There's a little over two weeks left until Halloween, and the clock's ticking. If your costume ain't in order yet, you'd better get busy trying to conjure one. Forget about resorting to the ensemble of aviators, spiky hair, and a GTL shirt (since Jersey Shore was so last year), and instead consider the following: If you're going for nerdish reverence, a black turtleneck, blue jeans, and white sneakers are a good replication of the dearly departed Steve Jobs. Or consider going as Charlie Sheen (complete with Tiger Blood cocktail and some seven-gram rocks) or even Nicki Minaj (butt implants are a necessity). All of these are sure to earn you some instant cred, and maybe some cash, at any of the wild wingdings, costume parties, and other Halloween events taking place from Thursday, October 27, to Monday, October 31.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27
Special Events
Herberger Theatre Center
222 E. Monroe St.
www.herbergertheater.org
The game most definitely will be afoot when the Arizona Theatre Company stages two performances of Jeffrey Hatcher's murder mystery, Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Suicide Club. 2 and 7:30 p.m., $32-$69. Performances run through October 30, and showtimes vary. Call 602-256-6995.
The Royale
108 W. Main St.
www.theroyaleaz.com
The jokesters of the National Comedy Theatre will take a cue from Mystery Science Theater 3000 and heckle Italian zombie film Nightmare City during a live accompaniment. 7 p.m., $9. Call 480-649-0040.
The Venue Scottsdale
7117 E. 3rd Ave., Scottsdale
www.thevenuescottsdale.com
Holland electro/techno wizards Laidback Luke and Sandro Silva will provide the soundtrack for Relentless Beats' Pimp 'n' Ho Party. Costumes are encouraged and VIP table service will be available. 8 p.m., $22-$27. Call 480-945-5551 or visit www.relentlessbeats.com.
Bars & Clubs
Afterlife
4282 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
www.afterlifescottsdale.com
The Halloween revelry will run well into the wee hours at this after-hours spot as DJs spin, zombie go-go dancers work the platforms, and a costume competition will transpire. 10 p.m.; $10 before 11 p.m., $15 afterwards. Call 480-264-8300.
RnR
3737 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
www.rnrscottsdale.com
Dia de Los Muertos will be celebrated in style at RnR's "Day of the Dead Party," with such drink specials as $2 carnitas street tacos, $3 Espolon shots, $4 special cocktail ball shots, and $6 signature margaritas.
7 p.m. Call 480-945-3353.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28
Special Events
Celebrity Theatre
440 N. 32nd St.
www.celebritytheatre.com
Get a dose of old-school cool during Power 98.3's "Boo Bomb," as hip-hop legends Slick Rick, EPMD, Rob Base, and Big Daddy Kane spit game all evening. 8:30 p.m., $25-$45. Call 602-267-1600.
La Perla
5912 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
www.laperlacafe.net
Costume contest for prizes, drink special, live music, and more. 8 p.m., $6 after 9 p.m. Call 623-939-7561.
MADCAP Theaters
730 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
www.madcaptheaters.com
Frankie's Fishnets, the Valley's resident Rocky Horror Picture Show shadowcasters, will present two performances of the cult classic, each featuring live musical numbers, "virgin sacrifices," giveaways, costume contests, and more. 18 and over. 8:30 and 11:30 p.m., $12. Visit www.frankiesfishnets.com.
National Youth Sports Center
16083 N. 75th Ave.
The muscle-bound brawlers and jacked-up grapplers of Elite Xtreme Wrestling will serve up the smackdowns inside the squared circle during EXW Octoberfist. A special fan event and meet-and-greet will take also place outside the venue from 4 to 6 p.m. and feature raffles, giveaways, a costume contest for prizes, and other activities. The wrestling action starts at 7 p.m. $12. See www.exwlive.com.
The Royale
108 W. Main St.
www.theroyaleaz.com
Like blood-soaked scary movies? Check out The Royale's special showing of 555, the 1998 gorefest thriller about a sex-obsessed hippie engaged in a nationwide murdering spree. 9 p.m., $8. Call 480-649-0040.
The Torch Theatre
4721 N. Central Ave.
www.thetorchtheatre.com
The comedy that will be unleashed during the inaugural Ghostfest Improv Marathon will be of a somewhat long-form nature. Really long-form — like 30 hours, to be exact, as a variety of local troupes present almost a day and a half of sketches and skits. Bring some Red Bull and expect plenty of shaggy-dog jokes. 7 p.m., $15. Call 602-456-2876.
