A monthly goth night in Pacific Grove is about embracing expression and empathy.

The mist descending on Pacific Grove isn’t the only thing that’s eerie at Pop & Hiss. On the third Friday of every month, the organizers of Ghostland music festival produce a goth dance night featuring a residency by local DJ SpeckledBird and tarot readings by local astrologer Nina Kahn. For the events, attendees are encouraged to dress to a theme like “dark carnival” or “goth prom.”

The music genre features post-punk and dark wave choices, along with a bit of darker ’80s favorites thrown in. And to Stephan Sams of Mephistopheles Music Co. and one of the event organizers, a goth night was necessary for the community. The tradition launched at Compact Disco in Monterey, coming to Pop & Hiss in January, 2025.

“We need a goth night around here because [otherwise] everyone has to go an hour away to go to a goth night,” Sams says.

DJ SpeckledBird tailors music to the theme of the night, but goth was chosen over an emo night because of the broad spectrum of genres that can be played.

“A lot of times people are surprised when we say ‘goth night,’ and they come through and there are ’80s classics playing,” says Amanda Ausonio. “A lot of ’80s club classics are goth songs. They’re post-punk, so think The Cure, Depeche Mode or The Smiths.”

Sams organizes the monthly event with Ausonio and Aaron Thrasher, who say the goth night is about embracing the darker aspects of society with empathy and acceptance.

“To be goth is to protest societal norms,” Thrasher says. “It is to embrace oneself for what makes them different.”

“In essence it’s kind of a fashion event too,” adds Sams, explaining that people don’t get a chance to often express their own individuality during the week. Black is commonly worn for the event, but Ausonio adds that people get very creative with it.

At goth night in June, that included Berit Piik and Amber Lane, sporting black dripping eyeliner akin to that of a mime or clown. Lane wears a dress to match her eyeliner while Piik wears a checkered-patterned shirt with big, flowy sleeves and pants with flared legs.

The organizers have plenty of theme ideas for goth nights, dubbed Danse Macabre. “There are many different expressions, like Victorian classic or industrial,” Sams says.

DANSE MACABRE happens at 6pm every third Friday of the month (next on July 18) at Pop & Hiss, 215 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. $3. All ages. popandhiss.net.