SPECIAL EVENTS
Alwun House
1204 E. Roosevelt St.
www.alwunhouse.org
As if you wouldn't have guessed by the enormous, creepy-looking daddy longlegs spider perched in the front yard, Halloween is sort of a big deal at the Alwun House. So much so that they celebrate the occasion throughout the entire month of October via the annual "Monster's Menagerie" group show, which features "blood-curdling creations, profane noir fantasies, and other unworldly art" from more than a dozen creatives across multiple mediums. The exhibition is viewable from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays in the gallery until October 31. Admission is free.
You can also check out these macabre masterpieces before and after Planet Poe Theatre's performance of The Fall of the House of Usher and other works by the infamous Edgar Allan Poe at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 25. Tickets are $9 in advance, $13 at the door. The yearly Monsters Ball will take place one week later on Saturday, October 31, and feature a performance by OPENDANCE, music from The Sinisters and The Mod Zombies, a costume contest for prizes, "horror d'oeuvre" finger foods, and a cash bar. Doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, $17 at the door. Call 602-253-7887.
Arizona Donut Co.
1030 W. Broadway Rd., Tempe
www.azdonutco.com
Score a free donut during Halloween at this Tempe shop. Open 24 hours. Call 480-968-1321.
Arizona Event Center
1300 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa
www.arizonaeventcenter.com
The members of Frankie's Fishnets will being doing the time warp again during a special Halloween night screening and shadowcast of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. 9 p.m. Prices and admission options vary. See www.frankiesfishnets.com or call 480-779-7716.
Cheba Hut
Three Valley locations
www.chebahut.com
Stop by the Cheba Hut locations in Tempe, Mesa, or Glendale while in costume and enter for a chance to win a special pipe. 10 a.m. To midnight. Call 480-446-0088.
Fear Farm
2209 N. 99th Ave.
If Halloween itself didn't prove to be scary enough, the organizers of Phoenix FearCON VI are hoping that the annual horror convention and film festival will pack plenty of thrills and chills for those who dare attend. The two-day event on Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2, will feature a slew of special guests from The Walking Dead (including Kyla Kenedy, Theodus Crane, Rodney M. Hall, and Sonya Thompson) and a huge variety of TV shows and movies, as well as authors, artists, and others from the horror genre. Doors open at noon both days. Daily admission is $30 and weekend passes are $55-$100. See www.phoenixfearcon.com.
Ghostball Block Party
7340 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale
If you happen to have a fantastic getup that's sexy, stunning, or spectacular, better make plans to attend the annual Ghostball in Scottsdale, as the blockbuster Halloween night block party boasts $10,000 in cash and prizes for the winners of its costume contest. Encompassing three Old Town bars — Hi Fi, Bottled Blonde, and Maya Day and Night Club — the affair will also feature more than 5,000 people in attendance and spin sessions from Kryoman, D-JR, and DJ Circle. (Paul Oakenfold is also scheduled to perform inside of Maya, although a separate ticket is required for entry). Gates open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 for the block party or $60 for the party and admission to Oakenfold's gig. Call 480-970-1112 or see www.eegtickets.com.
Lucky Strike
50 W. Jefferson St.
www.bowlluckystrike.com
Feeling lucky? Get you wrist limber, don your fanciest costume, and head for Lucky Strike's annual Bowlloween event, which will feature DJs, go-go dancers, a $1,000 costume contest, and (of course) bowling. 7 p.m., $10. Call 602-732-5490.
Lustre Rooftop Garden
2 E. Jefferson St.
www.lustrerooftopgarden.com
The third-floor outdoor lounge at the Hotel Palomar will host a Dia de Los Muertos-inspired affair with face painters, themed cocktails, music from DJ Swirl, a fogged dance floor, and $500 in prizes during the costume contest. 8 p.m., $10. Call 480-478-1765.
National Comedy Theatre
1111 S. Longmore, Mesa
www.nctphoenix.com
The theatre will present Halloween Spooktacular shows on Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1, featuring unique improv comedy games like "Death Pendulum," "Oxygen Deprivation," "Mystery Scare" and more. A costume contest with winners being decided by the audience and prize packages from the NCT and Bookmans are also planned. 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., $14. Call 602-374-5638.
Nightmare on Sixth Street Block Party
Downtown Tempe
fattuesday.ticketleap.com
Three neighboring Mill Avenue drinking spots — Fat Tuesday, El Hefe, and Handlebar — will join forces for an enormous Halloween night block party that will include more than a half-dozen Djs, multiple indoor and outdoor bars, and prizes for the best costumes. 5 p.m., $5 in advance, $10 at the door.
