What do you do when you’re too old to trick-or-treat on Halloween? You go in pursuit of parties and cocktails instead. Fortunately, Miami has plenty of both. To help you plan your night (or nights) of ghoulish fun, we’ve pulled together a list of the city’s best Halloween celebrations, from glamorous affairs to quirky ragers.
Once Bitten and Freak Show
Take your pick of parties at Hyde Beach. On Friday, Once Bitten returns for its fifth-annual, late-night costume party, featuring dancers and lots of barely dressed ladies fully embracing the Halloween spirit. Things get weird on Saturday with Freak Show, a different kind of club night with a guest list that includes fire breathers, snake charmers, contortionists, sword swallowers and other odd creatures. Both parties are free to attend; bottle service is available.
SLS South Beach, Hyde Beach, 1701 Collins Ave (305-455-2990). Fri 28, Sat 29 at 10pm; free.
Halloween Sundowner at Vizcaya
Miami’s ultimate Halloween party celebrates its 30th anniversary with a Prohibition-themed bash. Don your best costume (no Party City duds welcomed at this swanky affair), take advantage of five open bars and party it up under the stars to the sounds of Patrick and the Swayzees, the Frost School of Music jazz band and DJ A-Train.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, 3251 S Miami Ave. Sat 29 at 8pm; $165–$250.
The Monster Ball
Ball & Chain won't be eschewing the Halloween festivities just because Viernes Culturales happens to coincide with the holiday weekend. Instead, it's throwing a musical "monster ball" filled with festooned dancers, ghoulish choreography and a live performance by the Spam Allstars.
Ball & Chain, 1513 SW 8th St. Fri 28 at 9pm; free.
Star Wars Halloween Party
The force is strong with this Halloween party. Dig out your fake Princess Leia buns, Chewbacca masks and gather your galactic troupe for this epic Star Wars-themed celebration. Lightsabers are welcome.
Rec Room, 1690 Collins Ave (786-975-2555). Sat 29 at 11pm; free.
Mondrian Pool Club Halloween Party
When the temperature is 90 degrees, you celebrate by the pool, of course. Spring for a “haunted” cabana ($500) or lounge around on candy floats sipping themed cocktails during this all-day event.
Mondrian South Beach, 1100 West Ave (305-514-1920). Sun 30 at 1pm; free.
Malice in Wonderland
Fall down the rabbit hole into this dark, twisted version of Alice’s Wonderland, a special edition of Bâoli Miami’s Thursday night party “My Boyfriend’s Out of Town.” Ladies are encouraged to dress the part in sexy costumes while men must wear black-tie to play. Tickets include a glass of champagne.
Bâoli Miami, 1906 Collins Ave (305.674.8822). Wed 26 at 7pm; $65–$150.
Witches Brunch
Why trick-or-treat for candy when you can fill your pumpkin with jewelry? Join the Taud Squad for a Halloween-themed brunch, where you’ll sip champagne and shop discounted pieces, marked down exclusively for the event. Guests bold enough to rock a costume in the middle of the day will be rewarded with an extra-special gift.
Taudrey showroom, 147 Alhambra Cir, suite 212 (786-600-7009). Sat 29 at noon.
Tune in with Teddy: Halloween Edition
Skip the Pumpkin Spice Latte in favor of something boozy, like a pumpkin punch spiked with Montelobos Mezcal. Learn to make this and other seasonal flavored drinks during Radio Bar mixologist Teddy Collins’ monthly cocktail-making class.
Radio Bar, 814 1st St (786-975-2595). Sat 29 at 7pm; $15.
The Love Movement: Halloween Edition
Are you a ’80s kid or a ’90s baby? Dress up as your favorite decade for the special Halloween edition of this weekly party, featuring DJs spinning tunes from all genres and eras. Happy hour is from 9 to 11pm and includes $20 bottles of wine and $5 well drinks.
R House, 2727 NW 2nd Ave (305-576-0201). Sun 30 at 9pm; free.
Rock My Boat
For an upscale Halloween celebration, head to Rock My Boat at the River Yacht Club, where DJ Alex Orue of Revolution Radio’s Detox show will be broadcasting live. Expect more music from violinists and saxophonists, who will perform throughout the night alongside fire dancers. Dinner reservations are not required but costumes are encouraged.
River Yacht Club, 401 SW 3rd Ave (305-200-5716). Sun 30 at 5pm; free.
Freak Show
You know exactly what to expect from this late-night Halloween celebration at South Beach nightclub Rockwell: odd creatures, contortionists and freaky performers. Costumed attendees will win prizes for most extravagant and scariest.
Rockwell, 743 Washington Ave (305-793-3882, rockwellmiami.com). Mon 31 at 11:30pm; price varies.
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