Where to celebrate Halloween on Long Island: Costume parties, game nights and more
Pennywise, a scary clown from the movie ‘It’ surprises guests with an appearance at a party on Oct. 15, 2022, hosted at the Nutty Irishman in Farmingdale, New York. Credit: Brittainy Newman
It's that time of year when you can dress up as your favorite superhero, movie villain, musician or make your own costume and show it off at a Halloween bash. Luckily, this year, the spooky holiday falls on a Monday, so expect a full weekend of ghoulish and ghostly get-togethers. Here are restaurants, bars and more Long Island spots hosting costume parties, contests and trivia nights.
Halloween at the Nutty Irishman
Halloween decorations are up at a party on Oct. 15, 2022, hosted at the Nutty Irishman in Farmingdale, New York. Credit: Brittainy Newman
The pub is hosting Halloween culture-themed weekends throughout October: Oct. 7-8 (“ Thriller”), Oct. 14-15 (“ It”) and Oct. 21-22 (“ Hocus Pocus”). Each night will feature live music and DJs, attendees are encouraged to dress in costume, specialty cocktails will be served and characters related to each theme will be available for photo ops. Halloween weekend (Oct. 28-29) will feature a costume contest with cash prizes, a DJ and live music. A party will also take place on Oct. 31 with another costume contest and a DJ playing tunes. $10 cover charge for each Friday and Saturday night event.
INFO: 323 Main St., Farmingdale; 516-293-9700, thenuttyirishman.com
Monster’s Ball
Guests at the annual "Monster's Ball" party, thrown by Long Island-based company Nocturnal Creatures NY, pose for the camera. Credit: Nocturnal Creatures NY/Brett Rotondi
Produced by the Nocturnal Creatures NY party company, this moving annual affair takes place on Oct. 21 at The Loft at Bellmore Playhouse. Hosted by Gothic performer Baron Misuraca, the night will also feature live performances from punk act The Knottie Boys and My Chemical Romance tribute band So Long and Goodnight. The event will also include make-up artists, vendors selling spooky items and DJs will be spinning a mix of industrial, darkwave and synth sounds; winners of the costume contest will score tickets to see Depeche Mode tribute band Strangelove play live. Tickets are $20 and available in advance at universe.com
INFO: 524 Bedford Ave., Bellmore; 631-305-9733
Triple Halloween bash in Ocean Beach
Three venues in the Fire Island village are hosting parties on Oct. 22, and all may stroll among the three at their leisure. CJ’s (479 Bay Walk, Ocean Beach; 631-583-8870, cjsfireisland.com) is hosting a happy hour from 7 to 9 p.m., plus happy hour drinks including "Shocktails" and a DJ will spin starting at 9 p.m. A costume contest will take place with $500 for top outfit; other prizes and giveaways will go to other winners. Rooms will be available at the The Palms Hotel (168 Cottage Walk; 631-583-8870, palmshotelfireisland.com) starting at $199. A water taxi will leave at midnight and can be reserved in advance or paid for at the CJ’s door for $25. Castaway Bar and Grill (927 Evergreen Walk; 631-583-0330, castawaybarandgrill.com) will be serving food and $6 draft beers. There will also be a DJ and a costume contest with the top prize being a “swag bag” worth $250; Housers Bayfront Bar and Grill (778-781 Bay View Walk; 631-583-7805, housersob.com) will also be open to receive party people.
Halloween at Otto's Sea Grill
This spot on the Nautical Mile is hosting a pair of parties, starting with the “Queens of The Mile Monster Mash” at 6: 30 p.m. Oct. 22, featuring a drag show, full buffet and complimentary drink. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costume. Admission is $60. The venue’s annual Halloween party takes place 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 29 with live classic rock from "Pagman & Robin," a hot and cold buffet, cash bar and prizes for top costumes. Admission is $45. Reservations are required for both events; call or text 516-639-5375 or 516-378-9480.
INFO: 271 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport; 516-378-9480, ottosseagrill.live
Halloween Trivia at J.A. Heneghan's Tavern
Trivia begins at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 25 and players may arrive in costume. Staffers will choose a best-dressed winner. First place in the costume contest and top trivia winner both score a $50 gift certificate for use in the restaurant and second- and third-place trivia winners each get a bottle of wine.
INFO: 57 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout; 516-544-2777, heneghanstavern.com
Shandon Court's Annual Halloween Trivia Night
Trivia starts at 8 p.m. Oct. 26 following 7:30 sign-ups. Teams of up to six people will tackle topics such as Halloween-related history and pop culture, scary movies and literature. Quiz winners will win cash and other prizes for best costumes. Reservations are recommended; $5 per person.
