Halloween party guide 2014

All Halloween, all city. Parties big and small, plus concerts, horror film screenings, theatre and contemporary dance performances, ghost walks and more.

halloween costume
Halloween is coming!
 
If you’ve been getting your costume on at Arcade Fire shows or Comiccon or kink parties or in the privacy of your own home all year, we’re guessing you’re prepped for Halloween. But what’s your destination?

We’ve collected intel on a bunch of (public) parties here — have we missed yours, or your friend/bro/lady’s party? If so please let us know (listings@cultmontreal.com) and we’ll add it.

 

Oct. 22–25

 
MainLine Theatre is staging their adaptation of The Rock Horror Picture Show, Richard O’Briens The Rocky Horror Show, Oct. 22–25 at 8 p.m., Oct. 24–25 at 8 and 11 p.m. 3997 St-Laurent, $18/$15 students in advance/$20 at the door

 

Oct. 24

 
The first of two Cirque de Boudoir Halloween parties happens in the Village, at Apollon: it’s called Heads Will Roll, “A Kinky Marie-Antoinette Rococo Gore Halloween,” with DJs Plastik Patrik, Frigid and Davidé and performances by THE Richard & Holy Scar and Tristan Ginger. 1450 Ste-Catherine E., 10 p.m., $15/$30 (includes ticket to Oct. 31 party at Bain Mathieu)/$60 VIP (also includes both parties)

 

Oct. 24–25 + Oct. 30–31

 
Join host Donovan King for a spooky outdoor adventure with the Haunted Downtown Montreal tour, departing from Andrew’s Pub. 1241 Guy, 8 p.m., $20

 

Oct. 25

 
The Montreal Underground Film Festival (MUFF) hosts a terror-ific Halloween screening party and fundraiser called Dark MUFF Noir at Bar Populaire, featuring the cream of the crop of short films from the past nine years, followed by a DJ set by Ouija. 6584 St-Laurent, 8 p.m., $5$10 suggested donation

The Wiggle Room heats things up with a Glam-O-Ween burlesque show hosted by Billy L’Amour, and starring some of Montreal’s best burlesque babes including Lady Josephine, Lolita Blanca, Betty Wilde and more. 3874 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $20 – $25.

 

Oct. 26

 
Get into a scary mood with a matinée screening of 1974 horror classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre at Casa del Popolo, the first of a new weekly Sunday screening series hosted by the Sanguinary Circle. 4873 St-Laurent, 3 p.m., $1

Stay on the horror train with le Cagibi Cult Movie Night’s special Halloween edition, screening Braindead (aka Dead Alive) (1992) directed by Peter Jackson PLUS From Beyond (1986) directed by by Stuart Gordon. 5490 St-Laurent, 8:30 p.m., free (donations accepted)

 

Oct. 28

 
This isn’t exactly a Halloween show, but by all means wear a costume to see British psych-surf band the Wytches at Turbo Haus. 1180 St-Antoine W. #408, 9 p.m., $10/$13

 

Oct. 29

 
Add a little oomph to your jack-o-lantern at the Pumpkin Hacking Day at Helios Makerspace, where electronics experts will help you add special effects to your carved pumpkin using simple circuits. 137 St-Ferdinand #270, 1–3 p.m. or 4–6 p.m., free

Bass Drive Wednesdays invites you to a bumpin’ Halloween party at Belmont with British DJ crew the Gremlins, plus a slate of local DJ support. 4483 St-Laurent, 10 p.m., $5–$10

Head to Foufs for the Halloween edition of Beaux Dégâts, the six-team art battle where you vote for your favourite canvas, created live throughout the event, with your PBR empties. Hosted by Ella Grave.

