There are a few holidays that Buffalo seems to just go way overboard for(in a good way of course): the 24 hour drunken fest that is also known as St. Patrick's Day, Dyngus Day aka the Anderson Cooper Giggle Fest, and of course, Halloween. Rather than just one day of costumes, candy, and mischief, we turn it into a two week gaggle of endless parties. Like every year, the possibilities are endless and frankly overwhelming, so we decided to help you make up your mind and suggest some of the top parties for breaking out your best costume and generally make an ass of yourself. With parties already starting up this week, we figured we best not waste any more time. *This post was previously published on October 19th.
Dark Disco IIIFriday, October 19th
Soundlab - 110 Pearl Street
Kicking off the witching season tonight be be DARK DISCO III presented by Toats Orig along with Only Comrades, a new Buffalo underground clothing company. This will double as their launch party. Dark Disco is themed around the dead and the cool. The past two Dark Disco parties were held at the Vault, but now it has moved to Soundlab where the atmosphere will probably get even stranger. Toats Orig would like to encourage everyone to dress in black and funeral attire because this is serious fun. Musical performances include Miosi, Mario Bee, and Esbie aka Buzz Trillington. Admission is free before 10pm and $3 after.
Friday, October 19th
464 Gallery - 464 Amherst Street
Our list of Halloween events continues with tonight's MONSTER 2.0 over at 464 Gallery on Amherst St. This is the second consecutive year that the gallery will be hosting this live mixed media art event. Along with the many local art installations, live art and projections will be taking place. Check out awesome visuals from Keith Harrington and VJ Deliria. Music will be provided by Projex, Trakbenders, Lulu, and Drapes. There will be some FREE libations, and the Amy's Place Food Truck will be parked right out front. Suggested donation is $5.00. Costumes are encouraged. Festivities begin at 6pm, and the installations will run through the 31st.
Saturday, October 20th
Dnipro Ukrainian Center - 562 Genessee Street
In my completely biased opinion: The Best Halloween Party in Buffalo! Prom of the Dead began 2 years ago and is the annual fundraiser for Torn Space Theatre. TST provides audiences with the best underground and visceral theatre performances here in our city. Prom was, to many, a high-school nightmare, and what better way to increase the fear by adding blood thirsty zombies into the mix?! Come dressed as whatever the hell you want. This year's theme is "My Coney Island Baby," paying homage to the freakish sideshows that lined the boardwalk of the historic American amusement park, some of whom will be showing up to perform freaky feats of amazement Also on tap this year will be several more beer stations featuring Coney Island Craft Lagers from Schmaltz Brewing Company. Musical performances include Dr. Know, Handsome Dan and Rev. Johnny Drama, Money$nake, Projext, and UVB-76. As always, there will be everyone's favorite prom photos, which your parents will cherish forever. Drinks are free for the first hour from 9-10pm, so be sure to get there early and watch this party come to life.
Saturday, October 27th
Hamlin House - 432 Franklin Street
This friends only party at the historic Hamlin House went through a drastic makeover two years ago when they brought in MNM Presents to help make the event a public happening. This party has become very popular because of the acts they've brought in, and the fact that there is free booze with the cost of admission certainly doesn't hurt. This year will feature a live set from Rochester livetronica darlings The Manhattan Project, along with DJ sets from Cutler and Papi Chulo. There will be a highly contested costume contest, and some snack food will be provided at some point during the evening as well. Festivities being at 8pm, and beware the ghosts.
Saturday, October 27th
Nickey City CO-OP - 208 North Street
How about a Halloween Party for a cause? The Allen Town based CO-OP's annual party returns for another year of live music, craft brew, and even a fire performer. While the full bill of music acts has yet to be finalized(past acts have included the Tins and Free Henry!), the one confirmed act that peaks our interest is the debut performance of Steak & Cake Records' latest act, the electro dance outfit Signo Vinces. Party begins at 9:00pm. $5 with costume, $7 without. All proceeds will help support the NASCO Institute.
Saturday, October 27th
The Vault - 702 Main Street
Located in the heart of the Theatre District, the off beat art and performance gallery has put together a great lineup of Rust Belt acts to help get you in a spooky spirit. From the British Psych Invasion tribal rockers Aircraft to Pittsburgh's laid back rockers The Milkman's Union to the guitar/drum duo A Hotel Nourishing, wearing a ridiculous costume has never sounded so good. Doors open at 9:00pm. $4 with costume, $5 without.
Wednesday, October 31st
Duke's Bohemian Grove Bar - 253 Allen Street
On Halloween night, get wild over at the Bohemian Grove with their annual MONSTER'S Ball. This raucous Halloween party will feature a costume contest with top prize being $500! Runners-up will receive Bills tickets and gift cards. There will be plenty of dancing with sets from Looney Tunes, Drop D, Owski, Bearskinrug, Swagglerock, and Loki. The night begins at 8pm, 21 and over with a cover at the door.
Wednesday, October 31st
Hotel Lafayette - 391 Washington Street
The newly reopened and remodeled Hotel Lafayette looks to be the biggest Halloween Party of the year. At the time of this publishing, the RSVP list is already close to 600 guests for the first public event at the legendary hotel. The party will include a little of everything from a zombie walk to a Frankenstein wedding to a steam punk fashion show. As for music, DJ Culter, the Ifs, and the Irving Klaws will be on hand. Tickets can be preordered here for $20 or buy them at the door for $25. The event page hints at some creepy hotel shit ala The Shining going down. Will it be like this? Only one way to find out. For more info on the party, visit here.
