2007 Halloween Guide

Don't look now, but sloppy Britney costumes might be all the rage this Halloween. Who doesn,t like their festivities decked with little clothes (and shame), lots of drink and lots of candy? Whether you,re tethered to kids or tired of wearing undies, we have an activity for everyone. There,s no reason to stay in the dark tonight. — Melissa Richter

Ongoing

Alamo Drafthouse
West Oaks Mall (Westheimer and Hwy. 6, 281-920-9211) and Mason Park (531 S. Mason Rd., 281-492-6900), www.drafthouse.com

The Alamo theaters will satisfy your lust for blood, guts and suspense all month long. Features include Rob Zombie's over-the-top gore-fests House of 1000 Corpses and The Devil's Rejects. The Mason Park location will cover the classics with two of Hitchcock's finer films, Rear Window and Dial M For Murder. Days and times vary. $6.

Ashton Villa
2328 Broadway, Galveston, 409-762-3933

Some believe Ashton Villa is haunted. "Miss Bettie," the daughter of the house's first owner, James Moreau Brown, is said to appear from time to time on the second floor landing in a long turquoise gown. Some have even heard the piano in the Gold Room played at night by unseen hands. Miss Bettie never learned to play the piano in life, but her sister played both piano and violin. Noon to 4 p.m. Special "Are We Haunted?" tours begin at the top of each hour, daily. Through October 31. $6 for adults; $5 for students (half price for students in Halloween costume).

Children's Museum of Houston
1500 Binz, 713-522-1138,
www.cmhouston.org

The Children's Museum is always a safe bet for the itty-bitties. For Halloween the museum will feature good-natured ghosts, hip Halloween tunes and a 25,000-square-foot Halloween mansion. Don't expect to see Freddy Krueger here. Runs October 16 to October 31. $3 to $5; members free. Free Family Nights are offered Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Discover Houston Tours Ghost Walks
713-222-9255, www.discoverhoustontours.com

Listen to ten tales of murder, death, haunting, hanging and war on this leisurely stroll and MetroRail ride. All are original haunts of Houston. 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in October. $15 adult; $10 children. Advance reservations required.

Downtown Aquarium
410 Bagby, 713-223-FISH, www.downtownaquarium.com

Every weekend in October, there will be all kinds of Halloween activities at Boo on the Bayou. These G-rated activities include the haunted exhibit tour, monster magic shows and more. The event is free, but ticket prices vary for exhibits.

Houston Zoo
1513 N. MacGregor, 713-533-6500, www.houstonzoo.org

If you feel guilty about your kiddos associating Halloween with all the candy, then take them to Zoo Boo, where they can learn a few things about nature. The House of Slither has a 73-foot snake and spiders galore. Pick a pumpkin to decorate and enjoy the Monster Mashquerade, plus all the usual haunts. Get discount admission tickets at Fiesta. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 20, 21, 27 and 28.

Kemah Boardwalk Halloween Festival
Kemah, 281-334-9880, www.kemahboardwalk.com

Rest assured that Grandma and the kids will enjoy Boo on the Boardwalk this spooky season. There will be trick-or-treating and pumpkin decorating. Halloween costume contests take place on October 20 and 27, with prizes for the top ten best-dressed kids. Free; times vary. Brave souls can visit the Dungeon of Doom Haunted House, open daily. $10 per ticket.

Nightmare on the Bayou
1515 Studemont, 713-868-3344, www.nightmareonthebayou.com

2007 promises more scares, more screams and more fun. This haunt has been completely redesigned, but it's still located next to Houston's oldest cemetery. Employees swear some ghosts are real. Open rain or shine. $25 regular ticket; $35 VIP tickets. Look online for discounts. Open Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in October, and nightly from October 25 to 31.7:30 p.m. Nightmare on the Bayou stays open as long as the crowds keep coming!