 

Oct. 30

 
Erick Morillo (the producer behind Reel 2 Real’s “I Like to Move It”) spins at New City Gas’s annual Yelloween party. 950 Ottawa, 10 p.m., $16

Le Bleury Bar à Vinyle hosts a free Brazilian Halloween bash with Tupi Collective DJs Skambo and MKS. 2109 Bleury, 10 p.m., free

Sherwin Tjia’s Halloween Slowdance costume party at MainLine Theatre will be a night for romantics of all persuasions to fill up their dance cards in a super positive, encouraging, inclusive environment. 3997 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $10

Urban Science’s new hip  hop and soul jam night Le Cypher moves from le Belmont next door to Club Lambi for its Halloween edition, with mystery guests, Jamaican snacks, and Halloweeny remixes. 4465 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $4

L’Gros Luxe invites you to Cabaret Underworld for a food-themed Mange Moi Halloween Party with DJs Seko, Nick Wisdom, GrandBuda, Panther and Amaris Daniel. Tickets can be picked up for free at either location of l’Gros Luxe (3807 St-André or 150 Bernard W.), or at the door for a bit of cash. $100 prize for the best costume. 1403 Ste-Elisabeth, 9 p.m., $5 in advance/$10 at the door

Vicious Rage Productions presents two devilish parties with live bands, burlesque performances and prizes for the best costumes. The first, Devil’s Night, takes place at Katacombes. 1635 St-Laurent, 7:30 p.m., $10

On the Rocks (ye olde Thursday weekly at Salon Officiel) makes a Halloween comeback at Rockette. Secret Affair’s resident DJ Roxy Moron will be joined by On the Rocks DJ extraordinaire Pat Dynamite, and the party will be hosted by  Mikey B. 4479 St-Denis, 10:30 p.m., 

 

Oct. 30–Nov. 1

 
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Ball is a classic screamer, featuring a screening of the classic glam horror film at the majestic (and under-used) Imperial Theatre downtown, with live actors and a host leading the revellery on stage. If you’ve never done Rocky Horror, do yourself a favour. 1430 Bleury, 8 and 11 p.m. nightly, $18/$20

 

Oct. 31

 

phantomFor a higher-brow take on Halloween, see the original 1925 film version of The Phantom of the Opera with live accompaniment by organist William O’Meara. Maison Symphonique (1600 St-Urbain), 8 p.m., $48–$81

Get into your costume and head to Soundcentral for a screening of local comedy horror flick Nuclear Neighbourhood followed by live music by Squalor. 4486 Coloniale, 6 p.m.

Keep your eyes peeled in NDG for the sixth annual Thriller Zombie Dance, performing flash-mob style in various locations around the neighbourhood, beginning at 6 p.m. at Vendôme station. Organized by the NDG Food Depot in partnership with Head & Hands to raise awareness about food security issues in NDG.

Enjoy a Mediterranean dinner with a special Halloween belly-dancing show in the Latin Quarter at Menthe & Couscous. 361 Émery, 7 p.m., $30

At Datcha, K-Kitty hosts Halloween Mega Kawaii Anime Kitty Fun Time, a costume party offering presents for anime girls, and DJ Trippy T’s Japan funky, K-pop, PC and chiptune music for the dancefloor. 98 Laurier W., 11 p.m.

On Halloween night, New City Gas hosts a costume contest with a $5,000 prize. WHHAAAAAAA? 950 Ottawa, $16/$36 VIP

At Katacombes, where every day is Halloween-ish, Bad Uncle, the Steady Swagger and les Rejets d’Satan will rock you to the bones. 1635 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $10/$12

Cabaret Underworld throws a Halloween Punk Party with U.K. thrashers Peter and the Test Tube Babies. 1403 Ste-Elisabeth, 8 p.m., $8–$15

Foufounes Electriques’s official Halloween party promises big music, candy, drink specials, door prizes and a costume contest with $500, $200 and $100 prizes. 87 Ste-Catherine E., 8 p.m., $10 (skip the line-up by buying in advance)

The SAT’s spherical dome (the Satosphere) is always a trip, but fill it up with costumed revellers, VJ magic and bangin’ music you’ve got a crazy party on your hands. The music is being handled by NYC crew Vito & Druzzi (of the Rapture), alongside Hatckmatik and Jealous Lover. 1201 St-Laurent, 10 p.m.

