Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Fans

You cried more, more, more so we're back with a... Rebel Yell Retro 80's & 90's Dance Party! w/ DJs Dwight Hybrid + Thomas Hall Saturday, January 17th 2026 • Doors 9pm Dovercourt House - 805 Dovercourt Road, Toronto We rang in 2026 with the packed Midnight Hour Retro NYE Party and you all asked to do it again. Excited to pack another night spinning and spanning retro faves of the 80's and 90's in the music and video mix. It's a nice day to dance again so don't dance with yourself. See you all again Saturday, January 17th! $15 Cash-At-Door Cover Only

Join us for the striking new Theatre Smith-Gilmour (Metamorphoses 2023) adaptation of **Pu Songling: Strange Tales**. **Plot:** Songling is a 17th century Chinese writer whose work blends myth and reality to criticize the dark side of society. Depicting the ‘strange’ in stories about ghosts and foxes, he shows the real world. Whimsical and spine-tingling, this dynamic production captures the spirit of a literary master whose work touches on timeless themes that bind us across generations. *”[Theatre Smith-Gilmour] have been producing thought-provoking movement based work that challenges the status quo for 42 years and have done it brilliantly.*” ***—Lynn Slotkin*** \*\*\* **OUR DISCOUNT TICKETS** Our group will receive 20% off the regular ticket price. All ticket prices include HST and service fee. **Discount Tickets:** * **$89.05** (reg. $111.31) **Tier A Adult** * **$71.87** (reg. $89.84) **Tier A Senior** * **$75.49** (reg. $94.36) **Tier B Adult** * **$61.02** (reg. $76.28) **Tier B Senior** **Meetup Fee:** $3 cash\* per attendee (Please pay Rosa exact change at the meetup spot) \**Note: Interac etransfers, cheques, etc. are not accepted.* \*\*\* **HOW TO PAY** 1\. Sign up on this event page\. 2\. Send an email to **belindameetup@gmail.com** to request the promo code. 3\. Specify you are inquiring about **Pu Songling** 4\. Include the number of tickets you want 5\. Include the name you use on this Thumbs Up Theatre website\. 5\. If you don't receive a reply in your inbox\, check your junk box in case it has gone there\. 6\. Once you receive the promo code\, purchase your tickets **[online](https://www.crowstheatre.com/cart/show/4810).** **Tickets selected will show up at the regular price but will change to the discounted price when you enter the promo code at checkout. Please ensure the price is correct before applying payment**. Phone the theatre box office @ 647 341 7390 if you need assistance. **Seating Arrangements:** Seating is general admission. We will get together before and after the show. \*\*\* **DETAILS** **When:** Sunday, January 18, 2026 **Time:** Show starts at 2 p.m. Meet Rosa at 1:15 p.m. **Where:** Crow’s Theatre. 345 Carlaw Avenue, Toronto **Show Length**: 90 Minutes (no intermission) \*\*\* **MEETUP ARRANGEMENTS** Meet Rosa at 1:15 p.m. in the theatre lobby. She will be wearing a pink fascinator hat. Please pay your $3 meetup fee to Rosa at the meetup spot. **After-Show Meetup Spot:** See Rosa in the lobby after the show. She will be wearing her pink fascinator hat. **\*\*THUMBS UP CELLPHONE POLICY:\*\*** Cellphones must be turned off, or kept in silent or flight mode (no sound and no vibration), and MUST NOT be pulled out or used under any circumstances during shows. **[Full details](https://www.meetup.com/thumbs-up-theatre-toronto/events/243426512/)**.

