Spooktober is here and with it comes, haunts, jaunts, and menacing events all over the city. Whether you’re looking for frights or fun, there are plenty of goings-on to partake in the revelry leading up to Halloween. Here are some spooky shows, parties, deals, and drinks you can get your hands on all month long.
Mixology plus macabre? Sign us up! Black Lagoon, an immersive Halloween pop-up bar, makes its way to New York City, where attendees can enjoy hair-raising cocktails amidst some spooky scenes. Interested ghouls can head to Pretty Ricky’s between October 17 and 31st. Every Wednesday you’ll walk into Emo Night, while live entertainment like burlesque shows and performances will be announced on social media. Feel free to come in costume and partake in the revelry.
The Dumbo Improvement District is ramping up for a slew of Halloween festivities beginning October 26th. From 11am until 9pm, festive photo opportunities will be available on Washington Street at Water Street, as well as in the Dumbo Archway, from the 26th through 31st. Additionally, on Halloween day, partake in the annual March to the Arch, beginning at 4pm. Costumed participants can parade through the neighborhood, led by the Funkrust Brass Band and puppets from Chinese Theater Works. After the parade, family-friendly activities will commence in the archway from 4:30-7pm, with a photobooth, costume contest, arts and crafts, music, and drinks. Additionally, over 50 Dumbo businesses will offer trick or treating at their stores from 4-7pm.
ALIVE! the zombie musical is a new production that is sure to get you revved up for the Halloween season. Performances at Theatre 555 begin October 8 and run through the 16th. The show follows a news reporter who thinks that zombies are terrorizing her small town. When she witnesses her co-worker Eve get attacked and then saved by a zombie called Zombie6, the coworkers realize there’s more to zombies than meets the eye. Can they save Zombie6’s humanity? Only time will tell. Tickets start at $35.
Stella 34 Trattoria is hosting two scream-worthy drag brunches that you won’t want to miss. Rocky Horror Drag Brunch will take place on October 15th at 11:45am and 2:30pm, while Hocus Pocus Drag Brunch will take place on October 22nd and 28th at the same times. Throw back some drinks while laughing and shivering to the hauntingly fun entertainment. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.
Every year, the Theater for the New City throws its annual Village Halloween Costume Ball, and this year marks its 47th year. Taking place on Halloween day, the outdoor festivities begin at 3:15pm and run until 8pm on E. 10th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues. The ball will feature performances, a costume competition, and dancing to swing and Latin live bands. Following the festivities, revelers can enjoy indoor performances from 8pm-12am in the Theater for the New City’s Johnson Theater. Costumes or formal wear are requested to attend. While the outdoor portion is free to attend, those who opt to enjoy the indoor performances will need to pay a $20 admission fee.
Opt for some entertainment this Halloween with shows from the 2nd annual Days of the Dead Festival, presented by FRIGID New York at UNDER St. Marks and The Kraine Theater. Taking place from October 20th through November 2nd, the festival is both available to attend in person and through at-home livestream. The shows presented as part of this festival include themes of death and the afterlife, or the spooky season in general, with titles including Brokeneck Girls: The Murder Ballad Musical!, Medium Popcorn: Halloween Edition, and Cabaret: A Night with the Dead. Tickets can be purchased online.
The Cauldron NYC always throws down when it comes to spooky season. New to the scene just in time for October is The Cauldron’s new Flatiron location, which is hosting a month-long Wizard Pumpkin Patch celebration. Explore two floors of pumpkin carving, pumpkin patches, and Halloween fun for $39.99 per person, perfect for the whole family. Each ticket comes with a pre-scooped pumpkin with a tea light, a steaming mug of HallowCream Cider, and a stylish witch’s hat. Additionally, the original Downtown location is showcasing four new experiences for people to partake in. Throughout the month of October, you can experience The Veil, a limited-edition potions experience with chilling twists on their classic potions experience. On October 28th, join the Halloween Club Party Extravaganza, with a live DJ, costumes, drag show, hors ‘oeuvres and a 3-hour open bar for $80. Can’t wait that long? Stop by on Friday the 13th for a movie marathon and DJ set, which showcases movies, cocktail concoctions, and a dance party following the films. That’s not all – head to their website to see the rest of the spooky activities the bar has lined up for the rest of October, including a paint night, horror movie quiz night, and a drag seance.
For more fun than scares, head over to The Plaza to celebrate Wicked‘s 20th anniversary on Broadway. Here, guests can partake in The “Defying Gravi-Tea” Afternoon Tea, available October 6-31. This Wicked-themed tea includes “Flying Monkey” Macarons, “Look To The Brest’ern Sky” pate a choux, and more. Plus, the Plaza’s dome will be lit emerald green to really drive it home. Reservations start at $134 per person.
Craving a sinister sip? Head to Williamsburg’s Republic Latin Fusion and order up one of their Halloween cocktails or shots amidst their Halloween decor. Five themed drinks will be available, along with teapot shots you won’t want to miss.
Happy haunting!
