In our opinion, the best nights tend to occur spontaneously.
Hence why we typically forgo New Year’s Eve extravaganzas, St. Paddy’s parades and any occasion that triggers Surge Fares.
But we’ll make one exception: Halloween, the one day on which donning a costume and acting a fool with a roomful of strangers hasn’t lost its charm.
If you feel the same, consider one of these six elegant, hifalutin, devilishly fun ways to celebrate in 2018.
You Want to Wear a Mask and Get Weird: The McKittrick Masquerade: Inferno
Chelsea
The McKittrick, home to the ever-popular Sleep No More, presents its annual bash. Making New York strange again, it’s an immersive evening of exploration and mystery with unparalleled performances throughout four (but secretly five) floors of the legendary hotel. Don your A-game for this one, good sir.
Image via giafrese for The McKittrick Hotel
You Want Something Sexy and Exclusive: Halloween Clue: Mystery at Ludlow Manor
Lower East Side
Soho House’s sister locale is taking you back to 1949, where Lady Peacock will be hosting a glammed-up dinner soirée. All the who’s who of gaming’s favorite high society will be there: the insufferable Miss Peach, the sophisticated Mr. Green, the surly Colonel Mustard. Drink, snack and gallivant through the night — until horror strikes. Please note that this event is strictly members only. If you’re not one, you can learn more about applying here.
Image via imdb
You Want to Dance Yourself to Death: Halloween Stomp
TBD
Yes, spirits can be sexy too. Flappers, mobsters and demons alike are welcome to cut a rug to live hot jazz while burlesque performers, go-go dancers and swing DJs take turns on stage. There’s a seriously cut-throat costume contest to boot.
Image via Jane Kratochvil/The Salon
You Want to Avoid Crowds: Little Cinema presents Scream
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
A cult classic if there ever was one, taken to the next level by Little Cinema. Wes Craven’s slasher flick will be peppered with interactive crowd engagement, dance performances and something called rhyming trivia. Scream masks highly encouraged. Knives prohibited.
Image via imdb
You Want to Avoid the Philistines: Night Noir
East Harlem
Stanley Kubrick was a master of discomfort. And the art-fabulous crowd eats that sh*t up. This exhibition celebrates the noir culture of the 1940s with grimy gumshoes and sultry femme fatales. Amid Kubrick-inspired art and photography, one can expect a Halloween DJ and special dance performances in homage to the late, great auteur. Push your creative limits and get in the spirit with your best Kubrick-themed costume. Of note: face masks, rather than required, are prohibited at this highbrow affair.
Image via SK Film Archives and Museum of the City of New York
You Want to Spook Yourself Symphonically: Nightfall
Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn
From the creators of Angel’s Share comes a highbrow Halloween celebration like no other. You’ll be wandering about the legendary 487 acres of Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery with surprises at every turn. Strolling the moonlit paths with a dram in hand, you’ll meet storytellers, theatrical performers and world-renowned musicians.
Image via The Green-Wood Historic Fund
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