No Country’s Guide to Halloween 2018

Halloween in Nashville can be daunting, with a seemingly endless list of shows, parties, themed nights, movies, plays, and various other happenings to choose from. Adding to the magnitude this year, the day itself falls mid-week, so a variety of spooky events are beginning the weekend prior and spilling over into the days after. To help you make the most of your Halloween week, we’ve combed through all of the calendars, and put together a guide of the most promising shows, parties, and events, with a variety of price points, types of activity, and days and times, with offerings that should suit just about any taste and budget.

Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, haunted houses, ghost tours, paranormal investigations, Boo at the Zoo, Franklin’s Pumpkinfest, spooky skate nights, and special screenings of movies like Hocus Pocus and scarier classics, not to mention Halloween decor and specials at a variety of local restaurants and business are also prevalent throughout the week and month as well, but for the sake of putting together a guide you can actually navigate, we’re opting to stick to shows, special events and parties, and particularly interesting and unique happenings that caught our eye. Note: many venues and businesses have policies against masks and obscuring face point, so if there’s any doubt with your costume, be sure to check ahead of time; we’re not including costume policies in our guide.

Check out our 2018 guide to Halloween in Nashville below, and, as always, be safe in your costumed, spooky shenanigans!

FRIDAY – Oct. 26

IDLE BLOOM w/ WAXED, PEACHY, DREAM WAVE
@ The End | 8pm (7pm doors) | $7 | 18+

Local garage pop favorites Idle Bloom celebrate the release of their new LP Flood the Dial with a spooky Fright night show at The End, featuring likeminded locals Waxed, Peachy, and Dream Wave, plus a DJ set from TRAM Planet Records. There’s a costume contest with prizes (plus $5 off the new record included with admission), so this is not only a stellar local lineup, but a great excuse to rock your costume early!

<a href="http://idlebloom.bandcamp.com/album/flood-the-dial">Flood the Dial by Idle Bloom</a>

TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS IN CONCERT WITH THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY
@ Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 9pm | $60-110 | All Ages

Live orchestral accompaniment to beloved films has become a cool trend in recent years, and the Nashville Symphony have proven to be a delight whenever they tackle such an undertaking. Just in time for Halloween, they’ll perform Danny Elfman’s score to Tim Burton’s classic The Nightmare Before Christmas on Friday, the second of two nights.

EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL
@ Music Valley Event Center | 7:30pm (7pm doors) | $15-30

Fans of theater looking for something a lot more alternative and squarely Halloween appropriate might want to sneak to one of several nights of Evil Dead: The Musical, performed at the Music Valley Event Center by local non-profit theater group Radical Arts. The cult musical, which has been perform across the nation and enjoyed an off-broadway run, is based on Sam Raimi’s classic Evil Dead franchise, and is every bit as weird, gory, fun, and funny as you’d expect. This is definitely a gem in Halloween season happenings, especially given the price and multiple nights of shows.

HALLOWEEN BALL Y’ALL
@ Marathon Music Works | 9pm (8pm doors) | $25-400 | 21+

Billed as “immersive, sexy, and daring,” the Halloween Ball Y’all is presented by Live Dancing Girls and Music City Burlesque, and blends live music, spellbinding aerial and dance performances, a costume contest, and more. Elaborate costumes and/or formal wear are required, so this option is best for fans of opulence and burlesque looking for an artsy, memorable evening.

QDP
@ Rosemary | 9pm | $5 | 21+

Queer Dance Party, or QDP, is a monthly, long-running Nashville tradition. Though typically held at The Basement East now, the fun, queer, DJ’d event is known for throwing extra special events for holidays, and for Halloween, they’re moving to neighborhood bar Rosemary and extending to two nights. For just $5 at a bar we already love, this is looking like a solid hang.

