Actors will reenact scary tales on the Ghost Cruise put on by Mystery Cafe and Pastimes.
(David Eby)
Halloween treats for the grown-ups
Actors will reenact scary tales on the Ghost Cruise put on by Mystery Cafe and Pastimes.
(David Eby)
Forget trick-or-treating. Slip on your costume and head to one of these Halloween-themed events in the Boston area this weekend. From haunted ghost tours to pumpkin-carving contests, there’s something spooky for everyone. Find more events, or share your costume photos, at www.boston.com/halloween.
GoreFest VIII
As ImprovBoston’s website proudly proclaims, this year’s Cirque du Slaughté is “completely inappropriate for people of all ages.’’ Warning: Don’t wear your favorite clothes. Gallons of red corn syrup will be flying. 8 p.m. Oct. 29-31. 10 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30. $22, $19 students and seniors. 40 Prospect St., Cambridge. 617-576-1253. www.improvboston.com
Ghost Cruise
Actors will reenact scary tales from when pirates, plunderers, and spirits populated Boston Harbor on this interactive cruise put on by Mystery Cafe and Pastimes. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29-30. 9:30 p.m. Oct. 30. $32, $25 ages 12 and under. Long Wharf, Boston, 781-784-7469, www.bostonghostcruise.com
Halloween Celebration with DJ Vice
A resident spinster at TAO nightclub in Las Vegas, DJ Vice will be manning the turntables at Gypsy Bar for this early Halloween celebration by 6one7 Productions. Be sure to don your best costume. The judge’s favorite outfit will win $500. 10 p.m., Oct. 29. $20, $15 in advance. 21+. Gypsy Bar, 116 Boylston St., Boston, 617-482-7799, www.gypsybarboston.com
Boo La La Party
Enjoy complimentary tastes of Halloween-themed Hpnotiq drinks and treats from Wicked Sweet Bakery at this classy cocktail fete. DJ Backspin will provide the beats and attendees are encouraged to come in their spookiest outfits. (Don’t worry, costumes aren’t mandatory.) 9 p.m.-midnight, Oct. 30. No cover. 21+. M Bar & Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental, 776 Boylston St., Boston. 617-535-8800, www.mandarinoriental.com/boston
The Guys as Girls Party
The Lights Out is just one of four bands that will dress like, and perform songs by, female artists at this Halloween bash and costume party. Madonna in all her glory phases will be celebrated by the Lights Out; other bands will pay homage to Lady Gaga, the Go-Go’s, and Britney Spears. Go dressed as your favorite rocker for the chance to win prizes. 9 p.m. Oct. 30. $12, $10 in advance. 21+. Church, 69 Kilmarnock St., Boston, 617-236-7600, www.churchofboston.com
Great Pumpkin Festival
Over 30 different pumpkin brews. Oktoberfest-inspired food. Drooling yet? Try Cambridge Brewing Company’s yummy Punjabi Pumpkin (a saison-style ale lightly spiced with curry) and toast the season with your fellow revelers at this annual fest. 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Oct. 30. $10, includes a beer glass. Cambridge Brewing Company, 1 Kendall Sq., Cambridge, 617-494-1994, www.cambridgebrewingcompany.com
Polk Records Halloween Bash
Who doesn’t want to be David Bowie? Local band A Bit Much will dress up as Ziggy Stardust (our favorite era) at this shindig, which also features SuperVolcano as MGMT, Streight Angular as Passion Pit, PFM as Radiohead, Whores at the Door as the Pixies, Deezy and the Brobots as Weezer, and Birdorgan as the Residents. 8:30 p.m. Oct. 30. $10. P.A.’s Lounge,345 Somerville Ave., Somerville, 617-776-1557, www.paslounge.com
Night of Zombie Rockstars
Something tells us that there might be some Elvis sightings in the Financial District this weekend — Zombie Elvis, that is. Wear your best undead rocker get-up to this bash and you could win prizes from Shag salon. DJ Rebel Almighty — Shag owner Sandy Poirier — will man the turntables. 11 p.m. Oct. 30. $15. 21+. Umbria, 295 Franklin St., Boston, 617-338-1000, www.zombierockstars.eventbrite.com
Nightmare on Elm Street
Each of the three courses in Gargoyles’ festive meal will be paired with a Harpoon beer or cider. Appetizers include buffalo frogs’ legs, and shrimp and crawfish cakes; choose between the pork confit or grilled salmon entrees. For dessert, feast on the fresh-baked gingerbread, garnished with fig-ginger salsa. 5 p.m. Oct. 31. $40 per person. Reservations recommended.
SoWa Market of the Living Dead
“They’re coming to get you, Barbara!’’ Get ready for a marketplace full of undead artisans and vendors. The South End open market is closing its season with another Halloween-themed extravaganza. In addition to the market, there will be live music, a costume contest, games, and food trucks. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 31. Free. SoWa Open Market, 460 Harrison Ave., Boston, www.sowaopenmarket.com 
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