Living On Video + DJ Lazarus presents Tickets ONLY $10: [https://SpellboundBauhausGC.eventbrite.ca](https://SpellboundBauhausGC.eventbrite.ca) **Sat Jan 17 - SPELLBOUND Video Dance Party. GOTH / DARKWAVE / POST-PUNK / INDUSTRIAL w/ BAUHAUS Spotlight** SPELLBOUND is Canada's ONLY dark music video dance party. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Goth A.F. Contest $100 prize + custom trophy to the most gothed up patron. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Saturday January 17, 2026 SPELLBOUND: Goth Video Dance Party w/ BAUHAUS Spotlight Ground Control - 1279 Queen St West - Toronto Lounge 9pm - Mainroom: 10pm - 19+ Event $10 advanced: [https://SpellboundBauhausGC.eventbrite.ca](https://SpellboundBauhausGC.eventbrite.ca) $15 at the door INVITE: [www.facebook.com/events/862918736222644/](www.facebook.com/events/862918736222644/) (Please INVITE your friends) SPELLBOUND is a goth multimedia dance experience with classic and fresh dark music videos. SOCIAL: www.facebook.com/groundcontroltoronto www.facebook.com/livingonvideoclub www.facebook.com/djlazarusrocks www.twitch.tv/livingonvideoclub www.mixcloud.com/livingonvideo www.instagram.com/djlazarusrocks www.twitter.com/djlazarusrocks

**A new format: you choose who you're interested in meeting** This meetup is about getting to know new people and sharing the experience in a small group (4-6 people). *We use the LYTT platform to handle group size and balance - so you're not just hoping someone interesting shows up.* To apply you will need to create an account at [lytt.me](https://lytt.me/meetup/indie-rock-horseshoe) \- it's free\. **The event: Live Indie Rock at The Horseshoe Tavern** The Horseshoe Tavern has been the launching pad for Canadian rock since 1947. The Rolling Stones kicked off their '97 world tour here. Blue Rodeo ran their record label from the basement. The Tragically Hip wrote about the checkerboard floors. This is where legends are made - and where you'll catch tomorrow's headliners tonight. Weekend showcases bring 2-4 indie rock bands through the intimate 300-person venue. Close to the stage, loud enough to feel it, small enough that every band treats it like their shot. The energy is electric, the sound system iconic, and your crew gets table seating to claim home base between sets. The whole experience runs about 3.5 hours. **The group: LYTT platform** LYTT forms small groups for events and activities you pick. 1\. Click 'Attend' here on Meetup\, then head to [lytt.me](https://lytt.me/meetup/indie-rock-horseshoe) to create a quick profile (photo, a few interests, short bio) 2\. Browse others who applied and select who you'd want to meet 3\. We form groups where the interest is mutual 4\. You get notified when your group is confirmed \- payment happens then 5\. Show up knowing your crew already picked you \- *but no one knows who picked who*, to keep mystery and low pressure Applying doesn't guarantee a spot - but we may form multiple groups or invite you to similar events with other crews. **What's included:** \- Entry to the showcase \- 2\-4 bands performing live \- Table seating for your group **Details:** **Cost:** $25 CAD cover. Drinks separate. **Time:** 8:00pm - 11:30pm **Location:** The Horseshoe Tavern, 370 Queen Street West, Toronto **Who this is for:** \- People who love live music \- Those who want to discover new bands with people who'll actually discuss them after \- Looking for friends\, dates\, or just better ways to spend a Saturday night **Questions?** hey@lytt.me **Proceed to register here:** [https://lytt.me/meetup/indie-rock-horseshoe](https://lytt.me/meetup/indie-rock-horseshoe)