Phobia Haunted Houses
18777 Hwy. 290, and 1-45 S. at Mall of the Mainland, Texas City. 713-526-DEAD, www.darke.com

With more than 20 years of experience, Phobia Haunted Houses has earned the reputation as the scariest, most high-tech thrill in Houston. Phobia operates seven separate haunted attractions at two locations. A parent should accompany children under 12. Phobia Haunted Houses will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October, and nightly from October 25 to 31.

At the 290 location, expect thrillers like The Darke Institute, Mind Control Asylum, 3D Clown Phobia, Simon Fowler Woods Tour, the path of the 290 Killer and ClaustroPhobia. Don't expect to have dry pants after these tours.

There are also two new haunted attractions at I-45 Mall of the Mainland, DarkeWorld and Phylo Darke, as well as an old favorite, Mania.

Rainforest Café
53rd and Seawall Blvd., on the grounds of the San Luis Resort, Galveston Island, 409-744-6000

This interactive ride is transformed into the River of Doom Haunted Ride for the season. Through October 31. 4 p.m. to close Mondays through Fridays; noon to close Saturdays and Sundays. $8.

Scream House Entertainment
1500 Elton St. and 9191 Gulf Fwy.,
713-946-2266

Houston Haunted Houses promise screams of terror in both locations. Take a walk through the Haunted Maze and Sanitarium at their Elton location, or visit the Castle of Doom and Haunted Woods at the Gulf Freeway location. Open Thursdays through Sundays in October and nightly from October 29 to 31. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. $15-$85.

ScreamWorld
2225 N. Sam Houston Pkwy., 713-914-1313, www.screamworld.com

More than 30,000 Houstonians have visited this haunt annually since these creaky doors opened in 1989. Originally located in downtown, in 2001 ScreamWorld moved to a 4.5-acre facility comprised of three haunted houses and an outdoor maze. This year they added an outdoor cemetery. Besides high-tech animatronic monsters, expect to dodge racing cars, ankle-biters and cobwebs. Watch where you step.

The temple of terror opens nightly at 7:30 p.m. October 4 to 7, October 11 to 14, October 18 to 21, October 25 to 31 and November 2 to 3. General admission tickets are $22 per person to visit the five haunted attractions, and $30 for a VIP Fast Pass, with no waiting in line. A downloadable $3 discount coupon and advance tickets sales are available at www.screamworld.com.

ScreamWorld is not recommended for children under the age of 12.

Texas Renaissance Festival
www.texrenfest.com, 800-458-3435

Any event where you dress up is part of the Halloween season. Despite what Miss Pop Rocks might think of these followers, all who attend have a good time. Not only do toddlers like it, but even Holly from The Girls Next Door gets into it. The festival runs Saturdays and Sundays from October 6 through November 25. Tickets $10-$21.

Texas Seaport Museum
Pier 22, 22nd St. and Harborside Dr., Galveston, 409-763-1877

Galveston's a good place to look for real-life ghosts. It's been home to the allegedly cannibalistic Karankawa Indians and merciless pirates, including the famous Jean Lafitte, whose lavish and lawless den of thieves made the island's first European settlement. Galvestonians in the 19th century knew fires, epidemics of yellow fever and malaria, military occupation and bitter war, and, of course, storms. Um, there's bound to be some ghosts somewhere. One-hour narrated excursions go through October 31. They leave at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Thursday, October 25

The Roxy
5351 W. Alabama, 713-850-7699

Carmen of Carmen's Boutique and Video doesn't only sell sexy costumes, she's now hosting her own party, and any party she threw wouldn't be complete without a Carmen look-alike contest. There'll also be other costume contests and Latin and hip-hop music to shake to all night long.

Friday, October 26

Aztecas Margarita Bar and Grill
2207 Richmond, 713-526-1702,
www.aztecasbarandgrill.com

Costume contest with cash prizes and drink specials. Live music downstairs and spooky techno dance beats upstairs.

