Hallowscene 2005

Though there is much fun to be had this week wandering the woods, here are some other Halloween tricks and treats into which you can sink your teeth.

General Spookiness

Getting Tricked

Through an ingenious ploy, Lakeview Pantry will be sending out trick-or-treaters to collect donations from the homes they visit, knowing we can't say no and have them crying on our door steps. All children who enroll receive a free gift bag, while supplies last.

Lakeview Pantry, 3831 N. Broadway, (773)525-5613

Carving Malkovich

Professional pumpkin carver Craig Perry will be displaying his "Best of Famous Chicago" carvings at Millennium Park Oct. 30 (4pm-11pm) and 31 (5pm-11pm), featuring the Blues Brothers, Michael Jordan, John Malkovich and others. Free.

Dressing Your Best in Boystown

Beginning Oct. 31 at 7pm on Belmont and Halsted, the 9th annual North Halsted Street Halloween Parade promises creative costumes and contests for the best-dressed pets, children and adults.

"Invasion!" Parade Radio

Tune into 104.7FM between 5:30pm and 10pm to get a taste of one of the scariest Halloween jokes ever played. Broadcast live from the Halsted Street Parade, the radio event will mimic Orson Wells' reading of "War of the Worlds" and include pre- and post-parade coverage.

Spooky Little Tour

If spooky old mansions are your thing, the Glessner House Museum's Prairie Avenue Haunted Walking Tour will do nicely. This is a good opportunity to view the sites of long-gone mansions and see a few that are still standing. Oct 28-31. Glessner House Museum, 1800 S. Prairie, (312)326-1480. $10.

Dead Can Dance

Swing dance to The Gina Knight Orchestra, or simply come for a glimpse of the infamous Resurrection Mary. Cash prizes will be awarded for the funniest, most creative and best-dressed attendees.

Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer. $10.

Viva La Raza

Benefiting Latinos United, this will also be the unveiling of its new Latino Action Research Network. Prepare for a night of dancing, including a buffet and drinks, as well as a Dia de los Muertos exhibit. $50 in advance/$60 at the door, but students can receive a discount if they call Latinos United. Latinos United, 36 S. Wabash, (312)782-7500.

Chicago Treats

The Chicago 6th Annual Halloween Ball is a "spooktacular" evening featuring dinner, dancing and performances by the cast of "Wicked." It's Halloween with a Mardi Gras flair. Dress is black tie with a mask or full costume. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, (312)744-6630. Oct 28. 6:30pm. $500.

Howl-oween

A dog day afternoon at the MCA! Dress up your doggie and come bob for treats or watch the costume contest. The event is outside and will be canceled if it rains--no dogs allowed inside the museum, Snoopy. MCA Sculpture Garden, 220 E. Chicago, (312)280-2660. Oct 29. 1pm.

Haunted Rockome

An entire 208 acres of scary good times--a village, field, pastures, hayrides, train rides, haunted barns, a corn maze, and an abandoned prison. The entire two hour experience is worth a trip to Arcola, IL, if just to see that a family-run operation can still get the scaring done just as well as corporate theme park. Visit on Friday and get free s'mores. Haunted Rockome, 125 N. County Road 425e, Arcola, (217)268-4217. Oct. 27-31. 7pm-Midnight. $12-$29.

Trains, treats, trellises

Trick or Treat inside the Chicago Botanic Garden. Featuring two "spooky" trains and treats for the whole family. All featured decorations are made at the Garden with natural materials. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. Oct 29 & 30. 10am-5pm. $4 adults/$2 children.

Macabre Magic

Bringing his skill as an illusionist to a setting befitting the macabre, David Parr moves to simultaneously frighten and educate as he delivers a history lesson interspersed with slights of hand and illusion. Don't be surprised if objects appear to move on their own accord and David Copperfield begins to seem inconsequential. Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway, (773)472-3492, Oct. 28, 30 and 31. $20.

Closing Costume Party

As the 7th annual Halloween Art Exhibit draws to an end, the public is invited to enjoy the exhibit in costume. Peter Jones Gallery, 1806 W. Cuyler, (773)472-6725. Oct. 29. 6pm-10pm.

Dick's Halloween Bash

Hosted by the Dick Erb ALS Foundation, this costume party boasts a Neil Diamond cover band, Lightning & Thunder, a raffle and a film screening. All proceeds will go towards the ALS Foundation. Chicago Athletic Association, 12 S. Michigan, (312)371-0832. Oct. 29. 7:30pm-Midnight. $50-$60.

