photo by
Palihouse Los Angeles
Gatherings
20 Incredible Places To Celebrate Halloween In America
If you’re like us, each and every October, we’re whipped into what may be described as a Pinterest PANIC. How does one decorate with faux cobwebs? Are gourds pumpkins or are those for Thanksgiving? We think you’ll...
If you’re like us, each and every October, we’re whipped into what may be described as a Pinterest PANIC. How does one decorate with faux cobwebs? Are gourds pumpkins or are those for Thanksgiving? We think you’ll agree that the road to hell is certainly paved with the intent to make pumpkin pie out of those leftover carved pieces but drinking two bottles of wine whilst attempting to carve Mick Jag O’Lantern puts an end to that. Whether you love it or loathe it… Halloween inspiries some of the most creative gathering experiences of the year. Forget the jack o’lanterns and black cats, witches hats and bubbling bourbon cauldrons (wait, we want that). Grab your ghoulish group and saddle up for 20 of the coolest, most fabulously freaky and outright awesome Halloween experiences from around the country.
You bet your gold, spangly Speedos that we'll be doing "the time warp agaaaaaaaaain!" Head on over to what is arguably one of the coolest experiences in LA, Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetary for the the 40th anniversary of cult classic, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Expect a costume contest, circus performers, surprise guests, themed photobooth, and of course, the gorgeous surroundings of the cemetery!
For the supremely adventurous and/or fright-seekers, how does an immersive and interactive overnight experience in a frighteningly isolated mountain location sound? If you answered “like a BLAST” then grab your out-of-their-like-minded besties and hitch your wagon to this fright train called Panic Mountain. Don’t worry though, complete essential zombie survival training will be provided. Did we mention, nightmarish zombies will be roaming the surrounding woods in the darkness - stalking your every move?
Brought to you from our friends at Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow who cleverly crafted the summertime experience of watching Jaws outdoors... in the middle of a lake.... on an inner tube... at night... are back and better than ever for Halloween. Welcome to Camp Halloweekend, a sleepaway camp weekend strictly for adults. In a collaboration with Do512, Alamo Drafthouse is offering a three-day, two-night “getaway” that consists of live music, and outdoor activities such as swimming, archery, canoeing, dancing and you guessed it, watching horror movies in the dark... in the middle of the woods... at a summer camp. The films include: Friday the 13th, Sleepaway Camp, Evil Dead II, and Wet Hot American Summer. $350 will get you a two-night stay at Camp Champions in Marble Falls, food and drinks, a commemorative tee-shirt, and access to the festivities. Better yet, BYOB. It's encouraged.
Let's just say.... this parade is second only to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and parades through the “BOO CARRÉ”. Krewe of Boo became the official Halloween Parade in New Orleans in 2007. Expect beautifully horrific props and sculptures to “come to life” with 3-dimensional fiberglass or papier mache props that excite and frighten parade goers with their imaginative artistic style. Gather your chillest crew with the "voodoo that you do so well" and stay at the lovingly re-constructed Race + Religious (pictured) on this night where creativity, history and romanticism hang heavily in the air.
Photo by Ace Hotel
Want to stay away from the madness that's in and around Santa Monica Blvd. on Halloween? You know it's going to be a little bit of a different vibe when Halloween is referred to as "All Hallows Eve." This All Hallow's Eve, LA Opera Off Grand and The Theatre at Ace Hotel are presenting the 1931 Universal Studios version of Dracula on the big screen, accompanied by a live performance of the film's score by Philip Glass and frequent collaborators the Kronos Quartet.
Tickets include admission to the Black & White Ball. A post-screening, raucous, costumed dance party hosted by local outfit The Black Tux. Starting at 10 pm, expect special guest DJs, sensory-stimulating themed rooms, 4 bars, and plenty of tricks and treats we're keeping under wraps for now. We couldn't say it better ourselves—"an eerie 1920’s style movie palace and dance party in an old Hollywood style lobby is a pretty epic backdrop to your Halloween shenanigans."
Tickets include admission to the Black & White Ball. A post-screening, raucous, costumed dance party hosted by local outfit The Black Tux. Starting at 10 pm, expect special guest DJs, sensory-stimulating themed rooms, 4 bars, and plenty of tricks and treats we're keeping under wraps for now. We couldn't say it better ourselves—"an eerie 1920’s style movie palace and dance party in an old Hollywood style lobby is a pretty epic backdrop to your Halloween shenanigans."
