It seems every bar in town has tricks and treats up its sleeves for Halloween, so we’re providing you with a list of everything we know. First take a look at our top picks and then scroll through the full list. Check back often for updates.
Oak Lawn Halloween Block Party 2011
Saturday, October 29, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Fans of this annual block party wait all year to hit the 3900 block of Cedar Springs to eat, drink, be merry, and check out all the outrageous costumes you can handle. The Mining Company, JR’s, Sue Ellen’s, and S4 are all participants, so you can pop in any of the bars and head back outside in time to catch the costume parade and live music.
Cost: Free
The Palladium Ballroom
Saturday, October 29, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Ghostland Observatory seems to be making its Dallas Halloween concert an annual gig. Droves of costumed people show up for this light show and dance party, and we’re big fans. (Of both the weird music self-described as sounding like a “robot making love to a tree” and weird dressed-up fans.)
Cost: $31.75 on Ticketmaster
PM at the Joule
Saturday, October 29, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
We could take or leave the high society bit (Heidi Dillon stars as the evening’s celebrity DJ), but we love this Belvedere-sponsored party’s theme: 1970s Playboy Club. Cocktail waitresses will be dressed as bunnies, and bartenders will be pouring in smoking jackets. Find game tables for winning prizes in the center of the room for entertainment. Reserve your spot by emailing [email protected].
Cost: Free.
Zouk
Saturday, October 29, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“Maxim’s Masquerade Ball” is one of 15 Maxim-sponsored events around the country. As you can imagine, the ladies will likely be scantily clad as “sexy” everything (cheerleaders, cats, and carpenters), plus check out Maxim models, tunes by various DJs, and earn cash for costumes. (Money—$10,000 to be exact—for the sexiest, group, and most creative costumes is up for grabs.)
Cost: $20-$40
Black Swan Saloon
Sunday, October 30, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
This “Rock Idols” party requests you come dressed as your favorite rocker. (Always wanted to play dress up as Motley Crue, didn’t you?) Best getup wins some cash. Don’t feel like sporting big hair and tattoos? Don’t worry. All costumes are welcome. Either way, we’re going for the wonderful mixed drinks owner Gabe Sanchez whips up behind the bar. Rock on.
Cost: Free
Eddie Deen’s Ranch
Saturday, October 29, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
“The Wake” party is happening at Eddie Deen’s Ranch in downtown Dallas this year. Find all the entertainment you need: live bands, 10 DJs, burlesque, cirque, and sideshow performers, fortune tellers, a mechanical bull, three themed rooms, and a $1,000 costume contest.
Cost: $25
The Pads at the Aloft Hotel Basement Downtown Dallas
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“A Dallas Candyland Halloween” features Glenn Pakulak from Most Eligible Dallas, tunes by DJ Flip Millionz and DJ Jecho, costume contest for cash and prizes
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Candleroom
9 p.m.
Cointreau Halloween drinks
Cost: Free
Holy Grail Pub
6 p.m.
“Angels and Demons” highlights “devilish” beers: Maudite, Dubel, and Rogue Dead Guy Ale. Snack on deviled eggs, too.
Cost: Free
La Grange
8:30 p.m.
This 80s-themed Friday features a lineup of cover bands: Geezer (Weezer), The Ramonahs (Ramones) and Regatta Da Faux (covering Police songs)
Cost: Free
Manhattan Lounge
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
This party, hosted by The Bachelor Pad’s Erica Rose, features Halloween shots specials and $1 drinks for ladies until midnight.
Cost: Free
Plush
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“Go Gos and Goblins” awards prizes to the best go-go costumes and best overall Halloween costume. There will be first-, second-, and third-place winners. Ladies, drink free champagne until midnight.
Cost: Free
The Social House
10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“The Social House of Horrors Halloween Party” features tunes by DJ Onyx and a costume contest.
Cost: Free
Sunset Lounge
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Enjoy Tekneek tunes, Espolon tequila drink specials, models, and a costume contest.