Cirque de Boudoir’s second Halloween bash (see Oct. 24 for the first) is Voodoo Blackout, a blacklight bash with Omni, Mary Hell and Davidé on decks. Bain Mathieu (2915 Ontario E.), 9 p.m., $15/$30 with Oct. 24 party access/$60 2-party VIP ticket

I Love Neon and les Samourais des Jungles Urbaines are co-hosting First Kontakt, a two-room party at the Centre des Sciences (sci-fi theme!) in the Old Port. There’s some big talent behind the decks here: Shlomo, Rustie, Hucci, High Klassified, GrandBuda, Iron Galaxy, Prison Garde, Vosper, Seb Diamond & Kyle Kalma and Sibian & Faun. 333 de la Commune W., early bird tickets $25

Saintwoods parties at their Apt. 200 HQ with DJs Sango, DA-P, RYAN Playground and No Kliché. 3643 St-Laurent #200, 10 p.m.

Saintwoods doesn’t stop there, also putting on a mysterious invite-only late-late party Kill. Get in touch with the organizers if you want more deets. Secret Location, 3 a.m.

At la Vitrola, Mos Puella presents a live performance by undead noise-horror hero Corpusse, “the conjured Monolith from depths unfathomed,” with Sacral Nerves and guests. 4602 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $6

Halloween party 2At le Belmont, kissing party Frenche ou Meurs gets spooky with their Halloween edition, with DJ Babi Audi and special guest le Matos. 4483 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $7 in advance/more at the door

The Good People Records presents Groovening Vol. 2 with live music by Fwonte, DJ sets by aRTIST oF tHE yEAR and PaccWRKS and a “live interactive party installation” by Phiol & Freeworm. Divan Orange (4234 St-Laurent), 9 p.m., $5

Hey, karaoke fans: ever wanted to massacre your favourite songs with a live karaoke band? Urockaoke has you covered. Casa del Popolo (4873 St-Laurent), 10 p.m.

Résonance hosts a Halloween party, details TBA. 5175A Parc, 9 p.m.

For Halloween night, le Bleury Bar à Vinyle welcomes DJ Eddie C, all the way from Berlin. 2109 Bleury, 9 p.m., $10–$15

Inspecteur Épingle hosts a Halloween Special with help from Grrreat Recordings, with DJs Deep Fried, Sebastien Belle and George V Peretz. 4051 St-Hubert, 10 p.m., $5

L’Escogriffe puts on a creepy clown party with live tunes by TV Freaks, Brat Kings, Pale Lips and Dead Future. 4467 St-Denis, 9 p.m.

Barfly’s free Halloween Party includes performances by Burdett Road and Weeping Buffalo. 4062 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., free. 

The All Day Breakfast String Band provides the soundtrack to Grumpy’s Bash-Up on Bishop. Wear the best costume and win a prize. 1242 Bishop, 9:30 p.m.

Village nightclub Apollon hosts a free Halloween party with DJ B Desk’Ness. 1450 Ste-Catherine E., 10 p.m., free

La Bacchanale, Narcoz & Front Rite collaborate to bring you LUCID, a two-room party with headlining DJs Zadig & Swayzak. Secret Location, 10 p.m., $15–$30

Faggity Ass Fridays throws a Halloween bash called Hallowed Q.U.E.E.N. at Bar le “Ritz” P.D.B. 179 Jean-Talon W., 10 p.m., $10/PWYC

3PM Entertainment is hyping their Halloween party in an INTENSE ALL CAPS KIND OF WAY. It’s happening at Art Java Lounge, and prizes will be awarded for best costume. 279 Ste-Catherine E., 11 p.m., $7 in advance (includes free drink)/$10 at the door

