All dressed up and nowhere to go? Don't let that happen on Halloween weekend. Here's where to party or just soak up a spook fest.
Spookfest @ Cow Palace, October 29:
Slap on some dancing shoes for this one: it's almost 12 hours of solid movin', groovin' and monster mashing. Look forward to some of the best turntablers out there,: DJ Shadow, Steve Aoki, Uffie, Blaqk Audio, Moby, MSTRKRFT and more. Tickets here.
DEBASER @ 111 Minna, October 29:
7x7 is pairing up with this all-vinyl 90s night for one of the gnarliest (in a good way) dance parties in town. It's Halloween-themed, yes, but will also turn into a 90s rave theme come midnight. Warning: people may crowd surf. Drop by for $3 beers, $4 spiced rum shots, and $5 Dark n' Stormies and wear a 90s themed costume (Kurt Cobain? Monica Lewinsky?) to get in free before 11 pm.
Speakeasy's Halloween Hootenanny, October 29:
A free Halloween party and cheap, seasonal beer? That's the way to get the weekend started off right. Head down to Speakeasy Ales & Lagers for a costume contest and delicious limited batch beers, like Punkin' Pie Payback Porter, Vanilla Bean Payback Porter, and Don IIPA. No password required.
Poltergeist @ Castro Theatre, October 30:
Ramp up for All Hallow's Eve with one of the freakiest movies of all time, Poltergeist. Catch actor Jobeth Williams in an onstage Q&A at noon, then at 7:30 before the feature film, check out the Carol Ann look-alike contest hosted by Connie Champagne, and "Poltergayest", a fashion show put on by the Sick & Twisted Players. The 1982 horror classic screens at 9 pm.
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde @ Davies Symphony Hall, October 31:
If you've been partying all weekend and need some quite time, slip down to Davies Symphony Hall and watch the 1920 silent classic Dr Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, accompanied by the ghoulish sounds of organists and percussionists. Before the feature film, peep the hilarious Buster Keaton short The Haunted House.
Trannyshack Halloween @ DNA Lounge, October 31:
Miss the Castro Halloween party? Head down to Trannyshack, where a very fabulous DJ-filled night is in store. Downtown Julie Brown (!) will perform, along with Peaches Christ and Heklina, and all numbers of goth tranny divas who will stage a haunted drag show at 11 pm.
Japanese Ghost Stories & Jazz @ Yoshi's, October 30 & 31:
This is a Halloween celebration of a different breed, with spoken word haunted tales told by Brenda Wong Aoki and set to Emmy-award winning composer Mark Izu's jazz and Japanese taiko drums.
