Halloween happenings

It’s finally here. And if you’ve already been celebrating—because you’re a loyal SN&R reader and saw our picks for Halloween events earlier this month—good news: The party is just starting. With an assortment of special events, concerts, poetry readings and more, Halloween is one of the most celebrated holidays in Sacramento among kids and adults alike. When else can you publicly bring out your inner-demons and dress up like a freaky monster? So grab a costume, carve yourself a Sac-o’-lantern and celebrate Hellaween-style at one or more of the following 13 Sacramento-area happenings.

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1. One Scary Nite III

What: The third-annual red-carpet party thrown by local horror film director Deon Taylor features celebrities, famous athletes and big-name musicians.

When: Thursday, October 27, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: The California Auto Museum, 2200 Front Street

Why: Taylor will bring celebrities, dancing, zombies, fire breathers and a 50-foot dragon to help turn the party out. Past headlining musical acts include Flava Flav and Bell Biv Devoe, so prepare to be surprised by a to-be-announced big name showing up.

More: Tickets are $40 in advance. For more information, visit www.onescarynite.com.

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2. Night of 1,000 Pumpkins

What: The third-annual event attempting to light 1,000 jack-o’-lanterns on Folsom’s Sutter Street.

When: Friday, October 28, 6 p.m.

Where: Sutter Street in Folsom

Why: Drop off a pumpkin from 2 to 5 p.m. Then spend a day with the kids in Folsom with trick-or-treating from 4 to 6 p.m., see the 1,000-pumpkin display at 6 p.m., and watch family-friendly films on outdoor screens at 6 and 7:30 p.m. At 8 p.m., Sutter Street Theatre presents Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and then at 11:45 p.m., the adults-only Evil Dead: The Musical.

More: Free. For more information, call (916) 985-7452 or visit www.historicfolsom.org/events.cfm.

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3. Halloween Sleaze Show

What: A sleaze-filled punk show at The Distillery.

When: Friday, October 28, at 9:30 p.m.

Where: The Distillery, 2109 L Street

Why: See local bands the Stalking Distance, the Number Thirteen, the Left Hand and the Cruchesss. Get Shot headlines the show with its own go-go girl troupe.

More: The show is for ages 21 and over. Tickets are $5. For more information, call (916) 443-8815.

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4. Davis Fall Festival

What: The Davis Farmers Market hosts a kid-friendly Halloween-themed festival.

When: Saturday, October 29, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Central Park, Fourth and C streets in Davis

Why: This festival features local food, a pumpkin patch and Americana music by the Peter Frankiln Band. There will be a children’s area with hands-on crafts, science activities by the UC Davis Chemistry Club and a kids’ costume parade at 11 a.m. There will also be animals, clowns, jugglers and more.

More: Call for pricing. For more information, call (530) 756-1695 or visit www.davisfarmersmarket.org.

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5. Merchant Trick or Treat and Midtown Pooch Parade

What: Midtown Business Association presents a kid- and dog-friendly trick-or-treat celebration.

When: Saturday, October 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Parking lot of Relles Florist, 2400 J Street

Why: Walk around Midtown with kids as they watch a magic show, have their face painted and decorate pumpkins. There will also be a haunted fort and a costumed-dog parade.

More: Free. For more information, visit www.exploremidtown.org.

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6. Panteón de Sacramento

What: See a replica of a small Día de los Muertos cemetery filled with traditional art.

When: Saturday, October 29, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, October 30, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Parking lot behind KlickNation, located at 1015 20th Street

Why: This event will display creative altars dedicated to Día de los Muertos, a colorful Mesoamerican holiday celebrating and honoring ancestors. Bright eye-catching art installations pay tribute to this tradition.

More: Free. Art workshops, held Saturday, October 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., cost $10. For more information, visit www.larazagaleriaposada.org.

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7. Nightmare on R Street

What: The businesses on the R Street corridor will be throwing a block party.

When: Saturday, October 29, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: R Street between 14th and 15th streets

Why: Get cheap drinks and food at R15, Shady Lady and Burgers and Brew, and then go see a concert with Alesana, A Skylit Drive, Sleeping With Sirens, Atilla, Memphis May Fire and Serianna at Ace of Spades. There’s also a mysterious “Halloween Ball” at Shady Lady.

More: Tickets are $15 for the show at Ace of Spades, but the block party is free. Visit http://aceofspadessac.com/news/48981 for more information.

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8. Exotic Halloween Ball

What: Get freaky at one of the most adult-oriented events in town, centered around the theme of Halloween, of course.

When: Saturday, October 29, from 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Boulevard

Why: Sure, there’s deejay dancing and a costume contest. But this sexually charged event is more about the bikini wrestling, strippers, lap dances, and a fetish and fantasy stage.

More: Tickets are $34 for general admission or $100 for VIP. For more information, visit www.ksfm.radio.com.

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9. The Pirates Ball

What: District 30 is throwing two nights of deejay dancing.

When: Saturday, October 29, and Monday, October 31, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Where: District 30, 1022 K Street

Why: This “Hollywood Theatrical Production” boasts more than $10,000 of props and decorations, with “cirque-style” entertainment. DJ Este rocks the turntables Saturday night, and DJ David Carvahlo will spin Monday night.

More: Call for cover on Saturday night. Monday night’s event is free. For more information, call (916) 737-5770 or visit www.district30sacramento.com.

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10. Count Dracula’s Masquerade

What: Sacramento Ballet is hosting a party to celebrate Ron Cunningham’s Dracula ballet.

When: Saturday, October 29, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Where: Café Americain and the Crescent Club, both located at 1023 Front Street

Why: Against the backdrop of a Dracula-inspired set design, watch impromtu dances from ballet members, hear local band Musical Charis, and dance as DJ Daims and Chris Supreme rock the house. There will also be food from Café Americain.

More: Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. For more information, visit www.sacballet.org.

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11. Halloween Carnival

What: Southgate Recreation and Park District hosts its annual Halloween Carnival.

When: Monday, October 31, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: Jose P. Rizal Community Center, 7320 Florin Mall Drive

Why: This is a children-centered carnival, featuring a haunted house, carnival games, a candy walk and bounce houses.

More: Admission is $4 for children, and adult admission is free with an accompanying child. For more information, call (916) 395-0601.

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12. Very Spooky Nite of Poe, Poe, Poetry

What: Sacramento Poetry Center hosts a special Halloween event featuring the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe.

When: Monday, October 31, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Sacramento Poetry Center, 1719 25th Street

Why: Edgar Allan Poe was perhaps the creepiest poet ever. Davis’ poet laureate Allegra Silberstein and poet William O’Daly will read Poe’s scariest poems and some of their own works. Following is an open-mic hosted by Katy Brown and Frank Graham. Ghosts and goblins welcome.

More: Free. For more information, visit www.sacramentopoetrycenter.org.

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13. Nightmare on Second Street

What: Seven bars on in Old Sacramento throw a block party.

When: Monday, October 31, 8 p.m.

Where: Second and J streets in Old Sacramento

Why: For a low-key Halloween, visit one of seven bars in Old Sacramento for an old-fashioned block party. Dance to live deejays and music, sing karaoke and enjoy drink specials.

More: Free. For more information, visit www.oldsacramentobars.com.