Out of the Box

The entrance of the venue offered a map of the event using large icons and a key. With a mix of themes in mind, the diagram presented unrelated, interactive entertainment designed to keep guests on their toes.

Rows of draped lights were strung across the ceiling to bring some intimacy to what’s otherwise a large and cavernous space. An IFC spokesperson also explained that the lighting helped reinforce the "festival—or Unexpectaganza—vibe."

One of the surprises at the Unexpectaganza was an indoor roller-skating rink provided by Buffalo's Neon Entertainment complete with a lighting package that projected moving designs onto the floor. Other entertainment included a "Comedy Bang! Bang! Dunk! Dunk!" tank where attendees had the chance to dunk IFC employees.

Instead of a formal dinner, IFC opted for food booths. Local vendors included People's Pops' shaved-ice cocktails, Mayhem & Stout's braised sandwiches, Dough's fried doughnuts, and mini grilled cheese sandwiches from Milk Truck.

New York City-based People's Pops, a specialty dessert shop that makes gourmet ice pops and shaved ice from local fruit, served spiked ice treats in flavors lemon basil or red plum.

Colorful rock candy skewers were scattered throughout the bar area as a fun, slightly random touch. Guests got creative and even used them to stir their cocktails.

DJ duo Andrew Andrew played a mix of music from a booth that sat in front of vintage-looking audio equipment. IFC's Reggie Watts played a surprise set later in the evening.

Demonstrating IFC's sense of humor, a giant instructional warning sign directing guests to the restroom and coat check reminded them to use caution while using the stairs in skates.

A photo booth allowed guests to take silly photos against an '80s-inspired yearbook-picture backdrop. A table featuring old-school photos and other items from the decade served as props for the images.

Brooklyn-based Kayrock Screenprinting made four different IFC-themed printed tote bags for guests. Designs included the chattering teeth logo from Comedy Bang! Bang!, a bird for Portlandia's "Put a Bird On It" sketch, the slushy cup from Out There, and a cat, which is often a topic of discussion on Maron.