Wet Paint
806 S. Ash Ave., Tempe
www.wetpaintaz.com
Tempe's Final Friday returns from its summer hiatus, and this retailer will provide live music, drinks, artwork, and a gift certificate raffle for those in costume. 6 p.m. Call 480-967-2002.
Bars & Clubs
910 Live
910 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe
www.910liveaz.com
KUPD personality Shanman will emcee the radio station's Halloween party, which features music from Adelitas, Art of Dying, The Dreaming, and others. 8 p.m., $10-$15. Call 480-966-0707.
Barney's Boathouse
7341 E. 6th Ave., Scottsdale
www.barneysboathousescottsdale.com
The weekend-long "BOO-thouse Bash" will feature a ginormous costume contest with $1,000 worth of cash and prizes in categories, including sexiest, scariest, most original, and best group. Signup takes place from Friday until Sunday and winners will be named on Monday. Open until 2 a.m. each night. Call 480-949-6535.
Bar Smith
130 E. Washington St.
www.barsmithphoenix.com
The Sticky Fingers crew celebrates All Hallows' Eve in style with a special appearance by Fancy Space People during their "Glam Masquerade Party." William Reed, 2ToneDisco, Prince$$, and the other resident DJs will be on the decks all evening. 9 p.m., $10. Call 602-229-1265.
The Blooze Bar
12014 N. 32nd St.
www.thebloozebar.com
Prepare to witness the wildest, raciest, and most offensive outfits imaginable as The Blooze holds its "anything goes" costume contest for cash prizes. The Rock Addix will perform, and kamikazes and other drink specials will be available. 9 p.m., $3. Call 602-788-4574.
Brick
455 N. 3rd St.
www.brickphx.com
The hipsters of Rebel Disco and FauxShow Productions will team up for the "Cult Classic" affair, a Halloween/Samhain party featuring Fool's Gold artists Nacho Lovers and "round robin" DJ sessions by Pablo Gomez, Goldsmith, Luke Hansen, Jared Alan, and others. 9 p.m., $10. Call 602-258-3665.
Cactus Moon
1017 N. Dobson Rd., Mesa
www.cactusmoonmesa.com
This Riverview nightspot will be celebrating Halloween from Friday until Monday with food and drink specials, giveaways, and more. Costume contests will be held each night with prizes for the winners and a drawing on Monday for a $1,000 grand prize. Open until 2 a.m. Call 480-833-2226.
Club Red
2155 E. University Dr., Tempewww.clubredrocks.com
If you're in the mood for a trip to "Detroit Rock City" for Halloween weekend, KISS tribute band Psycho Circus will be happy to oblige, as they unleash the music of Gene Simmons and company. 7 p.m.; $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Call 480-258-2733.
Zendejas Grill
19420 N. 59th Ave., Glendale
www.zendejasgrill.com
Str8up Band's Halloween party with live music, drink specials, and more. 9 p.m., $5. Call 623-398-6434.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
Special Events
Alwun House
1204 E. Roosevelt St.
www.alwunhouse.org
Thrills and chills await at Alwun House's annual Monsters Ball, as the renowned art space will be dourly decorated like Shelob's Lair inside while a dazzling cabaret takes place outside. This year's entertainment includes performances by the Ignite Collaborative Arts Project, the mesmerizing moves of Desert Dragon Dance Theatre, transsexual antics from Spell, and the burlesque comedy of Provocatease. Hors d'oeuvres, dancing, and other freaky fun is also planned. 21 and over only. 7 p.m.; $12 in advance, $15 at the door. It coincides with the yearly "Monster's Menagerie" group exhibition, which will be on display in the gallery. Call 602-253-7887.
Celebrity Theatre
440 N. 32nd St.
www.celebritytheatre.com
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale
www.fairmont.com/scottsdale
A black carpet reception line and undead pianist will greet revelers at the Stone Rose Lounge's annual "Nightmare on Princess Drive Halloween Ball," which also will offer specialty cocktails, DJs, and a costume contest at midnight for such pimp prizes as resort getaways and gift cards. 9 p.m., free. Call 480-585-4848.
FilmBar
815 N. 2nd St.
www.thefilmbarphx.com
Inkenstein Tattoo Company
7120 N. 55th Dr., Glendale
www.inkensteintattoo.com
Halloween bash with schwag raffles, drinks, pizza, a costume contest, and music from Lifesize Monsters, The Jack Rollers, High Horse, and others. 8 p.m. Call 623-271-7411
Los Compadres
2350 W. Northern Ave.
www.loscompadresrestaurants.com
Halloween Party and Jazz Night, featuring a costume contest for cash and other prizes, food and drink specials, and music from David Valdivia and friends. 6:30 p.m. Call 602-864-0043.
