Boys Noize
Santos’ Party House; 96 Lafayette St., nr. Walker St.; 212-584-5492
On the heels of releasing his sophomore album, Power, German D.J. and producer Alexander Ridha—a.k.a. Boys Noize—will hit up Santos’ Party House Halloween night. The venue’s website promises the show will “summon the most unholy of spirits.”
Spottiswoode & His Enemies
Joe’s Pub; 425 Lafayette St., nr. Astor Pl.; 212-539-8777
The veteran indie-rockers return to one of their regular haunts on Halloween night. Everyone struggles trying to pinpoint the sound of British front man Jonathan Spottiswoode and his band, but there’s no mistaking the eerie undercurrent in songs like “That’s What I Like.”
The Long Count
Brooklyn Academy of Music; 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene, Brooklyn; 718-636-4198
For a more high-brow experience, catch the last night of the Long Count, a three-day performance that’s part of BAM’s annual Next Wave Festival. The lineup reads like a who’s who in indie rock with the National brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner, along with Matt Berninger, Kim and Kelley Deal of the Breeders, Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond, and a twelve-person orchestra. While they’re playing, a video by the artist Matthew Ritchie provides the visuals.
World/Inferno Friendship Society
Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom at Hammerstein Ballroom, 311 W. 34th St., nr. Eighth Ave.; 212-279-7740
The cultishly adored cabaret-punk act from Brooklyn — which has counted Franz Nicolay from the Hold Steady among its ranks — will once again put on their annual Halloween blowout, Hallowmas. Be aware: Past Hallowmas’s have included audience interaction and clowns juggling fire.
King Khan & BBQ Show
The Bell House, 149 7th St., Gowanus, Brooklyn; 718-643-6510
Veteran Canadian rockers Mark Sultan (a.k.a. BBQ) and Erick Khan join forces as this wild-man blues-rock duo. There’ll be prizes for best costume, but considering Khan likes dressing up even when he’s not supposed to, make sure to step up your game.
Fright Nightlife
If you’re strictly looking to party on Halloween, check out Club Purgatorio, a mysterious pop-up haunted house extravaganza in the former China Club space from the Box co-owners Simon Hammerstein and Randy Weiner. There are also festivities going down on the high seas: the Paddle Wheel Queen, a three-level, climate-controlled ship, is hosting a costume-mandatory party with a celebrity look-alike contest. And finally, Carnival, the new circus-themed bar above Bowlmor Lanes, is throwing down. Come thirsty— the $70, two-gallon, multi-booze concoction they call the Dunk Tank will be available.