For Janelle MonáeHalloween isn’t just a night — it’s a universe.

“I love Halloween because it’s the one time the world gives itself permission to be creative,” the “Make Me Feel” artist, 39, exclusively tells PEOPLE. “For those of us who love worldbuilding and transforming into characters, it’s like, finally, everyone’s catching up.”

Monáe’s fascination with transformation runs deep. Their android alter ego, Cindi Mayweather, became an early canvas for their imagination — a glimpse into the ever-expanding worlds they continue to build through music, film, and now, a full-scale Halloween experience: Wonderween.

Naturally, Monáe dreamed up the perfect cocktail to match their world: the Rave Yard Mojito, a new collaboration with BACARDÍ Rum — a reimagined twist on the classic mojito with a splash of wildberry syrup. “When I came up with the theme Vampire BeachBACARDÍ was one of the first brands I thought of,” they share. “They understand creative freedom. When they said, ‘Let’s do a Rave Yard Mojito,’ I was like, ‘You get me. I get you.’”

The recipe includes 1.5 oz BACARDÍ Superior Rum, simple syrup, lime juice, fresh mint leaves and wildberry syrup from Monin, topped with club soda and garnished mint sprig.

“It’s fun, it’s fresh, and it fits right into the world I’m building,” Monáe says. “Whether you’re sipping one or just dancing in costume, it’s about joy, community, and creativity — the best parts of Halloween, and of being alive.”

The month-long arts festivalinspired by their creative collective Wonderland, is Monáe’s love letter to community and creativity. “I wanted to create real community around Halloween,” they explained. “We spend so much time online, but if we can get in rooms together — dancing, laughing, connecting — I think people will feel less alone. That’s where magic happens.”

This year’s Wonderween calendar is packed with immersive events across Los Angeles. It began Sept. 26 with Monáe Manor, a haunted attraction inside the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, followed by Cinespia: The Craft on Oct. 11, where they introduced the film and spun a DJ set under the stars.

Later this month, they’ll star as Sally in Danny Elfman’s The Nightmare Before Christmas live at the Hollywood Bowl (Oct. 25-26), then host their large-scale Vampire Beach party on the Santa Monica Pier (Oct. 30) — a “HalloQueen” event featuring DJs, unlimited rides, themed bars and mandatory vampire costumes. The celebrations culminate in their annual Wondaween Party on Halloween night, expanded this year with new producers and sponsors.

And for fans who can’t make it to Los Angeles, Monáe is also hosting this year’s AMC FearFestbringing their spooky, stylish energy to television screens all October long.