From an adults-only fright night to spook-tactular fun for the whole family, Downtown Phoenix boasts the best Halloween events for ghosts and goblins of all ages. Check out our top ten picks for Friday, Oct. 31 or click here for full list of Halloween happenings.
Family-Friendly
Arizona Science Center Weird Science Halloween: Creeping, Crawling and Clawing Creatures!
Hang out with creatures large and small from the Arizona Animal Welfare League, Arizona Game and Fish Department, ASU Black Widow Lab, Piggie Poo Rescue, Raining Rats Rattery and Sea Life Aquarium from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This special exhibit is free with general admission.
Phoenix Symphony Hall: “Swan Lake” Halloween
Arrive in costume for “Swan Lake” at Phoenix Symphony Hall and receive $35 tickets at the door. Best overall costume wins $500 and the best zombie dancer, traditional dancer and non-dancer win free ballet tickets. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and regular admission is $45 to $158. If you’ve never seen “Swan Lake” with the Phoenix Symphony, this show is a must.
Rosson House Museum: Sixth Annual PoeFest
The Rosson House Museum – with its Gothic architecture and ghost stories – creates the perfect backdrop for Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven.” Performed every 20 minutes by acclaimed actor James David Porter, this chilling poem marks the grand finale of the Sixth Annual PoeFest, a month-long celebration of Poe’s literary works hosted by the Arizona Curriculum Theater. Located at Heritage and Science Park, tickets to the museum cost $10.
US Airways Center: Phoenix Suns versus San Antonio Spurs
Celebrate the beginning of the Phoenix Suns’ season at the second home game at US Airways Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. but come early for Halloween-themed activities on the plaza starting at 5 p.m. Show your game ticket on the Valley Metro Light Rail to receive free round-trip fare. Ticket prices start at $25.
Adults Only
Alwun House: Monsters Ball and Menagerie
Join in the macabre revelry of Alwun’s Halloween art party and haunted house. The free haunted house is open to the public from 12 to 6 p.m. and the costume ball, music and performances begin at 8 p.m. Complimentary appetizers and spine-chilling cocktails are available at a cash bar. Tickets for Monsters Ball are $12 to $17 and the house is located at 1204 E. Roosevelt Street.
Bitter and Twisted Cocktail Parlour: Halloween 2014
Paint your face in the spirit of Dia de los Muertos or dress like a zombie from the Walking Dead – whatever your inspiration, come party on All Hallows’ Eve Bitter and Twisted style. Dance to the funky beats of DJ Joey T and sip Don Julio-inspired libations starting at 8 p.m. Free admission with limited space available.
Crescent Ballroom: Sean Watson’s Halloween Costume Ball
Celebrate Halloween with DJs Sean Watson, Body Tricks, DJ My Funeral and electro-pop songstress Luna Aura. Costumes mandatory for entry. Ticket prizes and giveaways for the most inspired dressers and dancers. The party starts at 9 p.m. and admission is $3 to $5.
La Flor De Calabaza Latin Lounge: Halloween Bash
Add some spice to your night at Flor De Calabaza’s Halloween Bash with live music, drink specials and costume contest featuring free bottle service for first prize. Tucked behind Pomo Pizzeria on First and McKinley streets, this is a perfect opportunity to check out one of Downtown’s newest (and hottest) Latin nightclubs.
Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge: Bowlloween
Get ready to bowl, dance and party the night away with multiple DJs and a $1,000 cash prize for best costume. General admission starts at $15 with group discounts and VIP access available. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the costume contest begins at midnight.
Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub and Restaurant: Halloween Costume Party
At Seamus’ the party starts when you get here. Celebrate Halloween Irish-style with free live music, spooky drinks specials and costume contest. Known for having the largest Scotch selection in the state, this party is sure to thrill.