TACO MOUTH w/ EARLY JONES, ETHAN LUCK & THE INTRUDERS
@ The 5 Spot | 8pm | 21+

Local hard rocking newcomers Taco Mouth (featuring former members of The Dead Deads) are celebrating their full-length debut, A Deafening Silence, by playing it in its entirety at The 5 Spot, along with Early Jones and Ethan Luck & The Intruders. This show isn’t exactly Halloween centric, but dressing up is encouraged, and there will be a costume contest with prizes!

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
@ TPAC | 8pm | $55-105 | All Ages

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famed, long-running Broadway musical The Phantom of the Opera returns to TPAC as part of its latest North American tour, and while not explicitly a Halloween happening, the nature of the play and the timing of its Nashville run are perfectly suited to the season. This probably isn’t an occasion to dress up, but if you want to spend Halloween week taking in some fine art, this production is sure to be spectacular.

THE EXOTIC ONES, THE RESERVES, ROCKET TO RUSSIA
@ Betty’s | 10pm | FREE | 21+

A cool, free show for those looking to get Halloween weekend started with a little rock and roll energy, horror/garage punks The Exotic Ones, gritty punks The Reserves, and Ramones tribute Rocket to Russia are playing at Betty’s for a show that’s not explicitly Halloween themed, but certainly chock full of spooky punk spirit.

<a href="http://theexoticones.bandcamp.com/album/the-green-slime">The Green Slime by The Exotic Ones</a>

DAMSEL AND DISTRESS, GARRETT MOSHIER, SAM JOHNSTON
@ The Back Corner | 7pm | FREE

Cover shows are a Halloween tradition, and The Back Corner is getting the weekend started right with a free performance! Catch soul rockers Damsel and Distress tackling Fleetwood Mac, a Vulfpeck set from singer-songwriter Garrett Moshier, and blues rocker Sam Joshston as Jimi Hendrix. Sounds like a solid pregame to us!

JUDE QUINN, JON WORTHY AND THE BENDS, THE BLACK LIGHT VELVETS
@ Springwater Supper Club | 9pm | $5 | 21+

For a low-key, inexpensive, rock fueled start to Halloween weekend, fantastic dive Springwater Supper Club is hosting a Friday night costume rock party with Jude Quinn, Jon Worthy and the Bends, and The Black Light Velvets. The best part? It’ll only set you back five bucks.

<a href="http://thequintessentialjude.bandcamp.com/track/borderlines-2">Borderlines by Jude Quinn</a>

SATURDAY – Oct. 27

*REPEAT REPEAT w/ BAD CULTURE
@ Crying Wolf | 11pm | FREE ($30 VIP) | 21+

For a fifth annual year, indie surf rockers and longtime site favorites *repeat repeat will host their Howloween party at The Crying Wolf. As is tradition, the duo will play at the stroke of midnight, but The Crying Wolf is a fun hang all night long, plus Bad Culture are to open with an 11 p.m. set. This has been our go-to (or end of night destination) many a year, and is always a blast.

PARANORMAL ROCKTIVITY: THE PROTOMEN, DEVO 615 ALLSTARS, ELEL
@ Marathon Music Works | 8pm (6:30pm doors) | $20-45 | All Ages

Lightning 100’s Paranormal Rocktivity is always one of the best Halloween parties in town, and with conceptual, costumed hard rock party band The Protomen heading up the bill, this year’s looking particularly promising. Devo tribute Devo 615 Allstars (featuring members of The Shins, The Raconteurs, The Pink Spiders, The Long Winters, Superdrag, Earl Burrows, Montessori Dads, and more) and indie faves ELEL round out this stellar lineup!

CHAMPAGNE SUPERCHILLIN, JUSTIN AND THE COSMICS, COUNTRY WESTERNS
@ Soft Junk | 8pm

Brooklyn based by way of Nashville, French pop infused project Champagne Superchillin are more than enough reason to recommend Soft Junk’s Howdywood Halloween. While details (price, age restrictions) are scant, it shouldn’t be more than a few bucks, and with Justin and the Cosmics and Country Westerns also set to perform, this is a cool option for those with cool taste in underground music looking for something a little off the beaten path. Expect a costume dance competition, karaoke, and more.

