Halloween has ancient pagan roots, which are still at the heart of Samhain for Wiccans, but in the words of lesbian poet Judy Grahn, it is also “the Great Gay Holiday.” The fact that our LGBT community has embraced an observance associated with longer nights and shorter days (Daylight Saving Time ends on November 4) is a testament to our life force. While some may quietly hibernate indoors sans sweets with the porch lights off, most of us revel in the freedom and creativity unique to this still-magical celebration.
Preparations have been underway for weeks in the Castro, on Polk Street and all over town. The variety of events is overwhelming—truly something for everyone—so we decided to compile a list of just some of your options. As San Francisco Bay Times columnist Donna Sachet in the guise of Glenda the Good Witch advised on a beautiful and now collectible 2005 Halloween poster: strive for “good music, good times (and) good behavior.”
And don’t forget to check out the views on the 24/7 live-streaming Castro Street Cam when the informal costume parade happens throughout the evening on Saturday, October 27, and also on Halloween itself: Wednesday, October 31.
Halloween ComicFest @ Mission: Comics & Art, 2250 Mission Street. Free comics will be given out to trick-or-treaters. http://www.missioncomicsandart.com/
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Live! @ Oasis, 298 11th Street. Dust off your wooden stake, get your garlic and holy water … it’s vampire season! Show starts at 8 pm. https://sfoasis.com/events/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-live2018
Spooktacular Open Mic @ Dog Eared Books Castro, 489 Castro Street. Scaaary stories are welcome for this special open mic hosted by Tony Vaguely, Kathy Queer and Connie Champagne. 7 pm. http://www.dogearedbooks.com
Pumpkin Decorating @ Castro Farmers’ Market, Noe Street Between Market and Beaver. The Castro’s own weekly farmers’ market invites you to join the fun of decorating pumpkins and also to check out the season’s fabulous selection of fruits, vegetables and much more. 4–8 pm. http://pcfma.org
54th Annual Big Book Sale @ Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, 710 Van Ness. With a Halloween theme this year, the largest book sale on the West Coast encourages costumes based on your favorite character, and the chance to peruse more than 500,000 books priced at $2–$4. 8 pm. http://www.friendssfpl.org
Kid-Friendly Spooktacular Halloween Parade & Dance Party @ Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy, 4235 19th Street. Join the fun at this annual costume parade around the Castro followed by a dance party in the schoolyard. All families are welcome and costumes are optional. 2:30 pm–3:35 pm. Volunteer info: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e094ca8ab22a5fe3-hmcra1
7th Annual Shotwell Halloween Stroll @ SFFD Station 7, 2300 Folsom Street. This family-friendly neighborhood event, hosted by the Central Mission Neighborhood Organization, begins at the Fire Station where you can check out the fire trucks, enjoy the costume contest and win prizes from local businesses. 5:30 pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/351670338708221/
Wednesday Postcard Writing Happy Hour @ Standard Deviant Brewing, 280 14th Street. Launch your evening by sharing a drink, socializing and writing letters to get the vote out for the 2018 midterm elections. 6–8 pm. http://www.standarddeviantbrewing.com
The B-52s @ The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Street. The iconic rockers present a Halloween show. 8 pm. http://www.thefillmore.com
The Boy from Oz presented by Theatre Rhino @ Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson Street. Directed by John Fisher with music director Sheela Ramesh, the show takes you down under with the late great performer Peter Allen (1944–1992), whose original songs are featured. Through November 17. http://www.therhino.org
8th Annual Astrozombies Halloween Hell Raiser @ Elbo Room, 647 Valencia Street. The Misfits tribute band Astrozombies brings their annual Halloween show to The Elbo Room as the venue’s final October 31 celebration. http://www.astrozombiessf.wordpress.com
Into the Dark’s Terror Vault @ San Francisco Old Mint, 88 5th Street. The underground vaults of the Old Mint are the setting for a terrifying new attraction hosted by Into the Dark and co-created by Peaches Christ. Multiple tour times through November 3. http://www.intothedarksf.com
The Rocky Horror Picture Show! @ Landmark’s Clay Theatre, 2261 Fillmore Street. Hosted by Bawdy Caste, the screening of this classic film and all that goes with it are sure to thrill, chill and fulfill. 9:45 pm–1:15 am. http://www.bawdycaste.com
Honey Soundsystem & Kosmetik: Halloween Night @ The Stud, 399 9th Street. Dance the night away with international music masters Violet from Lisbon, Portugal, and Photonz of London. 9 pm–4 am. https://www.facebook.com/events/311188909643319/
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