Halloween weekend in Charleston offers plenty of ways to get into the spirit, whether that means dressing up for a night of live music, catching a little theatrical magic or spending an entire day bouncing between bands.
From a symphonic trip into the darker corners of the musical world to rock shows, nostalgic dance parties and a Latin music blowout, there’s something happening around town for just about every kind of Halloween enthusiast.
Thursday, Oct. 29
CSO Pops 1: The Witching Hour — Gaillard Center
The Charleston Symphony gets a head start on Halloween with a program designed for anyone who likes their music with a little mystery and menace. “The Witching Hour” mixes spooky favorites from stage and screen, including music from “Wicked,” “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Psycho,” with darker classical works. Vocalists Morgan James and Hugh Panaro join conductor Yuriy Bekker, the symphony and the Charleston Symphony Chorus for an evening that will take the Halloween atmosphere beyond the usual haunted-house soundtrack. Info: gaillardcenter.org.
Friday, Oct. 30
Halloween Bash — Tin Roof
The club turns up the volume with a four-band bill featuring Wargod, Yottabyte, M30 and Sunset Black. Doors open at 7 p.m., with music starting at 8. The $15 show is for ages 21 and older, making this a straightforward option for anyone looking to spend the night in a live music room rather than a crowded costume party. Info: theroyalamerican.com.
Nightmare Before Midnight — The Windjammer
Charleston alternative-pop and indie band The Midnight City brings its “Nightmare Before Midnight” Hallo-weekend show to its beach stage. With the group having more than 14 years of experience as a cover and party band, expect a performance built for a crowd rather than a quiet night contemplating the moon. Costumes are encouraged, and the beachside setting gives the evening a different feel from the downtown club circuit. Info: the-windjammer.com.
Boogieman Kickoff Party with the Saint Cecilia — Royal American
The Royal American gets its Halloween festivities rolling with the Boogieman kickoff party featuring the Saint Cecilia. The show starts at 9 p.m., with a $10 cover and additional guests to be announced. Consider it the opening act for the venue’s larger Halloween celebration the following day. Info: theroyalamerican.com.
Lucy Darling’s Halloween Spooktacular — North Charleston Performing Arts Center
Comedian and magician Carisa Hendrix brings her vintage-inspired character Lucy Darling to a Halloween-themed show that combines magic, comedy and theatrical mischief. It’s a different kind of spooky-season entertainment for those who would rather be surprised by a trick than startled by a jump scare. Info: charlestonmusichall.com.
It’s a 2000s Halloween Party — Music Farm
For anyone whose ideal Halloween soundtrack comes from the era of low-rise jeans, side-swept bangs and dance-floor anthems, Music Farm is hosting an ’00s-themed Halloween party. It’s a chance to revisit the decade’s club hits while getting one more use out of that costume before Halloween proper. Info: musicfarm.com.
Saturday, Oct. 31
Sixth Annual Boogieman Halloween Festival — Royal American
The Royal American’s annual Boogieman Halloween Festival is the big all-day option, with 15 bands spread across two stages. That’s a lot of live music for one Halloween, with plenty of opportunities to catch local acts, discover a new favorite and make a full afternoon and evening of it. Info: theroyalamerican.com.
Rock Show and Costume Contest — Tin Roof
Tin Roof keeps the rock going on Halloween night with To No Avail and Diabeetus, along with a costume contest. For anyone who considers loud guitars and dressing up to be essential ingredients of Oct. 31, it’s another reason to keep the Halloween plans going after dark. Info: charlestontinroof.com.
Wolf Mask: Slasher Disco — Pour House
Wolf Mask brings a darker spin to the dance-party format with “Slasher Disco.” The Pour House has created an option for those who prefer their spooky-season soundtrack loud, danceable and a little sinister. Info: charlestonpourhouse.com.
Gasolina Halloween Party — Music Farm
Music Farm closes out the roundup with Gasolina, a Halloween party centered on reggaeton, dembow and Latin dance music. The 18-and-older event starts at 9 p.m., offering a late-night alternative to the rock shows and all-day festival. Come ready to dance — and, naturally, in costume. Info: musicfarm.com.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.