Montelucia Resort & Spa
4949 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale
www.montelucia.com
The haute hotspot hosts the "Haunted Mansion 2011" affair, where specters and spirits will mix as the well-heeled crowd gathers to suck down champagne, soak up the spooky stylishness, and enjoy costume contests and music from the Chris Parker Project. 8 p.m.; $25 in advance, $35 general admission, $45 at the door, and $1,000 for VIP table packages. Call 480-627-3200 or see www.showclix.com.
The Royale
108 W. Main St.
www.theroyaleaz.com
Andrea Beesley-Brown (a.k.a. The Midnite Movie Mamacita) will screen the horror-comedy anthology Chillerama. 9 p.m., $8. Call 480-649-0040.
Talking Stick Resort
9800 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale
www.talkingstickresort.com
The resort's showroom will host Raven's Halloween Masquerade Ball, where chic scenesters will sip on $6 well cocktails and wine while a costume contest will dole out cash and prizes to the best-dressed female, male, and couples. DJ Kilo will drop dance hits, and Nineball will provide the rock 'n' roll. 8 p.m.; $20 presale, $25 at the door. Call 480-850-7734 or visit www.ravenevents.com.
Trunk Space
1506 Grand Ave.
www.thetrunkspace.com
An eclectic array of music, monsters, and madcap shenanigans await at this Halloween extravaganza. Partake in pumpkin carving while Dr. Zombie showcases 1953's schlock classic Robot Monster, Space-Alien Donald offers spoken-word jives, and The Slow Poisoner performs goth-inspired Americana. 6 p.m., $5 after 7:30 p.m. Call 602-256-6006.
Bars & Clubs
Cadillac Ranch
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempewww.cadillacranchtempe.com
Scare up some serious coin at the annual Haunted Hoedown, which will offer a $1,000 for the best costume and other cash prizes for the sexiest, most original, and best group get-ups. DJ J. Paul of HavocNdeeD provides the soundtrack. 9 p.m. Call 480-894-1111 for cover.
Donna Jean's Libations
6676 W. Bell Rd., Glendale
www.donnajeanslibations.com
Costume contest, drink specials, giveaways, and music from Dead Letters, Fatal Malady, Orphium, Unforeseen, and Bonesaw. 8 p.m., $3. Call 623-979-7036.
Dos Gringos
1361 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler
www.dosgringosaz.com
Let your geek flag fly at the "Revenge of the Nerds Party" with drink specials, DJ Mr. Eaton in the mix, cash prizes, bobbing for beers, costume competitions, and such games as the "Nerdy Booty Shaking Contest." 4 p.m. Call 480-855-3303.
Dos Gringos
4209 N. Craftsman Ct., Scottsdale
www.dosgringosaz.com
Bust out the leotards and legwarmers for the "'80s Halloween Blowout," with music from Hollywood & Vine, DJs blasting retro tunes, drink specials, costume contests, and more. 4 p.m. Call 480-423-3800.
Dos Gringos
8000 S. Priest Rd., Tempe
www.dosgringosaz.com
Halloween extravaganza hosted bye Eric D of 101.5 Jamz, Mega 104.3's E-Dawg, and DJ Erotique. Costume contests, drink specials, and prize giveaways are planned. 8 p.m. Call 480-753-4577.
Graham Central Station
7850 S. Priest Dr., Tempe
www.grahamcentralstationtempe.com
Score a grand in cash in the $1,000 winner-take-all costume contest during the "Pre-Halloween Hell Raiser" party, which also offers $1 drink specials until 9 p.m., country dance lessons at 6:30 p.m., and more. 6 p.m.; no cover for those in costume until
9 p.m. Call 480-496-0799.
Half Moon Sports Grill
288 E. Greenway Pkwy.
www.halfmoonsportsgrill.com
Drink specials like $4 Absolut cocktails and $3 Jell-O shots will be available during the Fright Night party. Cash prizes ($200 for first, $100 for second, and $50 for third) and gift cards go to the winners of the costume contest at midnight. 10 p.m. Call 602-993-6600.
