There's plenty to be worried about these days. Just off the top of our heads, there's the very real possibility of a Mitt Romney presidency, the horrors of the ever-lagging economy, and all that folderol about whether or not the world's ending in a couple of months.
Frankly, your brains have probably been so vexed over the state of the world lately that you've likely devoted little to no time about what to do for Halloween, let alone what to wear while out and about during the scary season.
That's where we come in. A slew of spooky and kooky parties and events are scheduled to take place from Friday, October 26, until Wednesday, October 31, and we've got the lowdown on some of the best and most bizarre Halloween happenings in the Valley.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25
Bars & Clubs
Goat Head Saloon
1423 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa
Mav from Sol Camp will host the PhoenixHipHop.net Pre-Halloween Showcase, which will also feature DJ Chop dropping beats and bumps. Be sure to dress to impress as ladies wearing sexy get-ups will receive free admission while gentlemen in costume get half-priced entry. Plus, a costume contest will be held offering a $100 grand prize. Giveaways and other fun is also planned. 8:30 p.m. Call 480-464-8030.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26
Special Events
Alwun House
1204 E. Roosevelt St.
A special Halloween edition of the Alwun House's Luna Full Moon Fridays event will take place, offering a mix of dance, music, art, DJs, and drum circles. If you need a break from the avant-garde activities, peruse the spooky and kooky art on display for the gallery's annual "Monsters Menagerie" exhibition, which closes on October 27 and features work from a variety of mediums that run the gamut from the profane to the politically charged. 7 p.m.; $6 in advance, $10 at the door. Call 602-253-7887.
Biltmore Fashion Park
2502 E. Camelback Road
Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 thriller masterpiece Psycho will be screened as a part of the "Movies in the Park" series. 7:30 p.m., free. Call 602-955-8400.
Mesa Amphitheatre
263 N. Center St., Mesa
Dutch electro-house superstar Hardwell will pack his tracks and jet across the Atlantic to headline the Bounce Music Festival, a six-hour EDM extravaganza taking place at the outdoor venue. Eurodance specialist Martin Solveig and Turkish-born DJ/producer Deniz Koyu are also scheduled to appear at the event. 4 p.m.; $28 for general admission, $53 for VIP access. Visit www.wanttickets.com.
The Nile Theater
105 W. Main St., Mesa
The members of Mesa metalcore act Boldly, We Rise will mark the Halloween season in fitting fashion when they celebrate the "death" of the band during their final gig headlining Spooky Night II at the Nile. Also on the lineup for the show are As Thick As Thieves, Before I Wake, The Moment After, It's A Long Story, and Vice Versa. A haunted house and photo booth will also be on the premesis. 5 p.m., $12. Call 480-559-5859.
Salt River Fields
7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale
The sky will be illuminated by the glow of more than 20 hot-air balloons, many in the shape of fantastic and fun creatures, during the two-night Spooktacular Balloon Festival at the Cactus League stadium. Almost two tons of candy will be handed out to trick or treaters of all ages during the event and a costume contest will offer both Disney prize packages and tickets to the Magic Kingdom. Live music, a haunted house, food and drink booths, and a beer garden are also promised. 5-10 p.m.; $10 for adults, $5 for kids aged 3-12. Also runs on Saturday, October 27. Call 480-270-5000 or see www.srfballoonfestivals.com.
This Is Halloween
www.facebook.com/grimespree
The already colorful raver crowd is certain to be wearing even funkier and more fantastical outfits during this Halloween-themed underground dance party, which boasts the subtitle "The Rave-mare Before Christmas." Transpiring at an unspecified location, the 18-and-over all-night affair will offer three stages of DJs and EDM artists blasting face-melting bass and other potent genres while lasers, LED, and colored spotlights illuminate those in attendance. 7 p.m.-4 a.m.; $10 pre-sale, $15 at the door, and $20 for VIP access (with $2 discounts for those in "decently put-together costumes").
