In case you live under a rock, Halloween falls on Wed (Oct 31), which means the freaks and ghouls will be more visible than normal amongst us this weekend. Most events revolve around the blood-soaked pagan ritual, but there are other worthy selections dotted around it too. Feast your eyes, ears and fangs.
COMEDY
They say laughing is like a mild orgasm, but what do they know anyway? Regardless, Punchline comedy returns tonight and tomorrow (Oct 26-7). Tickets are a bulky B1,500, which includes three international names - Ian Coppinger, Gordon Southern and Andre King - justifying the splurge. Venue is Sundowner's Bar (The Imperial Queen's Park, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-261-9000), which should pack them in. Grab a pint and a laugh.
PARTY
For some indie action tonight (Oct 26), the Soma crew is putting on a Psycho Killer Rocks Club Soma party under the spirited theme of "Dance or Die!" Get your rocks off to music from Primal Scream, Suede, and other Brit-popsters. It's on at Sonic (90 Sukhumvit Soi 63, between Ekamai Soi 10 and Big C). Dresscode is killers, monsters, and freaks. Entry is a very reasonable B100. Punt for a midnight arrival.
PARTY
For some non-Halloween action on Sat (Oct 27), try Vacancy - a party that started among some Japanese friends that has been gathering momentum for its chill crowd and select cuts. It's on at Shades of Retro (808/12 Soi Thara Rom 2, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 02-174-9450, shadesofretro.tumblr.com), which is definitely cosy and will be too small for the parties soon. The vibe should be pretty relaxed, with beats to match from guest DJ Boogie G and support from the crew's regular breakbeat geeks. Entry is free. Come early to snag a couch with good popcorn access.
PARTY
If you're not ready for bed early on Sun morning (Oct 28), then head to It's a Bad Idea Halloween for some down and dirty after-hours action in Patpong. The theme centres around a seasonal subversion, with the crew promising the night to "be another Halloween you won't remember", and they may just be right. Keep an eye out for the horse spirit that has been rumoured to haunt the party. The venue again is the Black Pagoda (Formerly Parkbridge, Patpong Soi 2, above Foodland) - a sweaty little den that does the job for the nocturnes. It should go all night, with the last party winding down around dawn. Entry is B250 with a drink.
PARTY
Plenty of options on Wed (Oct 31) for Halloween proper, with all the major venues putting on something to keep their regulars happy. We say go local, to the place you dig the most. If you're committed to full costume, some of the bigger and better options are Haunted Hospital at Bed (26 Sukhumvit Soi 11, bedsupperclub.com), Fetish HELLoween at Bash Bangkok (37 Sukhumvit Soi 11, bashbangkok.com) and Horror Network Party at Route66 (Block B, RCA, Rama IX Road, route66club.com). Just pretend that Thu is a holiday (these four-day weeks are addictive).