THE BIG SCARY: NORDISTA FREEZE, GNARLIE, BRISTON MARONEY, ALLY, ROCK EUPORA
@ Ooko Studios (2500 White Ave) | 8pm (7pm doors) | $10 | All Ages

Hosted by Freezefest and The Kirkwood House, the second annual Big Scary is definitely a solid Halloween pick for fans of indie and underground rock. Local psych pop singer Nordista Freeze heads up and hosts the party, which moves this year from a warehouse to Ooko Studios, and boasts a variety of vendors, food trucks, visual artists, and alcohol for those 21+, in addition to perfumers Gnarlie, Briston Maroney, Ally, Rock Eupora, and more! Expect games, a huge costume contests, killer tunes, and good times all around (this is also a rare all ages Halloween happening).

INTERNET BOYFRIEND, FAMEWALKING, CHANEL ECLIPSE, SHOULDIES, BUNNY SUMMERS
@ The East Room | 8pm | FREE | 18+

Sugar/Spice Booking’s Rave from the Grave boasts a stellar show of goth, techno, queer rappers, drag queens, more! The free, inclusive event (which all but requires a costume) boasts performances from locals Internet Boyfriend, Famewalking, ChaNel Eclipse, and Bunny Summers, plus a solo set from Atlanta’s Shouldies, DJs Jaundice and Daniel Holt, and more! For a queer friendly, alternative leaning, and free party, you can’t go wrong with this one!

EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL
@ Music Valley Event Center | 7:30pm (7pm doors) | $15-30

A NIGHTMARE ON WOODLAND STREET: WICK-IT, KDSML, COACH, RATE, ROD YOUREE
@ The Basement East | 9pm (8pm doors) | $10 | 21+

Boasting some of the most in-demand DJs in all of Music City, The Basement East’s Saturday night A Nightmare on Woodland Street party is a safe bet for anyone looking to dance. Expect a photo booth and Halloween decor, plus sets from Wick-It, KDSML, Coach, Rate, and Rod Youree well into the witching hour.

QDP
@ Rosemary | 9pm | $5 | 21+

SHE’S LOST CONTROL
@ The Cobra | 10pm | FREE | 21+

Another ongoing DJ night series, She’s Lost Control is especially well-suited to adopt a Halloween them, since it already revolves around dark, goth, and post-punk music. This party will be bumpin’, weird, and extra spooky, so if you’re looking for a free hang, cheap drinks, and awesome tunes, this is a solid choice.

THE DEAD DEADS w/ SMART OBJECTS, DANGEROUS DAN & THE FUNKTOWN HORNS
@ The Cowan | 8pm | $10-15 | 18+

Top Golf’s impressive venue space The Cowan has become quite a buzzy new spot for shows, so it’s not a shock to see them getting in on the Halloween party action. Genre-bending local hard rockers (and primed for Halloween act) The Dead Deads host and headline this party, which also features Smart Objects and Dangerous Dan & The Funtown Horns. Though golf isn’t included, that could easily be a fun bonus activity for those seeking to branch out on their Halloween festivities.

ACME HALLOWEEN: DISCO IS DEAD
@ Acme Feed & Seed | 6pm | $20 | 21+

While going downtown on the weekend always gives us pause, and most of the Broadway bars aren’t particularly transformed into Halloween destination, we can always count on Acme to throw a solid party. This year, expect The Music City Toppers and Sparkle City Disco to keep you dancing on the first floor all night long, while Sister Sprouse brings the bangers at her haunted trap house on the third floor. Definitely not just a tourist stop!