Music

"Double, double, toil and trouble"

The University of Chicago Symphony Orchestra presents its magical Halloween concert, assembling some of the spookiest classical music in the world: Verdi's witches chorus from "Macbeth," Disney's "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," the Mexican "Sensemaya" and a selection from John Williams' score for the Harry Potter movies. The audience is invited to attend in costume. U of C Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th, (773)702-8069. Oct. 29. 7pm & 9pm. $8 adults/$5 students and children.

Haunting Harmonies, Scary Scores

A night of music to terrify, horrify and enchant fills this bill. Featuring composers of ominous music John Barns Chance, Gounod, Hector Berlioz, Ravel and John Williams. UIC University Theater, 1044 W. Harrison, (312)996-8746. Oct. 30. 3pm. Free.

"Hallowed Haunts"

A special Halloween concert for the whole family, ages 5 and up, with a program titled "Phantoms of the Orchestra." Audience is encouraged to attend in costume, younger attendees are invited to participate in Halloween games, crafts and trick-or-treating.

Civic Orchestra of Chicago, 220 S. Michigan, (312)294-3000. Oct. 29. $13-$46.

Devil Doll at the Abbey Pub

Devil Doll is the girl your mother warned you about, the kind of girl who makes it her mission to put the sex back into rock and roll. Playing at the Abbey Pub with the Honeybees, expect a burlesque-like experience, and don't be surprised if you wake up with lipstick in awkward places. Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace, (773)478-4408. Oct. 31. 8pm doors, 9pm show. $8 adv./$10 at the door.

DANK Chicago Halloween Party

A spooky night of German culture for all ages, starting off with two classic German silent horror films, "The Cabinet of Dr. Calagari" and "Faust," both accompanied by live jazz music. After 11pm, it's adults only, and DJ Hobgoblin will spin. Prizes for costumes, and of course, a German beer bar with brats. DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western, (773)561-9181. Oct. 28. 7pm.

Theater

Video Horror-thon

A haunted video fest to benefit hurricane victims and Habitat for Humanity, three films will be shown in theater-quality projection: "I Bury the Living" (1958), "Horror Hotel" (1960) and "House on Haunted Hill" (1958, starring Vincent Price). Guests can participate in a costume contest and spooky storytelling at intermission. Tasty snacks and free parking provided.

Westin O'Hare Hotel, 6100 N. River, Rosemont. Oct. 29. 5pm-Midnight.

All Hallows Evening

A Halloween benefit for the brand-new Collision Theater Company features an open bar with the price of admission, as well as a tarot-card reader, bad horror flicks and a "freaky" raffle. Also a live DJ and lots of chances to support these DePaul theater grads. Lelia Jane's, 1008 W. Armitage, (773)665-7885. Oct 28. 9pm-Midnight.

Wild Things on the "L"

The Quest Theater Ensemble brings the classic children's book "Where the Wild Things Are" to the haunted "L" with puppetry, music and mayhem. Tickets are free and available on a first-come-first-served basis. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, (312)458-0895 ex.1. Oct. 27, 28 7pm, 7:25pm, 7:50pm & 8:15pm. Oct. 29 11:40am, 12:05pm, 12:30pm, 12:55pm & 1:20pm.

Tiki Transit Tour

Local cable-access personality Danny Donuts and storyteller Michael Arch lead this tropical island on wheels. Expect magic and Halloween delights from the comedian/comedic magician team. Get a $3 discount for riding in costume. Trader Todd's, 3216 N. Sheffield, (773)348-3250. Oct 28 & 29, 8pm & 10:30pm. Oct. 31, 8pm. $30.

Clubs

Pimp and Ho Ball

This annual event hosted by "adult" stars features the band "Too White Crew." Dress up like your favorite "pimp or ho." Transit, 1431 W. Lake, (312)491-9729. Oct. 29. 9pm. $25.

Halloween '05

FOUR has an extravaganza planned for this All Hallow's Eve--featuring special guests Apl.De.Ap, Will.I.Am, Taboo and DJ Rocky Rock. Not to mention the resident DJs spinning all night, a hosted Ketel One Vodka bar, and a costume contest for the hottest gothic maid and sexiest vampire. Enjoy the Madposion dancers all night long. Four, 1551 W. Division, (773)235-9100. Oct. 28. 10pm-4am. Discounted cover before 11pm.

Thriller 2005

Calling itself "the most monstrous bash in Chicago," Green Dolphin Street becomes a haunted voodoo world, with wicked special effects. Featuring a costume contest prize of $500, special Halloween treats all night and "classic" scary movies (Halloween, Friday the 13th) playing on the big screen all night long. Green Dolphin Street, 2200 N. Ashland, (773)395-0066. Oct. 29. 11pm. $20.

