courtesy of MSTRKRFT

If you’re like me and fully embrace the cobwebbed, spooky spirit of All Hallow’s Eve, then you know that the strategic planning of ghoulish attire sometimes has to happen months in advance. No detail can be overlooked. This year, I spent so much time devising the perfect costume—my gruesome get-up requires blood, guts and tattered petticoats to accurately channel every gory aspect of Jack the Ripper’s final victim—that I forgot to plan where I would spread my devilish merriment and show off my ghastly threads. In hopes of helping out my fellow Halloween lovers, I’ve compiled a list of A+E tricks and treats to help you find the best place to flaunt your ghostly fit and get your boo on. Here's Halloween: Hot List Style


Pet Cemetery; courtesy of Castro Theatre

Stephen King Weekend at the Castro Theatre:
Friday, October 28 – Sunday October 29 (check website for details)
Nothing conjures the macabre Halloween spirit like horror films. And when it comes to the horror flick, no one does it quite like Stephen King. This weekend watch double features of ’80s King classics like Cujo, Firestarter (my personal favorite) and Pet Cemetery.

Vampira: The Movie:  Friday, October 26 at 8:30 p.m.
Oddball Films 275 Capp St., 415-558-8117
This gritty documentary about B-movie film star Maila “Vampira” Nurmi chronicles the rise and fall of the former pin up, actress and cult icon. False fangs optional.


Vampira; courtesy of Hevedburg Entertainment

The Sixth Annual Murder Ballads Bash: Saturday, October 27 at 9:30 p.m.
Starry Plough 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley 510-841-2082
Slither over to this creepy live show in the East Bay if you have murder in mind. Local musicians like the Hollyhocks and Loretta Lynch play homicidal-themed songs that will get you in the mood for applying fake blood. Bring along a faux butcher knife for good measure.

MRSTRKRFT Halloween Ball: Saturday, October 27 at 9 p.m.
Fat City 314 11th St., 415-861-0150
Come to this night of genre-bending dance music courtesy of Toronto-based electro duo MSTRKRFT. Gyrate to fierce remixes and menacing beats in your costume at this hipster-friendly boo-themed ball that boasts ghostly tricks, treats and a haunting Halloween video installation provided by blasthaus and onthefly films. 


courtesy of Club ID

Dead Rock Star Karaoke: Monday, October 29
The Cellar 685 Sutter St., 415-441-5678
Who doesn’t love channeling rock stars? In true Halloween form, the Cellar is hosting a sonic séance of sorts with their Dead Rock Star Karaoke night which encourages singing revelers to don a costume that pays homage to their favorite deceased rock icon. Who hasn’t wanted to be Jim Morrison for a night?

Club ID’s Costume Ball: Wednesday, October 31 at 9 p.m.
Rickshaw Stop 155 Fell St., 415-861-2011
After a brief hiatus, uber-hip indie dance party Club ID is back and this time with a Halloween ball that features live music provided by LA-based Hello Stranger, a fashion show and resident DJs Fletcher and Audrock who are guaranteed to get your costume-clad self moving.