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
@ TPAC | 2PM & 8pm | $55-105 | All Ages

MY SO-CALLED BAND: 90’S HALLOWEEN PARTY
@ Cannery Ballroom | 9:30pm (8:30pm doors) | $15-25 | 18+

We usually hold off on including cover shows in our weekend guide, but particularly for holiday occasions, 90’s cover supergroup My So-Called Band are in a class of their own. Expect Gen X nostalgia, some Halloween themed tunes (and decor), and plenty of singalong fun!

DAIKAIJU w/ LOOK WHAT I DID, TERRIBLE PEOPLE
@ Springwater Supper Club | 8pm | $10 | 21+

Metal heads and dive bar fans take note: Alabama kamikaze-clad progressive metal post-rockers Daikaiju head up a Saturday show at Springwater Supper Club with local info punk weirdos Look What I Did and Terrible People. On top of that, there’s a costume contest, where the winner will receive one PBR a day for a full year! Gotta love Springwater.

<a href="http://daikaiju.bandcamp.com/track/cock-lobster">Cock Lobster by Daikaiju</a>

KATABASIS, 156/SILENCE, MORU, KNUCKLE DRAGGER, DEATH CARD, PONDER, LITTLE GHOST
@ That 70’s House | 6pm

Punk house space That 70’s House is getting in on the cover show action, with a hardcore leaning crop of local and regional acts performing some truly inspired sets. Rock a costume, BYOB, bring a few bucks for the bands, respect the house, and catch Katabasis (covering Slipknot), 156/Silence (covering System Of A Down), Moru (covering Black Breath), Knuckle Dragger (covering Pantera), Death Card (covering AFI), Ponder (covering Taking Back Sunday), and Little Ghost (covering Justin Bieber).

<a href="http://katabasis256.bandcamp.com/album/dreams-of-dying-remedies-ep">Dreams of Dying Remedies – EP by Katabasis</a>

HUSTLE AND BUMP
@ No. 308 | 10pm | FREE | 21+

Ongoing monthly DJ night Hustle and Bump always spins their choice funk, disco, new wave, and boogie all vinyl jams, thanks to Kyle Scudder and Tanner Lunn, and they’re holding it down at Bar No. 308’s Halloween party. 308’s one of our favorite east side hangs already, and given the absence of a cover charge, this is a cool spot to end up or hop to.

HIGH SOUTH w/ PEARL
@ The Basement | 9pm (8:30pm doors) | $10-13 | 21+

Partially Nashville based, trio High South channel a retro, harmony-laden, breezy style of classic, folk-infused rock. Given their vibe, it seems fitting that their show at The Basement with Pearl is being billed as a ’70s/hippie Halloween, and while the specifics of what they entail are a little light, we imaging if you dig the group’s vibe (and especially if you’re rocking a hippie friendly consume), this will be a laid back, low-key refuge.

GRANDE HALLOWEEN
@ Analog | 9:30pm | $5-20 | 18+

Billed as Nashville’s biggest underground electronic music party, The Grande Crew will bring their collective of DJs, including Jonny Grande, Lucy Jane, and more, to spin their deep bass and electronic stylings at ornate Hutton Hotel show space Analog. The party, which strongly encourages consumes, will feature a unique laser light show and more!

SUNDAY – Oct. 28

80’S HALLOWEEN BASH: A-WAY, HANK COMPTON, SAM MORRIS, WILD LOVE, KENNETH HAMPTON
@ The East Room | 9pm (8pm doors) | $5 | 18+

With a crop of great local bands, visuals from Labrys Light show, and a low price tag, Sunday night’s ’80s Halloween Bash at The East Room is nice little end of weekend pick to those looking to keep the party going or who particularly want to sing and dance to ’80s classics. Music comes from A-Way, Hank Compton, Sam Morris, Wild Love, and Kenneth Hampton.

EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL
@ Music Valley Event Center | 7:30pm (7pm doors) | $15-30

A VERY SCARY MOVIE GANG: IT
@ Franklin Theatre | 8pm (6:30pm doors) | $15 | All Ages

We’ve often raved about Franklin’s Movie Gang, a group of music folks who host screenings of pop culture favorites, paying special fan service with extras, giveaways, and lots of fun interactivity. Though the Franklin Theatre, like the Belcourt and area Regals and AMCs, has some classic horror programming on the slate throughout the month, it’s the Movie Gang’s Sunday presentation of last year’s smash hit adaptation of It that looks the most enticing. The special screening includes free candy, t-shirts for the first 50 people, a costume contest, clowns on-site, and more!

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
@ TPAC | 1pm & 6:30pm | $55-105 | All Ages

BLOOD ON THE HARP
@ Acme Feed & Seed | 6pm | FREE | 21+

Like many downtown haunts, Acme Feed & Seed constantly has live music for free downstairs, and while Sunday night isn’t explicitly Halloween themed like Saturday, Atlanta’s Blood on the Harp, who go on at 6 p.m. sharp, will definitely scratch that itch for dark, spooky, and macabre. The southern gothic and Americana group write songs about death, murder, and the devil himself, making their eclectic, lush sound perfect for the season.

MONDAY – Oct. 29

CALVIN JOHNSON, SPODEE BOY, GRAVEYARD GUYS
@ Fond Object (Riverside) | 7pm | $10 | All Ages

There’s a bit of a slowdown between pre-Halloween weekend and the day itself, but Monday still has as few solid picks for those looking to extend the fun. While long-running indie staple Calvin Johnson‘s backyard show at Fond Object with local punks Spodee Boy, in support of his new Patrick Carney produced LP, isn’t inherently Halloween themed (but a solid bet nonetheless), it’s the inclusion of openers Graveyard Guys, a new hardcore offshoot of local Halloween rockers Boo Dudes, who bring the seasonal flair (they only pop up around the holiday, and jump on as many shows as they can).

NEW BELGIUM HOPPY HALLOWEEN PARTY ft. MY SO-CALLED BAND
@ Mercy Lounge | 8pm | FREE | 21+

After headlining a big Cannery Ballroom party on Saturday night, My So-Called Band return to the slightly more intimate Mercy Lounge for a free performance on Monday, hosted by New Belgium’s Voodoo Ranger. Expect that and other New Belgium selections on tap, and a course a fun evening of ’90s nostalgia from one of the city’s best cover acts.

WORLD CLASS BLUEGRASS HALLOWEEN
@ Dee’s | 6pm | FREE | 21+

Bluegrass collective The East Nash Grass hold it down every Monday at east side Honky Tonk Dee’s, and though their promise to “sing at least 2 ghosts songs” while they “try to figure out why the US celebrates a holiday with such strange origins” doesn’t exactly instill much confidence in their Halloween branded installment, if you just want to see some killer bluegrass, this could be the spot.

THE GARDEN OF EDEN, LENNY PEY, IRON VESSEL, STEVE FORREST AND THE A-OKS
@ The Local | 8pm | FREE | 18+

Local retro rockers The Garden of Eden are celebrating their new record with a release show at The Local, joined by Lenny Pey, Iron Vessel, and Steve Forrest and the A-Oks. Aside from a costume contest with prizes, it doesn’t sound overtly Halloween-y, but hey, it’s free!

TUESDAY – Oct. 30

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
@ TPAC | 7:30pm | $55-105 | All Ages

HALLOWEEN MOVIE NIGHT: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
@ Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 7:30pm | $18-31 | All Ages

Unlike The Nightmare Before Christmas a few days prior, the Schermerhorn’s presentation of 1925 silent film classic The Phantom of the Opera won’t have full symphonic accompaniment, but it will have accompaniment from the venue’s Martin Foundation Concert Organ. Priced more like a movie than symphony as well, the event will feature drink specials, a photo booth, costume contest, prizes, and more.

