Downtown FabWorks Portfolio | The Shake Up

project
description

Set inside the House of Blues during Tales of the Cocktail 2025, The Shake Up was a high-energy, immersive event created to support the Chris Patino Hero Fund. Hundreds of bartenders and industry pros showed up to unwind, connect, and raise awareness for cancer support in the drinks community. The night was full of hands-on activities, bold visuals, and heartfelt purpose.

the
challenge

Red Velvet Events came to us in search of an experiential partner who could bring their client's vision to life through custom experiential fabrication. The goal was to build large-scale interactive environments that honored the realities of service industry life in an unexpected way. Everything needed to feel authentic, emotionally resonant, and fun.

description

We built four immersive installations that transformed familiar industry experiences into creative, cathartic moments. Ticket Terror featured a wall of 15 thermal printers spitting out endless receipts, creating an avalanche of paper bartenders could laugh through. Tip Out was a full-scale money booth filled with flying branded bills and real gift certificates, rewarding quick reflexes with cool merch. The Walk-In (Scream) Cooler gave guests space to let loose, with a soundproof walk-in-fridge-inspired room fitted with video feeds to broadcast each yell across the venue. Smash Station offered a physical outlet with a 8' tall plexiglass vitrine, built-in sandblasting gloves, and a rubber mallet, inviting visitors to let loose and break things. Each piece was innovative, tactile, and designed to deepen the emotional engagement of the event.

Scott Beelman

Partner, Katapult Events

In the world of live events—where things often change on a whim—it's great to have a fabrication partner who understands our business and exceeds our expectations every single time.

Kristen Kain

Owner, Kristen Kain: Marketing + Events

Downtown FabWorks is a great group to work with on any event project. They are experienced in all things related to scenic fabrication and installation, and they are flexible and accommodating as the needs of the project are developing. Having a reliable scenic partner is crucial to the success of the project—and Downtown FabWorks does not disappoint.

Mandi (Ridgdell) Mueller

Account Manager, Solomon Group

We love our partnership with Downtown FabWorks! Between their quality leadership and fortitude they are second to none.

Paul Utterback

Business Development, Crystal Clear Imaging

A model company for design and fabrication. If you can dream it, Downtown FabWorks can do it.

Irina Gusin

Independent Exhibitions Producer

Dan and his team at Downtown FabWorks were able to fully produce and execute a large-scale structure thoughtfully and in record time when my project's deadline was threatened by Hurricane Ida. I couldn't be more appreciative of Dan's professionalism and hard work during a very stressful and uncertain time. Dan and his team were a joy to work with!

Mike Cassesi

Owner, CASSESI Commercial Construction

Dan and his team are true professionals who are in a league of their own. When it comes to creativity, quality, and skill, Downtown FabWorks is a company that we know we can trust. Dan is down-to-earth, responsive, hardworking, and a true pleasure to work with every time.

Chuck Breaux, Sr.

Owner, Assurance AV Solutions

Working with Dan and his team has been great. We always have a need for custom fab solutions in our line of work and these guys deliver top-notch work on time—every time. I highly recommend them for any of your fabrication needs.

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