If the “optional” in “fancy dress optional” is non-existent to your eyes and the moment the calendar page moves to October you go full Jack Skellington, you’re probably already planning your nigth out for the coolest weekend of the year, also known as the Halloween Bank Holiday.
While the whole city is buzzing on this season, there are a few places that stand out and will satisfy your wishes for something a little bit different. Check out these Dublin venues to keep on your radar for great Halloween craic. From glamorous fancy dress soirées with a turn to the strange, to family friendly disco afternoons to a chilling séance with professional explorers fo fear… There is something for everyone on the list…
THE LIQUOR ROOMS – THE CAULDRON MAGICAL EXPERIENCE
If you’re into fantasy and magical stories and booze, this is THE place to try. Join a 1 hour and 45 minutes long immersive potion making class where mixologists and a magic wand will help you craft wonderful elixirs. See them glisten, change colour and smoke as you follow the instructions. The global headline-making pop-up bar has transformed The Liquor Rooms into a place of fantasy and you’ll see nodes to many beloved stories. Of course, you’ll be wearing a wizard robe. Tickets range from €30 to €35 including three drinks and the experience.
When: Several dates during October.
Time: Seatings available from 5:30pm to 10pm.
Where: 6-8 Essex St E, Temple Bar, Dublin.
More info: thecauldron.io/dublin
TRAMLINE – GOBLIN KING’S MASQUARADE BALL
Celebrate David Bowie’s unforgettable character with a Labryrinth tribute full of music, dancing and fancy dress. This party is coming back by popular demand after launching last year in The Grand Social. Channel your inner royal and cover your face, it’s time to dance to Bowie’s tunes! Tickets are priced at €16.
When: Friday 18th of October.
Time: From 7pm to 10pm.
Where: 21 D’Olier Street.
More info: facebook.com
WOLFE TONE SQUARE – SÉANCE
This eerie evening is possible the most chilling addition to the lineup of events in this year’s Bram Stoker Festival. Séance explores group psychology thourgh an immersive performance for groups of twenty. The experience has left audiences all over the world shaking, and now it’s visiting Dublin for the first time. Darfield, a collection of theatrical performances that explore fear and anxiety, are behind this event, so… Not for the faint of heart. Tickets €13, suitable for ages 16+ (under 18’s to be accompanied by an adult).
When: 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th of October.
Time: 7pm on the 25th, 3pm on the 26th, 27th and 28th (20 min sessions).
Where: Wolfe Tone Square, 23 Jervis St, D1.
More info: bramstokerfestival.com/schedule
TWENTY TWO – BINGO LOCO HALLOWEEN SPECIAL
For those looking for something a bit wilder… Bingo Loco presents: Enter the Raveyard. If you’re unfamiliar with the format, start by forgetting all you’ve ever heard about bingo nights, well, except the fact that bing is being played…ish. Expect rave rounds and conga lines in between numbers, dance offs and glitter covered lip sync battleas well as prizes ranging from the insanely awesome to the just insane.
When: Friday 25th, Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th of October.
Time: Friday from 6:30pm to 11pm, Saturday and Sunday from 5:30pm to 10:30pm.
Where: Twenty Two (22 South Anne Street SouthDublin ).
More info: bingo-loco.com/dublin
OPIUM – HALLOWEEN HIP-HOP BRUNCH AND AFTERPARTY
This popular brunch oasis is giving a seasonal twist to their mid day feast and turning it into a Halloween Hip-Hop Brunch and Afterparty. Treat yourself to delectable dishes while enjoying the best Hip Hop, RnB, Afrobeats and Grime tracks and sipping on bottomless mimosas.
Tickets are priced at €30 and include entry to venue, a brunch dish, an hour of unlimited Mimosas and entry to the after party.
When: Saturday 26th of October.
Time: from 12 noon.
Where: 26 Wexford Street, D02 HX93 Dublin 8.
More info: eventbrite.ie
THE SUGAR CLUB – THE ROCKY HORROW PICTURE SHOW HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA
This party has become a Halloween tradition. The Sugar Club and Rocky Horror Picture Show Ireland invite you to what promises to be their most outrageous night yet. Audience participation, fancy dress and overall over the top vibes are encouraged. Sip on some complimentary hot chocolate and let them entertain you with schenes performed live, music and free props… Shivering with anticipa… tion? Tickets at €22.50.
When: Saturday 26th of October.
Time: From 8pm to 2am.
