Halloween 2023: Where to find a scary good time in the Twin Cities
by Tiffany Lukk
October 26, 2023
Some might be bummed that Halloween is on a Tuesday this year, but it sure hasn’t slowed the amount of events happening. Many fans of the season will recognize the opportunity for an extended Halloweekend. We found 15 eerie-sistible events so you can get your ghost on all week long.
Thursday, Oct. 26
Halloween Spooktacular at Hook and Ladder Theater
Start your Halloweekend off with a Spooktacular! Dance with some demons at Hook and Ladder Theater to the spooky sounds of Count Spookula, Mystery Meat, Hurt You, and Ice Climber. $10–$15.
Friday, Oct. 27
Swift-O-Ween Taylor Halloween Party
Get another wear out of your Eras Tour outfit at this Swiftie Halloween Party. Crave hosts a Taylor Swift dance night complete with a costume contest, specialty cocktails, friendship-bracelet-making stations, pop-up drag, and more. $15.
Minnesota Orchestra: Get Out in concert
Despite the lack of ghosts and ghouls – well, depending on your definition – Get Out ranks as one of the scariest horror movies of 2018. See a live showing of the film with the score performed by the Minnesota Orchestra and Nur-D. $25+.
Skalloween
Get your ska on this Halloweekend at the Turf Club. Music from Space Monkey Mafia, the Prizefighters, the Bishops, Runaway Ricochet, and the Skalectric Company will have you movin’ and groovin’ long past the witching hour. $15–$18.
Freak On a Leash Fellowship ⏤ Nu Metal Dance Party
Calling all fans of Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Run The Jewels: 7th Street Entry is hosting Freak On a Leash, a dance party featuring DJ Halfway Jones spinning classic nu-metal, alternative metal, and hip-hop from the ‘90s and ‘00s. Enter 7th Street’s costume contest for a chance at concert tickets, nu-metal apparel, and a cash prize. $12–$15.
Saturday, Oct. 28
3rd Annual Hallowhiskey Party
What is a Halloweekend without some Hallowhiskey? O’Shaughnessy Distilling Co. is hosting an evening of costume contests (Barbies and Kens have their own category!), cocktails, music from Little Man, and a DJ set from our own Jade. Feel free to bring a non-perishable food item for a food drive co-hosted by Second Harvest Heartland. Free.
GRRRL SCOUT: SWITCHCRAFT (Queer Halloween Party)
GRRRL Scout requests your presence for an epic queer ball at Hook and Ladder Theater. Head to the dance floor for sets and performances by DJ Choco Chi, DJ La Nena, Coffê, and special guest Pricilla Es Yuicy. Stick around for the costume contest and a chance to win prizes. $15-$35.
Transmission Presents: "A Stranger Halloween"
For one night only, the Uptown VFW turns into the Upside Down. DJ Jake Rudh brings all your favorite ‘80s tunes and music videos to the dance floor. Extra points if you go in costume. $13-$18.
Flip Phone XXL Halloween starring Crystal Methyd
Dance on down to First Avenue to see not one, not two, but nine drag performances, including one from RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Crystal Methyd. Wear your best costume for a chance to win $500. $18–$22.
Vampire Family Reunion '23
Grab your fam and sink your fangs into a slice of Pryes pizza at its Vampire Family Reunion. Sip on some Royal Raspberry while enjoying electric and house tunes from Bag Raiders, Slow Magic, and Beacon Bloom. Free.
Lake Monster Monster Bash
Get ready for a graveyard smash of an evening with Lake Monster Brewing. Have a pint of specialty beer from the Cask Cave or an Apple Cider Ale and catch performances from Ellis Cleve, Fenix Dion, Black Market Brass, Kiss the Tiger, and DJ Joshua Berwald of Transmission. Make sure to grab some pizza or a cocktail from King Coil Spirits next door. $9.
Tuesday, Oct. 31
First Avenue's Annual Halloween Party and Costume Contest
First Avenue’s Annual Halloween Party is a classic way to spend the holiday. Hosted by Diane, dance it out to sets from dj izzie p, DJ Michael Grey, DJ Espada, Dj Rowsheen, and DJ Smitty. With $1,000 in cash prizes, make sure to bring your spookiest fit to the costume contest. $10–$15.
Good Times ⏤ A '70s Halloween
Private Oats, Chutes, and special guest DJ Brian Engel of Hipshaker are reporting for duty at the Turf Club for a night of music from ‘70s legends, Hall & Oates and Electric Light Orchestra. $15.
Every Day Is Halloween ft. DJ Q, PRSPHNE, and DAZZLE
Dance to some darkwave at Gothess’s Every Day Is Halloween night. With DJ sets from DJ Q, PRSPHNE, and DAZZLE, as well as a costume contest hosted by Leatherette, you’re bound to have a ghoulishly good time. $15–$20.
SPOOKY PERREO
Get freaky to some reggae hits at this dance party dedicated to lovers of Bad Bunny. DJ La Nena will keep the music moving all night at the Fine Line. $15–$35.