It’s time again to put on your costumes–some sexy, some creative, some half-assed–drink, party and riot–oh wait, we don’t do that anymore in Madison. Yep, I’m talking about Halloween, and for the first time since 2008, it’s on a Friday. Here’s a rundown of Halloween events going on in Madison this week:
Sunday, Oct. 26
- Halloween at the Zoo (suggested donation of $2): An evolution of the former “Tunnel of Terror.” Bring the family to Vilas Zoo from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and enjoy trick-or-treating, a costume contest, an activity tent and the Klement’s Racing Sausages. Friends of the Zoo may enter at 9 a.m.
- Haunted Hustle ($50.98-$98.45): As mentioned in a previous blog post, Madison’s got a LOT of themed races. The half-marathon and marathon begin at 9 a.m. and 8 a.m., respectively, with the route located in Middleton. It can’t be easy to run in a costume!
Wednesday, Oct. 29
- Family Halloween (free): Three days before downtown turns into a big party scene, kids rule State Street and the Capitol Square from 3-6 p.m. Activities include hay rides, a corn maze and trick-0r-treating at participating businesses.
Thursday, Oct. 30
- The Lube Trick or Treat (free): Quaker Steak & Lube is hosting a costume contest and a “scary-oke” singing contest, starting at 9 p.m. Food and drink specials, too.
Friday, Oct. 31
- DMBA Trick or Treat (free): If the kiddos didn’t get enough trick-or-treating at businesses on Wednesday, they can head to Middleton and do it all over again from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 44 local locations.
- A Freakin’ Halloweekend ($8): The High Noon Saloon hosts this two-day event in which local bands dress up as their favorite “mega-bands.” Examples include The Shirley Manson family as Garbage on Friday and Blink One Eighty Boo as Blink-182 on Saturday. Shows start at 8 p.m.
- Halloween Block Party Bash (free): A DJ will be performing at the Up North, Mike Schneider at the Essen Haus and The Lower Fifth at Come Back In. Plus, the requisite costume contest runs from 6-9 p.m.
- Halloween Bash ($8): Badger Bowl’s party run from 9:15 p.m. – 1:15 a.m. and features a performance by the Charm School Rejects and a costume contest. Prizes include a 40″ LED flat screen TV.
Saturday, Nov. 1
- Beakers and Broomsticks ($8): If for some reason you want to play with some bugs, heading to the Madison Children’s Museum starting at 9:30 a.m. UW Insect Ambassadors will be on hand, and Ken Lonnquist will be performing as well.
- Freakfest ($8 advance/$12 at the gates): Madison’s official Halloween party takes place from 7 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. on State Street. This year’s headliners are Atmosphere and the American Authors. The people-watching alone is worth the price of admission. If you want to save a few bucks, head to the bars early, before the gates on State Street are erected.
- 80s vs. 90s Halloween Costume Ball ($5): The almost-monthly 80s vs. 90s party is always popular, but the Halloween version is always really popular. Dress up as a TV/movie character or music icon to participate in the costume contest. Doors open at 9, and I recommend arriving soon after.
Tags: Halloween
