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Cookies In Bloom 3939 East Camelback www.cookiesinbloom.com Display of Halloween cookie centerpieces and gifts through Saturday, October 30. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday though Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday. Call 602-955-3030.
Mesa Southwest Museum 53 North Macdonald, Mesa "The Day of the Dead Memorialized Through Altars" exhibit examines the role of the altar as a tradition for remembering the dearly departed, through an exhibition of the work of such artists as Larry Yáñez, Virginia Agüero, Zarco Guerrero, and Marcos Zilliox. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m..though November 7. $6 adults, $5 seniors and students, $3 children ages 3 to 12, and kids under 3 are free. Call 480-644-2230.
Pointe South Mountain Resort 7777 South Pointe Parkway Governor's Masquerade Ball, benefiting Jobs for Arizona's Graduates, gives you the chance to hobnob with the cultural and political elite, like her honor Janet Napolitano. Dammit, Janet, we'll go too! For $125, attendees are provided dinner and their own mask, but are also encouraged to bring their own unique face camouflage. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $125. Call 480-441-6414.
Bars and Clubs Wednesday, October 27:
Bobby McGee's Conglomeration 8501 North 27th Avenue Yo ho, the seventh annual Pimp 'N Hooker Costume Ball features a costume contest with $100 going to the Best Couple and $2 U-call-its all night long. 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Call 602-995-5982 for table reservations.
Four Peaks Brewing Co. 1340 East Eighth Street, Tempe Pumpkin carving contest with gift certificates and prizes for the winners, T-shirt giveaways, and Pumpkin Porter on tap for $2.50 a pint. 8-10 p.m. No cover. Call 480-303-9967.
Pookie's Cafe & Bar 4540 North Seventh Street Ivonna Bump blows the roof off the joint with Alternative Halloween Madness, along with friends Ivonna Kettel (John Breen) and Mya McKenzie. 9:30 p.m. Free. Call 602-277-2121.
Events and Happenings Thursday, October 28:
Chompies Restaurant & Bakery All locations www.chompies.com Halloween cookies, cupcakes and cakes.
Tempe Improv 930 E. University Drive, Tempe Hypnotist Ricky Kalmon brings his comic madness to the Valley just in time for Halloween, hoping to put audiences under his spell. 8 p.m. Thursday, October 28; 8 p.m., 10 p.m., Friday, October 29; 7:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., and 11:30 p.m., Saturday, October 30. $17. Call 480-921-9877.
Bars and Clubs Thursday, October 28:
ACME Roadhouse: 855 South Rural Road, Tempe SMACME @ ACME with an S&M fashion show at midnight, $3 Skyy and Heinikens until midnight, and music by DJ J.Alan. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-517-1818.
Amsterdam 718 North Central Halloween Weekend 2004 starts with Divas starring Chantelle Douglas and Friends, and "Let's Make A Deal" costume contest and game show (with $100 first prize) following. 9:30 p.m. Call 602-258-6122.
Devil House 829 South Rural Road, Tempe Pre-Halloween Celebration with costume contest for $50 bar tab, drink specials include $2 Bud/Bud Lite and $3 Jack and Cokes. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Call for cover. Call 480-517-1188.
Frank & Lupe's 4121 North Marshall Way, Scottsdale Dia De Los Muertes celebration with live music, food and drink specials, and a Day of the Dead art show. 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Also runs Friday, October 29, 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturday, October 30, 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-990-9844.
Monkey Pants Pantless Spookfest 3223 South Mill Avenue, Tempe Ghoulish goldfish racing and live music by Kendizzle and The Gravy Makers. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Free. Call 480-377-8100.
Pookie's Cafe & Bar 4540 North Seventh Street Alternative Halloween Madness continues with Supermodel Soiree with Claudia B and Evelyn Edwards, talent search contest with cash and bar prizes. 9:30 p.m. Free. Call 602-277-2121.
Sugar Daddy's 3102 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Pumpkin carving event, Sugar's will supply the pumpkins and the carving equipment, and you supply the talent. Live music with Big Pete Pearson from 9:30 p.m. to close. Regular and late night menu served until 2 a.m. $3 domestic, $3.50 imports, $4 calls, and $5 wells (served in a pint glass). 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $2 cover. Call 480-970-6556.
Events and Happenings Friday, October 29:
Grand Cinemas Warner Valley View Theatre 2140 North Arizona Avenue, Chandler Broadway Bound & Gagged, the local troupe of Rocky Horror Picture Show shadowcasters, will present three special Halloween screenings of the cult classic on opposite sides of the Valley, with costume contests, prizes, and all-new pre-show dancing number delving into the mythology implied in Rocky's storyline. The show at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 29, is in Chandler, while performances at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, and Sunday, October 31, are at Grand Cinemas Inside Spectrum Mall, 1703 West Bethany Home. Not recommended for persons under 13 without adult accompaniment. 10:30 p.m. each night. $6. Call 602-201-1817.