Hello everyone, I'd like to invite you out to our **Dinner with Friends Gratitude Party!** -Reserved seating, friendly people, good conversation and great food awaits! So please plan to join us if you can :) \*Joined by my other groups too; so we can anticipate a fantastic evening **Time: 6:30 p.m. -9:30 p.m.** **Location:** La Carnita - Good Fortune Bar (Main Floor) **Address:** 130 Eglinton Ave. Toronto, ON M4P 2X9 Event Details Bellow: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) Event Details: **Dinner with Friends Gratitude Party! (Dinner, Cocktails and Conversations) (January 18th)** -The great thing about this dinner party is you're free to move around to different tables and meet the other members too throughout the evening **Dinner Party Topics** may include but not limited too: Travel, Culture, Spirituality, Relationships, Modern Dating, Work/Life balance, Art, Technology, Economy, Music, Movies, Sports, Fashion, Hobbies, Books, Psychology, Philosophy, the Future, History, Pop Culture, Theatre, etc.) **Arrival Time:** \*Join us any time between 6:30 pm and 7:15 pm (if you can) for a fun and highly interactive evening as we get to know the members over dinner and great conversations (of your choice) Event goes until roughly 9:30 pm **Event Fee:** 5 dollars (cash only please) (HST included) or in advance by e transfer to **[steveflemming11@gmail.com](http://steveflemming11@gmail.com/)** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Friendly Reminder:** \*One beverage or appetizer minimum to support the venue- this is greatly appreciated :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Parking Available:** \*Plenty of free street parking on Eglinton and (Residential area south/east of venue for free) **Close to Subway Station:** \*Also right beside the Yonge/Eglinton subway station :) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Happy New Year everyone, Please join me and my other groups for a great evening of Mix, Mingling, Movie and beverages afterwards to discuss the film and connect. Including a pre-movie mix and mingle in the cool (V.I.P lounge) \*Joined by my other groups too; so we can anticipate a great turn out ***\*Meet me and the others right outside the box office beside the air hockey and arcade games)* (8:30 pm to 8:50 pm)** Kindly read the details carefully below: Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host) Event Details: **Saturday Night at the Movies!** **(Neil Diamond Tribute Band Movie- Song Sung Blue)** -A great night to mix, mingle, make new friends and go see a great movie; than hang out after for a little conversation over a cold or hot beverage. **ABOUT FILM: Song Sung Blue** Based on a true story, two down-on-their-luck musicians (Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson) form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it's never too late to find love and follow your dreams. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Event Fee:** for Mix and Mingle (before and after film; and the planning of the event) 4 dollars by e transfer in advance to steveflemming11@gmail.com or 5 dollars day of event ( by cash or e transfer) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- (Movie fee- separate) (Movie choice is optional but encouraged that we all see the same film suggested) **Where and When to Find Us?** **Location:** **(Inside Yonge & Eglinton Centre)** 2300 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 **(We will meet out front of box office beside the air hockey table and arcade)** (Simply walk up the steps from the outside and come into the Centre- turn left and we will be waiting right there) **Arrive between 8:30 pm and 8:50 pm** (We will head to the V.I.P. lounge for a beverage before heading to see the film) **Parking and Close to the Yonge and Eglinton subway** (Lots of parking in the area and 2 minute walk from the subway)

.**Saturday January 17th** 7.30pm -12.30 **The Palais Royale** **1601 Lakeshore Blvd West** Join us for a fabulous a Saturday night of Dancing & Romancing . We have a great DJ playing all your favorite tunes from the 70’s to the present. It’s your opportunity to mix, mingle, enjoy a few dances and meet some new friends. You can dance the night away on their big dance floor. Please, no running shoes or jeans. The cost is only $25.00. 416- 236- 8222. Free parking. Hope to see you then at our Dance Party + 40 Crowd

We are so excited to be heading to Toronto! Join us on blue Jay way for an afternoon of fresh faces, delicious beverages and pizza! Happy Hour is heading to Blue Jay Way for our first ever Toronto speed dating round @Rustica Pizza [Click here to purchase ticket (REQUIRED)](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thats-amore-speed-dating-ages-28-40-rustica-pizza-bar-toronto-tickets-1976997812677?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile) Ages 28-40 Let us guide you through a casual afternoon of fresh faces & delicious beverages! Meet People in a safe space that overcomes the awkwardness of working up the courage to speak to new people! ✨ All participants come to our events ready to get out of their comfort zone and are ready to chat! \*Each ticket includes one complimentary drink\* Non-alcohalic beverages available\* DM @happyhourzhamont IG to bypass Eventbrite fees & etransfer Event length is 60-90 minutes. You meet several participants at each station in 5 minute intervals. After the event is completed you will fill out a form indicating if you would like to contact an individual after the event. If it’s a match, we will send you your results within 24 hours! \*A match is when you and another person both pick each other and want to connect after the event!\* End the Swiping, meet new people old school style, we look forward to seeing you! F or more events you can follow our Instagram @happyhourshamont \*A twenty(20) participant minimum is required due to the nature of each event. If minimum ticket requirement is not met, you will be notified 48-72 hours prior and will be fully refunded. Tickets are non-refundable, unless event is cancelled due to attendance

Ready to add more fun, movement, and connection to your week? Come join our group dance classes at [Access Ballroom](https://studioaccessballroom.com/)! We have classes **every day except Tuesday**—that’s Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7:50pm, and Weekends at 3:40pm. Visit our [Monthly Calendar](https://studioaccessballroom.com/class-schedule/) to view the group class Schedule. To sign up you can also download our APP that is in both the Google Play store and the Apple Store. Just look up Access Ballroom. Whether you’re a total beginner or already have some moves, you’ll fit right in! We always have multiple teachers on hand to guide every level, so everyone gets the attention they need. Our amazing environment and welcoming atmosphere are what make us one of Toronto’s premier Latin and Ballroom studios—and it’s why we have the most Google reviews in the city! Don’t just take our word for it—come experience the energy, laughter, and community for yourself. We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!

