downtown—especially now with so many people working remotely or staying home. Halloween was perfect because it’s naturally a night when people want to be out, and this block party is a way to make downtown feel alive again.”

What sets this Halloween event apart is its blend of grassroots spirit with community and city support. The music lineup isn’t headliner-focused but instead promotes local talent. Local PNW artists like Treyzilla, Krista Basis, and Rob Noble plan to “keep the energy high,” fueling an all-day immersive experience. This will be a day of “haunted” shenanigans where the community can connect over a shared love of music, bad costumes, and that unique Portland vibe that only actual Portlanders truly understand. As the festival scene sees shifts and “bubble-breaking” changes, Mocipet believes these times will favor dedicated local artists over trend-driven hype. “The deflation in the scene might actually be a good thing,” he notes. “We’re getting back to core fans and people who appreciate the variety. We don’t feature any one single genre or individual artist, there is no hierarchy on this stage because we are a community… and this event reflects that diversity.” 

For those who lament Portland’s dwindling nightlife, the Catbus Halloween Block Party is a powerful reminder that the city’s vibrant arts culture is far from gone. This Thursday, from 3PM to 10PM, Ankeny Alley will transform into a lively scene with Halloween costumes, music, and community engagement—all symbolizing Portland’s enduring love for the unexpected. With rain a possible wild card, Mocipet promises a contingency plan of covered spaces to keep the energy alive. “Even if it rains, it’s Halloween—we’re here to celebrate no matter what,” he says with a grin. As part of a broader movement to breathe life back into Old Town, events like the block party are finally being welcomed to engage the local community in a more holistic way than we’ve seen in the past. “We don’t need heavier enforcement, we need activation of space that brings people back into the area.” says Dan Lenzen at a recent downtown business alliance meeting. And that appears to be exactly what they intend to do.

The Mochipet Catbus Block Party marks a convergence of independent creativity, local businesses, and city initiatives to reestablish Old Town as the heart of Portland’s vibrant arts, culture, and nightlife. The Catbus Halloween Block Party isn’t just a night to remember; it’s a blueprint for the future of Portland’s art and entertainment scene. So, whether you’re a seasoned Portland music fan or a curious newcomer, this Thursday offers the perfect chance to see what makes Portland’s culture worth celebrating.

Socials and Info:

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