Halloween will be here before you know it, so don’t wait until All Hallows Eve to ask yourself the most important question of all: What am I doing tonight? Start thinking of costume ideas because we rounded up the best bets for a spine-tingling good time this October 31.
If You Like Themes…
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If 90s nostalgia has been hitting you hard lately, don’t miss Club 1994 at Rickshaw Stop. Boasting slap bracelets, a 90s-themed photo booth, and of course, spinning all the beloved tunes from the decade all night; You’ll wake up the next morning with crimped hair and “Hammer Time” stuck in your head. Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell St.
San Francisco Halloween Masquerade Ball
Rouge takes advantage of their built-in, Haunted Mansion vibe and will turn the venue into an all-out, spooky masquerade ball. Leave the party to the professionals, who will be serving themed drinks with the price of admission, and worry about the more important part of the holiday—what to wear. Rouge Nightclub, 1500 Broadway.
If you and your group of friends were already planning to dress up like Guardians of the Galaxy then, this is the place for you to party on Halloween. The Cosplay Halloween Ball is the ideal spot to unleash your creativity and you might even get inspired for next year. Hotel Kabuki, 1625 Post St.
Game of Thrones Halloween Night
The insanely popular HBO show comes to life as a circuit nightclub party. Giant throne props, dragon-fire lasers, and DJ’ed by Alex Acosta; it’ll surely be night fit for the Lannisters. Factory, 525 Harrison St.
The theme technically is: drink-as-much-as-you-can-at-some-of-best-bars-in-the-Marina. But you’re encouraged to come dressed up as someone else for this Halloween Pub Crawl. Two day passes, extending the deal through November 1st, are also available. Marina District, 1980 Union St.
If You Want to Get Scared…
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Formally at Treasure Island but still the same great party, Ghost Ship is hosted on a Victorian-era cruise ship and will feature upcycled art installations, a zombie ghost town with an alien spaceship over-head, and a massive dance floor. It’s an eco-friendly way to get your pants scared off. Pier 70, 420 22nd St.
The award-winning, mostly factual Vampire Tour of San Francisco is even more special since it became a bi-annual event in 2012. Starting at Huntington Park and continuing through Nob Hill, with stops at Grace Cathedral and The Fairmont Hotel, the mix of humor and history make it suitable for all ages. Come dressed up! There will be a costume contest as part of the Halloween tour. Huntington Park, at California and Taylor St.
The usually sleek and modern hotel we’re so familiar with transforms into a hotel-wide, haunted “house”. With your ticket, you have full run of three frightening floors and five rooms to dance until you drop. W San Francisco, 181 3rd St.
If You Want to Skip the Bar…
It’s been remade and rebooted nearly to death because no one has been able to embody the roles of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde like John Barrymore. Davies Symphony Hall will screen the restored version of the 1920s silent classic, accompanied by live organ, making it a perfectly creepy night at the movies. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave.
Gene Ween is no longer—at least, not since his epic meltdown in 2012 that caused the break-up of Ween. That Gene Ween isn’t around anymore and from the ashes we have, Aaron Freeman, also known as his new solo project. The evening promises great music and hopefully, some mysterious tricks up his sleeve. The Independent, 628 Divisadero
BATS Improv: Improvised Halloween Horror Musical
BATS Improv actors take your suggestions and turn them into a horror musical right before your very eyes. Everything from the score to the plot is made up as they go, now that’s a lot better than improv-ing your Halloween night out. Bayfront Theater, Fort Mason, Building B, Third Floor.
Lucky Strike is more than just a bowling alley, they’ve got a giant bar and lounge area, and they’re transforming it all into Bowlloween. Hit the lanes or mingle with the undead in the lounge but whatever you come dressed up as, don’t forget your bowling shoes! Lucky Strike - 200 King St.
If You Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos…
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San Francisco Day of the Dead Procession and Festival of Alters
Come decked out or quietly light a candle at an altar to remember someone who's passed. The procession begins at 22nd and Bryant at 7pm, between the amazing make-up, outfits and Aztec dancers—you can’t miss it. Garfield Park at 26th and Harrison St.
The de Young celebrates Dia de Los Muertos during their Free Friday Nights series, October 24, with a dedicated theme. de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive.
Anyone Drinking on Halloween...
Don’t end your Halloween night by turning into a real life ghost, AAA’s Tipsy Tow will tow your butt 10 miles for free, even if you’re not a member. Tipsy Tow is available on all major holidays, Halloween: 6pm until 6am November 1st. For Tipsy Tow, call 1800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP).
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