Friday, May 2, 2025

Ghost Ship Bar – A Haunted Pirate Adventure at The Grand

Ghost Ship Bar Mesa AZ – A Haunted Pirate Adventure at The Grand

Are you ready to set sail on a haunted pirate ship… in the middle of the Arizona desert? For those near Phoenix craving a spooky night out, The Ghost Ship Bar at The Grand is the perfect destination. This spooky themed bar in Phoenix is an immersive blend of horror, goth vibes, and swashbuckling fun. It’s quickly becoming one of the must-visit haunted bars in Arizona, drawing in a variety of guests and bar-crawlers looking for their next adventure. The Ghost Ship Bar promises a haunted pirate-themed experience you won’t forget – perfect for a quirky date night or a gathering of your crew.

A Haunted Pirate Ship Atmosphere That Delights

The Ghost Ship Bar’s entrance (inside The Grandis decked out with pirate ship décor – from skeletal pirates to hanging ropes – setting the spooky scene right away. Step through the unassuming doors at The Grand and you’ll find yourself transported onto a derelict pirate galleon lost in time. The interior of Ghost Ship is a complete immersive fantasy, suggestive of a marooned and long-forgotten ship’s hull. Weathered wood, hanging ropes, creaking lanterns, and even holographic ghostly pirates surround you, powered by innovative sound and visual effects that create a 4D voyage experience

It’s as if Pirates of the Caribbean met Disney’s Haunted Mansion and opened a bar together. From the moment you step inside, the vibe is spooky-yet-playful – think eerie ghost ship adventure with a tongue-in-cheek sense of fun. Don’t be afraid to wander and take it all in; half the joy is exploring this pirate lair and discovering all the haunted decor and Easter eggs lurking in the nooks and crannies.

Signature Spooky Cocktails & Killer Drinks

Of course, what’s a pirate adventure without some rum and grog? The Ghost Ship Bar’s cocktail menu is as creative as its decor, featuring new takes on tiki classics and other inventive concoctions. The bartenders here are like potion masters, mixing up drinks that are perfectly on-theme. You’ll find tropical tiki inspirations (their menu even includes a clever version of the infamous “Zombie” cocktail, potent enough to wake the dead) alongside an assortment of gin and whiskey creations for those who prefer their spirits a little less fruity. Each drink comes out with a beautiful presentation – don’t be surprised if your cocktail arrives garnished with fresh herbs, smoking mist, or in a fancy vessel that looks stolen from a pirate’s treasure chest.

Visitors rave about the signature cocktails, here are a few fan-favorites you might want to try:

  • Zombie – Their take on the tiki legend, this one’s strong and spicy – it might just bring out your inner pirate zombie.

  • Ghost Ship Grog – The house special pirate punch, a rum-forward grog that’ll have you saying “yo-ho-ho” in no time.


In addition to the killer cocktails, Ghost Ship offers a few small bites to satiate your hunger between spooky sips. The food menu isn’t huge (remember, this is a cocktail lounge, not a kitchen), but you can nibble on sharable flatbreads, pub-style boards, and even a phenomenal charcuterie board for a midnight snack. The bites are tasty and pair well with the drinks, but plan on eating dinner beforehand if you need a full meal – Ghost Ship is all about the drinks and atmosphere. 

Live DJs, Themed Nights & Spooky Entertainment

The Ghost Ship isn’t just a feast for the eyes and taste buds – it’s also a lively nightlife hot spot with events and entertainment to keep the energy high. Music is a big part of the experience here. On many nights, you’ll hear a mix of dark wave, retro goth, and modern beats drifting through the ship’s corridors, giving the feeling that the crew’s throwing a never-ending dance party for the damned. In fact, every First Friday of the month, Ghost Ship hosts a special party night with a live DJ at the helm. Local favorite DJ Kris Gill takes over on First Fridays, spinning spooky tunes and alternative beats that get all the creatures of the night grooving. It’s become a First Friday tradition to kick off each month aboard the Ghost Ship with music, dancing, and of course, great cocktails under the neon-lit Jolly Roger (Ghost Ship first Fridays with Dj Kris Gill - Facebook). There’s no cover charge on these nights, so the place fills up with an eclectic crowd of pirates, goths, and ghostly fun-seekers ready to revel.

