Looking for a preternatural party? Get into the spirits–or beer, if that’s your poison–at one of these weekend bashes.
Halloween Throw-down
PARK WEST, 322 W. ARMITAGE AVE. 773-929-1322
Can’t decide whether you want to be a sexy pharmacist or a sexy racecar driver? There should be plenty of girls in those get-ups at this Park West bash; try going as a concept costume like, uh, static cling. Whatever you wear, everyone should be in the Halloween spirit with an open bar from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., DJs spinning all night and costume contests. 9 p.m. Saturday. $40. Tickets at Park West box office or through Ticketmaster: 312-559-1212.
Nightmare on West Hubbard Street Weekend
CABARET, 15 W. HUBBARD ST. 312-245-3100
Boiler rooms scare us even when they’re not tricked out for Halloween, so we shudder to think about what might be in store when Cabaret turns its basement room into a labyrinth based on the seven deadly sins. Each night of the three-day party will feature a different DJ. Costumes expected. 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Haunted house: $10; reservations recommended. Cover $10-$20.
Dance with the Dead
LEVEL, 1045 N. RUSH ST. 312-397-1045
Cemeteries, coffins and skulls–oh my! You’ll encounter all three at Level’s three-day bash, as well as dancers rising out of the coffins and lots of DJ beats for shakin’ your bones. Downstairs, make your way through a spider lair strung with 10,000 square yards of cobwebs. And watch your step on the dance floor–it’s being turned into a life-size cemetery with corpses hanging from the ceiling. 9 p.m. Friday, Sunday. 8 p.m. Saturday. $15-$55.
Orange Ball
CIRCUIT, 3641 N. HALSTED ST. 773-325-2233
There’s no question who’s going to be the life of the party at Circuit’s Orange Ball: Lady Bunny, the comedienne and drag artist famous for founding New York’s long-running Wigstock drag and music fest, is hopping into town to perform. DJs Oskar and Hugo will play pop and dance hits until 6 a.m. (Well, 5 a.m. But it’ll feel like 6 a.m. We love daylight savings time!) Drink specials include $10 jumbo Long Islands. 10 p.m. Saturday. $5 cover after midnight.
Halloweve
JOHN BARLEYCORN, 3524 N. CLARK ST.
773-549-6000
You’ll have no problem toasting John Barleycorn’s ghost at the Chicago Sport and Social Club’s fourth annual bash: There will be three hours of open bar featuring Southern Comfort and Finlandia vodka, Coors Light, wine, soda and well drinks. And don’t turn into a pumpkin when the open bar ends at midnight: DJs will spin into the morning. Wear a costume for a chance to win prizes. 9 p.m. Saturday. $25. Tickets: chicagosocial.com.
Boo Bash
MAD RIVER BAR AND GRILL, 2909 N. SHEFFIELD AVE. 773-935-7500
Brace yourself for mad competition at Mad River’s costume contest and benefit bash. Prizes include a one-night stay in a king suite at the Hard Rock Hotel, tickets to a Northwestern basketball game and more. Includes appetizers, beer, wine and well drinks. 9 p.m. Saturday. $40-45. Benefits Christopher House. Tickets: christopherhouse.com or 773-472-1083.
Dia de Los Muertos
SALUD TEQUILA LOUNGE, 1471 N. MILWAUKEE AVE. 773-235-5577
You always try to live each day as if it’s your last, but on the Day of the Dead you’ll really take your mantra to heart. Salute the Hispanic holiday at Salud with a costume party and open bar. And if you must know what tomorrow will bring, tarot card and palm readings are available from 8 to 11 p.m. The premium bar package includes specialty tequilas, margaritas, mojitos, beer and wine. Come dressed to impress: Prizes for costumes include $300 cash. 8 p.m. Saturday. $35.
Black i Ball
GREEN DOLPHIN STREET, 2200 N. ASHLAND AVE. 773-395-0066
Break out your leisure suit and platform shoes, because Disco Galactica is the theme for the sixth annual Black i Ball–and there’s $1,000 in prize money on the line for the best costume. Drink specials include $2 domestic beers and $5 Effen drinks, and DJ Mes will mix disco with the Boom Boom Room’s usual house and electronica beats. 10 p.m. Monday. $10.
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METROMIX@TRIBUNE.COM