Dodge Theatre 400 West Washington KUPD kicks off its two-night Halloween Double Feature as shock rocker Marilyn Manson comes to the Valley as a part of his "Against All Gods" tour. 7 p.m. $32. Call 602-379-2800 or 480-784-4444.
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa 5225 East Pathfinder Drive So you say you're lacking in freaks and geeks this Halloween weekend? Consider attending Horrorfind Weekend, a gigantic convention dedicated to Horror films and books, Halloween, and the supernatural. Guests include Sid Haig (House of 1000 Corpses) Doug Bradley (Pinhead from Hellraiser), Tony Todd (Candyman), Dee Wallace Stone (Elliot's mom in ET), and Stuart Gordon (director of cult classic Re-Animator). Scheduled events include author readings/signings, panel discussions, screenings of horror flicks, a costume contest and ball, and special Halloween events. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday October 29, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, October 30, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 31. $20 per day, or $40 for the weekend. See www.horrorfindweekend.com.
The Paper Heart 750 Grand Avenue Hardcore Halloween Showdown with music from Blues for Martyrs, We Fly Our Kites At Night, and L.A.'s Ariel Pink and Dear Rosemary. DJ Soth spins experimental drum bass between sets. 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. $6. Call 602-262-2020.
PHiX 1113 Grand Avenue All-ages costume party and music showcase with Azul, and Benz Sinister and others, as well as silly entertainment. 7 p.m. $5. Call 602-252-7449.
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort 7677 North 16th Street Pumpkins at the Peak event benefiting St. MaryÂs Food Bank, with Jack-o-Lantern contests, monster menageries, trick or treat stations, arts and crafts booths and refreshments. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. $5 or a donation of two canned goods. Call 602-870-1977.
reZurrection gallery 601 West University, Tempe Halloween costume party in conjunction with Final Friday festivities in downtown Tempe. Free refreshments. 7 p.m. Free. Call 480-377-9080.
Rockin R Ranch 6136 East Baseline Road, Mesa Western dinner and show, wagon rides and live entertainment by the Rockin R Wranglers. Friday, October 29, and Saturday, October, 30, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. $25. Call 480-832-1539
Wet Paint Art Supply & Gallery 203 East Seventh Street, Tempe Halloween Holiday Show in conjunction with Final Friday festivities in downtown Tempe, featuring displays of Halloween-themed art in the B-Side Gallery and live music performance. 7 p.m. Free. Call for more information. Call 480-967-2002.
Bars and Clubs Friday, October 29:
ACME Roadhouse 855 South Rural Road, Tempe Moulin Rouge party hosted by Sanjna and Jenny, with prizes for sexiest costume and best dressed, and $3 drink specials all night long. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Call 480-517-1818.
Anna's Southwest Grill at Arizona Golf Resort 425 South Power Road, Mesa Halloween dinner party, costume contest with prizes for Best Dressed Couple and Best Dressed Individual. $12.95 dinner includes appetizer, entre, and all food. Drink specials all night long and live music from Bill Fuschillo from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Runs both Friday, October 29, and Saturday, October 30, Call 480-832-3202.
Apollo's 5749 North Seventh Street The "Best Least Dressed" costume contest for prizes is the highlight of the night, plus "Gay Scaryoke," drink specials and prize giveaways all night long. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Call 602-277-9373.
Aunt Chilada's Pointe Hilton at Squaw Peak 7330 North Dreamy Draw Chill out at Aunt Chilada's costume party with entertainment by Wild Angels from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., prizes and drink specials. 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Free. Call 602-331-1700.
Baja Tilly's Cantina 1123 West Broadway Road, Tempe Whoop it up with costume contest for cash prizes, and a live remote by Mega 104.3. DJ Jerry spins his tunes, and Straight Up starts playing at 9 p.m., as well as $3 Bloody Marys and macabre $3 Bloody Brain Shots. $8 cover after 7 p.m, ladies get in free until 9 p.m. Call 480-968-4437.
The Big Bang 501 South Mill Avenue, Tempe Rock 'N Roll sing along with the dueling pianos, Halloween costume contest, and drink specials all night. Friday, October 29, and Saturday, October 30, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, October 31, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. $6 ($3 with costume). Call 480-557-5595
Bobby McGee's 8501 North 27th Avenue Spooktacular Halloween Monster Mash Bash, costume contest at midnight with $50 cash prize. Cheap drinks (like Bloddy Redrum Jello shots) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Show up early to avoid "scary" line -- dress in costume to get in the fastest. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Call 602-995-5982.
Cash Inn Country 2140 East McDowell Sisterzz Twisted don their drag king costumes for a special show. Drink specials all night long. 8 p.m. Call 602-244-9943.
Encounters 3037 West Clarendon Avenue Halloween party with the opening round of the cash prize costume contest and a DJ spinning the latest tunes. 8 p.m. Club memberships are $35 for single men, $30 for couples, and free for single ladies. Call 602-230-9680.
Flicka's Baja Cantina 2003 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Halloween party, costume contest with cash prizes, and live music with the Disco Pimps. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover. Call 480-945-3618.