Bubbles Hand Car Wash
5735 Westheimer, 1144 S. Mason Rd., 4303 FM 1960 W., 713-CAR-WASH
www.bubblescarwash.com

Get your Halloween kicks and still be productive. Today these Bubbles locations will have ghoulish costumed associates and scary lighting along with freaky fog. Make a donation and help the Texas Equu­Search Mounted Search and Recovery Team. Visitors making a donation will receive a complimentary Bubbles VIP package for their next visit. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

ComedySportz
901 Town & Country Blvd. 713-868-1444
www.comedysportzhouston.com

Catch the most treats for your Halloween dollar with the "Hysterical Horrors" show. In this special match, two teams of improv comedians will battle for points and laughs, while a wisecracking referee keeps things moving, all with a Halloween theme. Wear a legitimate costume and they'll let you in for half price. 8 p.m. October 26 and 27. $14; costumed patrons get in for $7.

Houston Museum of Natural Science
One Hermann Circle Dr., 713-639-4629, www.hmns.org

All museums seem hip to the idea of turning into party central when the sun sets. Come dressed in costume for an evening of music by the Fab Five, free food, cash bar and festivities. The ticket alone is worth the admission to The Dark Side of the Moon in the Burke Baker Planetarium. 8 p.m. to midnight. $13 members; $15 nonmembers.

Mezzanine Lounge & Sports Bar
2200 Southwest Fwy., 713-528-6399,
www.mezzaninelounge.com

All weekend long, this lounge will be scaring up the season. Today is Freaky Fiesta Friday with drink and food specials.

Onion Creek
3106 White Oak, 713-880-0706,
www.onioncreekcafe.com

Halloween bash with special performances. 7 p.m. Free.

Russian Bear Restaurant
1801 S. Dairy Ashford, 281-496-4018

Enjoy the scenery with belly dancers and a Russian show. Of course, the half-price Russian vodka should help to make everything look that much better.

Slainte Irish Pub
509 Main, 713-222-1033
This Halloween, drink like you're Irish. Costume contest, Jäger girls and prizes.

Warehouse Live
813 Saint Emanuel, 713-225-LIVE,
www.warehouselive.com

This Night of the Living Dead party will have an indoor graveyard, laser light show and go-go dancers. DJ KidStylez will be spinning all night long. Party benefits St. Jude Children's Hospital. $20, ages 21 and up; $25, ages 18 and up.

Saturday, October 27

6th Street Bar & Grill
2701 White Oak, 713-880-5999

This corner in the Heights is doing its best to become a party haven any day of the week, and Halloween is no exception. There will be drink specials, costume contests and a live DJ.

702 Lounge
702 W. Dallas, 713-654-8040, www.702houston.com

No cover, plenty of shot and drink specials and a DJ.

Aztecas Margarita Bar and Grill
2207 Richmond, 713-526-1702,
www.aztecasbarandgrill.com

Costume contest with cash prizes and drink specials. Live music downstairs and spooky techno dance beats upstairs.

Bohemeo's
708 Telephone Rd., 713-923-4277, www.halloweenfilmfest.org

The 4th Annual Houston Halloween Film Festival is a grassroots short-film festival and costume party. Like Dr. Frankenstein said, "It's alive! It's alive!" 7 p.m. to1 a.m. $15 entry includes food and drinks.

Byzantio Cafe Bar
403 W. Gray, 713-520-6896

Costume contest with cash prizes.

Cadillac Bar
1802 Shepherd, 713-862-2020

Halloween Fiesta with a Halloween costume contest, happy hour drink specials, live DJ and dancing. The fun starts at 5 p.m.

Coaches Sports Bar & Grill
17460 Northwest Fwy., 713-446-7773
www.coachesjv.com

Halloween costume bash with $500 in cash and prizes, with drink specials and a DJ.

Doubletree Intercontinental
Derrick's Saloon, 15747 John F. Kennedy Blvd., 281-848-4000 www.bbwpartysite.com/Houston­TxBBWHalloween.html

This annual HoustonTxBBW Halloween Bash will have you shaking your booty all night long. Fabulous door prizes, costume contest and DJ Sweety Sexxy will help make the night complete. 9 p.m. $10 before October 15; $13 afterward. Rooms start at $72 plus tax.

