Tunes, contests and brews for Halloween fun

Halloween won’t fall on a weekend again until the year 2020, so you’d better make the most of it. After the kids are done trick or treating, put on your own costume and consider heading out to one (or more) of the dozens of parties happening in Spokane and Idaho.

There’s a whole lot going on – a lot more than we can conceivably cover in one feature – so here are some of your best live music options for both Friday and Saturday evenings.

Friday

The Big Dipper, 171 S. Washington St. - Spokane alt-folk singer-songwriter Marshall McLean is headlining Friday night’s biggest local show, which has been described on the Dipper’s posters as a “pre-funk rock and roll costume ball.” Be sure to dress up. Openers are Wartime Blues of Missoula, and local rockers Pine League. 7:30 p.m.; $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

Knitting Factory, 919 W. Sprague Ave. - Pop-punk band the Wonder Years, currently touring behind their acclaimed concept album “No Closer to Heaven.” Minneapolis-based Motion City Soundtrack, stylistic forebears of the Wonder Years, are co-headliners; openers are State Champs and You Blew It! 7 p.m.; $20.

Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. - OK, so “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” can’t be categorized as live music, but a typical screening of the 1975 cult classic certainly counts as a show. Screenings are at midnight on both Friday and Saturday; $7. At Sandpoint’s Panida Theatre, 300 N. First Ave., you can see a live production of “The Rocky Horror Show,” the off-Broadway show that inspired the film. Presented by American Theatre Laboratories, the show starts at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; $18.50-$21.50.

The Bartlett, 228 W. Sprague Ave. - If you’re looking for something a bit mellower, check out California four-piece Trails and Ways, which specializes in dreamy, poppy electronica. $10 advance, $12 day of the show.

The Hive, 207 N. First Ave., Sandpoint - A special, no alcohol show for concertgoers 20 years and younger only. Champagne Wolfgang and Head to Head will perform; awards will be handed out for the most creative costumes. 9 p.m.; $10.

Nashville North, 6361 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls - Idaho’s Nashville North is taking full advantage of the Halloween weekend, hosting a two-night Halloween “Spooktacular.” Friday night’s festivities will feature music from the Kelly Hughes Band; the Luke Jaxon Band takes the stage on Saturday. Costume contests will be held both nights. Friday night is ladies’ night, and there’s no cover before 8 p.m. on both nights.

The Pin, 412 W. Sprague Ave. - This “All Hallow’s Eve Bash” has a jam-packed lineup: Scheduled performers include Young West, Willie B the MC, Chadrick and Social Suicide. The event is 18 and older only, with a 21+ bar. 8 p.m.; $10.

Saturday

Red Lion Hotel at the Park, 303 W. North River Drive - Blues guitarist Sammy Eubanks headlines this so-called “Monster Bash” which gets started at 8:30 p.m. And if you’re going to dress up, be sure to go all out: The evening’s costume contest boasts a $1,000 grand prize. Admission is $20.

Jones Radiator, 120 E. Sprague Ave. - For an evening of local punk rock, head to Jones to hear Itchy Kitty and the Camorra. Also on the bill is Boise hip-hop duo Sword of a Bad Speller. Costumes are encouraged. 8 p.m.; 21 and older only.

Neato Burrito, 827 W. First Ave. - Portland’s Marriage + Cancer will be joined by local acts Phlegm Fatale and Oujia Bored. 9 p.m.; $3 at the door.

The Palomino, 6425 N. Lidgerwood St. - The newly reopened Palomino club hosting a night of dance music with several DJs and a costume contest with cash prizes. Advance tickets are $10 and are available at Piece of Mind and Puffin Glass locations; you can also pay $15 at the door. 8:30 p.m.; 18 and older.

The Hive - Check out New Orleans R&B band Dumpstaphunk and Pittsburgh’s Steeltown Horns at the Hive for a night that’s being dubbed Phunk-o-ween. 9 p.m.; tickets are $25, available through TicketsWest; 21 and older only.

The Pin - This Royal Costume Ball will feature music from Ill-Esha, Living Light and Spoken Bird, as well as art, aerial performances and belly dancers. All ages. 8:30 p.m.; $20.

The Big Dipper - “Phantasms and Fantasies” is a Halloween variety show offering plenty of music, burlesque performances and magic demonstrations. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Boo Radley’s, Giant Nerd Books or at the door on the night of the event. 9 p.m.; 18 and older only.

Knitting Factory - This Too Broke to Rock – or, rather, Too Broke to Trick or Treat – concert will feature performances from hard rock bands Trapt, September Mourning, Soblivios and Drone Epidemic. Listen to 94.5 FM to get free tickets. 7:30 p.m.

The beer’s the thing

And if it’s beer you’re looking for, here are a few area breweries hosting Halloween events:

Black Label Brewing Co., 19 W. Main St. - Launch party for the all-new Lands Council Pale Ale; costumes welcome. Friday at 5 p.m.

Coeur d’Alene Taphouse, 210 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene - Zombie bike pub crawl starts Saturday at 7 p.m., with a costume contest for both riders and bikes.

Daft Badger Brewing, 1710 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene - Live music from the Maxie Ray Mills Band; costumes encouraged. Saturday at 5 p.m.

Downdraft Brewing, 418 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls - Costume and pumpkin carving contents; 21 and older. Saturday at 6 p.m.

The Filling Station, 501 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene - Have a “Hoppy Halloween.” Wear a costume and get select pints for $3. Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m.

Laughing Dog Brewery, 1109 Fontaine Drive, Ponderay - $3 pints and human and canine costume contests; Friday at 6 p.m.