Deep O'Ween 2 is at Deep Ellum Brewing Co. (2013 photo/Jerry McClure)
Halloween falls on Friday the 31st this year, and since 31 is 13 backwards, we can only assume that makes it lucky. Logic. Regardless of predilection for superstition (or lack thereof), calling this weekend “lucky” doesn’t seem too bold. From trick-or-treating for grown-ups (you read that correctly!) to a host of bands dressed up and playing the music of their idols, this All-Hallows-Weekend don’t stop until all souls reach satisfaction.
Trick-or-Treating for Grown-Ups
As a kid, it might’ve been hard to choose which part of Halloween was best: dressing up in public or demanding candy from strangers. Luckily, as kids, we didn’t have to. All grown up, you may covet the opportunity Halloween provides to rock freaky fashion, but let’s face it, unless you’ve got a swank party to attend, the treats ain’t free and often they’re the equivalent of those horrible peanut butter things wrapped in orange and black wrappers. (We still don’t know what they’re called, and they still suck.) But this year, D-FW is rolling out the good stuff.
Fiesta de la Vida: Lakewood Brewing Company and Stampede 66 — you know, Stephan Pyles’ McKinney spot that serves up delicioso Southwestern cuisine — have partnered on a late night All Hallow’s Eve party where guests trick-or-treat at “houses” within Stampede 66 for five beer and food pairings. You keep the commemorative pint glass, and don’t forget the dessert room, filled with unlimited candy! At midnight, there’s a parade and cask tapping of Lakewood’s Temptress Mole. Come in costume and you could win a prize for “best, least effort, [or] most seductive,” then shimmy away the late night hours to the “hillbilly hip-hop” stylings of Shotgun Friday. Oct. 31st, 10 PM – 2 AM at Stampede 66, 214-550-6966 for reservations. $60 in advance, $75 at the door
Jack-O-Lantern Costume Ball at Reunion Tower: Doors open for this double-decker diversion in the GeoDeck at 8 PM, with appetizers and cocktails beginning at 9:30. At 10, the party moves up to Cloud 9 where ghoulishly garbed revelers hit the dance floor before a costume contest at the stroke of midnight. Categories include best single costume, best couples costumes, and best group costumes, and prizes include a gift certificate to Five-Sixty by Wolfgang Puck and a free night’s stay at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. Oct. 31st, doors open at 8 PM, 214-978-8010, 21+ only, tickets available online, $60
Boos and Brews at Bryan Street Tavern: BST’s dabbling in the dark arts — dark beer, than is — with a Dark Beer Tap Takeover. That’s $5 dark beers on draught all day, including some harder-to-find delicacies like Wasatch Black-O-Lantern Pumpkin Stout, Wasatch Polygamy Porter, and a Nitro version of Buried Hatchet Stout, in addition to a long list of heavy-hitting local knock-outs. Stick around for a costume contest at midnight with cash prizes and a drawing with a chance to win a flat-screen TV.
We just wanted an excuse to show you this awesome gnome costume from this year's Cedar Springs block party. (Alexandra Olivia)
Cedar Springs Halloween Costume Contest: If you happened to miss Oak Lawn’s annual block-party blowout last weekend, there’s a final chance to enjoy the ‘Hood as a spectacular-spector. Pre-registration begins at 9:30 PM at each of the strip’s mainstay clubs — JR’s, TMC, Sue Ellen’s, and Station 4 — with the finals going down at midnight on the S4 dance floor. Oct. 31st, 9:30 PM to midnight, more info here
TopGolf Zombies Ball: If you’re spooky-sporty, TopGolf Dallas at Park Lane will feature a Zombies Ball on Friday and Saturday. The event is free to attend, and it includes $20 Cauldron fishbowl specials, DJs, and costume contests. Oct 31st and Nov.1st, 8787 Park Lane, starting at 9 PM, 214-341-9600
topgolf.com/dallas/
Deep O’ Ween 2: Sometimes the sequel surprises you. Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s bringing back its Halloween fun for year two with a pre-game-perfect party in its tasting room including prizes and giveaways, live music by LOYAL SALLY, a food truck and a costume contest at 9:30 PM. Best yet, admission is free. Oct. 31st, 7 PM – 10 PM, www.deepellumbrewing.com
West 7th Boo Bash Pub Crawl: Come in costume and grab a wristband at the West 7th table in Crockett Square. Then flash that baby for drink and dinner specials at Terra Mediterranean, Rafain Brazilian Steakhouse, Tillman’s Roadhouse, Brewsters, Bar Louie, and Hacienda San Miguel. Oct 31st, 7 PM – 10 PM, deals available at Fort Worth locations only, west-7th.com
Pumpkin Carving Parties
More into a pub atmosphere? Perhaps costumed chaos and booty-shaking shenanigans aren’t your thing. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a fall festivity with your name on it. Heck, you could even carve your name into it. (By that we mean a gord, not a table, please.)