Bars & Clubs
910 Live
910 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe
The notoriously bizarre hard rock band Eroticide, who are infamous for the gothically gonzo shows featuring naked females on crucifixes and other horrific stunts, return to the Valley music scene after a four-year absence with a night of "metal perversion" in honor of Halloween. Like-minded metal acts Vehemence, She Murdered Me, 24 Thorns, In Peril, and Enemy Machine are also on the lineup for the all-ages gig. 6 p.m., $12. Call 480-966-0707 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com.
American Junkie
4363 N. 75th St., Scottsdale
Feel like you've got some mad jack-o'-lantern skills? Upload a photo of your groovy gourd to Instagram, tag it with @americanjunkie and #junkiehalloween, and you might just score free bottle service for a night when the winners of the club's "Instagram Pumpkin Carving Contest" will be announced at its Halloween event on October 26. DJs, dancing, and drink specials are also promised. 8 p.m. Call 480-990-3000.
Bar Smith
130 E. Washington St.
The DJs of Cupcake! and :Fallout.Shelter: — including Self.Destrukt and Defense.Mekanizm — will take over the lower level of Bar Smith and blast aggrotech, dark electro, and witch house during their Fright Night affair. A costume contest also takes place at midnight. Meanwhile, William Fucking Reed and the rest of the Sticky Fingers residents will be throwing their Halloween Masquerade and will welcome Tomas Barfod of WhoMadeWho into their midst for a special DJ set. 9 p.m., $10. See www.ticketweb.com.
Big Fish Pub
1954 E. University Dr., Tempe
Big Fish's two-night Halloween Bash kicks off on Friday, October 26, and will offer various costume contests, free giveaways, raffles, and drink specials. The live music lineup includes gigs by Bionic Jive, Fatal Error, Tricus, Blue Star, Sofa Kings Toned, We Are Destined To Fail, The Outlet, Sarah's Lament, Black Crown, No Regret, L.V.D., Tridon, In Memory Of, Hell Defined, and others. The party starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 26, and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 27; $10 each night. Call 602-571-7572.
Brick Phoenix
455 N. 3rd St.
Hipster nightlife maven Jared Alan and his FauxShow crew will present their Glamorama Halloween affair and will bring in DFA Records fave The Juan MacLean and other special guests to provide the soundtrack. 10 p.m., price TBA. Call 602-258-3665.
Draft House on the Reef
393 W. Warner Rd., Chandler
A two-night Halloween celebration kicks off with classic rock from U.S. Marshalls from 7-11 p.m., and a DJ spinning Top 40 jams starting at 11 p.m., as well as a costume contest with a $100 gift card for first place and $50 gift card for second. Call 480-963-5520.
Giligin's
4251 N. Winfield Scott, Scottsdale
Giligin's will once again put on its raucous Halloween Block Party, which will include costume contests for prizes, live music, and DJs. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Call 480-874-2264.
Goat Head Saloon
1423 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa
Freaky-deaky rap star Koshir will spit ill rhymes during the fourth annual "Screwd and Tattooed" party at the Mesa bar. Other hip-hop artists scheduled to perform include OverTime, Damien Damani, Herman Watson Wikid One, Drugatti Castellano, Click Bang. RJ Shootah, C-Sicc, Mz. Medizinalz, Cem Cal, Lyrical Trilogy, and others. A $100 tattoo contest — where the patron with "the sickest ink" wins — will also take place. 7 p.m.; $13 at the door (and free entry for those with face or head tattoos above the chin line). Call 480-464-8030.
Rhythm Room
1019 E. Indian School Road
Halloween party with a costume contest and music from the Bad News Blues Band. 8 p.m., $8. Call 602-265-4842.