The Saguaro
4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
www.thesaguaro.com
The celebrating will be quite spirited throughout Halloween weekend at this boutique hotel during the Haunted Hotel Ball, which includes events over the course of two days and nights. Things kick off on Friday, October 31, with the opening party from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. that will feature DJs like Slippe, Tranzit, Hemmesphere, and Convince performing in the Anchusa Ballroom, Distrito, and Zocalo. Tickets are $40 for general admission, $400-$750 for VIP table service. A "Masquerage Pool Party" will then take place from noon until 7 p.m. at The Saguaro's outdoor pool. Admission is $15-$500. And a Dia de Los Muertos closing party goes down later that evening from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. with even more DJs throughout the hotel. Tickets are $40-$750. A three-party VIP pass is also available for $70. Call 480-308-1100 or visit www.hauntedhotelball.com.
Scorpius Aerial & Dance Studio
1700 N. 7th Ave.
www.scorpiusdance.com
The performers of Scorpius Dance Theatre will host a Halloween Masquerade Ball on Saturday, November 1, at their studio that will both raise funds and astound the senses. A variety of intimate dance and aerial performances will take place and a hosted bar and cuisine from Chef Mark Vanek from Dancing Chef Catering will be available. Masquerade attire is recommended. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., $50. Call 602-258-9511.
Symphony Hall
75 N. 2nd. St.
Ballet Arizona will present a Halloween night performance of Swan Lake that will include a special costume contest beforehand. The attendee with the best overall costume will win a $500 cash prize while those who are judged to have the "Best Zombie Dancer," "Best Traditional Dancer," and "Best Non-Dancer" themed costumes will each win ballet tickets. Judging will occur prior to showtime from 6:30 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. and winners will be announced at intermission. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25-$158 with $35 admission to the special Halloween section for anyone in costume. Call 602-381-1096 or see www.balletaz.org.
Talking Stick Resort
9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale
www.talkingstickresort.com
Lady La from Live 101.5 will serve as emcee during the resort's Wicked Ball, which will feature $7,000 in prizes doled out during a gigantic costume contest, a carnival room with live performances, an outdoor ultra lounge, and a gig by Manfactured Superstars in the main room. 9 p.m.; $50 general admission, $90 for VIP access (which includes six drinks). Call 480-850-7734.
UltraStar Multi-tainment Center
16000 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa
www.ultrastarakchin.com
A variety of Halloween activities are scheduled to take place at the center, including free "Trunk or Treat" experience in the parking lot from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., a "Circus of Fear" in the Urban Arena Laser Tag area from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., and a costume contest at midnight in Luxe Lounge. Prices for certain attractions vary. Call 520-568-3456.
W Hotel Scottsdale
7277 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale
www.wscottsdalehotel.com
This stylish Scottsdale destination will become noir-filled city of rogues, villains, crime fighters, and caped crusaders during the action-packed Gotham Halloween Bash. Alter egos and costumed characters will abound throughout the hotel while the WET Deck upstairs will resemble a city skyline, signature cocktails will be served, and DJs will drop dance mixes all evening. 8 p.m., $35. Call 480-970-2100 or see www.wscottsdaletickets.com.
BARS & CLUBS
Apollo's Lounge
5749 N. 7th St.
www.apollos.com
Skull and Bones Halloween Party with a photo booth, promo drink giveaways from Mike's Harder, $100 prize for best costume, and dance music from DJs Joseph Mercado, Musa Mind, John Faltisco, Nube, and Mr. Fah Disqo. 9 p.m., free. Call 602-277-9373.
Baja Joe's
1927 N. Gilbert Road, Mesa
www.bajajoescantina.com
Halloween party featuring classic rock from Signal 15, reverse happy hour specials, and a costume contest offering more than $200 in cash and prizes. 8 p.m., no cover. Call 480-655-1828.
130 E. Washington St.
www.barsmithphoenix.com
Local DJs Emile, Joe Bear, and Pablo Gomez will host Hello Darkness, an evening of dark techno sounds at the downtown dance joint. Costumes are encouraged. 9 p.m., free. Call 602-456-1991.
Big Fish Theatre
1300 S. Country Club Dr., Mesa
www.facebook.com/bigfishtheatre
Rock will reign during the Big Fish's Halloween Bash, which will feature performances by Tridon, Burn This for a Friend, No Regret, 20/20 Hindsight, The Catch, StarChild, and tribute act Aperfectool, as well as a costume contest with prizes for the sexiest, scariest, and best all-around costumes. 5:30 p.m., $12. Call 602-571-7572.