Fitzgerald's
2706 White Oak, 713-862-3838, www.fitzlive.com

The '80s are back, whether you like it or not. Why not embrace it and celebrate Retro Prom at this almost 30-year-old rock club? The night will feature a combination of live music and DJ sets with hit songs from the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s on the Main Stage. Don't feel like reliving your high-school musical? Then party at the Lounge Stage with Japanese comic action punk artists The Peelander-z. After the musical performance, The Cold Front will feature ice sculptures and chainsaws.

G.R.A.B. Bar
809 Pierce, 713-655-0707

This club has a history of going all out when it comes to Halloween, and 2007 is no exception. All month long, G.R.A.B. will have drink specials and play horror movies, but today will be extra fun with the Bloody Pirate Party. DJs Audio 3, BMC, Suraj K, Cheesy Cracka Collective and Whitey will work the turntables. 9 p.m. $5.

Grasshopper
506 Main, 713-222-1442

Wear a costume and get in free today. Bring your friends, at least five, and receive an exclusive champagne special.

Hot Dog Shop
6405 Brittmoore Rd., 713-937-8039,
www.hotdogshop.net

Boogie all night to the Curtis King Band. Not only will this dog be a rockin', but there will also be a costume contest.

Hue
202 Tuam, 713-522-9393

3rd Annual Lingerie Costume soiree featuring DJ Turbulence and DJ Kleen­cut. Cash and prizes for the best lady (un)dressed in lace.

JP Hops House
2317 S. Highway 6, 281-496-0623,
www.jphopshouse.com

The Shake Russell Band will be entertaining during this 6th Annual Halloween Costume Party. Expect nothing but good beer and good times.

Lucky's Pub
801 St. Emanuel at Rusk, 713-522-2010
www.luckyspub.com

The Pimp 'n' Ho Prostitute Ball has become infamous for a night of much drink and even more eye candy. Live music, DJs and $4,000 in cash and prizes. 8 p.m. to2 a.m. $15 in advance; $20 at the door.

Mezzanine Lounge & Sports Bar
2200 Southwest Fwy., 713-528-6399,
www.mezzaninelounge.com

All weekend long, this lounge will be scaring up the season. Today is Superfreak Saturday, with drink and food specials, extreme karaoke and a costume contest.

Mike's Ultimate Sports Bar
8670 Hwy. 6 N., 281-855-1194, www.mikesultimate.com

This all-day Day of the Dead Festival Party will include a bike and roadster car show, fajita cook-off and costume contest. While chowing down and gazing at the vehicles, enjoy music by the Nationals and Strange Brew. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Mix Karaoke
Inside Franky's Pizza, 13151 Bissonnet, 281-564-0500,
www.mixkaraokelounge.com

Costume contest with $500 worth of prizes. The winner will be announced at midnight. 21 and up.

Mosaic
530 Texas, 713-236-1100

You know a party called "Bond Girls Are Forever" will be a good time.

NEXT night+club
2020 McKinney, 713-221-8833, www.spoiledboyz.net

HERO, the 3rd Annual Halloween After-Party. Is that Kryptonite in your pants, or do you just want to keep partying? Dress as your favorite super hero and experience music by LA Remix artist/DJ Dawna Montell. The Incredibles will meet you at the door, and they'll have a CD give-away. This party actually takes place in the early hours of Sunday morning, from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. Advance tickets available at M2M Fashion (3200 Montrose Blvd., 713-521-0804).

Numbers
300 Westheimer, 713-526-6551, www.numbersnightclub.com

This Houston institution likes to celebrate the season all weekend long. It starts Saturday with SINth night's Halloween edition. Hear your favorite Numbers Classics with a twist of bloody Synth! No cover.

Penthouse Club
2618 Winrock, 713-974-2100

Costume contest, prizes, free buffet until 9 p.m., drink specials and, of course, scantily clad maidens. 7 p.m. Free in costume.

Rich's
2401 San Jacinto, 713-759-9606,
www.richs-houston.com

A Halloween Bash sponsored by Dare Ware and hosted by Anita Bump is sure to have plenty of eye candy. Plasma screen giveaway for best costume.