Everyday is Halloween

Old school Halloween party--groove to house classics of the nineties, pop classics of the eighties and the disco of the seventies. DJs Psycho Bitch and Cisco & Isaias plan on keeping it nostalgic. Dress in black or eighties attire (usually not black). Come early and enjoy a cocktail reception until 11pm. Rednofive, 440 N. Halsted (773)381-7171. Oct. 27. 10pm. $5 until 11pm, $10 after.

Halloween Mondo

For Halloween, Mondo has assembled an army of DJs and musical artists: Voluptuous Tusk, Qusar Wut Wut, Mucca Pazza, DJ Pogo and C-Mass. The plan for the evening is to create a sweaty costumed dancing mess, but the event will also feature Mondo art, theater and photography. Mise-en-Scene, 2312 S. Indiana. Oct. 28. 8pm doors, 9pm show.

Join the Circus

Run away to the big top and join the freak show at Ontourage. Crazy events all night, including jugglers, fire breathers, stilt walkers, fortune tellers, midgets and all your favorite midway concessions. See the first ever ice-sculpture shot luge and compete in the costume contest for $1000 in cash and prizes.

Ontourage, 157 W. Ontario, (312)573-1470. Oct 28. 9pm-2am. Free before 10, $10 ladies/ $20 men.

Sexy Look-A-Like Contest

Look-a-likes get in free at this costume party, and compete for $1000 in cash and prizes. Industry faces get in free with a business card, and everyone gets in free before 10pm to enjoy a hosted bar. Ontourage, 157 W. Ontario, (312)573-1470. Oct. 29. 9pm-3am. $10 ladies/ $20 men, look-a-likes free.

Sexy Halloween Bash

This South Side nightclub opens up its three floors of music to a costume party. Compete for $500 in the contest, open to anyone 18 and over. Volkan, 2501 S. Kedzie, (773)247-2400. Oct. 28. 8pm. Ladies free before 10pm.

Ultra Fright Nite

A barrage of sound, with rooms featuring reggaeton, hip hop, merengue, bachata, cumbia, salsa, house and underground music make this party an ultra dance night. Costume contest at midnight is open to anyone 18 and over. Club PM, 2047 N. Milwaukee, (773)489-0600. Oct 28. 9pm-4am.

Celebra El Dia

Featuring three floors of music, focusing mainly on Spanish-language rocking out. Get into the Dia de las Muertos spirit by competing to win $1000 in the costume contests. This event is open to 18 and over.

Volkan, 2501 S. Kedzie, (773)247-2400. Oct. 29. 8pm.

Halloween 2005

Three rooms focusing on Spanish-language and Central American music are featured. $1000 in cash prizes at stake in the costume contest.

Club PM, 2047 N. Milwaukee, (773)489-0600. 9pm. Ladies free before 11pm.

Scream!

Four howling days of Halloween presented by Hydrate, starting off with Grammy winning DJ Hex Hector, known best for his ability to remix pop for the dance floor and his work with Jennifer Lopez.

Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, (773)975-9244. Oct. 28. 10:30pm-4am.

Hydrate Halloween

The solo artist and powerhouse behind C+C Music Factory's hit "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)," Martha Wash graces the club with her presence this weekend, along with DJ/producer Ralphi Rosario. Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, (773)975-9244. Oct 29. 10:30pm-5am.

Exotica

Sound-Bar seeks to indulge the tricks and treats that don't normally get tricked or treated and invites guests to "dress up, dress down, or don't wear anything at all!" Featuring dance cages, stripper poles and go-go dancers to help make dreams come true. First place in their costume contest walks away with $1000, and every one who enters gets a prize. Sound-Bar, 226 W. Ontario, (312)787-4480. 9pm. $20, $10 before 10pm with RSVP.

Nightmare on Weed Street

DJs Raja and Aladdin spin hot Indian Bhangra and Bollywood music, as well as house and hip-hop. The first hour includes an open bar and hors d'oeuvres.

Joe's Nightclub, 940 W. Weed, (312) 337-3486. Oct. 28. 9pm-4am.

Monster Mash

This party boasts "tricks, treats, and the hottest club beats in Chicago." DJs V, Scream and Elite will be spinning all night long, accompanying some frightful drink specials--$5 Long Islands, $3 tequila shots. No cover before 11pm. Sangria, 901 W. Weed, (312)409-9272. Oct. 27. 10pm-4am. $5 with costume.

