A groundbreaking virtual Halloween experience during COVID-19. How I brought nearly 100 people together across the country for an immersive party when gathering in person wasn't an option.
In October 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced celebrations indoors, I saw an opportunity to reimagine what social gatherings could be. The challenge: create a Halloween party experience that felt authentic, social, and memorable—all from the safety of people's homes. The solution was "Online at the Overlook Hotel," an immersive virtual event that brought together nearly 100 people from across the country for an unforgettable night.
Using Gather.town—a platform that combines Minecraft-style avatars with Zoom technology—I meticulously recreated the iconic Overlook Hotel from "The Shining." The platform's unique mechanic meant that as avatars moved near each other, video and audio windows would pop up, creating organic, spatial conversations just like at a real party. This wasn't just a Zoom call with costumes; it was a fully navigable, interactive social experience.
Beyond world-building, I curated an extraordinary lineup of live entertainment: two DJs, one live band, a psychic tarot reader, a burlesque dancer, and a professional bartender. I also set up interactive game rooms featuring SpyFall, Psych!, Among Us, and karaoke. The result was a multi-faceted event that gave guests agency to explore, socialize, and be entertained on their own terms.
By October 2020, people were exhausted by flat, impersonal virtual gatherings. Zoom parties felt forced and awkward. The challenge was multi-fold:
I approached the virtual venue design with the same care and attention to detail that you'd give a physical space. Using historical floor plans from the Stanley Hotel (which inspired "The Shining") and meticulous study of Kubrick's film, I recreated the Overlook's most iconic spaces in Gather.town's pixel art interface.
The complete floor plan showing how different spaces connected across three floors
Drawing inspiration from classic board games for intuitive navigation
The iconic hallway from "The Shining" that inspired our virtual hotel corridors
One of the venue's most beloved features was the outdoor hedge maze, recreated from the film's climactic chase sequence. This wasn't just decorative—it became an interactive game space where guests competed to find the fastest route through. The maze exemplified my approach to the entire event: every space should invite interaction and create memorable moments.
A venue is nothing without compelling content. I booked six professional entertainers, each bringing unique energy to different parts of the night:
Plus: Identity Problem (live band), DJ Kolour Kode, and DJ Moose kept the Gold Ballroom packed with dancers all night.
Marketing a virtual event required building excitement and managing expectations. I created promotional materials that captured the event's cinematic inspiration while clearly communicating what guests could expect. The Eventbrite page, social media graphics, and email communications all emphasized the unique entertainment lineup and the interactive nature of the platform.
Nearly 100 people from across the country joined us that Halloween night. They came in costume, they danced, they explored, they connected. In a year of isolation, we created a space for joy, creativity, and genuine human connection.
"This was the most fun I've had all year. I forgot I was at home—it felt like a real party."
— Event Attendee, 2020
This project taught me that great user experiences transcend medium. Whether you're designing a physical space, a digital product, or a hybrid virtual event, the principles remain the same: understand your users' needs, reduce friction, create moments of delight, and give people agency over their experience.
The pandemic forced innovation, and this event proved that virtual gatherings don't have to be poor substitutes for in-person events—they can be extraordinary experiences in their own right. The key is thoughtful design that leverages the unique affordances of the platform while honoring the fundamental human need for connection and play.
Most importantly, I learned the power of bringing people together. In one of the darkest years in recent memory, we created a space for joy, creativity, and community. That's what great design does—it serves human needs and creates moments that matter.
The Overlook Hotel is still open for visitors. Step inside and explore the space.
Visit The Overlook Hotel →