Happy Hallo-weekend: A host of events will offer up plenty of entertainment options
Halloween falls on a Monday this year, which means the most extravagant parties are happening on the weekend leading up to it. Here’s a selection of the events – some spooky, some not – that might get you into the Halloween spirit.
Friday
Self-described “ghostologist” Chet Caskey will be selling his recently released book, “Spooky Spokane,” at Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. Candess Campbell will also be on hand for psychic readings. Caskey, a former attorney, is best known for his walking tours highlighting supposedly haunted locations in downtown Spokane. They’ll be back at Auntie’s on Halloween night. Free, 7 p.m.
Community radio station KYRS will be celebrating its 13th year on the air with a birthday bash at the Big Dipper, 171 S. Washington St. Local bands the Moondoggies, the Hoots Hoots and Evening Bell will perform. Costumes are encouraged. $10 admission, 7:30 p.m.
There’s been a murder at the Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave., and the detectives are making it all up as they go along. “No Clue” is a show that combines improv comedy with Agatha Christie-style suspense. $7 admission. 8 p.m.
Funkoween is a holiday-themed party at the Palomino Club, 6424 N. Lidgerwood St. Drink specials are available, and there’s a costume contest with a $250 prize. You can print a free ticket from the Palomino’s Facebook page; admission is $10 otherwise. 8 p.m., 21 and older only.
Saturday
The Spokane Symphony presents “The Music of Harry Potter,” which will feature selections from composer John Williams’ scores for the film series. Audience members will be sorted into Hogwarts houses, and conductor Morihiko Nakahara will be decked out in his finest wizard robes. Showtimes are 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets start at $11 for kids and run $22 to $43 for adults through TicketsWest.
If you’re feeling charitable, check out the Ghost Ball at the Riverside Event Center, 1107 W. Main St. Costumes are encouraged and catering is provided. Proceeds benefit the children’s therapy organization Elevation. Tickets are $50 for you and a guest and are available at www.ghostball.org. 7 p.m.
The last time singer-songwriter Ben Folds was in town, he performed orchestral arrangements of his wry, self-deprecating pop songs with the Spokane Symphony. He returns this time for an intimate show that features just him and his piano. Knitting Factory, 919 W. Sprague Ave. 8 p.m. Tickets are $32.50 at www.sp.knittingfactory.com.
The indie rock outfit Ra Ra Riot is based out of Syracuse, New York, and has received critical acclaim since releasing its debut album “The Rhumb Line” in 2008. The band is currently touring behind its new record, “Need Your Light,” and is making a stop at the Bartlett, 228 W. Sprague Ave. 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $22 and are available at www.thebartlettspokane.com.
For the second year in a row, Hotel RL Spokane, 303 W. North River Drive, is hosting what it calls its Halloween Monster Bash. Blues guitarist Sammy Eubanks will perform, and there’s a $1,000 grand prize for best costume. 8:30 p.m., 21 and older only. Tickets are $20 through TicketsWest.
It’s a tradition: Every Halloween weekend, the Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave., screens the 1975 camp musical “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at midnight for adoring crowds. Put on your fishnets and lipstick, study up on the lyrics and prepare to throw some toilet paper. You can also check out “The Rocky Horror Show,” the stage musical that inspired the film, at Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St., on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and 11 p.m.
It’s a horror-themed night of fun with Creepshow Peepshow at the Big Dipper. The evening combines burlesque performances, “acroyoga” and dancing. 9 p.m., 18 and older only. Tickets are $15 cash.
Sunday
The Spokane String Quartet will perform at the Fox Theater with a program called “Visions of Russia,” which will feature compositions by Joseph Haydn, Alexander Glazunov and P.I. Tchaikovsky. Tickets run $12 to $20 through TicketsWest. 3 p.m.
Georgia-based metal band Sevendust performs at the Knitting Factory, with Red Sun Rising and Gemini Syndrome serving as openers. The five piece last performed in Spokane in 2013 as part of a daylong metal festival at the Greyhound Park. Tickets are available through the Knitting Factory’s website. $20, 8 p.m.
Monday
Tubaween is an annual event at the University of Idaho, with the school’s music students performing a program of tuba-centric pieces. Costumes are encouraged. The event is free, but donations are encouraged. At the Lionel Hampton School of Music, 1010 Blake Ave., Moscow; 7:30 p.m.
The Moth and the Flame is an alt-rock trio from Utah, and they’ll stop by the Bartlett for a show on Halloween night. Touring behind its second full-length album, “Young and Unafraid,” the group will be supported by New Jersey’s Young Rising Sons and Colorado’s 888. Tickets are $10 in advance and are now on sale at the Bartlett’s website. 8 p.m.