When I suggested going to the Depot Halloween party with my friends, I thought I was signing up for a fun evening being able to hang out with my friends and enjoy live music. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

The Depot Coffee Shop seems like it would be a good place to have a small Halloween party. Although it’s compact inside, there is enough room for about 50 people, and plenty of outdoor space. However, located off Highway 169, it’s really difficult to get to and I struggled to find a way into the parking lot due to construction and a lack of direction in the area.

Frankly, the actual party itself was boring. The very small number of people that did show up didn’t seem to have interest in anything besides standing around awkwardly in their costumes and eating Halloween candy. Aside from the music, there was a table where kids could play (non-alcoholic) beer pong, which was never used and a bonfire outside, which is where most people were hanging out.

Despite being advertised on their Instagram, there was no live music. Instead, music was being played quietly over a stereo, with nobody controlling it or taking song requests. I didn’t recognize any of the songs they did play, so either my music taste is horribly mainstream or the people running the event didn’t seem to care about entertaining their teenage guests. 

The Depot had also promised free food, which was not the case. The only food aside from what they were selling was a small bowl of Halloween candy and chips in the corner. I honestly hadn’t expected much in terms of food, but was disappointed nonetheless.

Aside from the one barista working, I couldn’t tell who was in charge. The Depot, although student-run, is still a business and there didn’t seem to be anyone there who knew what was supposed to be happening.

While usually I love visiting the Depot with friends and seeing live performances, its Halloween party fell flat. It lacked organization and activities and most of what was advertised was either not there, or was disappointing compared to what they had promised.