The Libertine Bar: Now in its 7th year, this annual event features everything an handlebar-mustachioed Dallasite could want: Heady brew and hand-carving. $10 gets you a pumpkin and draught beer. Sign up at the bar to compete. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places will receive $100, $50, and $25 gift cards. Oct. 27th, 6 PM to 9 PM, 2101 Greenville Ave., $10 at the door
The Old Monk: This annual event lasts longer than a week, so there are still plenty of chances to gut a gourd for a good cause. Benefitting the North Texas Food Bank, the event runs daily through Halloween, with each of its remaining weekday installments beginning at 3 PM and lasting through midnight. But note, the festivities end at 7 PM on Friday, Halloween night. $10 includes a pumpkin, carving kit, and free pint of Guinness, Smithwick’s, or Black & Tan, and The Old Monk matches your $10 charitable donation. Last year, the event raised $17,600 to help feed hungry north Texans. Oct. 27 – 31st, 3 PM – midnight Monday through Thursday, 3 PM to 7 PM on Friday, 214-821-1880
oldmonkdallas.com, $10 at the door
Black Friar Pub & The Idle Rich: Like their sister establishment, The Old Monk, proceeds from these Uptown joints’ pumpkin parties benefit North Texas Food Bank. But, these carving parties are one day only. Visit either on October 29th for a chance to master your gourd-geous craft. $10 gets you a pumpkin, carving kit, and pint of Guinness, Smithwick’s, or Black & Tan. Oct. 29th, 3 PM to 10 PM, 214-953-599, blackfriarpub.com, 214-965-9926, idlerichpub.com, $10 at the door
Musical Masquerades
You’re not the only one who likes marauding about in superhero duds. Some of these bands are playing in the likeness of their idols — that includes costumes and tribute performances. Others, just take the theatrics to the next level for Halloween. Either way, expect to be dazzling dynamics.
DeVotchKa at Gas Monkey — This Denver-based quartet hits town on Thursday October 30 with their sousaphone, theremin, and bouzouki – among other curious instruments — in tow. They got their start backing burlesque shows, even touring with Dita Von Teese during the early days, so they learned from the master when it comes to titillating performances. Rumor has it the band puts on epic Halloween performances each year replete with costumes and elaborate sets. Arial cube, anyone? Oct 30 at Gas Monkey Bar & Grill, Fox and the Bird opens at 8:00 PM, $16.50 – $35, purchase tickets online
The Clinton Years as Weezer at the Foundry: This outdoorsy Oak Cliff venue features a “Very 90s Halloween,” and period dress is encouraged. (Yes, we called it “period dress.” Breathe into this paper bag.) The Clinton Years will rock out two sets, the first includes Weezer’s entire Blue Album in honor of its 20th anniversary. (We’ve still got that paper bag if you need it.) The second is what the tribute band does best: An assortment totally awesome 90s covers. Oct 31 at The Foundry Bar, music starts at 9:00 PM, www.cs-tf.com