Work is the curse of the drinking classes. ~Oscar Wilde

Halloween Punch Class at Novela

The Halloween season starts officially at 6:30pm on Wednesday, with a Halloween Punch Class taught by Novela's resident punch-meister (plus Assistant Distiller at 209 Gin), Dillon Lockwood. The 90-minute class includes a bit of punch history followed by a lot of fun. You'll learn to make your own punch with the flavors of Fall (think nutmeg, cinnamon, pumpkin and rum), which you'll be required to sip while snacking on tasty bites designed to get you into the Halloween spirit. They'll even send you home with a bottle of punch, primed and ready for your next party: just add booze. Tickets are available online for $55 per person. // 662 Mission St., novelasf.com

Day of the Dead Festival at Calavera

Halloween pales in comparison to Day of the Dead, which lasts for three days in Mexico, and two weeks at Calavera in Oakland. Starting this Thursday, the Mexican Kitchen and Agave Bar will be transformed into a Dia de los Muertos festival, complete with marigold installations, altars, candles, and mezcal offerings. Chef Christian Irabien will be sharing a rotating selection of Oaxacan moles, and the bar will feature spirited cocktails made with ancestral ingredients such as corn, rice, figs, and even turkey. We dare you to try the Charlie and the Chapuline Factory, made with Oaxacan grasshoppers. // 2337 Broadway, Oakland, calaveraoakland.com

Truffle and Barolo Wine Pairing Dinner at Flour + Water

If there's anything more decadent than truffles, it's truffles paired with Barolo wine. Flour + Water is serving up exactly that on Thursday evening, starting at 7pm. Executive Chef Thomas McNaughton and Wine Director Geno Tomko are teaming up to prepare a special, fall-inspired, five-course truffle and wine pairing meal in the Test Kitchen, where Tomko will pair each course with Barolo or Barbaresco, both of which are Italian wines made from the Nebbiolo grape in the Piedmont region. Tickets are available online for $250 per person, including wine pairings. // 2401 Harrison St., flourandwater.com

El Sully Release Party at 21st Amendment

Just in time for Dia de los Muertos, 21st Amendment Brewery is releasing their brand new Mexican-style lager, dubbed El Sully. In true 21A fashion, they'll be hosting a free party this Friday at their San Francisco pub, featuring mariachi music, pinatas, Mexican-themed shenanigans (whatever that means), and people looking ridiculous in ponchos and sombreros. The festivities kick off at 4pm with beer-ritas and beer-cheladas made with 21A's signature brews. // 563 2nd St., 21st-amendment.com

The Vestry Launches Sinner's Hour

If your regular response to, "Where are we going?" is, "To hell, if we don't change our ways," Sinner's Hour at The Vestry is right up your alley. Held in a former mortuary turned restaurant/bar/music venue, the debaucherous diversion kicks off this Friday from 5 to 7pm with a launch party featuring burlesque by Hunny Bunny and her Hot Toddies, live music from Americano Social Club, $9 cocktails, and a special Good and Evil food menu. Sinner's Hour food and beverage specials will continue every Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 7pm for eternity, or at least the foreseeable future. // 777 Valencia St., thechapelsf.com

Send drinking suggestions to renee@grassrootspr.com.