Zoan
4301 N. 7th Ave.
Three parties will take place at Zoan, each offering a costume contest with special guest judges and cash prizes. On Friday, October 26, the person wearing most original costume will receive $100. Meanwhile, c-notes will be given out on Saturday, October 27, for the outfit that's "best in show," and on Wednesday, October 31, for the costume that's "simply the best." Deadline for entry is at 11 p.m. each night. Call 602-265-3233.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27
Special Events
911 Halloween Massive
www.911halloweenmassive.com
Although the location of this all-night dance party and rave hasn't been announced as of this writing, but you can be certain that whatever venue hosts this annual DJ-laden Halloween event will be filled to the brim with colorful clubbers and plenty of action. Three different stages will be populated by more than two dozen mixmasters, including such talents as Dank, Sazon Booya, Bizerk, and Jayfresh. Costumes are encouraged, but items such as laser pointers, weapons, pacifiers, and even stuffed animals are verboten. Sorry, rave kids. 8 p.m., $20. Check the website on the night of the event for more info.
The Alwun House
1204 E. Roosevelt St.
The gallery's annual Monster's Ball will serve up a number of "Cirque Noir Vaudevillian" entertainment aplenty, including grave humor from the Cult of the Yellow Sign, burlesque artistry from Provocatease, fancy footwork from the members of Opendance, a costume contest with "spirited prizes," hors d'oeuvres, luxe libations, music from DJ Semuta and Ghost DJ:MX, and more. 7 p.m.; $10 advance, $15 day of show. Call 602-253-7887.
The Clarendon
401 W. Clarendon Ave.
Ben Bethel, owner of this chic CenPho Hotel, will be holding his annual swanked up Halloween Bash, which is bound to feature much costumed revelry. The party will feature a gig by Zero Zero (the synth-pop side project from a few members of the Love Me Nots) who will also be shooting their latest video at the event. Be sure to both dress to impress and avoid getting too hammered. Members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will also judge costume contests at 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. DJ Shane Kennedy and electronica act Vial of Sound will also perform during the evening. 7 p.m. Call 602-252-7363.
Historic Heritage Square
115 N. 6th St.
The undead will once again rise from their graves and invade the streets of downtown Phoenix during Zombie Walk 4. As in year's past, thousands of Valley residents adorned in ghoulish makeup and tattered clothing will assemble at the outdoor venue for an all-day Halloween festival — which will feature live music, vendors, face-painting booths, a beer garden, a "most valuable zombie" contest, and more — before beginning their long stumble through the city's urban core at dusk. 2-11 p.m., free. See www.downtownphoenix.com/zombie.
Hotel Valley Ho
6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale
The Midcentury Modern establishment will once again host its annual Haunted Hotel Ball during Halloween weekend. A slew of club DJs will spin "dark and dirty music" in two ballrooms, theatrical performers will provide thrills and chills, and a costume contest will award $5,000 in cash and prizes. 8 p.m.; $30 general admission, $500 for VIP service. Call 480-248-2000.
Lawn Gnome Publishing
905 N. 5th St.
The quirky bookstore will present the Spooky Lawn Gnome Bash with music from Snail Quail, YUS, Main Squeeze, and DJ Matty. 7 p.m.; free with costume, $5 without. Call 602-753-8920.
Monsterland
18 W. Main St., Mesa
Fiendish fun will take place in abundance during the Nightmare on Main Street block party. Highlights of the 16-and-over event include a beer festival with brews from San Tan Brewery and Coors, a variety of vendors, fire dancing, and a costume contest with $1,000 in cash prizes. Norwegian aggrotech band Combichrist are scheduled to perform along with Komor Kommando, The Strand, and Hardwire. 6 p.m.-1 a.m., $15 general admission. Call 480-461-3300.
Symphony Hall
75 N. 2nd St.
The Phoenix Symphony will be joined by Mexican Folklore Dance Company and Ballet Folklorico Ollin Yoliztli during a matinee performance honoring Día de los Muertos. Pre-concert activities will include arts and crafts an hour before showtime. 2:30 p.m., $11-$19. Call 602-495-1999.
