The Ultimate Guide to Halloween Shindigs Around Town

From an 80s-themed zombie prom to a party featuring a Karate Kid actor, from costume contests to apple-bobbing, plenty of restaurants are getting in the Halloween spirit and hosting events on or around the holiday. Here's a round-up of some spooky options; leave a comment below or hit up the tipline with suggested additions. Bonus points (not redeemable for any tangible prize) to anyone who leaves a comment with an amazingly cheesy suggestion for a food-related costume.

Where: The Beehive (South End)
When: October 31: dinner 5:30pm-1am, drinks 5pm-2am, live music 6:30-1am
What: An 80s-themed zombie prom, featuring live music from 80s cover band SAFETY. Costumes are encouraged (with a prize for the best), and servers will be dressed as zombies. Special Halloween-themed dinners and drinks will be available.
How: Dinner reservations (encouraged) can be made by visiting The Beehive's website or calling (617) 423-0069.
—
Where: The Biltmore Bar & Grille (Newton)
When: October 31, 9pm-close
What: Speakeasy-style party with Prohibition-inspired cocktails, complimentary bar snacks, and prizes. Costumes encouraged but not required.
How: No cover. Call (617) 527-2550 for dinner reservations.
—
Where: Blue Inc. (Financial District)
When: October 29
What: Stuffed & Slashed, a 90s Halloween party, includes a costume contest and music by DJ Dolo, along with candy corn and caramel apple-flavored Dippin' Dots, complimentary passed appetizers, and specialty cocktails.
How: Call (617) 261-5353 for a reservation.
—
Where: Cuisine en Locale (Somerville)
When: November 2, 7:30pm-11pm
What: Locavore catering company Cuisine en Locale launches its new headquarters (in the former Anthony's space near Highland Kitchen) with MUERTOS III, a "Day of the Dead fiesta of local food and fantasmic music." Features a buffet "massmex" dinner, cocktails by Booze Époque, and live music from Walter Sickert & the ARmy of BRoken TOys.
How: Tickets begin at $35 ($55 includes admission to an after-party with the band and more). Visit Eventbrite to purchase tickets.
—
Where: dbar (Dorchester)
When: October 29, 9pm-2am
What: Spooky Tune Tuesday — show tunes meet Halloween. Costumes encouraged.
How: No cover; 21+.
—
Where: Dick's Last Resort (Faneuil Hall)
When: October 26, noon to 3pm; October 28 and 29
What: On the 26th, bring costumed dogs to the Halloween pet parade, participate in a pumpkin-carving contest, and listen to live music by Those Guys. A "Master & Me" rum punch drink special ($15.99) includes a Sailor Jerry souvenir glass and dog bowl. On the 28th and 29th, bring in costumed kids - their entree is free with purchase of an adult entree. Kids dressed as Boston sports figures get a souvenir.
How: Call (617) 267-8080 for reservations.
—
Where: Ducali (North End)
When: October 31, 8pm
What: Fifth annual 'Ducaloween' costume party and contest. Winners get a pumpkin trophy and a gift certificate to the restaurant.
How: No cover charge, but costume is required.
—
Where: East Coast Grill (Inman Square)
When: October 31
What: Hell-o-ween, a special Halloween Hell Night complete with a costume contest, special cocktails, and a very spicy menu.
How: Advance reservations were only available on a single day last week, but keep an eye on the restaurant's Facebook page for last-minute cancellations. Walk-ins can also wait for seats at the bar on the night of the event (but expect a long wait.)
—
Where: El Pelon (Brighton)
When: October 30, 8pm-11pm
What: Roxy's vs. El Pelon Halloween Mash-Up — the truck and restaurant will dress as each other. Roxy's will serve a burrito-inspired grilled cheese sandwich and El Pelon with serve a grilled cheese-inspired burrito, and guests can vote for the best. All proceeds will be donated to a charity of the winner's choice.
How: Advance tickets (highly recommended) are $15 (or $25 to also get an event t-shirt), available via Eventbrite.
—
Where: Emerald Lounge in the Revere Hotel (Theatre District)
When: October 31, 8pm
What: GRID, a Tron-themed Halloween party that takes a "stylish voyage to the future." Themed cocktails, costumes (with a prize for the best), music by DJ Bobby Kariotis, dancing.
How: No cover; 21+. Call (617) 457-2626 for table reservations.
—
Where: Estragon (South End)
When: Reservations available between 5pm and 9:30pm on October 31
What: Dead Poets Dinner — three cocktails and three courses inspired by Sylvia Plath, Edgar Allen Poe, Anne Sexton
How: $63. Call (617) 266-0443 for reservations.
—
Where: GEM (Downtown Crossing)
When: October 26, 10pm-2am
What: "Devil's Delight" Halloween party featuring DJ Fresh One. Costumes or "favorite weekend attire" encouraged.
How: Call (617) 482-1213 for regular reservations or (617) 405-5055 for VIP table reservations. Cover: $15-20. 21+.
