Retro Revelers Celebrate Rodents at PETA’s Rat-Themed 80s Prom Night

For Immediate Release:
May 16, 2025

Contact:
Allyson Spellman 202-483-7382

On Thursday May 15th, over 70 guests danced the night away at Avant Garden, where PETA hosted a playful spin on prom with an 80s-inspired, rat-themed dance party titled “Under the Trash.” Set against a backdrop of ratical rat décor, attendees hit the dance floor to iconic 80s hits, captured memories with interactive photo ops, refueled with delicious vegan treats, and celebrated the crowning of a Rat Prom King and Queen. Photos from the event are available here.

It was a rat-tling and rolling good time summed up best by an attendee: “This event was to help shine a light on these resident New Yorkers that are so misunderstood, and deserve compassion.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.