The Gathering of the Juggalos also known as The Gathering or GOTJ [ 1 ] is an annual music festival put on by Psychopathic Records , featuring performances by the entire label roster as well as numerous well-known musical groups and underground artists. Described by Joseph Bruce as a "Juggalo Woodstock " [ 2 ] Juggalo being a nickname for fans of the Insane Clown Posse , the Gathering of the Juggalos spans five days and includes concerts, wrestling, games, contests, autograph sessions, karaoke, and seminars with artists.
Over its first eleven events โ , [ needs update ] the festival drew a total attendance upward of , fans. The Gathering of the Juggalos was created in when Rob Bruce organized an event for all Juggalos , a concept long talked about by Insane Clown Posse.
While performing on the final night, Insane Clown Posse asked the Juggalos to join them onstage, and about fans rushed onto the stage. After performing for almost 30 more minutes, the concert was abruptly stopped by the venue's management. The second Gathering of the Juggalos was held in Toledo, Ohio at the Seagate Center on July 13โ15, , with approximately 6, in attendance.
Like the previous year, hundreds of fans charged the main stage during Insane Clown Posse's performance. However, this time the group was forced to flee the stage before it collapsed. The festival ended early before the duo could reveal their Sixth Joker's Card.
The third annual Gathering of the Juggalos was held in the Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois July 19โ21, , with over 8, in attendance. A riot occurred after police tried to stop female attendees from showing their breasts. The police released tear gas and pepper balls into the surrounding crowd, causing mass confusion. Psychopathic Record employees Rob Bruce and Alex Abbiss negotiated with police, and the festival continued after airing out for 30 minutes. In , the Juggalo Gathering was held outdoors for the first time.