—
Where: The Greatest Bar (Downtown)
When: October 29
What: A Halloween party for Boston's nightlife industry with live music by Never In Vegas and DJ Joshua Carl, complimentary Jose Cuervo Cinge cocktails and appetizers from 9-10pm, and a $500 prize for best costume
How: Email Mel at MCovino@unitedliquors.com to get on the VIP list
—
Where: The Hawthorne (Kenmore Square)
When: October 31, 9pm-2am
What: Dress as your favorite cocktail for a costume contest, bob for apples, watch black-and-white scary movies, drink specialty cocktails, and more at The Hawthorne's Halloween party.
How: Tickets are $25, which includes a helping of punch and snacks. Additional cocktails available for purchase. Buy tickets via Eventbrite.
—
Where: Highland Kitchen (Somerville)
When: October 31, 10:30pm
What: The 2nd annual Halloween Karaoke Costume Bash with prizes and "lots o' fun."
How: No cover; just show up.
—
Where: KO at the Shipyard (East Boston)
When: November 1, 7pm-11pm
What: A "Halloween bash" with live painting by Project SF and prizes for best costumes.
How: Advance tickets don't appear to be available at this time, so just show up or call (617) 418-5234 for more information.
—
Where: Local 149 (South Boston)
When: October 31, 10pm-1am
What: Music (DJ Jaz from Kiss 108 and JAM'N 94.5), free apps (until midnight), $5 drink specials. Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded.
How: No cover; just show up.
—
Where: Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar (Back Bay)
When: October 31, 8pm-2am
What: 'Dance with the Dead' Halloween party — prizes for best costumes, passed apps until 10pm, specialty cocktails, a photo booth, and more
How: Tickets are $35 and available via Eventbrite. VIP group packages are also available.
—
Where: Mija Cantina (Faneuil Hall)
When: October 26, 9pm-2am
What: Karate Kid's "Sweep the Leg Johnny" party, featuring "Johnny Lawrence" himself (actor Billy Zabka), face painting, a DJ, and more. Costumes required; "no party poopers allowed."
How: Tickets are $15 in advance (available via Eventbrite) and $25 at the door.
—
Where: Olé Mexican Grill (Inman Square)
When: October 31, 9pm-1am
What: Pancho Villa-style Halloween party with poker (non-monetary prizes), a limbo competition, mezcal shots, a costume contest, and DJs. Costumes are encouraged, particularly in the theme of "Pancho Villa and his girls."
How: Just show up, or call (617) 492-4495 for more information.
—
Where: space 57 in the Revere Hotel (Theatre District)
When: October 31, 9pm
What: "Freakish performers, spooky visuals, and a scary good LED light show," DJs Matty D and Frank White, a costume contest with $2,000 worth of cash and prizes, photo booths, special drinks, and more.
How: Tickets ($35) must be purchased in advance via Eventbrite. 21+.
—
Where: Salvatore's Restaurant (Theatre District)
When: October 31, 11am-10pm
What: The Theatre District location of Salvatore's is playing dress-up for Halloween, transforming into "Casa Salvatore," a Mexican restaurant, for the day. There will be a roving mariachi band, dishes like ceviche and quesadillas, and themed cocktails.
How: Call (617) 542-5555 for reservations.
—
Where: Smoken' Joe's (Brighton Center) — UPDATE: The restaurant is closed indefinitely due to "water main/construction damage." Keep an eye on their Facebook page for reopening information.
When: October 25-31 with a costume party and live music starting at 8:30pm on the 31st
What: "Hotter than Hell" week features burgers, wings, cocktails and more kicked up a notch (or several) with the intensely spicy ghost pepper. On the 31st, Cheryl Aruda and Dirty Blonde perform blues rock for a "down n' dirty Halloween," and guests are welcome to wear costumes. The top three win gift certificates to the restaurant.
How: Call (617) 254-5227 for reservations (recommended). No cover.
—
Where: Tico (Back Bay)
When: October 27, 8pm-1am
What: Costume party with prizes, tequila tastings and giveaways from Patron, all-you-can-eat buffet ($10/person), music from DJ Jaz (official DJ of the Boston Celtics)
How: No cover; more information here.
—
Where: Tremont 647 (South End)
When: October 30, 6pm-10pm
What: Dia de los Muertos three-course Mexican-inspired dinner, served community-style, preceded by a reception with margarita and passed apps.
How: Tickets are $36.49, available via Eventbrite. All ages are welcome.
—
Where: UpStairs on the Square (Harvard Square)
When: October 31-November 2
What: The annual Halloween party takes place on the 31st with special cocktails and a themed prix fixe menu ($40) heavy on apples and pumpkins (the regular menu is also available). "Scary-oke" begins at 9:30pm (with Rocky Horror Picture Show playing in the background), and the best costume wins a prize. From the 31st through November 2nd, a Halloween-themed vegan prix fixe menu is available in the Soiree Room.
How: Call (617) 864-1933 for reservations.
—
Where: Wahlburgers (Hingham)
When: October 25, 9pm-1am
What: The second annual Wahl-O-Ween Bash includes appetizers and a sundae bar, a DJ and dancing, a costume contest, and drink specials. A portion of proceeds will benefit Remember Betty, a breast cancer awareness organization.
How: Tickets are $30 (includes food, music, costume contest); cash bar. Call (781) 749-2110 or visit Eventbrite for tickets.