Halloween Happenings

Here are my top picks

Halloween is just around the corner and it’s time to celebrate. Here are some suggestions for a ghoulishly good time.

Catch a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Dress up as vampy as possible, “jump to the left . . . and step to the right” right on over to the Suffolk Theater in Riverhead on Friday, October 26, at 8 PM, to catch it on the big screen. Prop bags will be for sale and include everything you need to do the time warp at the viewing party for this cult classic. There will be a best Rocky Horror costume prize and after the film, stay for a free after party with DJ Phil.

Instead of “The Purge,” I call this one “The Splurge,” but worth every penny! Head to Manhattan for New York Restoration Project’s Hulaween In The Cosmos event, also known as Bette Midler’s Halloween party. The Hocus Pocus star is the founder of NYRP, a foundation that partners with local communities to create open public spaces. Explore the final frontier at this intergalactic extravaganza on Monday, October 29, at Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The costume contest will be judged by Michael Kors and there will be a performance by Midler herself. “Black Hole” tickets start at $650.

There’s also the 21st annual October Ball. This is what I did last year for Halloween and I highly recommend it. This black-tie masquerade ball, also at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, will be held on Saturday, October 27, to benefit Bigs and Littles NYC Mentoring. There will be entertainment by DJ Nicole Rose and January Jane. New this year is a Grand Benefactors dinner at 7 PM, masked in mystery in the Chapels of the Tongues.

While in New York City, dress up and head to an interactive exhibit. With these installations being all the rage, the choices are endless. Last week I stopped by Candytopia — an interactive candy installation — with reporter Nicole Teitler. Dress in a fun costume to elevate this experience and don’t be too cool to take five-billion Instagram photos. That’s what you’re there for. Nothing says Halloween quite like candy.

But candy’s not your only option. For a bloody, yet still PG-13, Halloween experience, head to Brooklyn for Nightmare Machine. According to the website, “Nightmare Machine is the culmination of your greatest phobias and freakouts designed to be tactile and shareable.” There’s also Color Factory, Fairy Island, Wonder World . . . the list goes on. Pick the one that matches your costume best.

There are also plenty of haunted houses and Halloween parties (with costume prizes) all over on the East End. These spooky haunts and happenings are the perfect way to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve. (See our article here.)

Here are my suggestions: For a haunted house, head to the Haunted Rogers Mansion in Southampton, which runs through November 3. Be on the lookout for ghouls and ghosts of previous occupants.

For a Halloween costume party, stop by The Clubhouse in East Hampton on Saturday, October 27. There will be food and drink specials as well as a DJ all night. Costume prizes include $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third.

There’s also the option of hosting your own Halloween party. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your Halloween party, look no further than the next page. Zachary Weiss compiles suggestions from event planners Ron Wendt and Philip MacGregor.

jessica@indyeastend.com
@hamptondaze