The best Halloween parties in Brooklyn

By Precious Fondren

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when irony, creativity, and chaotic energy collide, just spend Halloween weekend in Brooklyn. It’s the time of year when even the borough’s most avowed hipsters trade in their usual “I’m too cool for this” vibe for elaborate costumes, cryptic party invites, and late-night subway rides that feel like a haunted house on rails. 

Whether you’re dodging witches in Williamsburg or navigating the “underground” rave that somehow everyone knows about, Brooklyn turns into a living, breathing art installation on Halloween, Here are the best parties around the borough to keep on your radar for both Halloween weekends. We’ll add more as we hear about them, so keep checking back.

Euphoria Halloween Costume Party

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A post shared by RAW HONEY (@rawhoneynyc)

When: Friday, October 25, 11 p.m.
Where: Putnam’s Pub (419 Myrtle Ave.)

If you identify as a queer, trans, Black, or Indigenous person of color, head to Putnam’s Pub in Bed-Stuy on Oct. 25 for the “Euphoria Halloween Costume Party,” hosted by the collective Raw Honey. The first hour of the night is solely for those trying to make friends and meet new people. After that, the night will be soundtracked by a slew of DJs including DjPoison Ivy and DJ NotNice. Last-call tickets are still up for grabs for $30.

Ice Cream Social
When: Friday, October 25, 10 p.m.
Where: OddFellows Ice Cream Co. Domino Park (40 River St.)
Want to enjoy Halloween without the pressure to drink? Then consider Sundae Sauce’s Ice Cream Social Halloween Party at OddFellows. You can drink, but the focus of this event series is ice cream––it’s even hosted at an ice cream shop after hours. Costumes are encouraged for this Oct. 25 edition to add to the Halloween spirit. Tickets are $21.

The Creep Out
When: Friday, Oct. 25, 9 p.m.
Where: The Kings Hall at Avant Gardner (147-129 Stewart Ave.)

If you’re looking for a themed party, check the Lay Out’s Halloween event,  the Creep Out: A Movie and TV Jam. Taking place at rhe Kings Hall at Avant Gardner, the party pays homage to your favorite TV and movie characters. Guests will dance the night away to DJ sets from Quiana Parks, DJ 9AM, and GabSoul. From Power fanatics to anime lovers to ’90s TV enthusiasts, all are welcome. Tickets are going for $20 and change.

The 9AM Banger
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m.
Where: Brooklyn Paramount (385 Flatbush Avenue Extension) 

Who in their right mind throws a party at 9 a.m.? The people behind the 9AM Banger, of course. What started as a pre-game for SantaCon back in 2015 has grown into a massive party series, attracting thousands of people to an early-morning celebration that begins when most people are trying to sleep off the night before. This Halloween party is coming to the Brooklyn Paramount and will feature a two-hour tequila sunrise open bar from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the festivities going until 3 p.m. Expect vampires, zombies, angels, upbeat music, and a high-energy morning party that’s as creative as it is unexpected​. Tickets start at $82.

South House
When: Saturday, October 26, 10 p.m.
Where: Crown Hill Theater (750 Nostrand Ave.)

Get ready for the ultimate showdown of musical genres at the South House vs. Naija House Halloween Party. This 21-and-up event will be a night filled with DJ sets from DJ Moochie, ClassicNewWave, and DJ Hol Up., so grab your best costume and get ready to dance. Tickets will run you $45.

Fright Fest Halloween Costume Party
When: Saturday, October 26, 11 p.m.
Where: Polygon Brooklyn (299 Vandervoort Ave.)

You might have to put a little thought into your costume to get into the Fright Fest Halloween Costume Party at Polygon. You have to wear a costume or wear all black for entry––and even then, there are other restrictions, like women must wear heels, flats, or dressy boots, and men can’t wear baggy jeans or hoodies. Cost starts at nothing with an RSVP and climbs to $275 for a table.

Everyday People: The Roller Disco
When: Sunday, Oct. 27, 5 p.m.
Where: Knockdown Center (52-19 Flushing Ave.)

Glide into the main room of the Knockdown Center for Everyday People’s Roller Disco party, a celebration of retro glamour from the 1970s to mid-’80s. You’ll want to channel divas like Diana Ross, Grace Jones, and Pam Grier for outfit inspiration. In addition to dancing, there’s the option of going all out for the theme and roller-skating as well. Tickets for this one (which, yes, we know, is technically in Queens) range from $39 to $54.

Fun-O-Ween
When: Thursday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m.
Where: Crown Hill Theatre (750 Nostrand Ave.)

Since Halloween is on a Thursday this year, there’s been much debate about whether the weekend before, or the weekend after, is the official “Halloweekend.” Well, if you can’t take the stress of it all, then just make plans for the actual day. The event collective Fun With Friends is hosting a Fun-O-Ween party at the Crown Hill Theatre for those who want to get dressed up and celebrate. There are “no limits” to how weird or creative your costume can be, so go all out if you want to. Tickets are about $45—for now.

The Y2K Halloween Parrty
When: Friday, Nov. 1, 10 p.m.
Where: The Brooklyn Monarch (23 Meadow St.)

The party collective Perreo Parrty is hosting a Y2K-themed Halloween event next Friday that’s set to feature reggaeton, R&B, hip-hop, and, of course, Y2K pop hits. Attendees are advised to dress to impress in their best Halloween costume or late-’90s and early-2000s attire. Tickets start at about $25 for general admission and $37 for VIP.

As Above So Below: The Last Haunt
When: Friday, Nov. 1, 10 p.m.
Where: Arlo Williamsburg (96 Wythe Ave.)

If you want to hear more electronic and pop music, head to Arlo Williamsburg for As Above So Below: The Last Haunt. The night will feature three “unique Halloween-inspired concepts” that’ll spread across the hotel. There will also be a diverse lineup of DJs who play EDM, tech house, and Afro house. Costumes aren’t required but strongly encouraged. Tickets range from $51 to $340 for a table.

Screams and Whispers Halloween
When: Friday, Nov. 1, 10 p.m.
Where: Jolene Sound Room Brooklyn (353 Bedford Ave)
Get ready to slip into something spooky or fabulous for Screams and Whispers at the Jolene Sound Room, tucked inside the Moxy Williamsburg. Yes, costumes are mandatory, and dancing even more so. Jolene, with its dark, intimate vibe, is the perfect place to scream along to the music. Tickets are around $34.

No Filter Halloween Bash
When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 p.m.
Where: The Bell House (149 7th St.)

The No Filter Halloween Bash is back in Brooklyn. This year’s lineup features DJ Mike Nasty, Proper Edakit, Kendollaz, and Teeburr, each bringing a blend of hip hop, R&B, and pop mixes. Costumes are welcome but not required—but early arrival is recommended. This might be one of the cheapest parties around Brooklyn, with tickets selling for $18.