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L.A.'s best Halloween parties: Hollywood edition
The scariest thing about Halloween in Los Angeles? Choosing the right event. This year, the number of choices is downright frightening. Here at the Guide, we have selected a few of what we think are the best in order to help you decide where you will spend your hard-earned dollars on October 31st.
Of course, in Hollywood, you can try and hit multiple parties, but we don't advise planning on hitting two or three parties all over town as traffic is traditionally awful on Halloween (this year it will be worse, as the 31st falls on a Friday). Stick with one area (our list is heavy on Hollywood, where you can park and walk to multiple events), and you'll howl and prowl all night. We will be updating the list with the best bashes right up until the 31st, so check back with us often. These parties are for adults only. For a more family friendly list of events all over SoCal, try this list. All parties below are for Friday, Oct. 31st unless otherwise indicated.
Marilyn Manson conjures up celebrity spirits at The Roosevelt on Halloween, where he will be hosting to lingering ghosts like Marilyn Monroe, whose spirit is said to still haunt the hotel. DJs include Mix Master Mike from the Beastie Boys, Danny Masterson, Andy Caldwell, The Sounds, Twiggy of Marilyn Manson and more. 21 and over; call to reserve VIP seating. More info at homemadela.com. From $60 to $100.
Halloween is the only day of the year where those bitten by the vampiric love bug can saunter the streets of Hollywood looking for fresh meat. Join other vampires for a bloody bourgeoisie-inspired night at Boulevard 3, an English manor style venue with an open center, high ceilings, and purplish-pink neon lights glowing on the walls. Butlers will be handing out appetizers and champagne during the night where you will be entranced, if not hypnotized by the Burlesque and vampire shows. $30.
A re-creation of the movie "Halloween" on Halloween might seem like a painfully banal affair, but it strays far from being bland by adding plenty of pole dancers, live aerial performances, and the craziest of erotic costumes in one venue. The venue will have multiple dance floors with different DJs on each for a party that will conclude in the wee spooktacular hours of the morning (until 4 a.m.). 21 and over; costumes required. DJ Crash and other spin. . This party (DASK productions) sells out every year, so advance tickets are a must. (310) 281-8440 for more info. $50 at the door/$40 pre-sale.
Wouldn't it be nice, ladies, if you could simply walk around in your sexiest of lingerie on Halloween and make that your entire costume? Well leave your clothes at the door because at the Trashy Lingerie Halloween party at the must-see venue in the 'wood this year (The Kress). The dress code is nothing but your underwear Friday. Open bar on all of the floors from 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., so get there early. Tickets are a tad expensive (ranging from $50-$500), but it might be worth it if you are willing to mingle with others who are baring it all for Halloween. Trashy Lingerie and the Kress will be awarding gift certificates to the sexiest of outfits. $50 general admission, tix at wantickets.com.
The annual Heaven and Hell bash proves that there is not a fine line between being naughty and nice after all; you can settle for both. The party brings the best of models (aka adult film stars like Shy Love and Aurora Snow) together under one roof, with XXX legend Ron Jeremy hosting. Join hundreds of others at this wild party consisting of three rooms and music ranging from hip-hop, electronic, 80s and house with various Djs spinning, including DJ IMG. There will be a $3,000 costume contest (not a typo, $3,000, people) so come dressed to impress. $35 presale, $45 at door.
Boasting 20,000 square feet of space, Vanguard hosts a massive bash Oct. 31 that goes on until 4 a.m. The "Lingerie & Costume Ball" features an open Grey Goose bar for those who purchase VIP tickets. Discount admission to those in costume. $1000 costume contest at midnight. Expect lots of scantily-clad women. $25.
Hollywood's poster child for being naughty, Micky Avalon, performs at the Avalon Friday, Oct. 31 for the mega-club's "End of the World" Halloween soiree. He is joined by England's buzzing DJ James Zabiela and Damian Lazarus. This one goes on until well into the early morning, so you can end your night here. $25 advance tix available via wantickets.com.
Looking for something cheaper than a $20-and-up bash? Consider the 8th annual Halloween party at the Beauty Bar, which is free. The bar will be decked from floor to ceiling in bloody sheets, cobwebs and colorful lights. Your beer goggles will not be the only thing affecting your vision; the venue will be foggy from the smoke machines raiding the dance floor. DJ Apollo Starr will keep you dancing from 8 p.m. Guests must be 21 and over. No cover.
