We hope you have your costume ready, because Charm City is, once again, transforming into Halloweentown. From dance parties and drag shows to costume contests and cooky cocktails, there are plenty of spooktacular events planned to make your dreams and screams come true. (While this list is geared toward adults, head over to our family-fun guide for fall happenings fit for little ones.) Need help making plans? We’ve got you covered:
EATS AND DRINKS
10/25-30: Halloween at B.C. Brewery
Head to this Baltimore County hangout for a Halloweekend full of scary good fun. Kick off the week on Oct. 25 with a special Halloween trivia night to test your knowledge of scary movies, haunted houses, and all things frightening starting at 7 p.m. Abbey Danna Band and Kara Leonard Music perform on Saturday, Oct. 29, when there will also be a dog costume contest and trunk-or-treat event. On Sunday the 30th, sip on your favorite B.C. witch’s brew during the costume and corn-hole tournament. 10950 Gilroy Road Suite F. Free entry.
10/28-30: The Charmery Fear Factory
Test your taste buds—if you dare. Once again, The Charmery is brewing up some hair-raising ice cream flavors with its fifth-annual Fear Factory menu. For three days leading up to Halloween, head to the factory inside Union Collective to try all the frightening flavors inspired by a Halloween picnic in the park, including Tomato and Mayo Sandwich, Ants on a Log, and Gin Martini with Blue Cheese Olive-Stuffed Sorbet. (Yes, these are really ice cream flavors.) 1700 W 41st St. Suite 400. Fri-Sat: 2 to 9 p.m.; Sun: 12 to 6 p.m. Free entry.
10/28: Fright Night Halloween Party at Pariah Brewing
Calling all evil spirits. Head to Pariah Brewing Company for a dance party and costume contest. DJ Webbie Webb will be spinning the tunes and Nilson Sausage Works is bringing the food. Halloween movies will be streaming all night long. 1700 Union Ave. 7 p.m. Free entry.
10/28-29: Halloween Weekend at Nepenthe Brewing Co.
If you’re looking to go the brewery route, this Hampden taproom throws one hell of a party. Look out for a special can release, limited beer variants, themed food-and-drink deals, and prizes for the best costumes. 3626 Falls Rd.
10/29: Halloween Party at Guilford Hall Brewing
Celebrate with discounted drinks, house-brewed beers, a costume contest, and plenty of pub grub at this Greenmount West hangout. DJ WokeUpWavey will be spinning live tunes until 2 a.m. 1611 Guilford Ave. 8 p.m.
10/30: Sporty Dog’s Halloween Hot Dog Contest
How about an All Hallow’s Eve hot dog? Sporty Dog Creations is hosting its first-annual Halloween hot dog-eating contest to see who can stomach the most franks in three minutes. Come in costume and walk away as the champion with a cash prize. 333 N Charles St. 1 p.m. $15.
10/30: Halloween Puppy Pizza Party at Verde
Pizza and puppies? Name a better combo. Dress up your furry friends and spend your Sunday afternoon at the Canton outpost to enjoy wood-fired pies, $5 Checkerspot beers (all proceeds will be donated to BARCS), and a special treat for all of the pups who show up in costume. Plus, the owner of the best-dressed pet will win either a $50 Verde gift card or a gift basket from Happy Dog Boutique valued at $85. 641 S. Montford Ave. 12-3 p.m.
10/31: Ekiben Baolloween
This holiday tradition—in which costumed food lovers form lines around the block to score sick deals on Ekiben buns and bowls—might be one of our favorites. At both locations in Fells Point and Hampden starting at 4:30 p.m., the team behind the Asian-fusion favorite will be dishing out $3 buns and $6 bowls for anyone who shows up in costume. Make sure you go all out: “You f’real gotta wear a costume this year,” the owners advise on Instagram. “Don’t expect to get those cheap buns without one.” 1622 Eastern Ave. and 911 W. 36th St.
10/31: Grateful Pizza Pop-Up at Bar 1801
If you haven’t yet visited this corner bar and record shop in Upper Fells Point, make plans to hang there on Halloween night—when local pizza purveyor Grateful Pizza will be in the house slinging its famous focaccia pies from 5-11 p.m. Plus, DJ Man-U-Kno (Abe Mamet) will be spinning starting at 8 p.m. Costumes are encouraged. 1801 E. Lombard St.
