As frequent readers may have noticed, I’m particular about certain things, and Halloween is no exception. It’s not that Halloween and scary movies particularly bother me; I just am not the type who runs toward places like the USS Haunted Hornet in Alameda
or Terror Vault at the Mint. Bless you if you are the type — I certainly won’t rain on your parade — but I’m more the person who likes to mingle in costume, preferably with a fog-laden drink in hand, looking around at the spooky decor before heading home, nary a knife-wielding serial killer in sight to chase me down a hallway or plank. Call it my après-ski syndrome — I’m someone who’d rather stay at the cozy lodge than ski.
Sure, some of you may have already been partying it up at the bars that like to spook it up for the month of October, but the last two weeks are when Halloween goes from good to great. I’ve found some events that I’m eyeing for the next two weekends, here’s where I recommend going for those good-not-crazy Halloween vibes you’re seeking.
The Haunting at Palm House
Palm House in the Marina received a Halloween makeover with lots of spooky regalia, plus some punny, Halloween-themed cocktails to get you in the spirit of the holiday. (Example: The Clown Pear-anoia drink, above.) Dubbed the Haunting at Palm House, the decor is hanging out until Sunday, November 1. But what I’m really after is the fourth annual Halloween Bark Bash, a dog-friendly brunch and Halloween fashion show from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 25. (Tag me — @thedeguz — in your dog costume photos!) The Haunting at Palm House, 2032 Union Street, San Francisco
Rye the Shining Bar
Rye continues its commitment to the classic Stanley Kubrick film, The Shining, bringing the theme back for its sixth year. But lest you accuse the bar of resting on its laurels, the team there is upcasting its decor with a “Wendy Wall,” what they’re calling an “homage and shrine” to actress Shelley Duvall. There are even menus cut out in the shape of the Grady sisters (AKA creepy twins in the hallway). There are hanging axes, a fun photo opp (you’ll know it when you see it), and, of course, excellent cocktails named just for the occasion (think Tony’s Negroni and Elevator of Blood). It’s running now through the end of the month. Rye, 688 Geary, San Francisco
Fright Nightlife at Cal Academy
We’re all probably aware at this point that Cal Academy does 21-and-over nights on Thursdays, but I do love when they step things up to meet the occasion. As such, starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, the museum’s Fright Nightlife will feature Peaches Christ as headliner, “scare actors and vampires” stalking the museum floor (you can miss me with that part), and a mix of food vendors curated by Off the Grid. There will also be tarot card readings and opportunities to get flash tattoos and piercings, if this seems like the type of outing you want to commemorate forever (laughs maniacally). Tickets available via Calacademy.org.
La Cave Maudite at Verjus
Details are scant for this Halloween-themed bash at wine bar favorite Verjus, but it sounds very promising: From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, La Cave Maudite at Verjus will have music from Fusion and Lakeverett, a costume contest, and (likely) candlelit vibes to spare. Start off with two glasses of house punch, and wines by the glass from there on. Verjus, 550 Washington Street, San Francisco. Tickets available via Sevenrooms.com.
The Devil’s Sea at Kaiyo Rooftop
Halloween costumes at a rooftop bar? There are worse places to be caught on Halloween, but this isn’t one of them, if you’re looking for views paired with costumes and drinks. Kaiyo Rooftop transforms into the Devil’s Sea from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, for “Japanese-inspired Halloween revelry.” There will be a DJ, costume contest, and drinks, of course, and revelers can book a table or RSVP for free on Eventbrite, for standing room only. Kaiyo Rooftop, 701 3rd Street, San Francisco