Hard Rock Cafe
3 S. 2nd St.
www.hardrock.com
Hard Rock Halloween Show, featuring a costume contest and performances by indie-rock bands The Alchemy Heart, Novalux, and Eddie Varst. 8 p.m., $10. Call 602-261-7625 or visit www.ticketweb.com.
Horse and Hound
1320 E. Broadway Dr., Tempe
www.horseandhoundsportsgrill.com
Watch Georges St. Pierre and Carlos Condit beat the crap outta each other during "Halloween Fright Night" party as the UFC 137 pay-per-view will air on TVs throughout the joint. Prizes for best costume, drink specials, and music from DJ Dan are also on tap. 6 p.m. Call 480-967-7977.
Hurricane Bay
4139 W. Bell Rd.
www.hurricanebaynightclub.com
If the undead happen to rise from the grave for Halloween weekend, let's hope they're dressed stylishly, as this NoPho nightclub's throwing its annual "Ghouls Gone Wild" block party in their honor. Psychics, tarot readers, DJs, and go-go dancers also will be in the house. A contest with prizes for the funniest, sexiest, most original, and couples costumes will be staged. Drink specials include $3 Dos Equis and $5 Skyy cocktails.
7 p.m., $10. Call 602-843-6100.
Joe's Grotto
13825 N. 32nd St.
www.joesgrotto.com
Halloween Bash with drink specials, costumes, and music from Vex, Top Dead Center, Tome, Grudgehold, and Silent Flux. 8 p.m.; $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Call 602-992-1007.
Marc's Sports Grill & Nightlife
4494 W. Peoria Ave., Glendale
www.marcssportsgrillandnightlife.com
Just like Freddy Krueger himself, this westside nightspot's annual "Nightmare on Marc's Street" is back for another round of madness and mayhem. DJs and dancing takes place in the main room, karaoke's in the lounge, and drink specials will be offered at the bar. The sexiest, spookiest, most humorous, and best overall costumes win prizes.
6 p.m.; $5 after 9 p.m. Call 623-842-1053.
Narcisse Champagne & Tea Lounge
15257 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
www.narcisselounge.com
Dust off your zoot suit and Tommy gun for the "Ghosts of Prohibition Speakeasy Halloween Soiree" at Narcisse. It starts with a Prohibition-themed Murder Mystery Dinner featuring a four-course pre-fix menu of filet mignon or sea bass, as well as "bottomless" champagne or wine. 6 to 9 p.m., $125 per person. The speakeasy will open afterwards for dancing, hits from DJ Knick Knack, and entertainment from jugglers, midgets, mime, fortunetellers, and others. Open until 2 a.m.; $20 admission, $30 without costume. Call 480-588-2244 or visit narcisse.eventbrite.com.
Red Onion Lounge
15002 N. Cave Creek Rd.
www.redonionlounge.com
Halloween bash featuring prizes for the best costume, giveaways, food and drink specials, and more. 9 p.m. Call 602-867-9989.
Rose and Crown
628 E. Adams St.
The Heritage Square pub will be the site of "A Nightmare on Adams Street" block party, which will offer live music, a beer garden with Four Peaks brews, a costume contest for cash prizes, DJs, horror flicks projected on a 90-inch screen, and more. 7 p.m., free. Call 602-256-0223.
The Sail Inn
26 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe
www.thesailinn.com
Halloween costume ball with music from six local bands, drink specials, and more. 8 p.m. Call 480-966-9565 for cover.
Sanctum
4343 N. 7th Ave.
www.facebook.com/tranzylvania.sanctum
The freaks and fiends of Tranzylvania will stage a "Zombie Apocalypse" party. DJs such as Kill the Alex and Dark Mark will spin EBM, goth, industrial, and EBM tracks all night. Drinks specials will be available and zombie costumes are encouraged. 9:30 p.m., $5.
Shady's
2701 E. Indian School Rd.
www.facebook.com/shadys.az
Halloween will be celebrated all weekend at this CenPho drinking den as hipster and revelers lounge to the jukebox sounds and partake in costume contests for prizes and "lots o' scary drink specials from Saturday until Monday. Open until 2 a.m. each night. Call 602-956-8998.
Sofrita Tapas
16848 E. Avenue of the Fountains,
Fountain Hills
A haunted house, food and drink specials, and a DJ spinning '70s-era funk and disco are on tap during the "Tapas on the Avenue Halloween Fair and Festival." 5 p.m. Call 480-816-5316.
Stand-up, Scottsdale!