Talking Stick Resort
9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale
Scottsdale socialite and chic party queen Raven Valdes stages her annual Masquerade Ball at the resort, which will offer an evening of drinking and dancing bliss. Local Top 40 band SmashT will perform and DJ Kilo will work the mixers while two bars serve up $6 cocktail specials. A costume contest will award cash and prizes to the best-dressed male, female, and couple. 8 p.m.; $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Call 480-850-7777 or visit www.ravenevents.com.
The Venue Scottsdale
7117 E. 3rd Ave., Scottsdale
Valley hip-hop powerhouse 101.5 Jamz will present its "Halloween Hook Up" hootenanny. Super Snake, Lady La, Jackie Morales and other on-air personalities will step away from their microphones for an evening to host the event, which will feature a costume competition with $10,000 in cash and prizes, as well as music from hip-hop superstars of Far East Movement and such DJs as Decipha, Matta Fact and Mikee Mike will perform. 9 p.m.; $20 general admission, $50 VIP access. See www.1015jamz.com.
Bars & Clubs
American Junkie
4363 N. 75th St., Scottsdale
C-list lothario (and Adam Sandler BFF) Peter Dante, best known for his roles in such flicks as Waterboy and Big Daddy, will be the guest host of American Junkie's Halloween party. Patrons can also partake in games, down pints of pumpkin beer, and other amusing distractions at the event. Costumes are encouraged. 8 p.m. Call 480-990-3000.
Axis-Radius
7340 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale
House music heavyweights Morgan Page and the Stratford Brothers will co-headline the Scottsdale dance parlor's massive Ghostball extravaganza. More than 10,000 people will attend this glitzy affair, which will not only pack both Axis and Radius, but also the outdoor pavilion encompassing both clubs and an huge portion of Indian Plaza. A total of $10,000 in cash and prizes are also at stake during the ball's ginormous costume contest, which boasts some of the most impressive getups around. 8 p.m., $30. Call 480-970-1112 or see www.eegtickets.com.
The Big Bang
501 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
Go wild at Big Bang's jungle-themed costume party, which will feature such tropical specialty drinks as $3 sunset safari shots and $5 jungle juice. Meanwhile, a "Tarzan yelling" competition and a King and Queen of the Jungle contest will take place. Those wearing jungle-inspired costumes also get in for half price. 7 p.m., $6. Call 480-557-5595.
BS West
7125 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale
This Old Town gay bar and dance club will be putting on an enormous indoor/outdoor Halloween party entitled "Enchanted," which will include a three-hour Vegas-style spectacular. 8 p.m., $25. Call 480-945-9028.
Cadillac Ranch
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
KISS FM's Hot Halloween Costume Party with hot spins from DJ Aaron Taylor, DJ Earth, and DJ Knick Knack, as well as such drink specials as $3 Coors Light drafts and $4 Fireball shots, AMFs, and Long Islands. A sexy costume contest takes place at 1 a.m. and will offer "amazing prizes." 9 p.m., $5. Call 480-894-1111.
Cocomo Joe's
28244 N. Tatum Blvd., Cave Creek
Halloween party featuring a costume contest, drink specials and music from Furious George. 8 p.m. Call 480-538-8008.
Culinary Dropout
7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale
The proprietors of this post Scottsdale restaurant will transform into the glammy discotheque "Studio CDO" for the evening. And that's the way — uh-huh, uh-huh — they like it. Bust out the bellbottoms since disco attire is "strongly recommended." 8 p.m. Call 480-970-1700.
Draft House on the Reef
393 W. Warner Rd., Chandler
A hip-hop DJ drops the hottest tracks starting at 11 p.m. and costume contest will offer a $100 gift card for first place and $50 gift card for second. Call 480-963-5520.
