Events

[HALLOWEEN] You’ll find every kind of party imaginable this Halloween weekend in Buffalo: a flashback to the 1990s, a Halloween drag show, a rave, and even a party for your pets. There’s a lot to take in, but a good place to start is here with our guide to local Halloween parties.

 Thursday, October 26 
 Thursday Night Terrors 
7:30pm and 9pm Amherst Theatre, 3500 Main Street

This is the official Halloween edition of Thursday Night Terrors. This is the week of the year that this series exists for and they’re doing a double feature at the Dipson Amherst Theatre on Thursday, October 26 to celebrate. First up is the 1982 cult classic Halloween III at 7:30pm followed by the 1982 Stephen King/George A Romero collaboration, Creepshow. Expect this to sell out.

 Friday, October 27 
 Lazlo Hollyfeld & Friends Play Arcade Fire 
9pm-2am Mohawk Place, 47 E Mohawk Street

One of Buffalo’s most interesting and talented original bands adds to their series of cover band tributes—which has included tributes to Radiohead, LCD Soundsystem, and the Talking Heads—with this Arcade Fire tribute show. They’ll play two sets of hits and probably some deeper cuts too by the acclaimed French-Canadian indie rock band. Get there early for a set Strokes covers by cover band Different strokes, which includes members of the Slums, Humble Braggers, and Feverbox. Friday, October 27 at Mohawk Place.

 #Whorror 2 
10pm-4am Milkie’s on Elmwood, 522 Elmwood Avenue

Is it a drag show? Is it a dance party? Is it a costume party? The answer is yes. Expect to find some serious costumes at this one. Performances by Max Darling, Vidalia May, Fifi LaFlea, Little Cake, Cat Sinclair, Another Lopez, and Plush Baby. Friday, October 27 at Milkie’s on Elmwood.

 Saturday, October 28 
 Halloween Free Comic Book Day 
11am-7pm Gutter Pop Comics, 1028 Elmwood Avenue
Start your Halloween weekend by heading over to Gutter Pop Comics for a Halloween themed comic book giveaway. Among comics on the free giveaway list are Hellboy, Batman, Ghostbusters, Star Wars and more. First come first serve. 

 The Rave that Must Not Be Named 2 
9pm-5am Dnipro Ukrainian Cultural Center, 562 Genesee Street

You don’t have to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy this massive electronic music party, but it couldn’t hurt, because the theme after all is “The Rave That Must Not Be Named.” The second annual version of this event features an international lineup headlined by Dodge and Fuski, UK dubstep masters who will be making their first appearance in the area. They’ll be joined by fellow UK dubstep and DnB comrades Joker, Original Sin b2b Taxman, and Funsta and Venezuelan dubstep/trap selector Le Burguez. And that’s just a fraction of the mainstage lineup which will also features local heroes like Basha, Hoogs, and more. Add to that three more rooms of music and you’ve got a party that’s likely to last well into the morning hours. Saturday, October 28 at Dnipro Ukrainian Cultural Center.

 90s Rise Again Halloween: The Sequel 
9:30pm-2am, Buffalo RiverWorks, 359 Ganson Street

Maybe you have all of the pieces for the perfect Steve Urkel costume. Or maybe you’re confident in your ability to pull off Clarissa or Bart Simpson. If so, then this is the Halloween party for you. The 1990s themed costume party, presented by Rise Collaborative, features 1990s alt-rock cover band Kurt & the Loders, along with DJ Crespo who will keep the golden age hip hop beats pumping all night. Plus a silent disco, a bunch of prizes, a three hour open bar and late night buffet. October 28 at Buffalo RiverWorks.

 Witches Ball: Halloween Escapade 
7pm Statler City, 107 Delaware Avenue
This is your high-end Halloween party. This year’s theme is Halloween Escapade, which is vague enough to leave it up to your interpretation. The only other info we’re given about the theme is that this is a “high fashion horror event.” This is a local event that will attract thousands of guests and Statler City is the venue. Expect performances by local artists, musicians and performers; a silent disco; a “black carpet” photo area; a sideshow by MaddTat2; and a Psychic Academy presented by Mason Winfield and Ivy Rivera.

 Sunday, October 29 
 PUPkin Fest & Dog Costume Party 
12pm-3pm Hotel Henry, 404 Forest Avenue
Puppers like to have some Halloween fun, too. That’s what the Pupkin Fest & Dog Costume Party at Hotel Henry is for. There’ll be a pet parade featuring what we can only imagine will be ugly cry-inducingly cute pet costumes, for which there will be prizes handed out. There’ll also be free healthy snacks for kids and doggos. It’s also a great opportunity to check out the beautiful hotel grounds.

 Monday, October 30 
 Beggars Night 
8pm Duke’s Bohemian Grove Bar, 253 Allen Street
It’s Monday, but Halloween hasn’t even happened yet. If you’re on a roll and want to keep the spooky celebrations going without interruption, then Beggars Night at Duke’s in Allentown is your best bet for partying on the infamous day before Halloween. Expect music by DJ Looney Tunes, Basha, Devious, Malik Von Saint, and Charles Masters. Look for some mysterious “elixir and aphrodisiac” beverages too, which can be consumed at the haunted patio bar. Best costume wins $200. October 30 at Duke’s Bohemian Grove Bar

 Tuesday, October 31 
 Monster Ball 
8pm Duke’s Bohemian Grove Bar, 253 Allen Street

Finally, it’s here. After two weeks of partying, the actual night has arrived, and it’s time to party in a club on a Tuesday. Your best bet for an authentic Halloween party on Halloween is the 8th annual Monster Ball at Duke’s Bohemian Grove Bar. Party all night with DJ Dovey, Milk, Basha, Charles Master, the Incredible Scott Down, and Charlie the Butcher. Put together your absolute best Halloween costume because there’s $500 on the line. Visit the haunted patio bar after you grab maybe your first fall beer of the year. Expect some great Sabres and Bills themed giveaways too.

 Intrepid Travelers HalloWEEN with Slip Madigan 
6pm-12am Buffalo Iron Works, 49 Illinois Street
If you’re looking for some live bands on Halloween, head over to Buffalo Ironworks. Jam bands Intrepid Travelers will put on their best Ween costumes to cover selections from the experimental alt-rock band’s extensive catalogue. They’ll be joined by fellow jammers Slip Madigan 

 Friday, November 3 
 El Dia de Los Muertos 
6pm-10pm Casa de Arte, 141 Elmwood Avenue
After a busy Halloween weekend, unwind by checking out Case de Arte’s El Dia de Los Muertos art exhibit, opening Friday, November 3. The Day of the Dead exhibit will feature installations, mixed media, film, music, paintings, and sculptures from various Mexican artists, including the co-owners of the gallery, Mara Odette and Rick Williams. This exhibit, which runs through November 14, will be the Allentown art gallery’s final.