Bikini Lounge
1502 Grand Ave,
www.thebikinilounge.com
The Fright Fiesta with a costume contest, cheap booze, party favors, a giveaway of concert tickets to next month's show by The 1975, and spins from DJs Borisimo, Kevinsky 5000, and Adrian Flanagan. 8 p.m., free. Call 602-252-0472.
Boondocks Patio & Grill
4341 N. 75th St., Scottsdale
www.boondocksaz.com
Enjoy $5 pumpkin porter, participate in a costume contest, or rock out to live music from the Rock Hard Band. 5 p.m. Call 480-772-7613 for prices and packages.
Bourbon Jacks Bar & Grill
11 W. Boston St., Chandler
www.bourbonjacksaz.com
Zombie Halloween party with dancing, a costume contest, live music from Southern Country, and more. 9:30 p.m., free. Call 480-664-1738.
Cake Nightclub
4426 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale
www.cakescottsdale.com
Cake will host a Woman Crush Halloween, a special edition of its weekly Woman Crush Wednesday party, which will star Jayceeoh in the mix. 10 p.m. Call 490-939-1559.
C.A.S.A. Sunbá
15 E. 6th St., Tempe
www.casa-sunba.com
Didja miss out on the spectacular Neon Halloween Block Party last Halloween? Good news, son: The event's making a return, which means you'll get another chance to dance on the streets of Tempe or inside the infamous party bus/art car/mobile nightclub known as Kalliope. Like last year, the high-energy even will take place in front of C.A.S.A. and feature a full slate of local and guest DJs in the mix on two stages. The lineup includes Audrey Napoleon, Dimond Saints, Ascension, Dangerhouse, DJ Brignall, DJ Hazardous, MadMax, and Nuck 'n' Futz inside Kalliope, while the "Dungeons of the Deep" stage will feature Cyberpunk, DJ Rizkee, Euchre, Rolando Hodar, and Scott Harwood. Neon wear and costumes are encouraged. 8 p.m.; $33 general admission, $63 for VIPs, and $450-$550 for bottle service. See www.neonhalloween.com.
Clubhouse Grill
14175 W. Indian School Road
www.clubhousegrillaz.com
Wonderfully Wicked Halloween Party, where those who dress up can score half-off appetizers and compete in a costume contest for prizes for the best group, sexiest, and best overall costumes. The bar will also be serving $2 zombie shooters all night. 10 p.m., free. Call 623-535-4857.
Club Red
1308 W. University Dr., Mesa
www.clubredrocks.com
Local horror punk legends Calabrese will get spooky when they visit Club Red on Friday, October 24, as a part of their "I Ride Alone Tour." 7 p.m.; $10 in advance, $13 at the door. Call 480-258-2733.
Crescent Ballroom
308 N. 2nd Ave.
www.crescentphx.com
The Crescent will bring back Sean Watson's Halloween Ball for another go-round this year and, yes, it's still mandatory to wear a costume in order to attend. Seriously. So you'd better come up with something, since you wouldn't want to miss out on the popular affair, which will include sets from Watson, DJ My Funeral, and Body Tricks, as well as a performance by Luna Aura. 8 p.m., $1-$3. Call 602-716-2222.
Devil's Advocate
955 E. University Dr., Tempe
www.devilstempe.com
Halloween movie clips will screen on the TVs while a DJ performs, two-for-one drinks are offered, and a costume contest awards $200 in prizes during the bar's Halloween party on Thursday, October 30. 8 p.m., free. Call 480-921-2585.
Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row
4420 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale
www.dierkswhiskeyrow.com
Three straight nights of spooky shenanigans inspired by American Horror Story will transpire at Whiskey Row over Halloweekend, which kick off on October 30 with the Thursday Asylum Party featuring live music from Dawson's Gang. The band will stage a second performance on October 31 during the Friday Freakshow, which will include a costume contest boasting $1,000 in cash and prizes for the winners. Things wrap up on November 1 during the Saturday Coven affair, which will star DJ Steel in the mix along with many witches in attendance. Each event runs until 2 a.m. And is free. Call 480-945-4200.
El Dorado Bar & Grill
8708 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale
www.eldorado-bar-grill.com
Live music with Whiskey Dogz. 8 p.m., free. Call 480-276-6074.
El Hefe
640 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
www.elhefetempe.com
This Tempe taqueria and party den will be a part of the Nightmare on Sixth Street Block Party on Friday, October 31, in addition to hosting its Dia de Los Hefe affair on Halloween night. A total of $5,000 in cash and prizes will be given out during a massive costume contest that kicks off at 12:30 a.m. Doors open at 5 p.m.; $5 in advance, $10 at the door. See fattuesday.ticketleap.com. A Sun Devils and Angels party will take place on Saturday, October 1. Call 480-257-2797 for more info.
