The calendar gods have smiled down upon us: Halloween is on a Friday this year. To kick off a weekend of revelry, we checked in with bars that opened within the past year to see what they have up their sleeves for their first Halloween on Oct. 31.
The 8th Annual Black i Ball at Cat’s Meow
Dress like a Dead Ringer — that is, the evil version of yourself or anyone else — for this bash. Owner Arman Razavi has thrown the Black i Ball since 2000 (most recently at Green Dolphin Street for the past four years), and this year moved it to his own turf. DJ Mazi and the Bedrume DJs spin, plus win $500 in the midnight costume contest. 5 p.m. No cover. 2700 W. Chicago Ave. 773-489-6998.
Dancefloor Massacre at
Angels & Kings
Hometown DJ duo E-Six & Roan manipulate video and music in a live A/V set at this rocking River North bar. Sip on $5 Effen cocktails and spooky shots such as the Fright Bite and Fang Bang, made with Venom energy drink and cherry or grape vodka, respectively. Hint: Dressing as co-owner Pete Wentz probably won’t get you in the door faster than anyone else. 8 p.m. No cover. 710 N. Clark St. 312-482-8600. Devil’s Night at The Libertine
Eerie decorations amp up the macabre vibe at this already gothic-looking Lincoln Park bar. Sip on $5 vodka drinks or buy into a $35 bar package including well drinks and domestic beer (9 p.m.-midnight). Vie for a best costume prize of $200 while DJs man the decks. 8 p.m. No cover. 1615 N. Clybourn Ave. 312-654-1782.
Vampires’ Ball at The Zoo
Dress as a vampire for priority entry at this just-opened Wrigleyville lounge, where you can tip back $3 Absolut True Blood shots while DJs spin club and hip hop. The winner of the Sexiest Vampire Contest (or as the promotional flyer reads, “Sexist Vampire Contest”) takes home $500.
9 p.m. No cover. 3369 N. Clark St. 773-697-4511.
Troma Party at The Whistler
Head to this Logan Square hang for a bash inspired by Troma, the low-budget production company behind horror movies such as “Toxic Avenger.” Movie characters wander the bar while DJ Paul Bearer spins classic horror movie soundtracks. Sip on $2 PBRs or chilling cocktails ($8) such as Blood & Sand or Rosemary’s Baby. 9 p.m. No cover. 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-227-3530.
Studio 51 at Hub 51
This River North hot spot does the time warp with a Studio 54 theme and disco beats by DJ Koncept. The best disco costumes win surprise loot, so break out the bright-hued suits and sequins. No cover; table reservations required for basement lounge Sub 51. 10 p.m. 51 W. Hubbard St. 312-828-0051.
Halloween Bash at Bottom Lounge
King Khan and the BBQ Show play this triple-threat bash celebrating Halloween, the six-month anniversary of this bar’s reopening and six years since its original debut. Also includes special guests The Goblins, CoCoComa and Women. 9 p.m. $12-$15. Tickets online: bottomlounge.com. 1375 Lake St. 312-666-6775.
1920s Speakeasy Party at In Fine Spirits Lounge
Utter the password “Albuquerque” to enter this 1920s theme soiree in Andersonville, featuring Prohibition-era cocktails. Stick around for a midnight costume contest. 7 p.m. No cover. 5420 N. Clark St. 773-334-9463.
Lisa Arnett is the Metromix
nightlife and shopping producer. lmarnett@tribune.com
Sneak preview
Experiencing Halloween overload? You won’t find a shred of spooky decor at Stay (111 W. Erie St. 312-475-0816), the tucked-away late-night lounge from the owners of Manor and RiNo, when it opens for a sneak preview on Halloween night. 11 p.m.
Party with us
Good and evil collide at Heroes & Villains, Metromix’s very own Halloween bash. Pose for a photo in front of a comic book background to get in on a costume contest awarding a weekend getaway, Bulls tickets and more. Includes a three-hour food and drink package with call liquor, domestic drafts and Kryptonite Punch. 9 p.m. $30. Tickets: signmeup.com/62215. Harry Caray’s Tavern, 3551 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-327-7800.
Freaky Friday
Keep the party going all weekend long! Log onto metromix.com for more Halloween events throughout the weekend.
