The 6 best gay Halloween parties and events around the US

Halloween is just around the corner, and you’d be forgiven if you haven’t gotten a head start on what your costume, or plans, will entail. And while we can’t really help you with the first one, we can make some recommendations for how to maximize on your spooky misadventures and dance the night away.

1. Fred and Jason’s Halloweenie

Location: Belasco Theater, LA

Date & Time: Friday October 25, from 8 pm to 3 am

Described as a “dark and sexy ritual of epic proportions,” this is a night you won’t be forgetting anytime soon. Featuring two dance floors, plenty of performances and endless drinks, Halloweenie promises “the dead sexiest crowd of demons, gargoyles and golems you’ll ever see.” And if that doesn’t sound enticing enough, this is a fun event for a wonderful cause; it’s one of the biggest fundraising events in the U.S. with all of the proceeds going to benefit the Gay Mens Chorus of LA.

2. Spooky Bear Weekend

Location: Provincetown, MA

Date: Thursday October 31 to Sunday November 3

Forget one night of spooks and fun, what about a whole weekend? Spooky Bear has something for everyone, from a Haunted Bike Tour, a Burlesque show, and plenty of dance parties to keep you dancing until you can’t dance anymore. Twinks, bears, twunks, angels and devils are all welcome!

3. Nola Gay Halloween

Location: New Orleans, LA

Date: October 25 to October 27

New Orleans is legendary for it’s celebrations (Mardi Gras anyone?) so can you imagine how well they do Halloween? Described as a communal experience, Nola Gay Halloween celebrates “a community coming together to share their love and sense of family, a community celebrating its unique culture and love of showmanship, a community coming to the aid of its own in the dark days of the AIDS crisis, and a community triumphing over challenges with a resilient, joyful spirit.” There’s plenty to do, including a costume party, a pier dance and a ball!

This event has been going on for 35 years, with proceeds going to the assisted living home Project Lazarus. The program provides housing and aid to those living with HIV/AIDS. The event boasts an all-volunteer staff.

4. Gay Halloween in the Village

Location: Greenwich Village, New York City

Date & Time: October 31st, 7 pm to 10:30 pm

If you’re looking for a pregame before you head to your main event, why not show off your costume in NYC’s spookiest parade of the year? You can either participate, or watch the other ghouls and goblins if that’s what you choose. The event boasts over 50,000 participants, and seeing as you’re already going to be in the best city in the world, there’s plenty of clubs and parties to hit up afterwards.

The event begins at Sixth Ave and Canal Street all goes all the way to 16th street in Manhattan, with this year’s theme being Wild Thing. Interested? Visit the official website to see how you can get involved!

5. Ghostship NYC

Location: New York City

Date & Time: Friday October 25 at 9:30 pm and Saturday October 26 at 7 pm

All aboard!

Two nights of ghoulish fun boasting a 5-level, indoor heated, haunted Ghostship complete with a haunted darkroom below deck and full laser, light and sound installation, this event is one you absolutely should not be missing.

Afraid you’ll run late? Not to worry, the ship remains docked for most of the night, so you can come (and go) as you please. There will be a brief trip to visit Lady Liberty however (at approximately 1:45 am), so make sure you serve your fiercest look so you don’t get upstaged. Oh year, and there’s also a costume contest.

Not sold yet? Here’s some highlights from their event in 2017.

6. Wicked Manors

Location: Wilton Manors, FL

Date & Time: Thursday October 31, from 6 pm to 11 pm.

Described as “the premiere Halloween event” in Florida and “possibly the gayest Halloween party in the country,” the party boasts tons to do. This year’s theme is the Seven Deadly Sins which makes for plenty of wonderful costume opportunities.

Get your tickets here.