The Weekender — Halloween Edition: 5 Things To Do Oct. 27-29
Get psyched for Halloween with a slew of spooky festivals, a drag show and a night all about Quentin Tarantino.
Halloween weekend gets a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart. To kick start your Halloween celebration, Yuzu will dedicate a night to film director Quentin Tarantino by encouraging patrons to dress in their best Tarantino costumes. The Lakewood bar will be pouring Tarantino-themed drink specials, like the Reservoir Dogs-inspired Mr. Pink Drink, and hosting games featured in Inglorious Basterds. Be sure to come early, as the kitchen will be serving Royales with cheese — That’s what they call a Quarter Pounder in Paris. They got the metric system there. — while supplies last. Free, Oct. 27, 10 p.m.–2 a.m., 13603 Madison Ave., yuzulakewood.com
Ghoulardi Fest
Each year, Big Chuck and Lil’ John rise from their crypts to present Cleveland’s spookiest festival. Based around Ghoulardi, the host of Shock Theater’s original Cleveland run, Ghoulardi Fest returns for its annual three-day celebration giving fans a chance to immerse themselves in the world of Cleveland’s legendary late-night ghoul. With each day hosted by Big Chuck, Lil’ John and Hoolihan, the three day festival will include “Scaryoke,” live performances from a Blues Brothers cover band and a pizza eating contest. Oct. 27, 5–9 p.m., Oct. 28, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Oct. 29, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., 11500 Brookpark Rd., theghoulardifest.com
A Nightmare on West 6th Street
There’s a chill in the air as West 6th Street turns into the city’s biggest block party. Come out to the Warehouse District to watch headlining sets from Steve Aoki and T-Pain, as well as local favorites like DJ EV, Tricky Dick & the Cover-Ups and DJ Connor OD. Food trucks and five full service bars will be available throughout the night. Attendees will also have the chance to enter the event’s costume contest for a chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas. Tickets start at $10, Oct. 28, 4–11 p.m., West 6th Street, clehalloween.com
Dia de Muertos Ohio
Celebrate life on the Day of the Dead with this traditional Latin celebration meant to honor ancestors and loved ones. This year’s festival will include an exhibition of altars and cemetery installations by local artists, live Latino music, art vendors and servings of pan de meurto (Spanish for “bread of the dead”) and other traditional foods. The event will culminate in the popular Procession of Skulls and Skeletons Parade. Free, Oct. 28, 11 a.m.–10 p.m., 6201 Detroit Ave., diademuertosohio.com
Samantha Echo’s Spooktacular Halloween Drag Show
Turn out your best costume with some of Cleveland’s fiercest and most extravagant dressers. Hosted by 2017 Ohio Burlypicks’ Master of Lipsync Samantha Echo, who will also perform, and featuring performances from Ginger Breadhaus, SHE and Vanessa Valentino Banks, the show promises a stunning display of the best Cleveland’s drag scene has to offer. It will also feature a costume contest judged by audience applause with the winner being awarded a cash prize. Free, Oct. 28, 9 p.m.–12 a.m., 5801 Detroit Ave., happydogcleveland.com
