From kid-friendly frights to spooky nights out, Pittsburgh has a lot going on this Halloween season. CP found some of the best all-ages and adult-only events for creeps both big and small. Just remember – costumes are always required.
The Main Event
Saturday, Oct. 27
Head to Market Square for Fright Up Night, an evening jam-packed with events like zombie wrestling, a Night of the Living Dead-inspired pop-up bar, and other creepy, cool delights. Families should head to Point Park University for an all-ages party with Halloween games, a pumpkin pie-eating contest, and free pizza. Adults will find Halloween-themed drink specials at various participating bars, plus costume contests, live music, and frightfully good food. Or cruise the final Saturday Night Market of the season for handmade and artisan products that would make anyone scream. 5-10 p.m. 210 Forbes Ave., Downtown. Prices vary. frightupnight.com
Fun for the Whole Family
Dress up the little ghouls and goblins and head to Kelly Strayhorn Theater for its annual Halloween Mayhem party. The afternoon of kid-approved festivities includes a costume parade, youth-led performances, and a DJ. Get creative with crafts in the theater lobby, or enjoy puppets, games, and more. 12-3 p.m. 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty. Pay what makes you happy. kelly-strayhorn.org
All aboard the Gateway Clipper for a Halloween Fun Cruise on the river. Bring your young witch, zombie, or, more appropriately, pirate for a sightseeing tour that includes a DJ dance party, interactive games, and story time with friendly monsters. And, of course, there are treat bags for all the kids. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1-3:30 pm. 350 West Station Square Dr., Station Square. $5 infants, $13 kids 12 and under, $26 adults. gatewayclipper.com
Sunday, Oct. 28
The Oaks Theater casts a spell with its Cinebrunch presentation of Hocus Pocus. Chow down on savory and sweet breakfast fare – including pastries from The Oakmont Bakery – during an early screening of the 1993 comedy film starring Bette Midler as the leader of an evil witch trio resurrected in modern day Salem, Mass. 10 a.m. 310 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont. $14.50-16.50. theoakstheater.com
No Kids Allowed
Friday, October 26
There is no shortage of dance parties to show off your delightfully ironic Sexy Hot Dog costume, but Cruze has more DJs than you can shake a stick at for That Halloween Party. Touted as “Pittsburgh's premier underground Halloween dance event,” the bash has 12 DJs spinning dubstep, trap, drum and bass, and bass house, all in an inclusive, LGBTQ-friendly environment. 8 p.m.-2 a.m.1600 Smallman St., Strip District. cruzebar.com
Horror fans can head to the Regent Square Theater for a reception of The Fog with star Tom Atkins. The theater will show a 4K restoration of John Carpenter’s terrifying 1980 tale about a seaside town under siege by a mysterious fog full of vengeful spirits. Atkins will introduce the film and lead a Q&A session before the screening. Showtimes for The Fog continue through Thur., Nov. 1. 6 p.m. 1035 S. Braddock Ave., Regent Square. $15. cinema.pfpca.org
Saturday, Oct. 27
Spirit has two floors, tons of live music, and an entire night of partying for its Halloween Costume Contest & 80s Burnout Bash. Grab a beer and enjoy performances from a wide variety of Pittsburgh-based bands, including synthwave act Betamaxx, grungy hard rockers T-Tops, and the electronic stylings of Majeure. Don’t forget to don your best duds for a costume contest hosted by featured musician, BjORDAN. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. 242 51st St., Lawrenceville. $15 online, $20 at the door. spiritpgh.com
Break out your best black eyeliner and studded collar for the Danse Macabre 3 Halloween party at Cattivo. Sink your teeth into a night of goth and industrial acts from all over, including headliner Aurelio Voltaire, a New York City singer-songwriter whose music is described as “a collection of murder ballads and tongue-in-cheek exercises in the macabre.” Also playing is the New York darkwave band NOIR, the Arizona synthwave-rock act FIRES, and Toronto-based musician Sue Hutton of Indarra, as well as DJ Eclipse and DJ CrasHZer0. 8 p.m. 146 44th St., Lawrenceville. $17 in advance, $20 at the door. cattivopgh.com
Offbeat Treats
Sunday, October 28
Meet some furry friends during Black Cat Market’s Spooky Game Night. The event kicks off the first in a regular series of game nights, where guests are encouraged to play different featured board games and bring some of their favorites to share. For this round, expect an appearance from creepy selections like House on the Hill and Werewolf. Plus, $4 will get you unlimited entrance to the cat room all night. 6-10 p.m. 5171 Butler St., Lawrenceville. Free. blackcatmarketpgh.com
Tuesday, October 30
Allegheny Wine Mixer presents its high-art version of Halloween with Hell Night. The bar once again welcomes Opera on Tap – a nonprofit devoted to raising arts awareness by bringing opera to more intimate venues – as they belt out a selection of the creepiest, most violent, sexiest arias, duets, and trios. Drop a couple singles in the Wagnerian Helmet of Prosperity when it comes around – the more the audience tips, the crazier and spookier the night gets. 8:30-10:30 p.m., 5326 Butler St., Lawrenceville. Free. alleghenywinemixer.com