Emo Nite Miami Promises to Be a Night for the Heartbroken and the Hardcore

For those who have been around long enough in Miami's underground scene, Emo Nite is known to be a staple event offering so much more than just a night of angsty music. This Halloween weekend, the event is returning with a spooky twist that's out of this world — and it's all going down at the Venue in Wilton Manors on Saturday, November 2.

Founded by DJ Jessica Who and her partner Domingo Murillo in 2018, Emo Nite began as a small, DIY night at downtown Miami bar Mama Tried for locals looking for something beyond the city's typical nightlife.

"We just wanted to throw a party for our friends," Who explains, reflecting on the now legendary gathering's premature days. "It was so fun to be able to DJ like that for my real friends and eventually what I would call 'my people.' At the time, I was traveling pretty nonstop for my regular DJ gigs, feeling super burned out and needing a creative outlet. Emo Nite allowed me to throw a party the way I wanted to, after years of doing other people's events and taking notes on how I would do things."

What began as a casual night for Miami's alternative crowd has become a beacon for those craving something genuine and unfiltered. Now, almost six years in, Emo Nite attracts regulars who plan on ripping away from everyday strife and sharing their love of punk music from the aughts, combining into a level of camaraderie rarely seen in the 305's nightlife.

But Emo Nite's distinct flavor comes from more than all-black clothing, slicked-out eyeliner, and a nostalgic sense of music — its real commitment is to safety and inclusivity, as characterized by the event's being run by a female-led team.

"We strongly prioritize safety and emphasize fun," Who tells New Times. "We are particularly attuned to the importance of maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for all of our guests, especially those who are more vulnerable or newer to the scene."

Beyond Emo Nite, even more South Floridians are probably acquainted with Emo Prom, which Who describes as "the Met Gala of Emo Nite." The cult favorite reimagines prom with the kind of grit and glam most alternative-minded teenagers would have loved, and the evening has sold out annually since its inception two years ago.

Longtime attendees know the drill: leave covered in confetti with a hoarse voice, a dozen unhinged videos, and, most importantly, a renewed sense of belonging. As Who describes it, the night is "a chance to set responsibilities aside and let loose again," welcoming newcomers and connecting them with the event's community of "elder emos" who step up to watch out for each other. That connection between generations underscores the event's impact as more than just a night out — it's about bridging together emo lovers from all walks of life and ages in South Florida.

Coming up this Saturday, Emo Nite Miami's annual Halloween celebration, "Emoween," is going intergalactic with a cosmic twist.

Who promises "a space-themed shitshow of epic proportions," complete with out-of-this-world drag performances, tattooing, piercing, tarot reading, themed photo ops, and a costume contest judged by local drag stars.

"Think of it as a party with all your best friends in one room, some you know and some you don't yet," she adds.

The event will be hosted at the Venue in Wilton Manors, a location that allows for an expanded experience without losing the intimacy that fans have come to love. Guests are also more than encouraged to dress up in alien or space-themed costumes, and everyone is invited to lean into the night's chaos. For anyone looking to relive a part of their youth or just find a community that embraces and celebrates who they are, this coming Emo Nite is the time to take advantage.

"We'll be landing our craft at the legendary Venue in Wilton Manors for a close encounter of the worst kind," Who says. "Be prepared to leave with blurry memories of a great time surrounded by 'your people.' When we started Emo Nite in Miami, 'You Belong Here' was one of our first tag lines — and that stands now more than ever."

Emo Nite Miami Presents Worst Day Ever Halloween Edition. 11 p.m. Saturday, November 2, at the Venue, 2345 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors; thevenueftlauderdale.com. Tickets cost $25 to $30 via dice.fm.