Another less expensive affair is this 5th annual Halloween Bash & Costume Ball (featuring Hip Hop and 1980s dance music). Dress in your sexiest costumes to participate in a contest for cash prizes. Ten DJs, including BStang and Ever-ed-e, spinning from 9 p.m. $15/$20.
Leave your clothes at the door for this mega-club's 6th annual Halloween lingerie and costume ball. Participate in a costume contest for a chance to win $1000. DJs, including the always solid (hip-hop and mash-ups) DJ Vice, will drop beats in three different rooms. Open bar for VIPs. 9 p.m. until 3 a.m. $40 VIP admission, which includes the open bar. High rollers can opt for a $750 one bottle package, which includes 6 VIP tickets, or a $1400 two bottle package, which includes 10 VIP tickets. $20 general admission.
Feel like saving the world? Celebrate Halloween at Ritual Restaurant and Nightclub with their "Be your own super hero" theme. If your Wonder Woman or Spider Man outfit stands out, you will be eligible for $2000 in cash and prizes. DJ Swerve will be dropping beats in the Main Room, while DJ Gina Star spins in the Patio Room. Bonus: a live laser show. Presale tickets available at wantickets.com for $15.
Russian Party Grounds, Planet-R and Russian Invasion bring their always good-looking Russian ex-pat crowd to Hollywood this year for their Friday night bash. Five bars, two rooms and four DJs playing trance, house, euro and hip-hop. Haunted mansion theme upstairs, costume contest with cash prizes and open until 3 a.m. $25.
Want to celebrate Halloween somewhere no one else has yet? Then get thee to Ecco, Hollywood's newest bar (formerly Tokio), which officially opens Halloweeen weekend. Ecco boasts a "green" theme, so no costumes made or rubber or PVC, please. An invite-only event, but arrive early and you may be able to talk your way in.
Under 21 but still want to party in Hollywood Friday the 31st? Consider "Zombie Nation" at Florentine Gardens. Expect hip-hop and more on two stages. 21 to drink; 18 to enter. Doors open at 9 p.m. The price is right, too. $10 w/ costume $20 w/o.
Expect a sexy crowd here as Power 106's Eric D-Lux spins a lively mix of hip-hop and R&B. Original Opium Friday's promoters also are bringing in Robert Risque, JC Dakota, Yvonne Black and Dj Clos. Doors at 9 p.m. $20.
Get ready for a 1920s themed party at the Green Door. Bo Jesse's "Roaring 20s Hollywood Halloween Ball" promises to be a more sophisticated affair than other parties in the area. Costumes encouraged, but not mandatory (but you know you have that flapper dress or pin-striped suit you are just itching to wear). Costume contest at midnight and DJ IMG spins. $30.
Les Deux is hosting a Halloween dance party complete with themed rooms, multiple DJs, costume contests, specially priced signature cocktails by Snow Queen, and more. No cover, but best to contact Les Deux first to get on a list or reserve a table to be on the safe side...the door here can be tough. Will Audrina be here?
Geisha House becomes a different kind of (haunted) house this Halloween. Look for surprise celebrity appearances and a "freak show." Multiple theme-rooms will transform the upscale eatery into something spectacular, we are told. DJ Inferno from Power 106 spins Hip Hop and R&B while DJ Backdraft plays a mix of electro, house and rock. Contact Ryan Silver to purchase tickets ($20 pre-sale or $50 at the door). (310) 409-6831.
Seeking out an intimate, yet upscale hang this Halloween? Consider the Philippe Starck-designed S Bar, which will host a comparatively sedate affair: "Mia Moretti & Markus Molinari's Monster Mash" featuring Katy Perry's DJ, Mia Moretti. No cover, but the velvet rope will be very tight here the 31st, as the area will be crowded with those not usually welcome at the tiny SBE nightspot. No cover.
"Carnevil" will be the one party you remember this Halloween, promises promoter Craig Clemens. This outdoor carnival features midgets, scary circus performers, aerialists and acrobats. DJ Eric Cubeechee spins, and an open bar from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m for only $50 (or $100 for VIP). Tickets at wantickets.com. $50.