HGM's Sports Grill 7103 E. McDowell Road, in Papago Plaza, Scottsdale Costume contest and prizes for first, second, and third place winners (with the top prize worth $400), karaoke, dancing, and live entertainment by Big Brothers Entertainment. Starts at 9 p.m. No cover. Call 480-945-3890.
Hollywood Alley 2610 West Baseline Road, Mesa "Dress Up You Freaks" live show with Dixie Witch, Blanche Davidian, Amplified Heat, and The Sons of Serro. 21-and-over show. 8:30 p.m. $6. Call 480-820-7117.
Johnny Gee's 7200 West Chandler Boulevard, Chandler Superhero Theme Party, with DJ music and drink specials. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. 480-961-3080.
Lagerfields 12601 North Paradise Village Parkway West Kick off the All Hallow's Eve Costumed Up Party Weekend by dressing up and singing karaoke, with great giveaways and prizes. 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. No cover. 602-765-0059.
M3 Bar & Lounge 2623 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Black Vodka promotions, giveaways, live DJ music, and $2 U-Call-Its if you're in costume. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover. Call 480-423-7087.
Mason Jar 2303 East Indian School Road Halloween show with Motive, Terror In The Aisles, And The Hero Fails, Rising Pain and more. All ages, bar with ID. Costumes encouraged. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. $8. Call 602-954-0455.
Mill Avenue Cue Club 607 South Mill, Tempe Dress up costume party, drink and shot specials all night featuring Sam Adams and Red Bull. 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover. Call 480-966-0068.
Pookie's Cafe & Bar 4540 North Seventh Street Alternative Halloween Madness continues as Victoria London crowns the best in amateur drag competition, with cash and bar prizes. 9:30 p.m. Free. Call 602-277-2121.
The Sets 93 East Southern, Tempe www.thesets.com Trash City Presents Halloween Havoc, with live music from The Strand, Radiance, Smee, and The Cover Up. Halo network gaming, tarot card readers, dream interpreters, piercing, belly dancers, prizes for best costume, and more. 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. $10. Call 602-953-2728.
Slap Shots 7941 West Glendale Avenue, Glendale Halloween weekend party, Scariest Costume Contest for cash and prizes, live music with Ten Years Gone, Miller Lite promotion from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., and shot specials. Party runs until 2 a.m. Call 623-939-6261.
Tinseltown Tavern 2017 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Midnight costume contest for $100 cash prize and scary karaoke from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Drink specials include $5 martini madness and $7.50 bucket of beer from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover. Call 480-945-MARX (6279).
Wet Willy's Baja Cantina 16041 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Drive, Peoria Halloween costume contest at 10 p.m. for $1,000 in cash and prizes. Drink specials include $3 Mummy Margaritas, $3 bottled beer from tub, and other drink and shot specials throughout the evening. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover. Call 623-486-9500.
Events and Happenings Saturday, October 30:
Alwun House 1204 East Roosevelt, Phoenix The Monster's Ball costume party and brings down the house, with the "outraged political satire" of Artists' Theatre Project, SPELLS dancers exorcising evil spirits, scathing performance art of Jeff Falk, videos by Steve Gomph and Bob Judd, a dramatic reading of Edgar Allan Poe by Robert X. Planet and Roxanne DeWinter, and DJ Black Sugar spins an Underground Polyrhythm Mix for groovy ghoulies eager to dance the night away. 7 p.m. $10. And while you're in the mood for macabre, check out the ongoing Monster's Menagerie art exhibition, featuring works that merge politics and evil by artists including Robert Anderson, Deon Allen, Johnny Braden, Baron Dixon, Bill Graham, Laurel Johnson, Ron Laird, Annie Lopez, Larry Lopresti, Tony Richey, Charles Sanderson, Randy Slack, and Steven Yazzie. Runs through Friday, November 5 (just after Election Day). Free. Call Call 602-253-7887.
Cone Gallery 1324 Grand Avenue Halloween Costume Party featuring the art of Dame Darcy, creator of the comic book Meat Cake, in the Cone Main Gallery, with performances by Darcy's dark wave band Death by Dolls and a CD release party for The Master Musicians of Hop-Frog. 8 p.m. $8. Call 602-258-3455.
Desert Botanical Garden 1201 North Galvin Parkway This Dia De Los Muertos Celebration proves that Halloween isn't the only ghoulish game in town. Learn more about the traditions of the holiday honoring the spirits of the dead with sugar-skull cooking and flower-making demonstrations. Mariachis and folklorico dancers will perform and Chicano artists will hawk their handmade wares. Saturday, October 30, and Sunday, October 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $9 adults, $8 seniors, $5 students, and $4 for kids 12 and under. Call 480-941-1225.
Dodge Theatre 400 West Washington KUPD's Halloween Double Feature continues with a performance by Megadeth (featuring the Valley's own Dave Mustaine). 8 p.m. $27-$32. Call 602-379-2800 or 480-784-4444.