Ongoing: Halloween Treats at Atwater’s
Book it to the nearest location of this homegrown café chain to get your hands on some of the most festive treats around. This year’s lineup includes orange and purple-sprinkled chewy sugar cookies, chocolate “brain” cupcakes with raspberry jam icing, and a “Little Monster” cake topped with vanilla buttercream. Locations vary.
SPOOKY SIGHTS
10/19-22: Frightful Flicks at Center Plaza
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore is bringing the community’s ghosts and ghouls together this Halloween season by hosting a movie marathon of scary classics like Beetlejuice and Hocus Pocus at Center Plaza leading up to the holiday. Bring a blanket and snack on popcorn or cotton candy (with beer and wine available) as you are spooked out of your seat. Four-legged friends are invited and costumes are welcome. 100 N Charles St. 6 p.m. Free.
10/22: The Great Halloween Lantern Parade and Festival
Just in time for spooky season, Baltimore creators will set Patterson Park streets aglow with flashy, handmade lanterns. Enjoy a festival and then march on the parade route or take in the bright procession from the comfort of your stoop. Pulaski Monument. 4:30-9 p.m.
10/28: Baltimore Bike Party Halloween Ride
The gist of this Halloween Bike Party is pretty straightforward: bike first, party later. Bike through the city along with your fellow costumed cyclists. Then, follow the music trailer and its terrifying tunes to motivate you to your final stop at Monument City Brewing Co., which will offer an all-out after party with beers, photobooth fun, live DJ entertainment, and eats by Bmore Greek Grill. 600 N. Paca St. 6:30 p.m. Donations optional.
10/29: Ghostbusters Double Feature at Guinness Open Gate Brewery
Camp out on the lush lawn at the Guinness facility in Halethorpe to enjoy back-to-back showings of this Halloween classic and its sequel. The experience will be enhanced by eats, drinks, and a visit by the Charm City Ghostbusters cosplayers—who will be snapping photos and showing off their costumes and paranormal gear. 5001 Washington Blvd., Halethorpe. 6:15 p.m.
Partial to a haunted house? Looking to celebrate by doing the “Time Warp” at a local rendition of the Rocky Horror Picture Show? We’ve got you covered.
PARTIES AND PERFORMANCES
10/22: Pumpkin Pride
Head to the second floor of The Civil in Mount Vernon for this 21-and-over fundraiser to benefit T.Y.I.A. (Transforming Youth Into Adults), which supports Baltimore youth—with programs specifically geared toward foster youth and LGBTQ+ youth—on their trajectory toward independence. All proceeds from this fun fest, which will feature a live DJ, pumpkin-painting contest, free food, and prizes for the best costume, will help to acquire safe homes for LGBTQ+ youth. 518 N. Charles St. 6-10 p.m. Free.
10/24-10/29: Halloweek at Bark Social
This outdoor hangout for humans and their four-legged friends is going all out for the entire week leading up to All Hallows’ Eve. Throughout the week, the Canton spot will host a dog-and-owner costume contest, cookie decorating night, tap takeover to benefit The Ulman Foundation, and even a Shark Tank-style singles meet-up. On Oct. 28, enjoy an energized evening of drag, dogs, and dancing with a show hosted by Kayen Amore Chloe and Egyppt Chloe—whose proceeds will go directly to the performers and donations will support the MoCo Pride Center. The next night, costumed revelers will dance the night away with live music, spooky cocktails, and fun prizes. 3822 Boston St.
10/27-29: Halloweekend at Power Plant Live
Starting on Thursday, Oct. 27, three nights of frightening fun are descending on the downtown bar district. A glow-in-the-dark Rally in the Alley kicks off the weekend with live music, confetti cannons, and glowing inflatables. Then, the cleverly named Nightmare on Market Street follows on Oct. 29 with DJ performances and a costume contest that will award $5,000 in prizes. All of the events lead up to Halloween night, when ACRAZE will light up the stage at 5 p.m. with bone-rattling music from EDM favorites including Nostalgix and Rhyatt. 34 Market Place. Tickets vary by event.
10/28-29: Halloween Party to Support Breast Cancer Awareness at Bondhouse
Sip themed drinks for a good cause at this second-annual event at Bondhouse in Fells Point. Starting at 9 p.m. on Oct. 28, a portion of all of the evening’s specialty cocktail proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research. The next night, come dressed to impress for a costume contest with cash prizes ranging from $75-250. 701 S. Bond St.