Giligin's
4251 N. Winfield Scott Plaza, Scottsdale
www.giliginsbar.com
The inside and outside of Giligin's will become a free-for-all of live music, DJs, games, drinking, and costumed debauchery during its annual three-night Halloween Block Party from Thursday, October 30, through Saturday, November 1. As always, Chuey the Rock 'n' Roll Midget will dressed in something outrageous and working his mini-bar. Gates open at 11 a.m. each day. Free. Call 480-874-2264.
Half Moon Sports Grill
288 E. Greenway Pkwy.
www.halfmoonsportsgrill.com
Halloween party with a costume contest with a $200 cash prize, various games, a DJ spinning the hits, and other fun. Specials include well drinks, drafts, Dos Equis, and Fireball shots for $3 each. 9 p.m., free. Call 602-993-6600.
Kazimierz World Wine Bar
7137 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale
www.kazbar.net
A four-course Chartreuse cocktail dinner will be served on Halloween night starting a 6:30 p.m. with live music from Ashley Norton following at 9 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required. $40 per person. Call 480-946-3004.
Max Sports Grille
7134 E. Thomas Road
www.maxsportsgrille.com
Sing your heart out during the Halloween karaoke session. 10 p.m. Call 480-994-4488.
Maya Day & Nightclub
7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale
www.mayaclubaz.com
While the Ghostball Block Party is raging outside of Maya, electronic dance music legend Paul Oakenfold will be raining down trance and breakbeat inside. Note: access into the nightclub itself requires a separate ticket and Ghostball admission or the $60 package that includes entry to both. Call 480-625-0528 or see www.sletickets.com.
The Mint
7373 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale
www.themintaz.com
Things are going to get thrilling and chilling inside this Scottsdale ultra lounge during The Mint Massacre on Halloween night, which will feature sounds by DJ Kalin Taylor, bottle service, and other perks. 9 p.m. Call 480-516-9748.
The Monastery
4810 E. McKellips Road, Mesa
www.realfunbar.com
The Wicked Weekend festivities will feature two nights of live music (including Chord on Blue on Friday, October 31, and Rust on Saturday, November 1) and costume contests. 8 p.m., free. Call 480-474-4477.
The Moon Saloon
16554 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria
www.themoonsaloon.com
A Halloween night costume contest will give away a $250 cash prize. Call 623-773-2424.
Nabers
825 N. 54th St., Chandler
www.nabersaz.com
Halloween party with music from the Ryan Sims Band, $100 prizes for the best "Honky-Tonk Angel" and "Redneck Romeo," and more. 9 p.m. Call 480 705-0288.
Oceans Seven
1420 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
www.oceans7az.com
Hometown hip-hop hero Sincerely Collins will be kicking it in Scottsdale when he and J. Musiq headline the Halloween Fling 1.0, which will be hosted by Brittanya. 8 p.m., $20. Call 480-248-7467 or see www.halloweenfling.eventbrite.com.
Palazzo
710 N. Central Ave.
Prepare thyself for an evening of gloomy and agressive sounds inside the downtown goth club when the ghouls of The Dark Umbrella and City of Madness offer up their Hellbound Halloween event. The fetish-themed party will include such DJs as Dark Mark, Noiz.Fkr, Angel Toxin, and Apollynon dropping EBM, industrial, aggrotech, and noise. A contest will give out cash to the fiend in the best Cenobite and best overall costumes. 9:30 p.m., $10.
RA Sushi
Five Valley locations
www.rasushi.com
Every RA in metro Phoenix will hold Boo Bash Halloween parties, each offering prizes for those in the best costumes, themed food specials like $8 Zombie Rolls, $8.99 Wicked Shrimp, and $10 Black Widow Rolls, as well as specialty drinks like $7 Geisha's Spell, $7 Frozen Black Lagoon, and $9 Witches Brew. 11 a.m. to midnight. Call 480-303-9800 or 480-990-9256.
Rhythm Room
1019 E. Indian School Road
www.rhythmroom.com
Music from the Bad News Blues Band, eats from the Aioli Burger Food Truck starting at 10 p.m., and a costume contest. 8 p.m., $8. Call 602-265-4842.
RnR
3737 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
www.rnrscottsdale.com
The Haunted Halloweekend celebration will take place from Friday, October 31 until Sunday, November 2, with happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. and late night food service from 10 p.m. to close. Bloody Marys and mimosas will also be available from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, while DJs such as MCB, Switch, Pulse, Sixfour spin throughout the weekend. Opens at 11 a.m. Call 480-945-3353.