Where: 8 Leeson Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin.
More info: thesugarclub.com
BOTANIC GARDENS – MAGIC, MURDER AND MONKSHOOD
Discover the dark side of plants in this adult-only tour that focuses on the garden’s botanicals used for numerous sorts of unsavoury endeavours: from hallucinogenics to poisons, plants can often be the heroes, but sometimes, they’re on the villain’s side. Tickets €5 per person, available on the day first come, first served.
It is worth pointing out there are numerous of Halloween events at the gardens this month, including some lovely activities for children.
When: Saturday 26th of October.
Time: 2:30pm to 3:30pm.
Where: Glasnevin, Dublin 9.
More info: botanicgardens.ie
MEETING HOUSE SQUARE – DRACULA’S DISCO
Looking for one that all the family can enjoy? Let the little ones jump and spin with the dance party that DJ Will is bringing to the Meeting House Square as part of the Bram Stoker Festival. Let them have a blast as they’re entertained by confetti cannons, games and family-friendly tunes. Costumes welcome and highly encouraged. Suitable for children aged 5 or more, tickets are free but spaces are first come, first serve.
When: Monday 28th of October.
Time: 2pm to 4pm.
Where: Meeting House Square, Temple Bar, Dublin.
More info: ark.ie/events
THE BACK PAGE – THE PEAKY BACKER HALLOWEEN SPECIAL
By the order of the Peaky Blinders… This popular Phibsborough spot is inviting you invites you to a night of flappers, whiskey and lads in caps. Be tempted to have a flutter on the horses or let a tarot card reader see into your future. Alternatively, you can just enjoy the DJ, casino fun tables and burlesque. Free entry.
When: Sunday 27th of October.
Time: From 6pm to 1:30am.
Where: 199 Phibsborough Road, Phibsborough, Dublin Dublin 7.
More info: facebook.com/pg/thebackpage
THE RDS CONCERT HALL – DANSE MACABRE HALLOWEEN MONSTERS BALL
Not eaxctly in a bar or a restaurant, but well deserving of a mention, but the team behind Film Fatale is bringing back Dublin’s most glamourous soirée for the wicked. See the grand Concert Hall coming to (after)life with the enchanting decor and the hypnotising cirque du freak. Live music, DJs, immersive performances and burlesque. This extravaganza is strictly fancy dress, tickets €40.
When: Sunday 27th of October.
Time: From 8pm to 2am.
Where: Anglesea Road BallsbridgeDublin 4.
More info: fataleevents.com
GALLARGERS BOXTY HOUSE – 1900 IRISH HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCE
If you fancy a unique culinary time travel, the 1900s Irish Halloween Experience at Gallagers Boxty House will be both the trick and the treat. Explore the origins of Halloween and discover the traditions surrounding the festivity at the start of the 20th century: from superstitions, to games and of course, dishes and drinks that were shared. The special menu features dishes such as Samhain Stew, colcannon and of course, boxty pancakes. Tickets ranging from €15 to €43.
When: Wednesday 30th of October.
Time: from 1pm to 3:30pm.
Where: Gallaghers Boxty House, 20-21 Temple Bar, Dublin City.
More info: visitdublin.com
ODD MOLLIES – SHADOWS OF THE TAIN BY CANDLELIT TALES
As part of the newly launched Púca Festival, this eclectic Drogheda pub has teamed up with Candlelit Tales to offer you an atmospheric evening of storytelling. Hear a unique rendition of the Shadows of the Tain (Tain Bo Cualigne) as you surround yourself in both light and darkness. Tickets are €15.
When: Thursday 31st of October and Friday 1st of November.
Time: From 8pm to 9:30pm.
Where: Odd Mollies, Peter Street, Drogheda.
More info: eventbrite.com
DROP DEAD TWICE – HALLOWEEN A GO GO A SPOOKY CABARET AND BURLESQUE SPECTACULAR
The entertainment lineup includes Bella A Go Go as the glamorous Mistress Of Ceremonies, Vanity Redfire, Diva and performer from Portugal, Jacques Hues from Dublin queer cabaret troupe UnderCURRENT, Kora Elle, Gothic darling of darkness and Alice Apparently, Professional witch. Dress to impress and win prizes, or just go an let them amaze you.
When: Friday 25th of October.
Time: From 8pm to 23:30pm.
Where: 18/19 Francis Street, Dublin.
More info: dropdeadtwice.com
ARTICLE BY GABRIELA GUEDEZ