10/29: Halloween Drag Show and Dance Party at Ottobar
Hit the ATM for dollar bills and join Pariah Sinclair and Cher Rub as they host this boo-ty-shaking drag show and dance party. Enjoy two devilish drag performances followed by DJ Candy Corn’s blood-curdling beats. 2549 N. Howard St. 9 p.m. $10.
10/29: Halloween “One More Time” at the Maryland Science Center
Halloween festivities are back and better than ever this year at the Science Center. Shake your bones to a killer lineup of tribute bands including Interstella (Daft Punk,) Psycho Killers (Talking Heads,) and Dirty Grass Players (Dirty Dead.) Then head to the rooftop for a dance party overlooking the glittering city skyline. VIP tickets include early entry, a pizza party, three drinks, and an exclusive performance by Phish tribute, Phoam. 601 Light St. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. GA: $49, VIP: $99.
10/29: Le Freak Halloween
The Manor in Mount Vernon is transforming all three floors into a spooky circus extravaganza. Show up in your best circus-chic attire to dance the night away with house, disco, and EDM hits. 924 N. Charles. $25-35. 9 p.m.
10/29: Halloween Party and Karaoke at Venice Tavern
Belt your favorite holiday tunes (“Monster Mash” or “Thriller,” perhaps?) during karaoke with DJ Mikie Love at Venice Tavern’s inaugural Halloween party. Be sure to dress up and be prepared for food and drink specials starting at 7 p.m. 1018 Eastern Ave.
10/29: In Too Deep at Waterfront Hotel
Check out the renovated interior at this hallowed Fells Point bar, which will feature a live soundtrack of early-00s pop-punk hits performed by cover band In Too Deep. Costumes (something early aughts-themed, perhaps?) are encouraged. 1710 Thames St.
10/29-10/31: Halloweekend on Point
The Point in Fells is party central whenever a holiday rolls around, and this one will be no different. Make the neighborhood staple your Halloween headquarters with a glow party on Oct. 29, special industry bash on Oct. 30, and music spun by DJ Dr. J on the big night. Plus, look out for drink specials and come in costume for a chance to win prizes. 1738 Thames St.
COSTUME CONTESTS
10/28: Halloween Party and Costume Contest at Michael’s Cafe
Once again, Michael’s Cafe is bringing the spooky spirit to Timonium with its annual Halloween bash. Shake out all your creepy crawlies to the ’80s pop sounds of Synful Pleasure, and get freaky with DJ Gaga. Don’t forget to dress to impress—the judges will be awarding $1,000 in costume contest prizes. 2119 York Road. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Free entry.
10/28-29: ’80s Halloween Bash and Hollywood Horrors Party at Looney’s Pub
Slink into Looney’s with other witches and warlocks for two nights of frights in Bel Air and Perry Hall. Starting on Friday, Oct. 28, come clad in your fishnets and neon for an ’80s Halloween Bash with The New Romance at the pub’s Bel Air location. The next night, head to Perry Hall for Hollywood Horrors, a spooky soiree featuring power-hour specials, live DJ entertainment, and major cash prizes for the sexiest, scariest, and best overall costume. 312 S Main St. Bel Air; 8706 Bel Air Rd., Nottingham; Free entry.
10/29: Halloween Party and Costume Contest with Veer at Zen West
Join Annapolis-based hard rock band, Veer, at Zen West for this hair-raising, head-banging Halloween bash. Dress in costume for the chance to win a signed bottle of vodka and $100 cash. Plus, expect chilling performances by special guests Isaac Krapf, Weathervane, and more. 5916 York Road. 6 p.m. $10 in advance, $15 day-of.
10/31: Hampden HalloweenFest Costume Contest
Grab your crew and show off your scariest, most creative costumes while trick-or-treating down the Avenue in Hampden on Halloween night. To enter the neighborhood contest, stop at the designated selfie stations along 36th Street from 5-7 p.m., then upload your pic to Instagram and tag @shophampden by 9 p.m. Local dame Aurora Gorealis will choose winners for the funniest, prettiest, most original, and best overall costumes the next day. Hampden. 5-7 p.m. Free.