6820 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale
www.standupscottsdale.com
The spirit of the old Anderson's Fifth Estate (which used to occupy the property) will take over for an evening of DJs spinning retro jams from the '80s and '90s. Food and drink specials, a costume contest, and midnight comedy show also are promised. 10 p.m., $10. Call 480-882-0730.
Steel Horse Saloon
1818 W. Bell Rd.
www.steelhorsesaloon.com
Costume party with cash prizes for the best outfits, drink specials, and rock 'n' roll from Return to Custody. 8 p.m. Call 602-942-8778.
Tempe Tavern
1810 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe
www.tempetavern.com
The punks of Grave Danger present their annual Halloween show, while the members of Garage Shock wrap themselves in rags and bandages for a special tribute to The Mummies. 9 p.m. Call 480-794-1706.
Terroir Wine Pub
7001 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
www.terroirwinepub.com
Halloween costume party with prizes for the best outfits and wines by the glass for $10. 6 p.m. Call 480-922-3470.
Tim Finnegan's
9201 N. 29th Ave.
www.timfinnegans.com
Halloween party with $3 shot and drink specials, $4.25 20-ounce Guinness pints, beads and other giveaways, music from Sol Track Union, and a costume contest with $300 in cash prizes. 7 p.m. Call 602-997-2323.
TT Roadhouse
2915 N. 68th St., Scottsdale
www.myspace.com/ttroadhouse
Halloween Zombie Booza-a-palooza featuring drink specials and TT's famous jukebox. 9 p.m. Call 480-947-8723.
Zendejas Grill
19420 N. 59th Ave., Glendale
www.zendejasgrill.com
Masquerade party featuring Latin/funk music by Aztex Band, prizes, drink specials, and more. 9 p.m., $5. Call 623-398-6434.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30
Bars & Clubs
Palazzo
710 N. Central Ave.
Automatons and bloodsuckers will battle during a special "Robots vs. Vampires" edition of the monthly tekNOIR night. Science fiction and horror-themed costumes are encouraged, $250 in cash goes to the best get-ups, drink specials are planned, and DJs Apollynon and Noiz.Fkr will drop industrial and EBM from the decks. 9:30 p.m., $5. Call 602-229-1150.
Yucca Tap Room
29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe
www.yuccatap.com
The cowpokes of the Valley Fever country music night stage their annual Honkytonky Halloween hootenanny. Those dressed as their favorite country crooners will win prizes and DJ Dana and Johnny Volume will spin vinyl records all evening long. 8 p.m., free. Call 480-967-4777.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 31
Special Events
Trunk Space
1506 Grand Ave.
Garish getups and weird costumes are de rigueur for Bay Area garage rock quirksters Shannon and the Clams, which makes 'em a perfect fit for the Trunk Space. The equally kooky JJCnV open the show along with the skankers of Liam and the Ladies and the punks of The Rebel Set. 8 p.m. $5 with costume, $10 without. Call 602-256-6006.
The Underground
105 W. Main St., Mesa
Militant straight-edge legends Earth Crisis will spend their Halloween unleashing hardcore punk upon the Mesa masses as they headline Creepy Crawl Ball III. Local support includes Run with the Hunted, Red Son, Go Great Guns, and Redeemer.
6:30 p.m., $5. Call 480-834-3709.
Bars & Clubs
Graham Central Station
7850 S. Priest Dr., Tempe
Halloween Bash featuring a $500 costume contest, 75-cent drink specials until 11 p.m., DJs, dancing, and more. 6 p.m. Call 480-496-0799 for cover.
Long Wong's at the Firehouse
1639 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe
Halloween party with "Tom Selleck mustache rides" for the "skimpiest-dressed men and women (but mostly men)," drink specials like $1.50 PBRs and $3 Skyy cocktails, and more. Local acts The Shivereens, Woodworks, Future Loves Past, Sasquanaut, Japhy's Descent, and Banana Gun will perform. 8 p.m. Call 480-894-2200.
Marc's Sports Grill & Nightlife
4494 W. Peoria Ave., Glendale
Halloween party with NFL door prizes, Monday Night Football, Texas Hold'em, dancing, karaoke, 35-cent wings until 9 p.m., and more. 6 p.m. Call 623-842-1053.
SanTan Brewing Company
8 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler
www.santanbrewing.com
SanTan's weekly Movie Night Monday will feature a screening of the 2007 horror-comedy Trick 'r Treat. 9 p.m., free. Call 480-917-8700.