Rocbar
530 Texas Ave., 713-236-1100

Do the Monster Mash with Mohawk Steve and the Swingers.

Status Lounge
2404 San Jacinto St., 713-659-5400

Today this club is turning into a full haunted house and hosting Midtown Massacre. $1,000 costume contest. $10 to $20.

Trader's Village
7979 N. Eldridge Pkwy., 281-890-5500, www.tradersvillage.com

Here's another event for the whole family. Boo Bash for Kidz has continuous live entertainment and special guests from some of Houston's major sports teams, a kid-size and wildly wicked Haunted Hallway, a maze, magic, music and more from 1 p.m. to4 p.m. Saturday, October 27.

Boo Bash transforms into a celebration of Mexican culture on Sunday, October 28, as the market presents Día de los Muertos en Traders Village. Staged in cooperation with Houston's MECA, the Red Expo at Traders Village will be filled with traditional Day of the Dead art and altars, music from performers such as Mariachi MECA, food, drinks and other colorful customary trappings. Día de los Muertos is from noon to 5 p.m.

Tumbleweed Texas
13101 Kuykendahl, 281-872-7829

Get out your favorite, most eclectic Halloween gear for the best party on the north side. Costume contest with over $500 in cash and prizes. This party will be broadcast live on the air with 93Q.

VENUE
723 Main St., 713-236-8150,
www.venuehouston.com

The 2nd Annual Halloween Bash will have a costume contest for the most original costume.

Vintropolis
10001 Westheimer, 713-532-9463,
www.vintropolisbar.com

Come join us as the astonishing Jimmy Fingers gives a magical performance that's sure to raise the dead. Over 200 wines under $25. Fun games and door prizes all night long. Make your reservations now for an evening of wine and magic!

SUNDAY, October 28

Houston Community College Town and Country Campus
1060 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N.

Halloween Spooktacular Concert. Celebrate the Lone Star Symphonic Band's first concert of its 15th anniversary season with spooky-good live music. Music from TV and the movies such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, JAWS, Harry Potter, Star Wars and Phantom of the Opera will be performed. For tickets, call 713-893-5026 or e-mail tickets@lone­star­symphonicband.com. 7 p.m. $10 adults; $5 ­children.

Numbers
300 Westheimer, 713-526-6551, www.numbersnightclub.com

Sunday is the Underworld's Halloween Bash featuring Bella Morte with special guest ThisMeansYou. 8 p.m. $8.

Trader's Village
7979 N. Eldridge Pkwy., 281-890-5500, www.tradersvillage.com

Here's another event for the whole family. Boo Bash for Kidz has continuous live entertainment and special guests from some of Houston's major sports teams, a kid-size and wildly wicked Haunted Hallway, a maze, magic, music and more from 1 p.m. to4 p.m. Saturday, October 27.

Boo Bash transforms into a celebration of Mexican culture on Sunday, October 28, as the market presents Día de los Muertos en Traders Village. Staged in cooperation with Houston's MECA, the Red Expo at Traders Village will be filled with traditional Day of the Dead art and altars, music from performers such as Mariachi MECA, food, drinks and other colorful customary trappings. Día de los Muertos is from noon to 5 p.m.

TUESDAY, October 30

G.R.A.B. Bar
809 Pierce, 713-655-0707

This club has a history of going all out when it comes to Halloween, and 2007 is no exception. All month long, G.R.A.B. will have drink specials and play horror movies. Today brings the first night of a big ol' two-night costume contest. No cover.

Wednesday, October 31

702 Lounge
702 W. Dallas, 713-654-8040,
www.702houston.com

Mix karaoke, a costume contest and $3 you-call-it drink specials.

Children's Museum of Houston
1500 Binz, 713-522-1138, www.cmhouston.org

Don't feel guilty about putting the kids to bed early so you can go out and have a good time. Just take them to the Children's Museum Monster Mash Bash during the day. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. $3 to $5; members free.

