So leave the candy on the porch, or if you hate Trick-or-Treaters, just turn the damn lights off and get out to these Halloween happenings ...
1. The Forgotten @ 5 & 6 Gallery
Prepare yourself for some seriously spooky art. Artists Baron Gordon, Dan Diaz, Matt Dickson, Joshua Rhodes, Lalo Cota, Dumperfoo, Fran Pedicone, Jason Rudolph, Edward Slocum and Yuko Yabuki will each have work up in the Scottsdale gallery at 4200 N. Marshall Way. Joshua Rhodes says the event is a "subtle celebration of Halloween and Dia de Los muertos" with artists that have captured the elements of these holidays in their work. Each artist was also given a handmade mini coffin for customization. The show's opening is on Thursday, October 28 from 6 to 9 p.m.. For more info, visit the 5 & 6 website.
2. Curse of the Cruisers @ Rage Cycles
We hope you chose a flexible costume this year -- it'll be required if you show up for this year's Curse of the Cruisers hosted by Rage Cycles
in Scottsdale. The event's sponsors include Ska, San Tan, Big Sky and
Four Peaks Brewery; they encourage taxis at the end of the night. The
ride starts at 7 p.m., but they're encouraging attendees to show up to
Rage Cycles, at 2724 N Scottsdale Rd, around 6 p.m.. The stops have yet
to be announced. For more information, visit the event's facebook invite.
3. Monster Menagerie @ Alwun House
Alwun House, at 1204 E. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix, is hosting two Halloween shindigs this year. The 11th Monster Menagerie exhibit will features unworldly noir fantasy in a range of media. The show's open to the public from noon to 6 p.m. and guests will be greeted by SHELOB ... whoever that is. Artwork is viewable through Friday.
Second, is the house's Monster Ball, which will be on October 30 and starts at 7:00 p.m.. Expect costumed dance shenanigans, prizes, art, music and live performances by vocalist Merrill Leifman, Spell ritualistic dancing, and Romantasy Cabaret.Tickets are $10 ($13 at the door) and can be purchased on the Alwun House website.
4. Ben's 20th Annual Halloween Bash @ The Clarendon
Ben Bethel has been hosting Halloween parties for 20 years. He says his
first one was in his house in Tucson when he went to UofA. After having
375 people show up to his house party in 2004, he decided to move it to a
bigger space -- The Clarendon Hotel (a space Bethel also owns and
operates). The party's on October 30 and starts at 6 p.m.. You can
expect plenty of crazy costumes (and contests), drink specials at the
bar downstairs, and special hotel room rates if you want to stick
around. Tickets are $20 ($25 at the door) and can be purchased online. The Clarendon is at 401 W Clarendon Ave in Phoenix. For more info, visit the event page. And for more nightlife events, check out our Halloween nightlife rundown here.
5. Haunted Tempe Walking Tour
@ Tempe Double Butte Cemetery
So maybe it's not all about the skanky outfits or getting the the crap
scared out of you at a haunted house, but fair warning, this still
sounds a little spooky: the City of Tempe is hosting its inaugural
narrated walking tour of the Tempe Double Butte Cemetery at 2505
W. Broadway Road on October 31 at 2 p.m.. Prepare yourself find out
which Arizona Governor declared war on California, how Bermuda grass
ended up in Tempe, and more scoops on Tempe's most famous (and dead)
residents. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online. Proceeds will
benefit the oral history program at the Tempe History Museum.
6. Freaky Tiki Halloween Party @ Hula's Modern Tiki
Grab your grass skirt and a few friends because Modern Tiki is throwing a
bash including costume contests, classic horror film screenings, and
Halloween-themed booze specials ... not that we know what Zombie or Evil
Dr. Funk's cocktails have in them. The Freaky Tiki Halloween party is
on Sunday, October 31 and starts at 7:00 p.m.
Hula's Modern Tiki is at 4700 N. Central Avenue.
Bonus: if you're feeling like a haunted house, check out our reviews of a bunch around the valley so you don't waste your time, money, or pride.