Otherworld, Philadelphia’s award-winning immersive art experience, launched its long-awaited music venue with a performance from Mr. Carmack.
Prepare to enter a portal blurring the lines of reality and imagination, all set to the soundtrack of your favorite artist. Otherworld, Philadelphia‘s newest music venue, has found a way to seamlessly incorporate its mixed-reality playground with live music, creating a world of boundless wonder. Located in Northeast Philly, the immersive music venue is part of the Otherworld art experience, which opened in August 2023.
There had long been chatter of a concert space opening within Otherworld, as one had in the brand’s original location in Columbus, Ohio. Frequently hosting EDM DJs across various subgenres, the Columbus venue has previously booked artists including Champagne Drip, Buku, and Maala, giving insight into the kind of bookings fans may see coming to Philly’s stage. As it boasts double the capacity, when the announcement for Philadelphia’s grand opening came across my Instagram feed, I knew I had to check out what promised to be one of the best new venues in the Northeast.
Otherworld transcends the typical concert venue, offering a multi-sensory adventure.
Concert-goers are transported to a vibrant fantasy world the moment they enter Otherworld’s footprint, boasting 40,000 square feet. Each ticket grants a fan access to almost the entirety of Otherworld’s 55 rooms, allowing curiosity to run wild as they’re fully immersed in an eccentric new environment. With access to the exhibits before and during the start of the show, attendees can arrive early to explore without feeling rushed or uncover the world that lies within throughout the evening’s festivities.
Don’t worry about missing any of the action inside the concert space itself, either. While exploring the zany exhibits, fans can listen to each live performance blaring throughout the rooms, adding another layer to the art experience. The lobby area and a large hall with smaller exhibits take advantage of blank wall space by livestreaming the show so you don’t miss a beat.
The state-of-the-art music venue is a captivating display of craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.
The performance space at Otherworld is one of a kind, making this a destination for music lovers who are looking for a unique concert experience. The stage facade is reminiscent of a mystic temple adorned with custom stage lighting, while projection mapping from 25 projectors illuminates the structure and walls of the venue with hypnotic visuals.
What separates this venue from others is how production is integrated within each structure of the room, adding to the overall crowd experience. The 20-foot weeping willow tree at the rear of the performance space flashes to the beat of the music in a spectrum of colors. With over 200 LED strips, the captivating structure enhances the atmosphere.
Otherworld made sure to show off its impressive sound system by bringing in Mr. Carmack for the inaugural performance. He put the venue’s Danley Labs subs to the test with a set that covered a multitude of genres. Be sure to bring earplugs as the speakers in the venue have exceptional sound quality, packing a powerful punch.
It’s evident Otherworld put thought into creating an enjoyable visit for all, making sure no stone is unturned.
From food offerings to chill spaces, Otherworld has taken steps to make sure you enjoy your time at the venue as much as possible. The lobby space on opening night held racks where attendees could leave their winter coats for free at their own risk — a much-welcomed addition on a brutal January evening. A food stand with limited options including pizza, pretzels, and popcorn was available for anyone who works up an appetite. As opening night was 21+, Otherworld had multiple bars scattered throughout offering a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
For anyone looking for a reprieve from the concert, there were multiple places to relax and take a seat. Visitors could also use this time to check out their merch store filled to the brim with the colorful characters seen throughout the exhibits. While this venue isn’t located within Center City, Otherworld has free parking on site increasing accessibility for those who live downtown.
The launch of Otherworld’s music venue may have been delayed, but it was well worth the wait. The concert venue is a much-needed addition to Philadelphia’s ever-growing music scene, adding another venue for electronic shows. With insane production and trippy art displays, this is a must-visit for locals and adventurers alike.