El Santo Cantina
7301 E. Butherus Dr., Scottsdale
Sin City dance-pop duo Zowie Bowie makes a return to their old stomping grounds of Scottsdale for a special Halloween party, which will feature a performance by the band, spin sessions by local DJs, a costume contest, and more. 8 p.m., $10. Call 480-584-3801 or see elsanto.electrostub.com.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale
The resorts Stone Rose Lounge will be once again be the site of the annual "Nightmare on Princess Drive" party, which this year will boast a Bride of Frankenstein theme. As always, attendees will stroll down a black carpet and into a den of iniquity and indulgence where stylish costumes and themed cocktails like Candy Corn Martinis and Jack-O-Lanterns await. They can also walk away with such pimp prizes as rounds of golf at TPC Scottsdale, free dinner Bourbon Steak, and resort vacations via the midnight costume contest. 9 p.m. Call 480-419-3190.
Goat Head Saloon
1423 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa
A diverse collection of bands and musicians from across the Valley will grace the stage at Goat Head during the Bloody Libra Halloween Show, including death metal rockers Arbitrary Ashes, reggae artist El Dub, pop songstress Miss Krystle, cover band Probable Cause, dark electronica duo The Audio Virus, trip-hop act Bent Self, DJ Bob-Zilla on the decks, and more. The Jägermeister Girls will also make an appearance. Costumes are encouraged. 7 p.m., $5. Call 602-505-2067.
Ice Pics Video Bar
3108 E. McDowell Rd.
A Touch of Soul with performances by Maraya Jordan and special guests. Special treats will be given to those in costume and $4 Skyy cocktails will be served. 10 p.m. Call 602-267-8707.
430 N. Power Rd., Mesa
Halloween party with drink specials, live music, and prizes. 9 p.m. Call 480-225-2051.
Kobalt
3110 N. Central Ave.
www.kobaltbarphoenix.com
Dust off your darkest duds for Kobalt's Black Out party, which will feature prizes for the best costume, music from DJ Kela, and more. 9 p.m. Call 602-264-5307.
Los Compadres
2350 W. Northern Ave.
Celebrate Halloween during Los Compadres' jazz night, which will star such local musicians as saxophonist Andrew Gross, guitarist Pete Pancrazi, pianist David Valdivia, drummer Tim Downs, and others. Food and drink specials will be available and a $50 prize for the best costume will be awarded to one partron. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Call 602-864-0258.
Marc's Sports Grill & Nightlife
4494 W. Peoria Ave., Glendale
The first of two "Nightmare on Marc's Street" parties will take place, featuring DJs, dancing, karaoke, and a costume contest at midnight with prizes for the sexiest, scariest, funniest, most creative, and best overall outfits. 9 p.m., $5. Call 623-842-1053.
Rips Ales & Cocktails
3045 N. 16th St.
LA's The Black Beverly Heels will headline Rips' Halloween party with support from Mission Creeps, Scorpion vs. Tarantula, and Black Sleep. 8 p.m., $5. Call 602-266-0015.
Rockbar Inc.
4245 N. Craftsman Ct., Scottsdale
This Old Town establishment will stage a Rock-O-Ween Party with music from The Black Moods and Rose-Colored Eyes, a zombie-themed costume contest for prizes, and more. 8 p.m., $5. Call 480-331-9190.
The Rogue Bar
423 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
Distortion-loving garage rock/punk act Cheap Time and locals Scorpion vs. Tarantula will be the featured bands during the " Not Quite Halloween Punk Rock Show." 8 p.m.; $8 in advance, $10 at the door. The weekly Rebel Yell dance party, starring William Fucking Reed and his cohorts, follows at 11 p.m. Call 480-947-3580.
Tim Finnegan's
9201 N. 29th Ave.
Halloween bash featuring an open bar that includes all import beers and top-shelf spirits from 9 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. and costs $25 for ladies and $30 for men. Meanwhile, Mark Mercier will perform all evening, and a costume contest with $200 in prizes for the best and sexiest outfits will also take place. 8 p.m. Call 602-997-2323.
Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill
1065 N. Dobson Rd., Mesa
Live music from A Boy Named Sioux, a costume contest, & more. 9 p.m., $5. Call 480-844-8629.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28
Bars & Clubs
Ice Pics Video Bar
3108 E. McDowell Rd.
Spooky show tunes will be sung and two-for-one drink specials will be served from 2-8 p.m., and the Men of Strut will perform and $4 Stoli cockails will be available starting at 8 p.m. Call 602-267-8707.
Karamba
1724 E. McDowell Rd.
Halloween party with cash prizes for the best costumes and DJ Jesus spinning Top 40. 9 p.m., $5. Call 602-254-0231.
Pub Rock
8005 E. Roosevelt St., Scottsdale
Ears will be assaulted during the Halloween weekend concert by death metal bands Skeletonwitch, Havok, Early Graves, and Mutilation Rites. 7 p.m., $12. Call 480-945-4985.
Trunk Space
1506 Grand Ave.
The members of "Japanese action comic punk" band Peelander-Z will pack just as many zany thrills of your average Halloween party – including colorful costumes, games human bowling, and audience interaction – during their gig at the Trunk Space. Jason Anderson of Wolf Colonel and Electric Eel Shock will open the show. 8 p.m., $14. Call 602-256-6006.
Yucca Tap Room
29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe
The DJs and patrons of the weekly Valley Fever night will dress as such outlaw country music stars as David Allan Coe, Waylon Jennings, and Merle Haggard during the annual Honkytonky Halloween hootenanny. 8 p.m. Call 480-967-4777.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 29
Special Events
The Nile Theater
105 W. Main St., Mesa
Close to a dozen bands will invade the Nile for the annual Creepy Crawl Ball, including Move Forward, Merit, Relief Theory, Faux20, Sleep Money, Ill Breed, and Shy's Limit. A costume contest for prizes will also transpire. 6 p.m., $5. Call 480-559-5859.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31
Special Events
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Ave.
Masked psychopath Michael Myers will run amok in the museum's Whiteman Hall as Dr. Diabolic hosts a special screening of John Carpenter's 1978 horror classic Halloween. A costume contest for prizes will also take place (although participants cannot incorporate masks, nudity, or harmful substances) and an exclusive art print by Marty Freetage will be for sale. 7 p.m., $12. See halloween.brownpapertickets.com.
Bars & Clubs
American Junkie
4363 N. 75th St., Scottsdale
The employees of American Junkie will be dressed as Max and his beastly buddies during the "Where The Wild Things Are" party on Halloween night. They'll also pour kooky dry ice cocktails and serve up $3 Ketel One, Fireball, and Cafe Patron drinks until 11 p.m. Professional face-painters and talented turntable jockeys will also be in the house. 8 p.m. Call 480-990-3000.
Barney's Boathouse
7341 E. 6th Ave., Scottsdale
Barney's BOO-thouse Bash takes place on Halloween night and promises a costume contest with $1,000 in cash and prizes, DJs, dancing, and drink specials. 9 p.m. Call 480-949-6535.
Bar Smith
130 E. Washington St.
Rumps will be bumping during LayLow's "Shake That Ass Halloween" on Bar Smith's rooftop. Costumes are encouraged and the soundtrack will be provided by such DJs as Ariel, Ted Hardly, and Adam Arlia, as well as the hip-hop artists of Def Star. Drink specials include $2 PBRs, $3 well drinks, $3 bottled beers, and $4 imports. 9:30 p.m., $5 after 10:30 p.m. Call 602-229-1265.
Bikini Lounge
1502 Grand Ave.
The Fright Fiesta! featuring a performance by North Dakota, a costume contest, spin sessions by DJ Borisimo and Kate Scratch Fever, and "lots of rock 'n' roll debauchery." 9 p.m. Call 602-252-0472.