\# ❄️🥾Mount Pleasant Cemetery Winter Walk ### **Toronto’s Most Peaceful Winter Walk** Join me for a gentle 90-minute winter stroll through one of Toronto’s most beautiful hidden gems — **Mount Pleasant Cemetery.** This isn’t just a cemetery — it’s like walking through a living museum and botanical garden, full of winding paths, tall evergreens, and peaceful charm. It’s also one of the best places in the city to meet friendly people, share good conversation, and soak in the quiet magic of winter. 💫 **Did you know?** When Mount Pleasant first opened in 1876, it was a *Victorian-day destination*! Torontonians would dress up, hop on a streetcar, and spend the day here picnicking and strolling before heading back downtown. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🕚 Meetup Details **Meetup Time:** 11:00am (I’ll wait 5 minutes) **Meetup Spot:** Inside the main gates of Mount Pleasant Cemetery at the **Yonge Street entrance** (the one with the big stone archway). Look for me — I’ll be wearing my *famous Moose Hat!* 🦌 **End Spot:** Right back where we started. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🍗 Lunch After After the walk, join us for a cozy lunch at **Swiss Chalet!** Great food, friendly prices, and warm vibes — the perfect way to wrap up a winter morning. \*\*\* \#\#\# 💲 Meetup Fee **$5 cash in person** or **E-transfer** to: 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) (This small fee helps support the group and future events!) \*\*\* \#\#\# 🧣 What to Bring * Warm boots and layers * Hat and gloves * A drink to keep you cozy ☕ * A small snack if you like ☃️ **Weather:** This walk happens in *any kind of weather* (we’ll only cancel if it’s -20°C or colder). Remember — *there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing!* 😉 \*\*\* \#\#\# 💬 Final Notes * You can **just show up** — no need to commit early! * Please keep an eye out for updates in case of cancellation. * 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) \*\*\* ✨ This is one of the best, calmest, and friendliest ways to spend a winter morning in Toronto — good company, good conversation, and a peaceful setting that feels miles away from the city. **Organizer:** Mathew 📩 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](http://torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com/)

**\*\* Guest list at the door Nightlife Society\*\*** So you can enter for free and have free drinks at our table. 🎉 Future Fridays \| VIP Night Out 🎉 Get ready for an unforgettable night at Future Nightclub! 📍 Location: Future Nightclub 🗓 Date: every Saturday, ⏰ Doors Open: 10:30 PM ✅ Free Entry: Until midnight (under our group’s name)”Nightlife Society” say the name at the door 🥂 Perks: Main booth by the DJ + free drinks ✨ What to Expect: • Meet new people who love nightlife, dancing, and music 🎶 • Free entry until 12 midnight — just say our group’s name at the door • Join us at our main booth by the DJ for free drinks and the best vibes in the club • Dance all night, enjoy the music, and party with the crew 💃🕺 📌 How to Find Us: Head to the main booth near the DJ — that’s where our group will be set up. You can also message me here if you can’t find us. 🙌 What to Bring: • Valid Government ID (19+) 🪪 • Your best energy and dance moves • A friend or two if you’d like — the more, the merrier!