CULLEN WADE & THE WATERS, BLACKWOOD ROW, H.O.W.L., DAMSEL AND DISTRESS
@ The Cobra | 8pm | $5 | 21+

Billed as “Halloween Eve Live” at The Cobra, this low dough Tuesday night low-key rock show is your best Oct. 30 option to fill the pre-Halloween lull, before
nesday really starts to get wild. Americana rockers Cullen Wade & The Waters top the bill, along with Blackwood Row, H.O.W.L., and Damsel and Distress.

WEDNESDAY – Oct. 31

A VERY SCARY SPIDERBERRY HALLOWEEN VOLUME 2 w/ H.A.R.D., ABBEY MOSS, BEN RICKETTS
@ Vinyl Tap | 8pm | FREE w/ costume | 21+

Buzzy local rockers The Spiderberries take over Vinyl Tap for a second year (a tradition we hope continues on), along with H.A.R.D., Abbey Moss, and Ben Ricketts. With beer specials, Halloween visuals, free admission with costume (masks encouraged, which is not the case many places), and simply a damn lineup we’d recommend any day, this is a top pick for a neighborhood hang.

ATTACK OF THE KILLER TRIBUTE BANDS ft. PENICILLIN BABY, THE INSCAPE, SAD BAXTER, JACK EVEN JOHNSON + CYBELLE ELENA, THE DOWNERS
@ The Cobra | 8pm | 21+

If rocking a costume to a legitimately great show is your top Halloween priority, The Cobra’s looking like one of the strongest Wednesday night options. Presented by our pals at Cold Lunch, this is cover show with a legitimately stacked local indie lineup, featuring Penicillin Baby as The Modern Lovers, The Inscape as Pink Floyd, performing “The Piper at The Gates of Dawn,” Sad Baxter as HOLE, Jack Even Johnson + Cybelle Elena as Dead Moon, and The Downers as System of a Down.

PALM GHOSTS, ELON MUSK, SUNDAES, CHARLIE ALLEN, CARE KELLEY & THE BOYS OF SUMMER
@ The East Room | 8pm | 18+

We’ve recommend this stacked lineup of local indie, psych, and pop any night, but it’s an especially cool way to spend Halloween, soaking up some stellar music in costume. Palm Ghosts, Elon Musk, Sundaes, Charlie Allen, and Care Kelley & The Boys of Summer make The East Room one of the night’s best bets.

<a href="http://palmghosts.bandcamp.com/track/turn-the-knife">Turn The Knife by Palm Ghosts</a>

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
@ The Belcourt | 10pm | SOLD OUT | 18+

While The Belcourt isn’t the only theater in town showing The Rocky Horror Picture Show (it’s such a big holiday phenomenon, the chains have gotten in on the action too), for our money, it’s the best. Not just because it’s our local indie spot, but because it’s hosted/presented by Nashville’s Rocky Horror cast Little Morals. Unfortunately the Halloween screening as well as weekend midnight screenings have sold out, but if you’ve never experienced the live, immersive Rock Horror theatrical presentation, add it to your bucket list and look out next year. Might we suggest, instead, The Belcourt’s early screening of the new Suspiria.

HERE COME THE MUMMIES w/ LUTHI
@ The Caverns | 7pm show (6pm doors) | $60-510 | Age

While this show is a bit of a trek (nearly to Chattanooga), it’s a super unique way to spend Halloween with two Nashville favorites, undead funk rock supergroup Here Come the Mummies and eclectic, funky breakout act LUTHI, underground in one of a kind and ornate venue space The Caverns, located in Pelham, TN (also where they host bluegrass underground). This is a super cool and sure to be unforgettable option, but remember, if you’re planning to drive yourself there and back, party responsibly.

EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL
@ Music Valley Event Center | 7:30pm (7pm doors) | $15-30

MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 LIVE
@ TPAC’s James K. Polk Theater | 7:30pm | $49.50 | All Ages

Featuring both original host Joel Hodgson (for the first time in 25 years) along with new host Jonah Ray, beloved b-movie lampooning pop culture show Mystery Science Theater 3000 is on the road to celebrate its 30th anniversary, and just so happens to stop in Nashville on Halloween. This isn’t a Halloween show per se (though the venue made mention of a costume contest, so feel free to celebrate), but of course they’re taking the opportunity to riff on a horror film: The Brain.

THE AQUADUCKS w/ DJ JERRY PENTECOST
@ True Music Room | 6pm | FREE

The Cambria Hotel’s True Music Room venue is getting in on the Halloween fun, hosting a free show and costume party featuring funk and soul rockers The Aquaducks and in-demand DJ Jerry Pentecost. Winner of the evening’s costume contest will receive a pair of Metallica tickets (weird for the vibe of the lineup, but we dig it) plus an overnight stay at the trendy hotel!

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
@ TPAC | 7:30pm | $55-105 | All Ages

DELTA RAE w/ KITTY HAWK, ANGELICA GARCIA
@ The Basement | 8pm (7:30pm doors) | $10 | 21+

Folk rockers Delta Rae are hosting a Wednesday residency at The Basement all fall, and this week’s installment just happens to fall on Halloween. Kitty Hawk and Angelica Garcia support, consumes are encouraged, and the band tease they might “have some tricks up their sleeves.”

BOOGIE BASH: JARREN BLAIR (feat. THE BROOMESTIX), JAMIAH, THREE DOLLAS, ALLY, CAMM
@ 3rd & Lindsley | 8pm (6pm doors) | $10 | All Ages

If you’re hoping to get down and groove in costume, 3rd & Lindsley’s BOOgie Bash promises to be a groovy, soulful dance party, headed up by singer-songwriter Jarren Blair. For just $10, you also get Jamiah, Three Dollas, ALLY, and Camm, which is a solid lineup any night, and a cool Halloween destination if music is your main priority.

ROSEMARY’S BABY 2: HAUNTED HOUSE PARTY ft. COACH & RATE
@ Rosemary & Beauty Queen | 8pm | FREE | 21+

Costumes are encouraged at Five Points house party bar Rosemary’s Halloween night party, with in-demand local DJs Coach and Rate providing the tunes. Rosemary is without a doubt one of our favorite new spots (and seems to be fairly local still, without the tourist influx), with a great vibe and atmosphere, and should have plenty of nice touches to make this a spooky dance party to remember.

ANGELA PERLEY & THE HOWLIN MOONS, ERICA BLINN
@ Little Harpeth | 7pm | $8-10 | 21+

Ohio folk rockers Angela Perley & The Holin Moons hit Little Harpeth on Halloween, along with Erica Blinn. This is another one that isn’t explicitly Halloween-centric, but costumes are welcome, so if you’re looking to show up and show off your outfit, it’s worth a consideration.

MOVEMENT, A WAREHOUSE TECHNO RAVE ft. TAYLOR MICHAEL MATSON, PATRICK MANNING, IVAN CORONEL, DAVID LEILL
@ Make Nashville | 8:30pm | $10

Promising to go “faster, harder, and darker” than most of the techno and house showcased around down, this straight-up warehouse rave is a good bet if you’re looking to party all night. A costume will get you free admission, and all donations at the door go to Make Nashville. It’s not a Halloween rave so much as a rave on Halloween, but if that’s your cup of tea, it sounds like it’ll be a wild one.

DUBAWEEN ft. PROPHET, VIBE EMISSIONS, CHIEF KAYA, SKEYEVIEW
@ The End | 9pm show (8pm doors) | $15 | 18+

A good bet for EDM fans looking for an off the beaten path dance party, Dubaween at The end will boast a variety of DJs and visual artists. This is a pretty little space, so make sure your costume has some ventilation.