The Rock
4129 N. 7th Ave.
www.therockdmphoenix.com
Get an early start at the Voodoo Revue, a "frightening evening of ghoulish tunes and scary songs" by Pandora Productions on Friday, October 24. 10 p.m., $5. A Witches Ball starring the members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is planned for Friday, October 31, at 10 p.m. Call 602-248-8559.
The Rogue Bar
423 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
Punk rock from Glass Heroes, Kid Dynamite and the Blast, Fat Gray Cat, and Hi Lo Fi. 8 p.m., $5. Call 480-947-3580.
The Sail Inn at Cactus Jack's
4747 E. Elliott Road
www.cactusjacksbar.com
Halloween Costume Ball, where a contest will decide the outfits, the bar offers drink specials, and the stage hosts music from Back Porch Pickers, Skunk Creek Railroad, Robby Roberson Quartet, and The House Rockers. 5 p.m., $6. Call 480-753-4733.
Sandbar Mexican Grill
21001 N. Tatum Blvd.
7200 W. Ray Rd., Chandler
www.sandbaraz.com
Party animals will be in abundance during the Safari Halloween parties at either Sandbar, each of which will feature $3 eyeball Jell-O shots, $4 pumpkin beers, $5 black salt muert-a-ritas, and other libations. Both run until 2 a.m. Call 480-585-5900 or 480-961-1700.
September's Bar
500 W. Southern Ave., Mesa
Halloween bash with karaoke and a costume contest that features a total of $150 in cash prizes for the top three winners. 9 p.m., free. Call 480-969-5373.
Sochu House
2801 N. Central Ave.
www.sochuhouse.com
Deep house, dope grooves, and world beats will be on tap during Sochu's Halloween costume party featuring DJs David Sabat, Joseph Mercado, WF Rani G., and Freedom. 8 p.m. Call 602-340-9777.
Stacy's @ Melrose
4343 N. 7th Ave.
www.stacysatmelrose.com
Halloween party with costume contest and spins from DJ Crash Attack and DJ Cullen Daniel. 8 p.m., free. Call 602-264-1700.
Tilted Kilt
2 E. Jefferson St.
660 W. Warner Rd., Tempe
www.tiltedkilt.com
Food and drink specials will be available and the Tilted Kilt girls will be dressed in costume during Halloweekend-long celebration at both locations. Opens at 11 a.m. Call 602-293-3888 or 480-592-0102.
9201 N 29th Ave.
www.timfinnegans.com
Halloween Costume Party with penny premium drinks and beers from 9 p.m. to 1 p.m., a contest offering separate $150 prizes for the sexiest and best ensembles, live music with Mike Mercier, and more. 8 p.m.; $30 for ladies, $40 for guys. Call 602-997-2323.
Wasted Grain
7295 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale
www.wastedgrain.com
DJ Hazardous and his fellow ragers in the Party Time Crew will transform the 100 Proof Lounge into a fantastical dance wonderland on Thursday, October 30, during Freaks and Beats, which will feature an EDM soundtrack, bottle service, go-go dancers, and other treats. 9 p.m., free. Call 480-970-0500.
Whiskey Rose Bar & Grill
6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale
www.facebook.com/whiskeyrosewestgate
Nightmare at Westgate party with different drink specials hourly, DJs, and a costume contest with $1,000 in cash and prizes. 6 p.m., free. Call 623-877-7673.
Wild Game Sports Grill
2545 E. Thomas Road
www.wildgamesportsgrill.com
Halloween Party with a DJ and dancing, prizes and giveaways, and a costume contest for cash. 9 p.m. Call 602-955-1142.
Yucca Tap Room
29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe
www.yuccatap.com
The Punk Rock Halloween Bash on Saturday, November 1, will feature headlining performances by the UK's English Dogs and Mass Terror from L.A., as well as a slew of local bands offering homages to legendary bands. To wit: Rotten Youth will cover the Sex Pistols, Cockswain will pay tribute to the Pogues, We Might Be Wasted will play Dead Kennedys songs, and members of The Revenge will perform the music of Avail. No Paradigm and The Galoshes are also scheduled to appear. 8 p.m., free. Call 480-967-4777.
Zoan
4301 N. 7th Ave.
www.facebook.com/thezoan
Halloween bash with live entertainment from 7 p.m., a DJ and dancing starting at 9 p.m., and costume contests at 9 p.m. and midnight. Open until 2 a.m.; $5 until 9 p.m., no cover afterwards. Call 602-265-3233.
