Events to Keep the Chills Running Down Your Spine This Halloween Weekend

Oct 30: Yard House Halloween Pub Crawl

If you’ve browsed our events directory for Halloween goings-on, you’ll realize that there is, in fact, way too many goings-on. So why not start the weekend by crossing four spots off the list in one fell swoop with Yard House’s Halloween Pub Crawl. Kick things off at the Yard House at 7pm before making your way to The Local (9pm), Nali Patio (10pm), and ending the night at Bell Martini (11pm). While some party-pooper venues around town have strict dress codes and won’t allow anyone who is costumed to enter, we’ve been assured that all of the events this night are costume friendly, meaning it’s a great way to workshop your outfit, get some feedback, and make any necessary revisions before the main event on Oct 31. Free except for Bell Martini, which has a cover. 7pm-late. Yard House

Oct 31: Beer Mile at Jing-A Longfusi

Prefer to run away from your fears rather than face them? That's exactly why God made beer. At Jing-A's Longfusi location, RMB 98 will get you a whopping four beers – as long as you're willing to down them while running a full four laps. Sign up before 3.30pm the day of the race to secure your spot (scan the QR code on the poster to register), and kick off at 4pm.

If running isn't your idea of an ideal Halloween, we don't blame you. Fortunately, all Jing-A locations are also offering sweet beer deals on Halloween night. Enjoy RMB 35 Black Cat Lager and Monster Mash beers as you dance the night away to spooky tunes.

Oct 31: The Hutong’s Autumn Fayre, Halloween Edition

Before you go out and stuff your face full of candy – or alcohol – stuff yourself full of community spirit and artisanal crafts at The Hutong’s Autumn Fayre, Halloween Edition. From food to jewelry and furniture to… secret potions (?!), it’s a great way to get a head start on your holiday shopping. If that weren’t enough, The Hutong will also be serving up a boozy apple cider to help you stay warm throughout the day (and pre-party before the night). For more information, and a full vendor list, click here. Free. 11am-4pm. The Hutong.

Oct 31: Dare to Scare at Beersmith

The dresscode of Leather and Latex isn't a 100 percent requirement at Beersmith's Halloween festivities, but who would pass up an opportunity to sport tight leather in public, especially with the dance floor lit up by the likes of DJ Mario & Pancake Lee, DJ D'Jack, and live band The Rhythm Nation? There are hints of a best costume competition, but even if you don't have time to get fully made up beforehand, a make-up artist will be on-site to help out. Naturally, guests can expect nothing but the spookiest of beer: Blood Red IPA and Imperial Pumpkin Ale. Free entrace from 6pm-9pm. RMB 68 entry fee after 9pm, includes one free beer.

Oct 31: Scare the Children at Yue Space

If you were the kind of kid who was too cool for Halloween or spent it egging and T-P-ing the neighbor’s house, then Yue Space’s third annual Halloween Horror Nights featuring Beijing’s finest horror-metal act, Scare the Children is for you. From our very own Will Griffith, “Donning ghoulish costumes complete with all-too lifelike masks, and a dollhouse set decor straight from your childhood nightmares, the band has been dominating both the local scene and festival stages since their humble beginnings in 2014. It doesn’t hurt that they are wildly skillful and deliver the goods each time out.” This time around, they’ve got a fresh line-up and fresh songs to pummel your skull and send chills down your spine. RMB 100-150. 8pm. Yue Space

Oct 31: Day of the Dead at Atmosphere Bar

Catering to what we can only assume will be the exact opposite crowd as you would find at Yue Space’s Halloween Horror Nights is Atmosphere Bar, who will be hosting a Day of the Dead event with special Halloween-themed drinks and food menu. Whereas this show will also feature a live band – as well as a DJ and dance performances – we don’t expect they’ll dip too far into the punk, metal, or thrash genres. Simply put, it’ll be the sexy costume counterpart to Scare the Children’s spooky costumes. RMB 88. 7pm-2am. Atmosphere Bar

Nov 1: Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Local

If you aren’t entirely wiped from the weekend, then cap the whole thing off with a screening of everyone’s favorite cult camp classic, Rocky Horror Picture Show. Since its debut, this raucous horror musical has taken on a life well beyond the silver screen, with an entire world of rituals and rules for public viewings. Needless to say, if you’ve never seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show at a theatre, and someone in your group has, don’t be surprised when they shove a fistful of fishnets and eyeliner your way. Just say thank you and go with the flow. Pro tip: If you book your spot sooner rather than later, you might be lucky enough to snag a prefab prop kit. Again… just say thank you and go with the flow. For more information, click here. Free. 7.30pm. The Local

READ: Modernista to Reopen on Halloween Night

Images: Cnet, The Hutong, Scare the Children, Salvador Altamirano (via Unsplash)