By 8 p.m. on Friday night, a line of people stretched down the block at the West Campus intersection of 21st and Pearl Street while they weathered the sweat-inducing humidity in their Halloween best. Although the growing line moved slowly, partygoers’ spirits remained high as live local music bumped from inside the house and attendees waited to enter one of the most anticipated events of the year at Pearl Street Co-op.
Pearl Street, one of the few cooperative student living spaces, commonly known as co-ops, holds 122 spaces for rent in a building that resembles an old elementary school. However, in the courtyard of this seemingly normal building, attendees will more likely find residents tanning by the pool instead of kids playing tag.
While only a few people call Pearl Street Co-op their home, many possess the chance to be part of the unique culture. Em Ball, health and society junior and Pearl Street resident, said the Co-op stands as a place where people feel accepted by the community, something they might not always experience otherwise.
“There’s a lot of richness that comes out of struggle, and I think co-ops are a place for a lot of queer people and people that felt like they have not fit in in other places,” Ball said. “You can feel that as someone coming into the co-op for a party.”
By opening the doors of their home, Pearl Street’s soul of openness and acceptance shines through their parties that embody the culture of the student-run household, with Halloween proving a fitting conduit for their embrace of being different. Ball said Halloween stands as one of Pearl’s most popular events because people feel free to be anything they want and Pearl provides a welcoming environment to do so.
“You can be anyone you want on Halloween, and that’s really freeing for people because we’ve all experienced struggles and (been) told that we don’t fit in at one point or another,” Ball said. “Coming to a party in whatever you want to wear — it’s a unique experience for people. You can embody someone else for a night and be playful and have fun.”
Maggie Phelps, photography sophomore at St. Edward’s University and Friday night attendee, said she attends Pearl’s parties for the music and old Austin feel. It’s an environment she feels comfortable in on a night out, Phelps said.
“You’re in a more organic environment,” Phelps said. “I get to be experiencing the kind of Austin I heard (about) growing up (with) artistic people, in an artsy place, listening to music and trying to do something cool.”
For Max Bobadilla, radio-television-film junior and party attendee, Pearl feels like a place where people can genuinely be themselves, not just on Halloween. Bobadilla said he appreciates that feeling because it’s something he doesn’t encounter at other parties.
“The environment (and) people … it’s not artificial. When there’s parties through the school, (they’re) too official,” Bobadilla said. “Here, people don’t give a shit. … This place rules.”