The Continental Club
3700 Main, 713-529-9899, www.continentalclub.com

As part of their Wicked Wednesdays series, tonight they will feature The Reverend Vince Anderson and Whiskey Boat. Expect a show consisting of four bands with a sexy burlesque show between set changes. Sound naughty? It is.

G.R.A.B. Bar
809 Pierce, 713-655-0707

This club has a history of going all out when it comes to Halloween, and 2007 is no exception. All month long, G.R.A.B. will have drink specials and play horror movies. Today brings the second night of a big ol' two-night costume contest. No cover.

Health Museum Houston
1515 Hermann Dr., 713-521-1515, www.mhms.org

Let your tot enjoy the Sesame Street Monster Mash hosted by her favorite monster, Elmo. Then explore the Museum's newest exhibit, "Sesame Street Presents: The Body." You don't even have to tell them Halloween is about candy. Children who dress up as their favorite Sesame Street Character will receive $1 off general admission. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. $6 to $12; children under two, free.

Hot Dog Shop
6405 Brittmoore, 713-937-8039,
www.hotdogshop.net

This friendly family-owned bar hosts its own Halloween Bash, with a costume contest and the Curtis King Band jamming.

Jones Hall
615 Louisiana, 713-525-3520,
www.houstontx.gov/joneshall/index.htm

Join the University of St. Thomas drama department for opening night of the comedy Little Shop of Horrors. Through November 17. $15 general admission; $10 seniors and students (with ID).

Jonny's Sports Bar
2511 Bissonnet, 713-521-9928

If you're looking for a crazy Halloween freak show, then check out the 3rd Annual Circus Tripp party at Jonny's. From midgets and muff divers to stilts and stilettos, you'll see it all. There will be three different costume contests throughout the night, with more than $2,500 in cash prizes. Look for the searchlights in the sky and the moonwalks outside.

Kelvin Arms
2424 Dunstan, 713-528-5002,
www.kelvinarms.com

Today, this laid-back neighborhood bar in the Village hosts an '80s-themed Halloween party.

McGonigel's Mucky Duck
2425 Norfolk, 713-528-5999,
www.mcgonigels.com

The Red Elvises are sure to entertain not only with their amusing upbeat music, but also with their head-to-toe animal-print suits, pelvic gyrations (of course) and a four-foot-wide bass. 8 p.m. $15.

The Meridian
1503 Chartres, 713-225-1717, www.meridianhouston.com

Hallowe'en Helmet with special guests Burning Brides & Totimoshi. 8 p.m. $15.

Mezzanine Lounge & Sports Bar
2200 Southwest Fwy., 713-528-6399,
www.mezzaninelounge.com

Party on All Hallow's Eve with drink and food specials. Extreme karaoke starts at 9:30 p.m.

Montrose Crawl
Meet-up begins at 7 o'clock at Agora, 1712 West­heimer, www.montrosecrawl.com

This crawl will move from bar to bar between Dunlavy and Montrose on Westheimer. First get your costume on, then get your drink on as the Crawl goes. Prizes will be awarded for the best outfits.

Numbers
300 Westheimer, 713-526-6551, www.numbersnightclub.com

The legendary Hollow's Eve tradition. Costume contest at midnight with cash prizes. DJ Wes Wallace and uninterrupted music and videos all night. 9 p.m.

Rouge
812 Westheimer, 713-520-7955,
www.rougehouston.com

Halloween masquerade before a four-course dinner. $75 includes cover charge. Reservations required.

Sammy's
2016 Main, 713-751-3101
www.sammysat2016main.com

Sammy's is known as one of the better live music venues downtown, and this Hallows' Eve is no different. At the club's second annual Halloween Party, hear disco band Le Freak. Pre-party is at El Patio.8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Rudyard's
2010 Waugh, 713-521-0521, rudyards.s425.sureserver.com

Halloween party with costume contest and drink specials.

Scout Bar
18307 Egret Bay Blvd.,281-335-0002,
www.scoutbar.com

Halloween party featuring Erase the Virus with Lights Over Roswell and Prototype 13. Doors open at 8 p.m. $5, 21 and up; $10, 18 and up.