Peopl Nightclub invites you to their first of two Halloween events, Full Metal Jacking, a dystopian fantasy where you’ll party hard for one last night before global warring factions lead to certain annihilation — camouflage and other military duds are encouraged for this theme party. For those who like their Halloween with a side of sex appeal, the bar will be giving a 40-ouncer of vodka to the sexiest army couple in the bunker. 390 Notre-Dame W., 10 p.m., $7

Yelp throws a free Halloween bash for members at the W Hotel, with a couple of on-the-house cocktails, candy buffet and two floors of DJs and dancing. Some great prizes are on the table for the best costumes, including hotel stays and spa days. RSVP on Yelp. 901 Square Victoria, 7:309:30 p.m., free for Yelp members

Festival SPASM offers a Grande Soirée Horreur with film screenings and a best-costume contest, at Club Soda. 1225 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $15$18

 

Oct. 31–Nov. 1

 
Le Ballet Eddy Toussaint presents Dracula, a new dance performance with live musicians, inspired by Bram Stoker novel. Expect “ballet, tango, vampires and voodoo.” 613 Ste-Croix, Oct. 31–Nov. 1, 8 p.m., $35–$40

 

Nov. 1

 

smithsCult MTL’s annual Halloween celebration is happening at La Sala Rossa this year, with awesome Smiths cover band the Smiffs (feat. members of Suuns and Pang Attack). 4848 St-Laurent, 10 p.m., $8/$10 w/out costume

POP Montreal is doing the cover-band thing this year, too, showcasing the music of the Smashing Pumpkins and the Police via Graceful Swans of Never and Stinkronicity, with DJs L.A.Foster and Thomas Carlo Promise. Nomad Nation (129 Van Horne), $7/$10 w/out a costume

O Patro Vys is the place for the Surf-tacular Spooky Space Show featuring live music by the Men in Gray Suits and les Separatwists. 356 Mont-Royal E., 10 p.m., $10

For their second Halloween bash, Peopl will throw a Mad Max-themed rager with DJ Jojo Flores. 390 Notre-Dame W., 10 p.m.

The Expansoma music, art and health festival hosts a Halloween party at Cabaret Underworld with music by Forest Frontier, Voodoo Jazz, the Grove and Engines of Peace. Prizes for the best costume. 1403 Ste-Elisabeth, 7 p.m.

Vicious Rage Productions’ two-day Halloween bashola (see Oct. 30 for the first event) continues with Day of the DeadCrobar (1221 Crescent), 7 p.m., $10

A brain-munching Halloween zombie party takes hold of Divan Orange with music by Night of the Living Dead, The Hellhounds, Blue Cheese and Les Bagnards, with zombie flicks on the projector and prizes for the best costume. 4234 St-Laurent, 9 p.m., $5

Skins Party Montreal offers an electro, dubstep and techno night with the Rave 2 The Grave Halloween Party, at an as-yet-undisclosed location. Headlining DJs on two stages include Funtcase, The Noisy Freaks, Pilo, Tom Deluxx and Vakkuum. Venue TBA, 9 p.m., $15 – $30

Frankie Teardrop and Sass War take on Bar le “Ritz” P.D.B. with Lip IV, the Halloween Dance Party of Queerdoom. Special guest alien dancers from Uranus will get you into the groove from stage and bar. 179 Jean-Talon W., 10 p.m., $5$10/PWYC

A glow-in-the-dark psychedelic fairy pinata party goes down at a venue that’s unofficial enough to refrain from publishing the address, but go ahead and check here for more details. Performances by Black Light Burlesque and live painting by John Lanthier round out the night. Secret Location, 10 p.m., $15$20.

Horror Night at the Windsor Bar promises bottle service specials, costume contest and beats by DJs Alexei Sopin, Vlad Ellroy, DJ N!ght and Izzy. Early bird specials before 11 p.m. 3565 St-Laurent, 10 p.m., $10 (girls) or $15 (guys).

Dance through the decades at Festival SPASM’s Old School Halloween Party at Théâtre Plaza, with tunes from the ’60s to ’00s all night. 6505 St-Hubert, 9 p.m., $15$20