Cost: Free
Zouk
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
This “Monsters Ball” features
a costume contest (prizes for best, worst, sexiest, most creative, and best couple), a ticket giveaway to the following evening’s Maxim Halloween party at Zouk, and free admission to those in costume until 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Blackfriar Pub
9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Hear tunes from a live DJ, earn cash if you’re in the “best costume,” and see scary movies playing all night.
Cost: Free
Cameo
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
A costume contest will award a $1,000 gift package. Hear sounds by DJ D-Roz.
Cost: Free
Club Dada
8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“The Greatest Halloween Show on Earth” features music, live art, “circus freaks,” prizes for scariest, funniest, and best overall costumes, and performances by The Hanna Barbarians, Dovetail, A.Dd+, Goodnight Ned. Drink free beer from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $10
Double Wide
9 p.m.
The best costumes of the night will earn bar tabs. Listen to the bands: Nightmare On E Street Band (Bruce Springsteen cover), Oliver’s Army (Elvis Costello cover), Muzak (Muse cover), and DJ Bad Holly.
Cost: Free
Elm Street Bar
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Costume contest for cash and prizes, DJ Tony Ologny, $2 wells until 11 pm. $3 draft pints and $3 margaritas all night. $15 fishbowls
Cost: $5 for guys
Escapade at eM for The Family Place
7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Get prizes for costumes judged by Todd Fiscus, music from Time Machine, and Halloween-themed food and drinks.
Cost: Tickets cost $325 and up.
The Fillmore Pub
9:30 p.m.
Check out local band The Room Sounds, $2 PBRs, shot specials, and costume contest with cash prizes.
Cost: Free
Ginger Man
8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Earn cash for best costumes and listen to Drop Top Rockets playing live.
Cost: Free
Glass Cactus
5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$1,000 costume contest, China Town, sponsored by 106.1
Cost: Free before 8 p.m.; $10 after 8 p.m.
Granada Theater
7 p.m.
A costume contest and drink specials accompany music from Manzarek Rogers band (members of The Doors), Whiskey Folk Ramblers, and RTB2.
Cost: Free
The Grapevine Bar
7 p.m.
Drink up. Happy hour prices run all night, along with a costume contest.
Cost: Free
Idle Rich
9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Find tunes by a live DJ and cash for the best costumes.
Cost: Free
Knox Street Pub
10 p.m.
The annual “Black Cat Ball” features drink specials with Espolon tequila, $3 wells, $3 jello shots, and tunes by DJ Humble.
Cost: Free
La Grange
10 p.m.
The 80s weekend continues with “80s Bandsquerade” night. Musical acts include Jackleg as old U2, Bigelow Station as Kenny Loggins, Andrew Delaney as Depeche Mode, and Young & Brave as Bruce Springsteen.
Cost: Free
Lee Harvey’s
8 p.m.
A costume contest will earn prizes for the best dressed. Listen to live music. The Voodoo Organist starts at 8 p.m. and Graceland Ninjaz begin at 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Lizard Lounge
9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
$1,000 costume contest for male and female
Cost: $15
Manhattan Lounge
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Enjoy a costume contest and Halloween shot specials.
Cost: Free
The Nodding Donkey
6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Enjoy The Edge camped out on site from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., a DJ at 10 pm, drink specials—$3 ‘Blood (Bud) Light’, Jagermeister from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Partida To-Kill-Ya margaritas—and a costume contest. (First prize is a trip to Vegas.)
Cost: Free
NYLO, Plano
7 p.m.
The sexiest costume contest ensures lots of eye candy.
Cost: $10 for guys; ladies get in free
The Old Monk
9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Enjoy a DJ, cash for costumes, and a pumpkin-carving contest that runs until Halloween. Proceeds benefit the North Texas Food Bank, and Old Monk matches each dollar.
Cost: Free
Plush
9 p.m. to 2 p.m.
This “Dragon’s Halloween Ball” features four levels of Halloween fun. Check out six DJs rotating the decks and people dressed to the nines in costume.