During the month of October, the Long Beach Harbor goes dark and the Queen is heretoforth known as "Scary Mary." Climb aboard and plumb the depths of your own fear... if you dare. In the 1930s, the RMS Queen Mary was the ultimate luxury liner. When World War II broke out, the Queen Mary was painted grey and re-dubbed the “Grey Ghost” to ferry soldiers to the frontlines. Today, you can find her docked off the port of Long Beach, CA, where she now serves as a floating hotel. But before you book, beware: the ship’s 1,001 trans-Atlantic crossings of yore were accompanied by 49 recorded deaths. Today, as many as 150 different spirits may still call the Queen Mary home. Some notable residents include a crew member who was crushed to death by a watertight door and a woman dressed in all-white who dances by herself in one of the luxury suites. Watch out for drastic temperature changes, slamming doors, knocking, screams, lights flickering -- all aboard a ship that’s earned its reputation as one of the most haunted structures in America. Now includes a 3-D interactive paintball event and an Absinthe bar. Click here for ticket prices and a full schedule of events.
Join the biggest costume party in South Beach and parade up and down the pedestrian promenade of Lincoln Road Mall in your wildest getup. It’s a must see for visitors and locals alike. Families, and doggies, are welcome. The best part: it’s free! Expect special events at the bars, restaurants and shops lining the road, as well as musical performances and a costume contest at the main stage. Lincoln Road promises unparalleled people watching any time of year, but it’s especially spectacular on Halloween.
Photo by Palihouse West Hollywood
...Or you could just go to the largest Halloween party in the WORLD. Yes, the whole world. Every year on October 31st, 500,000 people take to the streets of Santa Monica Blvd. to enjoy the wild costumes and uninhibited crowds at the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval. The Carnaval features live entertainment on multiple stages, food vendors, and photo stations; and the bars along Santa Monica Blvd. take part with drink specials and patio parties. We suggest a stay at nearby luxe, long-stay Palihouse (pictured). They've created the perfect perch on their rooftop - close enough to the action, but far enough away to relax with a hand-crafted cocktail. Wooohoo WeHo!
On Saturday, October 24th, join thousands of the undead as you roam the streets of San Francisco... all for a good cause, the San Francisco - Marin Food Bank (bring canned goods to donate)! The San Francisco Zombie Walk is a yearly free event open to people of all ages and backgrounds. When: Saturday October 24, 2015 - 2:00 PM Where: Jane Warner Plaza - 17th and Market Street. ALL AGES - NO COVER.
The ultimate goal is absolute zombie domination :)
The ultimate goal is absolute zombie domination :)
RELATED ARTICLES
You might be interested in…
Hotel San Jose is hostin' a Ghost Bustin' Halloween Bash - expect "human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria." And a really good time. DJ Chino Casino will be spinning tunes and you'll be sipping on Frozen Ectoplasm Cocktails.
Photo by The Mckittrick Hotel
A legendary hotel meets the inventive folks at Punchdrunk, a game-changing theater troupe that bends the lines between space, performer and spectator. They promise two nights of "deviant witchcraft" on Halloween weekend only. Admission into one of the most immersive and thrilling theater experiences this Halloween also includes open bar all night. After admission, you'll embark upon an individual journey across three hours and may stay inside the performance for as long as you wish or opt out. Following the culminating moment of the performance you're welcome to stay on at the Manderley Bar.
Head to Gansevoort Park Avenue on of Manhattan’s premier party destinations for Halloween. The Park Lounge and Main Bar are both huge areas with floor to ceiling windows where you will be greeted with a live DJ and open vodka bar from 9PM - 10PM. Each room has its own bar with plenty of room to gather with your costume clad besties. Purchase your tickets here.
Our favorite Rhode Island boutique hotel, The Dean, is hosting a full sensory "Mysterium Masquerade" at the Providence Public Library Friday, October 30th! They're calling it a "one-of-a-kind arts inspired Halloween experience" and if we know The Dean, it may just save your life. Get your tickets, here!
If you're looking for something uniquely New York, why not go completely highbrow with a Halloween Trick or Treat Tea at the Plaza? On Friday October 30th and Saturday October 31st from 12pm – 5pm, head to the Plaza for a special Halloween “TRICK OR TREAT” Tea for all ages. During the tea service you'll enjoy autumn-inspired savory and sweet bites and trick or treat through their candy carts. Costumes encouraged.