Join us to explore underground Toronto through the PATH network discovering art, museums, and other hidden secrets of the PATH. Join us for lunch near Union Station after the walk if you wish. *

Gaming, AdTech, EdTech, Media Streaming, and FinTech are just a few of the workloads where high-availability cloud infrastructure matters. Whether you’re doing battle daily in one of these spaces or are just curious about ways to improve performance, meet us in Reston for an in-person discussion on bare metal cloud architecture. You’ll meet our product lead, James MacKenzie, who will walk through how modern bare metal serves as a control plane for hybrid and private cloud architectures. **What we will cover** * Ways to leverage bare metal, containers, and orchestration for better performance and predictable economics; * Real-world hybrid, disaster recovery, and data-intensive architectures; * Our approach to eliminating ingress and egress fees. **Who should attend** * Cloud architects and platform engineers; * DevOps professionals and infrastructure leads; * FinOps stakeholders managing data-heavy or hybrid workloads. **Why attend** This is a technical, architecture-first conversation. You will leave with a clearer understanding of high-availability cloud infrastructure and how organizations are scaling cost-effectively. Food and drinks will be provided. Space is limited to keep the discussion interactive.

Per Collective: Ooooh party people. LISTEN UP: we're doing something fun yet again. It's the only way we know how! On Friday Jan 23 Collective is holding a "Dark of Night" event at Rai's Rendezvous. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!?!?!? Come in black - your fanciest, your most emo, your most badass black leather...it ALL goes. And we're pulling a bunch of older Collective songs out of the shadows and putting them back on stage for ONE NIGHT ONLY. We can't wait to see you!

Climbers of all skill levels are welcome to Join "Sends with Friends" rock climbing community for an indoor rock climbing (top rope or lead) event at [Movement Rockville gym](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZZD5jntgU4Y6fY9A9)! **$15 Day-Pass for non-movement climbers!** Here's what you need: 1. Signed [waiver](https://movementgyms.com/waiver/): https://movementgyms.com/waiver/ 2. Belay check, which can be done the same day. See [Your First Visit](https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/) page for more info: https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/ If this is your first time signing the waiver with Movement gyms, **your first visit will be free of charge**, all climbing gears included. To find us, go past the front desk and turn left. We'll gather by the benches next to the fitness room entrance. If you are completely new to climbing, you are welcome to come and try it with us after you take the Introduction to Rope Climbing Course which will be free of charge for you if you let me know. This meetup is free and run by volunteer organizers, however, access to Movement gyms requires a membership or purchase of a day pass. This meetup is for belaytionship only, unwanted advances will not be tolerated. **Sends with Friends Rock Climbing Meetup Waiver and Release of Liability** **NOTICE:** By signing up for this event, you agree to the terms outlined below and acknowledge the inherent risks associated with rock climbing activities. Participation in any event organized by this Meetup group is contingent upon your agreement to this release form. **1\. Assumption of Risk:** I, the undersigned participant, acknowledge and fully understand that rock climbing is a high-risk activity. I am aware that participation involves risks including, but not limited to, physical injury, permanent disability, or death. These risks may arise from, but are not limited to, natural hazards, equipment failure, human error, and the actions or negligence of others. **2\. Release of Liability:** In consideration of being allowed to participate in any activity organized by this Meetup group, I hereby release and discharge the organizer(s), co-organizer(s), event leaders, and all other participants from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or connected to my participation, including claims arising from negligence or gross negligence. **3\. Personal Responsibility:** I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for my own safety during these events. I will use my own judgment in evaluating the risks involved and will take appropriate precautions, including but not limited to: * Wearing appropriate safety gear. * Using reliable climbing equipment. * Following established safety protocols. * Refraining from participating in activities beyond my skill level. **4\. Medical Fitness:** I affirm that I am in good health and physically capable of participating in rock climbing activities. I assume full responsibility for any medical conditions that may affect my ability to participate safely. **5\. Indemnity Agreement:** I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the organizer(s), co-organizer(s), event leaders, and other participants from any claims, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or related to my actions or participation in these activities. **6\. Photo/Video Release \(Optional\):** By signing this waiver, I grant permission for any photographs or videos taken during the events to be used for promotional or group-related purposes. (Participants may opt out by notifying the organizer.) **7\. Agreement to Follow Rules:** I agree to abide by all rules, instructions, and guidance provided by the event organizers and leaders. Failure to comply may result in my removal from the group. **8\. Acknowledgment of Agreement:** By joining any event organized by this Meetup group, I acknowledge that I have read and understood this waiver and release form. I agree that my participation in any event constitutes my electronic or physical signature to this agreement.