Cost: $25 for tickets
Poor David’s Pub
7:30 p.m.
Melissa Ferrick headlines this Halloween event with a costume contest and prizes for scariest, original, and weirdest getups.
Cost: $16
Renfield’s Corner
9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Cash for best costume
Cost: Free
Strangeways
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Barneys New York concierge Gary Jackson plays host to this fete with tunes by JT Donaldson and Ge-Ology and prizes for the best costume.
Cost: Free
Sunset Lounge
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
This is night no. 2 for Sunset’s Halloween weekend. Listen to Tekneck tunes, drink Espolon tequila, check out models, and participate in the costume contest.
Cost: Free
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The “Fang-tastic Halloween Bash” is happening inside the restaurant’s Ringside bar. Order vampire-themed cocktails, the “Vampire’s Kiss” shooter, and Avion tequila from the bar, listen to Domino Effect playing live, and be judged in the costume contest for a shot at a $100 Sullivan’s gift certificate.
Cost: Free
Swig & Gin Mill
8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Enjoy this disco-themed Halloween party at both bars with $1 PBRs all night and cash for the most risqué costume and group costumes.
Cost: Free
TABC
7 pm
Cash is awarded to the best costumes, and drink specials ($4 Patron XO and $3 Brooklyn Pumpkin Ale) are available all night.
Cost: Free
Ten Sports Grill
8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Head to Ten’s All Hallow’s Eve bash to earn some cash for your costume, drink $5 Malibu Black shots, play Halloween games, and get your tarot cards read.
Cost: $5
Vernon’s Grill
7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Check out the DJ on deck, playing Halloween tunes, and drink up on domestic pitchers for $8, and a costume contest with prizes. Order appetizers are 11 pm and get them half-priced.
Cost: Free
Windmill Lounge
9 p.m.
Find a costume contest with prizes, “ghoulish grog” (which means Halloween themed drinks) and “spooky struttin’ (meaning dancing) to tunes by a live DJ.
Cost: Free
Double Wide
9 p.m.
This event, co-sponsored by Elm Street Tattoo and Sierra Bravo, presents to you cash and bar tabs for best costumes, $3 you-call-its before 10 p.m., and this music lineup: Riverboat Gamblers, White Mountain, Missile, and Good Luck Karaoke.
Cost: Free
Margarita Massacre, Fort Worth
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Two blocks of 7th Street are being roped off for this tented margarita taste test party. Hacienda San Miguel, Bailey’s Prime Plus, Tillman’s Roadhouse, Cantina Laredo, and Blue Mesa Grill are just a few of the 20 restaurants participating in this block party competition. Grab a wristband, sample the ‘ritas, and vote for your favorite. Winner gets bragging rights in Cowtown. A portion of the proceeds benefit local nonprofit Voice of the Elderly.
Cost: $20 for a wristband
The Church
“Halloween on Halloween” features a costume contest with $1,000 in cash and prizes for winners and music by DJ Joe Virus playing electro industry and “electronic body music” and Bill Stanley with 80s tunes.
Cost: $5
Double Wide
9 p.m.
Enjoy this “singles night” record party at Double Wide with music from Mr Rid. Bring your best and worst vinyls to hear and share, and win prizes from Good Records for scariest, single, and creepiest costume. Sip on $2 wells and domestics all night.
Cost: Free
J. Black’s
“Sundown” (7 p.m.-ish)
Decorate your own drink with the “spooky martini bar,” win prizes for best costumes, and step into the photo booth to capture the memory.
Cost: Free
The Palladium Ballroom
9 pm
Bassnectar chose Dallas for the Halloween performance during his tour. Techno music + light show + costumes = a big party.
Cost: $27.50 on Ticketmaster
Terilli’s
7 p.m. to midnight
This 25th anniversary Halloween party touts “Witches Brew and Barbecue” and a costume contest as its highlights.
Cost: Tickets $50