Eloise $65 | New Yorker $75 | Champagne $115
Eloise $65 | New Yorker $75 | Champagne $115
For a super chic haute Halloween spend the night at The Crosby Street Hotel set in the cobbled streets of Soho. The moody vibes in the common areas will provide picture perfect backdrops for your costume clad crew. The location is only blocks away from the world famous Village Halloween Parade! Hundreds of puppets, 53 live bands, dancers and artists combine for a wildly creative Halloween event, hurry and get all of the details here (costumes are required!)
Some of the coolest and most inventive costumes you'll see show up at the fourth annual MoMA PS1 Halloween Ball and warehouse after party, hosted by scene queen Susanne Bartsch. Susanne Bartsch is New York City’s patron saint of transformation and inclusion. The parties she’s thrown for three decades—from Paris to Tokyo—have provided a venue for countless creative souls and “creatures” to express themselves, come together and forget the hum-drum of the everyday. Bring your costume A-game. Party, 8 p.m. to midnight. After-party (at Anable Basin, 4-40 44th Drive, Long Island City), midnight to 4 a.m. Tickets, $15 to $30.
Photo by The Late Late Show on CBS
If you're looking to resurrect a different kind of Dead one more time... do it with John Mayer. The Grateful Dead’s run of five sold-out shows earlier this summer, billed as "Fare Thee Well" and featuring Phish’s Trey Anastasio, was not a final farewell after all. On Halloween night, they're coming to the Garden.
Three of the Dead’s "core four" players -- guitarist Bob Weir and drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann -- plan to continue the party, with John Mayer on guitar. Best part? Top-tier seats for Dead & Co. will cost fans less than $100 and a $50 ticket will also be offered in honor of the band’s 50th anniversary. Tickets have been on-sale since August and are currently sold-out, but who knows what will happen before this epic night?
Three of the Dead’s "core four" players -- guitarist Bob Weir and drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann -- plan to continue the party, with John Mayer on guitar. Best part? Top-tier seats for Dead & Co. will cost fans less than $100 and a $50 ticket will also be offered in honor of the band’s 50th anniversary. Tickets have been on-sale since August and are currently sold-out, but who knows what will happen before this epic night?
For a decadent Halloween experience head to one of Miami's preemienent museum & wedding venues, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens for the 29th Annual Halloween Sundowner on Fri. Oct. 30th from 8 p.m. until midnight. This spectacular event is held on the magnificent Gilded Age estate located on Biscayne Bay in Miami and expects 1,000 people each year. Dance the night away as you enjoy live music and a premium open bar, while mixing and mingling on the waterfront terrace with a spectacular view of Biscayne Bay. Enjoy Vizcaya’s Mediterranean-revival splendor while in costume with some of Miami’s finest party-goers. Funds raised from the event go to the historic estate’s restoration and preservation efforts. Tickets are now on sale ($140 for members and $165 for general admission). Must be 21 and over to attend the event, rain or shine.
One of the more unqiue venues we've come across (and that's saying something)! This San Francisco landmark was once a National Guard station, looks like a castle, is now owned by an adult entertainment production company and has become a preeminent live music venue! Join the folks at Tilt and Crossroads Nightlife on Friday, October 30th at the Armory for a frighteningly awesome line up across two different sound stages featuring: Bag Raiders, Le Youth, The Knocks, Penguin Prison, Solidisco, SPLIT and Pacific Disco you can't go wrong! Grab your dancing shoes and costumes, because it's going to be once scary disco dance party! Or as they say - "somewhere between a crisis and a pretty good time." Get your Tickets before they sell out!
RELATED ARTICLES
You might be interested in…
Voodoo takes place every year in New Orleans’ historic City Park, amid lush lagoons, bayous and one of the largest collections of mature oak trees in the world in the city about which Bob Dylan once famously stated “There are a lot of places I like, but I like New Orleans better.” This year, the three-day Halloween weekend music spectacular is headlined by Florence & the Machine, Ozzy Osbourne and the Zac Brown Band. In its 16 year history, Voodoo has hosted over 2,000 artists & attracted over 300,000 music fans. Worship the music and let your Halloween be about the "voodoo that you do so well."