Toyota Center
1510 Polk, 866-446-8849,
www.houstontoyotacenter.com

Jennifer Lopez has gone from P. Diddy to Ben Affleck to embracing her Latina self with current husband Marc Anthony. Today they'll perform in Spanish and English. 7:30 p.m. $39.50 to $150.

November 1

Bohemeo's
708 Telephone Rd., 713-923-4277

The Mexican holiday Day of the Dead is a time to honor all those who have died. Today enjoy this celebration with great artwork to go along. "Los Colores de la Vida y Muerte" will include artists Armando Castelan, CUTTHROAT and Christian Jesus Navarrete, with live performances by DJ Breejock/Lord Mysterioso, Jesus "El Guero" Romero, The Umbrella Man, and special guest Mark Pinon. Exhibition runs October 22 to November 7.

November 2

Aztecas Margarita Bar and Grill
2207 Richmond, 713-526-1702,
www.aztecasbarandgrill.com

The Day of The Dead is a time to celebrate, and the party is just too big for one day. Enjoy drink specials and promotions all weekend long.

November 3

Aztecas Margarita Bar and Grill
2207 Richmond, 713-526-1702,
www.aztecasbarandgrill.com

The Day of The Dead is a time to celebrate, and the party is just too big for one day. Enjoy drink specials and promotions all weekend long.

Lawndale Art Center
4912 Main, 713-528-5858, www.lawndaleartcenter.org

For 20 years, Lawndale has asked artists to contribute retablos, Mexican traditional tin devotional paintings, for their Annual Day of the Dead events. This year they have submissions from nationally known artists such as Bale Creek Allen, The Art Guys, Dixie Friend Gay, Joe Havel, Sharon Kopriva, David McGee, Jesús Moroles and Al Souza. More than 300 retablos will be on display and available for auction at Lawndale's gala, along with fun-filled family activities all day. Noon to 4 p.m.

Costumes and Decorations

Arne's Warehouse Store
2830 Hicks St., 713-869-8321

From costumes to candy, you'll find everything for the holiday in this two-story warehouse.

Bedrock City Comic Co.
Multiple Locations, www.bedrockcity.com

The Lu cky 13th annual Halloween sale has finally come. Come in costume October 31 and get fabulous loot at fabulous sale prices. Not brave enough for a costume? It's okay, everyone saves. November 2, 3 and 4.

Bizarre Bazaar
Multiple locations, www.bizarrebazaarhouston.com

Your Halloween costume one-stop. Bizarre Bazaar has everything from sexy-cop to teachers-pet costumes, as well as a full line of men's costumes.

Cindie's
Multiple locations, www.cindies.com

Cindie's has the city's largest selection of sassy ­costumes.

Danny's Trix & Kix
3400 FM 2920, Spring, 281-353-6618

Danny's offers Halloween costumes and accessories.

Erotic Cabaret
1222 Westheimer, 713-528-4565,www.eroticcabaret.com

Erotic Cabaret has been selling sexy costumes for 25 years.

Frankel's Costume Co.
2801 Polk, 713-228-9445,www.frankelcostume.com

This store began in 1950, so there's more than 55 years' worth of stuff here. No wonder we keep making them Best Costume Shop.

Katz 24 HR Boutique & Smoke
1710 Hwy. 6 S., 281-496-5285

Sales event for the season — gag gifts, lingerie and DVDs.

Leather Forever
604 Westheimer, 713-526-6940

Need that perfect accessory? If you can't find what you're looking for in-store, they'll do custom garments.

Party Boy
1515 Studemont, 713-861-9080

Party Boy offers costumes and decorations.

Simply Irresistible Funwear
12260 Gulf Fwy., 713-944-3223

Choose from a large selection of sexy costumes and accessories.

The Way We Wore
2602 Waugh Dr., 713-526-8910

The Way We Wore offers a great selection of ready-to-wear and rentable costumes, as well as wigs and vintage clothing for all your Halloween costume needs.