Central Track Contributor
Dallas' Best Halloween Events Are Scary Good.
This weekend (and the days through Halloween night itself, of course), many of your favorite venues, bars and places around town are throwing all different kinds of Halloween events, many of which are free and most of involve costume contests. To help you sift through the plentiful options, we've compiled a list of the biggest and best Halloween events going on. Hopefully it will help you some. Just remember: Even if you have an embarrassing costume like a giant sunflower suit or a hook-less pirate, it's still a good idea to dress up for these events. (Be sure to compare to our regular weekend to-do list here.)
Friday, October 26
Scaraoke: Halloween Edition at Texas Theatre
Mr. Rid's popular and always oddball-tinged karaoke event gets an even spookier treatment tonight at the Texas Theatre.
The Venables, Ishi and The Gorehounds at the House of Blues
Cramps tribute band The Gorehounds joins a powerhouse tribute bill at the House of Blues tonight that also features KDGE 102.1-FM program director Josh Venable's new Smiths cover band The Venables and Ishi, who'll be covering Depeche Mode in their offering.
Saturday, October 27
Dia de Los Muertos Escapade at The International Design Center,
Featuring DJs, art auctions and more, this event promises to be “Dallas' Most Fashionable Halloween Costume Party.”
Halloween Bash at The Old Monk
Almost $500 in cash prizes are up for grabs at this costume contest.
Cedar Springs Halloween Block Party
Happening on the 3900 Block of Cedar Springs (a.k.a. The Strip), this event is free for any and all. Expect plenty of scary rainbow paraphernalia and drag queens. Event starts at 7 p.m. and runs through closing time.
Double Wide Halloween Party
The Double Wide will be hosting Hall & Oates cover band The Rich Girls, local rap outfit galleryCat and DJ Tiger Bee at their Halloween Party. Get ready to dance — and also be prepared for the costume contest, photo booth and Hypnotic Donuts treats that will be available. Starts at 9 p.m.
The Gorehounds' Halloween Party at Bryan Street Tavern
Enjoy a free show at Bryan Street Tavern that's spooky to boot. With Cramps cover band The Gorehounds, Hormones and DJ Olangatan Rex performing, you'll also get to enjoy tons of beer while participating in a costume contest for prizes. Starts at 8 p.m.
The Wake's Halloween Party of Epic Legend
Hosted by The Wake at 2208 Main Street and going on from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., this party has a lot going on, including Austin bands Bright Light Social Hour and Black Taxi, burlesque performances, DJs and plenty of bars.
Maxim Halloween Party at Zouk
Maxim is having one of its Halloween parties here in Dallas at Zouk. Expect ladies and booze.
Halloween Funk-O-Lanturn at Granada
Presented by the Halo Group, this charity event to help battle cancer (proceeds go to the Clayton Dabney Foundation) features artist Freekbass, who is sure to spook/funk you out. Doors at 9 p.m.
Sunday, October 28
Pumpkin Carving Contest at Barcadia
Go take a shot (or two) and watch teams compete for prizes by carving pumpkins! Any spectators or pumpkin carvers are encouraged to dress up. Starts at 7 p.m.
Spooky Cross Bike Races and Festival
Get dressed up in your Halloween kicks and check out the cross bike races at Cedars Food Park. There will also be a food truck selection and Rahr & Sons beer.
Third Annual Halloween Bash at Black Swan Saloon
Drinks will be flowing at this affair, which features a DJ and a sketch comedy-inspired costume contest.
Tuesday, October 30
The People's Last Halloween Party at the People's Last Stand
Hosted by our old pal Susie Drinks Dallas, this event promises seasonal drinks, classic horror films on the TV screens, live music and an on-site fortune teller.
Wednesday, October 31
Justice at Palladium Ballroom
You couldn't have asked for a more appropriate dance superstar duo to come to Dallas on Halloween night. Justice (with DJ Sober) will be bringing the house down with beats appropriate for night, hopefully armed with tracks like “Waters of Nazareth” and “Let There Be Light.” Dress up for this one. It might be the biggest Halloween dance party ever. Doors at 7 p.m.
Costume Contest at Sue Ellen's
For an LGBTQ-oriented Halloween party, check out Sue Ellen's for a costume contest. Winners are to be shuffled to other locations (S4 and JR's, specifically) to compete with other costumed competitors and they'll eventually earn cash and vacation prizes.
Rob Zombie and Marilyn Mason at Verizon Theater
There could not be anything more fitting than this show on Halloween night (unless you wanted electronic music, in which case you shouldn't forget Justice). Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, two of the scariest demon lords/musicians around will both be at Verizon Theater and sharing this bill. Considering the timing and the venue, this will be a big show. Expect a gratuitous amount of super scary costumes. Starts at 7 p.m.
Hunka Hunka Halloween at the Double Wide
The Double Wide's second Halloween-focused event this week features an Elvis costume contest.
Tomahawk and Pujol at the Granada Theater
Legendary Faith No More frontman Mike Patton and his Tomahawk band will surely frighten audiences at this show, which also features Nashville rockers Pujol.
Kendrick Lamar at South Side Music Hall
Celebrating the release of his widely acclaimed new album, good kid, m.A.A.d city, Kendrick Lamar provides yet another tasty treat on Halloween night.
R.C. and The Gritz present Thriller Night at the Jam Session at the Prophet Bar
The best weekly jam session in town gets spooky tonight, serving up barbecue along with Halloween- and Michael Jackson-inspired offerings.
Halloween on Halloween at the Texas Theatre
We at Central Track are teaming with the folks behind IHeartCinema to throw this bash, which features a free, live performance from Savage & The Big Beat and the chance to catch the classic Halloweenfilm on the Texas Theatre's big screen for under 10 bones.