INFO: 115 E. Main St., East Islip; 631-581-5678, shandoncourt.net
Cold Spring Harbor 'Witches Night Out'
Employees of Lucky to Live Here Realty dress as witches once a year to help promote shopping on Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor Credit: Lucky to Live Here Realty
Attendees from across the Island dress up as witches and dozens of stores and restaurants across the hamlet offer discounts and deals. Some will giveaway treats during the event from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28. Spend money in these businesses to score raffle tickets. Earn one ticket for every $25 spent at designated businesses. Costume wearing is encouraged.
INFO: Find a full list of participating venues at luckytolivehererealty.com
"Glow Halloween Bash' at Blue Point Brewing Company
Following a theme based around things that glow, guests are encouraged to dress in any style of colorful and ethereal gear from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Oct. 28. The night will also include live music, games and a costume contest; $25, includes a free beer and a souvenir glow cup. Tickets available in advance at eventbrite.com.
INFO: 225 W. Main St., Patchogue; 631-627-8292, bluepointbrewing.com
Halloween at The Clubhouse Hamptons
Set for Oct. 28, this bash will feature live music by The Realm plus beats by DJs JR Inventor and Gr1fn. Prizes will be awarded for top costumes and specialty cocktails will be available for purchase. $10 cover; VIP service can be ordered in advance via matt.rubenstein@clubhousehamptons.com.
INFO: 174 Daniels Hole Rd., East Hampton; 631-537-2695, clubhousehamptons.com
'Ghosts, Ghouls and Geeks’ at übergeek Brewing Company
Taking place 8 to 11 p.m. Oct. 29, this craft brewery is hosting its first Halloween get-together, featuring live music from band Finding Emo and a food truck on-site. Top costume will win a $50 übergeek gift certificate and a swag basket; a $40 gift card will be awarded to “Best Couple”; $25 gift cards will be presented to those judged “Scariest” and “Most Creative.”
INFO: 400 Hallett Ave., Riverhead; 631-381-0848, ubergeekbrewing.com
The Annual Long Island Goth Prom
People attending the "Long Island Goth Prom," an annual Halloween party held at Amityville Music Hall, pose for the camera. Credit: Nicole Adrianna for The Perks Dept
This event returns for a second year at Amityville Music Hall on Oct. 29 and guests are asked to either wear prom-inspired clothing—a combination of formal wear and a Halloween costume. Instead of a costume contest, those decided best-dressed will be named as “Prom Royals” for the evening. DJ Tony Black will be spinning. Attendees can purchase food (including some vegan options) onsite and use a prom-inspired photo booth. Tickets are $30.
INFO: 198 Broadway, Amityville, theperksdept@gmail.com
Sound View Halloween Party
Happening at the venue’s Halyard Restaurant on Oct. 29, guests can take part in a costume contest; dance music will be playing. VIP guests will also receive snack foods and an open bar; VIP tickets for those who dine are $70, $95 for online purchases and $100 for door purchase. General admission is $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
INFO: 58775 CR- 48 Greenport; 631-477-1910, soundviewgreenport.com
Costume Party at Po'Boy Brewery
People attending the annual Halloween costume party at Po' Boy Brewery in Port Jefferson Station pause to pose for the camera. Credit: Wesam Hassanin
Back for another year, this craft brewery is holding its 2022 soiree on Oct. 29, guests must wear costumes to gain entry; prizes are awarded for the outfits that are judged as third place, second place and first.
INFO: 200 Wilson St., Port Jefferson Station; 631-828-1131, poboybrewery.com
Halloween at Kasey's Kitchen and Cocktails
There will be a DJ and drink specials will be available all night. Prizes will be given for "most creative," "funniest" and "scariest" costume. $5 after 10 p.m. Oct. 30.
INFO: 23 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre; 516-766-5049, kaseysrvcny.com
Halloween at The Brixton
Expect staffers at The Brixton in Babylon Village to dress like this for the restaurant and tavern's annual Halloween soiree. Credit: The Brixton Staff
Staffers will be dressed in Halloween outfits and The Zigons will be playing live Oct. 30. Drink specials and a late-night menu will be available. Prizes will be awarded for the three costumes judged to be the best.
INFO: 111 Deer Park Ave., Babylon; 631- 587-2000, thebrixtonbabylon.com
Halloween Costume Bash at East Wind
Set for 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 30, this soiree will feature food, an open bar, a DJ in the mix and prizes for top costumes. Tickets are $99.95; there’s also a $359 overnight stay package that includes two tickets to the party.
INFO: 5720 RT. 25A, Wading River; 631-929-3500, eastwindweddings.com
Halloween Party at Inhales Wellness
Taking place on Halloween (Oct. 31), this Hocus Pocus-themed gathering takes place at a hot yoga studio (but after classes end for the day) and will award a free month of yoga classes to the person whose costume is judged the best; refreshments and beverages will be available for purchase.
INFO: 529 Lake Ave., St James; 631-729-0436, inhaleswellness.com