Crescent Ballroom
308 N. 2nd Ave.
DJ Sean Watson will once again stage his hipster-friendly Halloween Costume Ball at the downtown music venue and will share the decks with the likes of Night Jewel, Rick Carter, and Pastries With Teeth. Just like last year, costumes are required to get free admission to the fiesta and killjoys who go without have to cough up $10 and will be "tormented for eternity." 9 p.m. Call 602-716-2222.
Graham Central Station
7850 S. Priest Dr., Tempe
Costume contest offering $1,000 in prizes, and such drink specials as 50-cent longnecks, $1.50 well cocktails, and $3 you-call-its and premium liquor until midnight. Ladies get in free until midnight and there's no cover before 8 p.m. Call 480-496-0799.
Hard Rock Cafe
3 S. 2nd St.
Live music from Andy Hackbarth, reverse happy hour prices, and a costume contest with cool prizes. 9 p.m. Call 602-261-7625.
Ice Pics Video Bar
3108 E. McDowell Rd.
Lady Godiva and DJ Black Cat will host a Scare-aoke session while the bartenders will serve $4 martinis and Long Islands, $3 well drinks, and $2 domestic bottled beers. Special treats will be available for those in costume. 9 p.m. Call 602-267-8707.
Marc's Sports Grill & Nightlife
4494 W. Peoria Ave., Glendale
Attend the second "Nightmare on Marc's Street" Halloween party and partake in free Texas Hold'em games at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., sing spooky songs during the karaoke session starting at 9 p.m., or participate in the midnight costume contest for prizes. 7 p.m. Call
623-842-1053.
The Mint
7373 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale
San Francisco progressive house practitioners Gabriel & Dresden will spend their Halloween getting asses moving on the dance floor during their DJ set at this chic Scottsdale spot. 9 p.m., $10. Call 480-947-6468 or see www.wanttickets.com.
The Monarch Theatre
122 E. Washington St.
The hepcats of Paid in Full will welcome two-time DMC winner DJ Klever for a Halloween night edition of the dance night. As always, resident DJs Fresh 85, M2, Mane One, Bigie, & Tricky T will be on the wheels of steel. Lalo Cota will be doing live art and Prince$$ (a.k.a. Thomy Hoefer) will provide the visuals. 9 p.m.; $10 for the 21-and-over crowd, $15 for the 18-plus crowd, $25 for VIP table service (which includes a free gift bag). See www.ticketweb.com.
The Rock
4129 N. 7th Ave.
Halloween Spooktacular featuring a drag show and costume contest. 10 p.m., $10. Call
602-248-8559
Rockbar Inc.
4245 N. Craftsman Ct., Scottsdale
Music from rap-rockers Weird Is the New Cool, a costume competition, and other fun. 8 p.m. Call 480-331-9190.
The Rogue Bar
423 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
Local bands The Woodworks, Bonecookie, Goetta, Sasquanaut, Narc Morman present a special Halloween show at the Scottsdale rock dive. 8 p.m. Call 480-947-3580.
The Sail Inn
26 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe
Banana Gun, Sara Robinson and the Midnight Special, Japhy's Descent, Quick Henry, and Cock Posse will perform during the "Nightmare on Farmer" party. 7 p.m.; $5 with costume, $10 without. Call 480-966-9565.
World of Beer
526 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
Pumpkin drafts, chocolate stouts, and other fitting brews will be available during the WOBoween party at this Mill Avenue beer haven. A massive costume contest will also be on tap where the crowd on hand will pick the winners and dole out prizes, including $500 for first place, a $250 gift card for second, and a $100 gift card for third. 8 p.m. Call 480-638-2337.
Yucca Tap Room
29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe
www.yuccatap.com
The average Treasure Mammal show typically features costumed musical chaos as Abelardo Gil III and the other members of the local synth-pop act don spandex outfits and other freak wear. In other words, they're the perfect act to catch on All Hallows Eve. Equally colorful (and costume-inclined) popsters of Peachcake, Hug of War, and Fatigo will also perform. 8 p.m. Call 480-967-4777.
