After city officials hinted last week that partygoers could expect a popular headlining act at Madison’s Halloween celebration this year, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz announced Wednesday that the band O.A.R. landed the gig for the upcoming Freakfest 2008.

Attendees will also have to shell out more money for the Nov. 1 event, as Freakfest 2008 ticket prices increased to $7 in advance and $10 for the day of the celebration from last year’s price of $5 for advance and $7 the day of for tickets.

O.A.R. will join other acts such as Donavon Frankenreiter, The Hard Lessons, Thriving Ivory and The Dollyroots to perform on the Mountain Dew Amp/Z104 Stage on the corner of State Street and Capitol Square.

The city is teaming up with Frank Productions for the second year in a row to transform the once riot-stricken Halloween celebration into a music festival. O.A.R. will follow in the footsteps of the band Lifehouse, who headlined Freakfest 2007.

“We’re thrilled to have a top music act headlining Freakfest this year, and I’m excited to again be working with Frank Productions, along with city staff, students and downtown stakeholders to continue building on the success of the Halloween event,” Cieslewicz said in a statement.