Beyond First Fridays, Ghost Ship often features themed nights and events to keep things fresh. They’ve hosted everything from guest DJs and costume parties, to spooky holiday celebrations. (Imagine spending Halloween on this pirate ship – talk about a match made in heaven… or maybe Davy Jones’ locker!) You might catch a pirate-themed costume contest one night, or a “haunted karaoke” session on another – the calendar can vary, but it’s always a good time. The bar’s social media has teased special events like Pirate Trivia. One thing’s for sure: dressing up is definitely welcome. The atmosphere is so immersive that you may feel inspired to come in your best pirate garb or vampire ensemble just to join the fun. Whether you arrive in full goth makeup, a pirate hat, or just your casual attire, you’ll fit right in with the diverse, come-as-you-are crowd. 

While the vibe can get wild on weekends, there are options for those who prefer a more low-key haunt. If you’re looking for a quieter experience or a chance to snag the best seat in the captain’s quarters, try visiting on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Sunday evening when things are a bit calmer. You can often walk right in on those nights with no wait, giving you more time to soak in the scenery and chat with the friendly bar staff about the ghostly lore of the place. there is a $20 dllar minimum which is done by lacing a deposit, where they give you 2 $10 "pirate gold" tokens to turn in at the end of the night towards credit on the final bill.

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025

Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025: Arizona’s Ultimate Geek Convention is Back!

Grab your cosplay, charge your lightsabers, and practice your best “Wakanda Forever” pose because Phoenix Fan Fusion is coming back in 2025 — and it's gonna be bigger, bolder, and geekier than ever!

This pop-culture mega-event hits downtown Phoenix from May 23-25, 2025 at the Phoenix Convention Center, and whether you're a hardcore comic nerd, movie buff, anime addict, or just love a good cosplay contest — Fan Fusion has something for everyone.




What is Phoenix Fan Fusion?

Think Comic-Con — but AZ style!

Phoenix Fan Fusion is the Southwest’s biggest celebration of all things geeky, nerdy, and pop culture cool. It's where fandoms unite — whether you're into:

  • Comics & Graphic Novels

  • Sci-Fi & Fantasy

  • Star Wars & Marvel

  • Anime & Manga

  • Video Games & Tabletop

  • Cosplay & Creativity

  • Or just looking for your people!

This 3-day event transforms downtown Phoenix into a nerdy wonderland packed with celebrities, artists, gaming zones, and an absolutely EPIC vendor hall.


When & Where?

  • Dates: May 23-25, 2025 (Memorial Day Weekend)

  • Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Downtown Phoenix, AZ

  • Tickets: Available now at www.phoenixfanfusion.com


Celebrity Guests Galore!

Every year, Phoenix Fan Fusion brings a stacked guest list of TV, movie, anime, and comic book stars — perfect for autographs, photo ops, and panels.

Some past guests have included:

  • William Shatner (Star Trek)

  • Christina Ricci (Wednesday, Addams Family)

  • Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian)

  • Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future)

  • Emily Swallow (The Mandalorian)

Stay tuned to their site and socials for 2025 guest reveals — it’s always an awesome mix!


What To Do (Besides Nerd Out)

  • Cosplay Contests — Arizona’s BEST cosplay comes out to play! All ages welcome.

  • Panels & Workshops — Learn from industry pros, creators, and fandom experts.

  • Gaming Zones — Video games, board games, card games — it’s all here.

  • Vendor Hall — Comics, collectibles, art, Funko Pops, vintage toys & rare finds.

  • Photo Ops — Snap pics with your fave celebs or against themed backdrops.

  • Kid-Friendly Activities — Family cosplay parade, workshops, and fandom fun.


Why You Should Go

  • Safe, welcoming, and cosplay-friendly space

  • Huge community of geeks, gamers, creators, and fans

  • Tons of activities for all ages

  • Perfect for first-timers & long-time nerds

  • Downtown Phoenix food & fun just steps away


Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 is the place to let your inner nerd shine bright. Whether you're rocking full armor cosplay or just there to shop for comics and collectibles — everyone fits in here.

Don’t miss out on Arizona’s biggest celebration of fandom, friendship, and full-on geek glory!

Grab your tickets early at:
www.phoenixfanfusion.com


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