DEE’S HALLOWEEN ft. HARD ROCK ZOMBIES, TIMID DEATH, ALEX KRAMER
@ Dee’s | 8pm | 21+

One of those local projects who only seem to emerge this time of year, Hard Rock Zombies describe themselves as “Nashville’s premier multimedia/horror-soundtrack/zombie band.” They head up a low-key Halloween party at Dee’s, so if you’re looking to stick to the east side where you can find cheap drinks and Halloween inspired tunes, this should do the trick.

CBDB w/ STOOP KIDS
@ The Basement East | 8pm (7pm doors) | $12-15 | 18+

Alabama prog/jam rockers CBDB are headlining The Basement East Halloween night, joined by genre bending, poppy New Orleans transplants Stoop Kids. Like many shows, it’s not explicitly Halloween themed, but costumers are encouraged so if vibey, good jams are your thing, this is a cool option to consider.

HALLOWEEN SLASHER BASH
@ Play | 8pm

Nashville’s most popular gay bar, Play, gets in on the Halloween action with a Slasher Bash, encouraging patrons to don “your best 70s/80s/90s horror icon, your fiercest drag, or your most outrageous costume.” Over $5,000 in cash and prizes will be given out throughout the night, with Spooktacular Play Mates shows at 9, 11, and 1. Play’s always a fun, wild dance party, and surely a great spot to show off a costume you’re proud of.

HALLOWEEN HOEDOWN SCARE DANCE ft. HOGSLOP STRING BAND
@ Acme Feed & Seed | 8pm | FREE | 21+

Acme’s big Halloween bash happened over the weekend, but if, for some reason, going downtown is on your agenda, they’re strongly encouraging patrons to arrive in costume to square dance with the Hogslop String Band. It’s free, and for the sight of a random assort of costumed people square dancing alone, it might be worth a visit.

FUNKONAUTS w/ CLEETORIS T. BEEFOWF
@ The Cobra | 9pm | FREE | 21+

Presumably in The Cobra’s front bar (while there’s a cool rock and roll cover show in the back), local edgy funksters the Funkonauts are providing free tunes at preeminent dive The Cobra. Cleetoris T. Beefowf opens, and the’s bar’s always good for a cheap drink and interesting crowd.

DINO’S BIZARRE
@ Dino’s | 10pm | FREE | 21+

Promising magic, fire, tarot, and burlesque, DJ sets from Euro Twinz, and drink specials, go to dive bar Dino’s’ Halloween party has us intrigued enough to include (many other great bars and restaurants are doing Halloween stuff too, so search around if you have your heart set on a spot to end up). Open late with great food and drinks, we’ve ended up there many a night (a Halloween night, in costume, no less) as a last stop.

THURSDAY – Nov. 1

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
@ TPAC | 7:30pm | $55-105 | All Ages

MIDTONES, BLACK BRA, DALE HOLLOW
@ The Cobra | 8:30pm (8pm doors | $5 | 21+

Since the day after Halloween is also a weeknight, there’s little reason to book holiday themed events on the 1st instead of 31st. However, dreamy alt/indie rockers Midtones, Black Bra, and folky singer-songwriter Dale Hollow make up a solid local bill at The Cobra, for a some day after Halloween jams that deem consumes still appropriate, in case you’re not through showing off your look.

<a href="http://midtonesmusic.bandcamp.com/album/midtones">MIDTONES by MIDTONES</a>

FRIDAY – Nov. 2

EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL
@ Music Valley Event Center | 7:30pm (7pm doors) | $15-30

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
@ TPAC | 8pm | $55-105 | All Ages

MADELYNE MORRIS, BREAK ROOM ANIMALS, REECE YOUNG, ISAIAH ZACH
@ Boulevard Record Shop | 7pm | $5

By post-Halloween weekend, the themed shows are slim pickings, but if you’re still reeling from the holiday and looking for some tunes, Belmont run record store Boulevard is throwing a “Halloween Hangover” show Friday night, featuring talented up and comers Madelyne Morris, Break Room Animals, Reece Young, and Isaiah Zach.