If the Ghost Ball proves too crowded or too douchey for your tastes, Cap'n Mike and his kooky crew have a more unpretentious option for your All Hallows Eve. A big chunk of Winfield Scott Plaza will be fenced off for a two-day indoor/outdoor extravaganza of live bands, drunken distractions, and bizarre behavior. A costume contest will also be offered with prizes (including a Jägermeister dispenser) for the best-dressed guy and girl as well as the "most offensive outfit." The always-popular Chuey the Rock 'n' Roll Midget will also be in the house and will likely sporting a fairly bizarre costume (last year he dressed as John Wayne Gacy-esque clown). Beat that Axis-Radius. 8 p.m., $5. (4251 N. Winfield Scott Plaza, Scottsdale, 480-874-2264).
Rev Theory at Tempe Marketplace (Friday)
Here's a deal that's sweeter than any Snickers bar stolen from your kid's trick or treat bag: alt-metal act Rev Theory ("Light it Up," "Far From Over") is scheduled to perform on the outdoor mall's District Stage and the gig is absolutely free of charge. Beezlewood (the newest band from Opiate for the Masses Ron Underwood) and local boys Howitzer open the show. 8 p.m. (2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe)
G.G. Elvis and the T.C.P. Band at Jugheads (Friday)
It's true that G.G. Elvis and the T.C.P. Band -- a group of NOFX and Lagwagon refugees that somehow mashes together G.G. Allin's music with The King's -- could be one of the strangest ensembles out there, but it also brings to life the obvious similarities between the two musical figures. Each, in his respective time, made sounds that folks didn't get for a while. Both hoarded interesting lifestyles in private. And, last but not least, each of their bottom halves did controversial things during performance (Elvis with that hip shake; Allin once took a steaming heap onstage). The Freeze, Bro-Loaf, Nunzilla, and Killing Eve will also perform. 8 p.m.; $5 with costume, $7 without. (5110 E. McDowell Rd., 602-275-1039). -- Steve Jansen
Haunted Hoedown at Cadillac Ranch (Friday)
Yeeehaw! Get your Halloween off to a day early, pardner, at this spookified shindig boasting $2,000 in cash prizes for the winners in such categories as individual, group, and sexiest male and female. Buck up for Cadillac Ranch's, which boasts in multiple categories (such). DJs, drink specials, and other surprises also await you, buckeroo. 9 p.m., $5. (2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, 480-894-1111)
Fangbangers at Blackforest Mill (Saturday)
Although Arcadia doesn't look a thing like the fictional hamlet of Bon Temps, Louisiana, the upscale neighborhood will host plenty of sexy vampires during fauxShow's True Blood-themed fete. The German eatery will transform into Merlotte's (why not Fangtasia, yo?) for all-night bloodsuckers feast of DJs and dancing. The slate of spinsters includes gigs by Cheap Thrills czars Jared Alan and Sean Watson, as well as Don Ricardo, Sleepy Cub, Ghouliez, Ultrablack, Louder, and Tricky T. Hopefully members of the Fellowship of the Sun won't show up to ruin things. 9 p.m., $5. (4900 E. Indian School Rd., 602-840-4000).
Plan 9 from Outer Space at Trunk Space (Saturday)
Other than The Rocky Horror Picture Show or The Nightmare Before Christmas, there's no more suitable a movie to watch on Halloween than Ed Wood's infamous 1959 cinematic shlockfest, which is being screened during Dr. Zombie's Movie Lab of Terror at the Grand Avenue gallery. Prizes will also be handed out for best costume (with bonus points for anyone daring to dress as Bela Lugosi's Ghoul Man or the late director's dragtastic alter ego Glen or Glenda). 8 p.m., $5. (1506 Grand Avenue, 602-256-6006).
Dusk til' Dawn Party at Dos Diablos (Saturday)
Go full tilt boogie and party with the Gecko Brothers, Santanico Pandemonium, and an array of blood-sucking party monsters at Dos Diablos' wicked Halloween wingding. A prize of $100 will be awarded to the winner of the "Best Salma Hayek Snake Dance" competition, while $50 cash prizes go to those who've dressed to impress in three different categories (sexiest male and female, and most original). DJs, drink and appetizer specials, and other delights will also be offered. 9 p.m., free. (32527 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-575-6695)
The Dagger Deathrace III at an Unknown Location (Saturday)
Don't be alarmed if you see bike-riding hooligans traversing the Valley dressed in costume; they're just participating in the third-annual Halloween-night "alleycat" and scavenger hunt for prizes. The first two races, which organized by the PHX's fixed-gear/BMX group The Daggers, were quite fantastic (check out this YouTube clip for proof) and the threequel promises to be equally as awesome. The location is being kept on the down-low until the day of, so be sure to e-mail [email protected], or visit www.thedaggerzone.com for all the pertinent info. An after-party will also be held at the Lucky Devil in Tempe.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Mesa Arts Center (Sunday)
After you crawl out of your alcoholic stupor, head for the East Valley to fete the dearly departed in at this ginormous fiesta that will take up the entire MAC complex. Muchas actividades are scheduled for the two-day event, including mariachi groups and traditional musicians, folklorico dancing, workshops and artist demonstrations, sugar skull-making classes and other arts and crafts, altar viewing, food and drink, vendors, educational workshops, and more. Noon-5 p.m., free. (1 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-644-6500)