“On Friday Jan 23 Collective is holding a "Dark of Night" event at Rai's Rendezvous. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!?!?!? Come in black - your fanciest, your most emo, your most badass black leather...it ALL goes. And we're pulling a bunch of older Collective songs out of the shadows and putting them back on stage for ONE NIGHT ONLY. We can't wait to see you!” Join us at 7:30 to socialize and grab a bite to eat. The band is scheduled to start at 8:30. FFFFFUUUUNNNNN!!

Join us at 11:30 a.m. for a meditation class led by Khenpo Karze, followed by a public talk and Q&A. The meditation focus varies from class to class. We are currently learning how to meditate on the Four Immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. The class begins with 30 minutes of meditation instruction, followed by 5-10 minutes of meditation practice, and then continues with discussion and Q&A. Each session concludes with a brief Chenrezig practice in which we recite Om Mani Padme Hung (a prayer of compassion), and a dedication prayer that our efforts benefit all beings. This class offers a strong foundation in meditation, helping cultivate inner peace and compassion amidst busy lives. All are welcome! This program is open to anyone with an interest in Buddhism and you can come to all or any part of the program. Families are welcome. There is no fee, but donations are encouraged. Join us! Class is offered IN-PERSON in our Prayer Room and ONLINE on [Facebook Live](https://www.facebook.com/KPCBuddhistTemple/) and [YouTube Live](https://www.youtube.com/@KunzangPalyulCholing/streams). You can also watch online here: https://www.tara.org/kpc-maryland-events-calendar/ About the teacher: Khenpo Tenzin Karze graduated from Ngagyur Nyingma Institute’s intensive Buddhist graduate course in 2006, and was awarded the degree of Khenpo, equivalent to a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy, in 2011. He has received teachings and empowerments from many great Nyingma masters, and taught extensively in various Palyul temples in Nepal, India, Europe and Taiwan. This is his first time in the USA. We are delighted that Khenpo is now in residence at KPC and will be providing traditional Dharma instruction to help us deepen our practice of wisdom and compassion.

Collective's Winter White Party is BACK! Due to extremely popular demand, Collective is bringing it back again this January to help us get through the doldrums of January. Mark your calendars NOW! Collective rocks the best of the 80s, 90s, 2000s and today covering rock, pop, pop punk, alt and country hits. Voted "Best Local Band" 2022 & 2024 by readers of Arlington Magazine. FYI: Ned's charges a cover starting at 9. The band goes on at 9:30

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Satanic Panics,”** a look at waves of fear of demonic activity as an American tradition, with Luxx Mishou, cultural historian and former instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and area community colleges. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics) .] The 1980s found the United States gripped by fear of Satanic cults targeting children. They were believed to be corrupting young ones in daycare centers and tempting teens through subliminal messages on heavy metal albums or through the quiet inclusion of demonic rituals in role-playing games. Satanic serial killers supposedly stalked the suburbs. Doctors helped patients uncover what were claimed to be repressed memories of ritualistic satanic abuse. Parents, police, and politicians were urged to protect impressionable youths from both moral and physical danger. With Satanic cults deemed to be a real and material threat, it was a frightening time for everyone, including those who suddenly came under suspicion for doing evil deeds. Then, suddenly, it all faded from public consciousness, just as surely as did eighties fads such mullet haircuts, leg warmers, and Cabbage Patch Kids. Why did it all start? Why did it stop? And has this happened before or since? Hear such questions tackled by Luxx Mishou, a cultural historian and media specialist who has long researched the devious and villainous in cultural artifacts. She’ll discuss moral panics as a longstanding cultural tradition, with each new one stemming from fear of cultural shifts and shaped by the time and place where it occurred. Among the panics we’ll look into are the Red Scare of the 1950s and the public response to the gruesome 1969 murders committed by the Manson Family. Delving into the 1980s panic, Mishou will describe how it began with the 1980 publication of psychiatrist Lawrence Pazder’s memoir *Michelle Remembers*, detailing the suppressed memories of ritualistic abuse reportedly suffered by a patient. As that book quickly became a best seller, its ideas saturated American culture. A California daycare center became the focus of a three-year investigation, followed by three years of trials, based on allegations that its owner had engaged in secret ritualistic abuse of the children in its care. Mishou will lead you through the media that convinced the public that devil worshipers were among them, and she’ll talk about how reactions to imagined threats can have very real social costs. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.