It’s almost Halloween, a holiday that’s about dressing up as current memes (it’s Sexy Ken Bone this year), watching horror films, eating candy, knocking on strangers’ doors, and drinking spiced rum. Unlike some other holidays, such as St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween actually is a big deal in Portland. And while it might be disappointing at first to see that the holiday lands on a Monday this year, what that really means is themed parties all weekend, starting as early as Thursday. So grab your humorous political costume or join the ranks of endless Harley Quinns and head to one (or five) of these great events. Let us know where you’re planning on spending your Halloweekend at our Facebook or Twitter.

 

A time honored Halloween tradition, the Zombie Stripper Night always lands on the Thursday before Halloween. Lucky Devil Lounge hosts, with free food, pumpkin carving, candy, zombie themed drinks, a costume contest with a $200 prize, and, of course, zombie strippers. Where else will you see dancers in full zombie makeup? Cover is $3 after 9 PM (633 SE Powell Blvd.; 503-206-7350 Additional NSFW Details)

 

Start the weekend festivities right with the Portland Spirit, the city’s premiere cruise line. The boat departs from the Salmon Street docks at 10:30 and floats down the river for two hours with music, dancing, food, and a bar. Costumes are strongly encouraged. The boat returns at 12:30 AM for an extra hour of dockside dancing. Tickets are $28 in advance or $35 at the door. (Additional Details)

Lola’s Room hosts 80’s Video Dance Parties every Friday, but for Halloween, it’s expanding downstairs to the Crystal Ballroom for a massive Halloween blowout. That means a two story tall extravaganza Friday night, with Halloween decor and lighting, music, dancing, costume contests,  and “surprises”. Tickets are $17 and get you into both parties. (1332 W Burnside St.; Additional Info)

 

The tasting room at House Spirits Distillery is hosting a fun Halloween party this year, with a DJ and a Halloween themed photo booth. There’s no cover, and those who show up in costume (why wouldn’t you?) will receive a free gift. Most importantly, there will be a “very special edition” cocktail flight with classic but appropriately named drinks such as the Corpse Reviver #2, as well as house cocktails like the Creature From the Black Lagoon, with Krogstad Aquavit, Portland Soda Works Root Beer Syrup, and club soda, colored with squid ink and garnished with a black jelly bean. The party starts at noon and ends at 8 PM. (65 SE Washington St.; Additional Info)

 

EastBurn loves celebrating the holidays, and they especially love Halloween. This year, head to EastBurn for a live band, Hans and the Wanted, as well as a costume contest. Secret judges will roam the party selecting finalists, who will then be brought to a stage, with winners selected by audience applause to win a grand prize of $500. The party starts at 6 PM, and cover is $10. (1800 E Burnside St.; 503-236-2876 Additional Details)

 

PBS is hosting a specific costume contest this year: cartoon characters. With shows like Archer, Bob’s Burgers, and Bojack Horseman it’s the perfect time for it, as cartoons are definitely not just for kids. Prizes will be awarded to best overall costume, as well as best male, female, couple, and more. There’s also going to be a special pumpkin spice punch for the evening, which you can sip while you go bowling or sing karaoke. The party starts at 8 PM with no cover. (40 SW Morrison St., third floor; 503-334-0360)

 

QuarterWorld is the newest barcade in Portland, a huge arcade space with retro games and a full bar; it’s the perfect place to spot some truly nerdy Halloween costumes. Most notably, the party will be led by Portland’s favorite Halloween DJ, DJ Gregarious. Gregarious starts spinning at 9 PM and goes until 1 AM. (4811 SE Hawthorne Blvd.; 503-548-2923 Additional Details)

 

Not to be confused with The Whisk{e}y Library, the Whiskey Bar is actually a club more than it is a whiskey bar. Get your Halloween started early with the LIT party her, which starts at 8 PM on the 30th and ends Halloween morning at 2 AM. The usual Halloween festivities will be in attendance: themed drinks, DJs, and prizes for costumes, as well as a photographer to capture you at your best. Cover is $10. (31 NW 1st Ave.; 503-227-0405 Additional Details)

 

Didn’t get enough music and video games for your Halloween? Head back to QuarterWorld on the actual day of the holiday for music from a decade later than the party on Saturday. Compete against Chester the Chimp in a number of challenges… whatever that means. Cover is $3 and the party starts at 9 PM. (4811 SE Hawthorne Blvd.; 503-548-2923 Additional Details)