Dead Man's Ball

While the word dead is in the party's title, there is no claim of appearances of Resurrection Mary, or any other famous Chicago ghouls. Instead, DJs Andrew Vonn, Victor R and Yo Jimbo spin a great mix of dance, house, hip-hop and rock in order to keep the beats decadent. Crobar, 1543 N. Kingsbury, (312)266-1900. Oct. 28. 9pm. $20.

Drag Gone Awry

The Chicago Kings present TWISTED, an hour-long experiment in dark creepy things and women singing and dancing in drag. Come see what skeletons these Kings have in their closets, then turn to DJ Boy "the shining" Wonder to spin the demons away. Don't miss this party, since it's one of your last chances to see the Kings in full power. Circuit Nightclub, 3641 N. Halsted, (773)325-2233. Oct. 28. 9pm doors, 10pm show. $8.

Two times a charm

The first party being hosted by the Motel Bar this Halloween offers Tarot card readings and Cherish, the burlesque snake dancer. DJ Allen Burris spins all night, except when burlesque routines are being performed around midnight. The Motel Bar, 600 W. Chicago, (312)822-2900. Oct. 29: 4pm-2am.

The X-ecutioner's Ball Part 1

Hosted by Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas, the X-ecutioner's Ball will feature two costume contests, a regular one at 11pm, and the "Another Dead Celebrity"-themed contest at 1am, with a total of $2000 at stake. Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn, (312)266-1944. Oct 28. 10pm-4am. $20.

The X-ecutioner's Ball Part 2

No guest host at this one, but watch a live "X-ecution" on stage and take part in one of (or all) three costume contests, where three first place winners will walk away with $1000 in cash each. Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn, (312)266-1944. Oct. 31. 10pm-4am. $10 before 11pm/ $15 after.

Vampire's Ball

Dress up in your finest gothic gear and come down for a chance to win a costume contest's fourth annual prize, worth $1000. Apartment Lounge, 2251 N. Lincoln, (773)348-5100. Oct. 29. 10pm-2am. No cover.

BOO-ze Bash 2

Finn McGhoul's and the Haunted Loft host two costume contests and two chances to win $1000.

Finn McCool's & The Loft, 15 W. Division, (312)337-4349. Oct. 28 & 29. 10pm-4am.

Halloween 9

Presented by Tony Macey & Lonnie Rodriguez, inside of the Hyatt Regency Hotel; featuring DJs Victor R, Kalendr and Jumpin' James, with Miro on live percussion. Hard Drive, 151 E. Wacker, (312)640-1978. Oct. 29. 10pm. $20.

Yelloween Celebrity Ball

Dress like your favorite celebrity, either dead or alive, at this champagne-infused event. Costume contest commences at around midnight, with prizes ranging from $1000 to a magnum of Veuve Cliquot. Victor Hotel, 311 N. Sangamon, (312)733-6900. Oct. 29. 6pm-2am. $10.

Rock In Peace

A Halloween benefit for World Vision, a Global Charity Organization that focuses on "child sponsorship," all proceeds will go towards the charity. Partygoers receive a bag of treats and a hosted Effen Vodka bar, as well as snacks for the first hour. Throughout the evening, a "tribute to rock bands of the past" band will be playing, as well as a DJ later on. Rockit Bar & Grill, 22 W. Hubbard, (312)645-6000. Oct 29. 8pm-3am. $20 suggested donation.

Ghouls at River East Plaza

Dick of Dick's Last Resort promises that his party is guaranteed "to wake the comatose, if not the dead." Costumed customers can vie for a $500 first prize while listening to Four Man Band pound out some Halloween classics, including the timeless "Monster Mash." Dick's Last Resort, 435 E. Illinois, (312)836-7870

Mediterrano Mayhem

Enjoy a hookah while DJ Burah spins Euro, Persian, Arabic, Bollywood, Reggaeton and hip-hop tracks. Costume contest at midnight, free entry with costume, and free candy at the bar all night long. Sayat Nova Resturant, 157 E. Ohio, (312)644-9159. Oct.29. 10pm-3am.

Two Times a Charm

The second party at The Motel Bar is a proper affair, with a very special Drag Queen relay race. The race is open to anyone dressed in drag wearing heels two-inches or higher. Winners take home prizes courtesy of Goose Island, The Pleasure Chest, and EFFEN Vodka. The Motel Bar, 600 W. Chicago, (312)822-2900. Oct. 31: registration begins at 9pm, race begins at 10:30.

(2005-10-25)

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