Here we go again. It’s that time of year when we dress up in a strange costume pretending to be something we’re not so no one will recognize us. This year I’m going as a nice guy.
For the rest of you, while COVID fears have impacted the Halloween party scene somewhat, you can still find some treats around town in Central New York on the weekend of October 29 and 30.
Here’s a sampling. (I promise I won’t refer to requests to wear a costume as a mask mandate):
Nothin’ Fancy Country Rock Saloon in Vernon is celebrating the holiday all weekend, with a pre-Halloween get together on Friday the 29th with The Riders, and on Saturday, the area’s top honky tonk brings in Grit & Grace. The shows start at 9 p.m. and $5 gets you in to enjoy drink and food specials and costume prizes.
Frankenstein, Dracula, or zombies may give you the willies, but for me, there are few things scarier than listening to Flock of Seagulls and watching Xanadu. With that in mind, Station 233 in Westmoreland has the most frightening themed party possible on Saturday with an ‘80s theme from 6-11, with music from Nervous Rex starting at 7.
The same night Heelpath Brewing Company in Frankfort will feature K-Dogg Acoustic from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. with prizes for costumes and trivia answers.
Uncle Charlie & The Meatballs will be bringing their brand of ghoulish blues to Old School Bar & Grill on Culver Ave. on Saturday from 6-9 p.m. No word on costume protocol, but if you feel like it, wear one anyway. They’re not the boss of you.
If you’re not in the costume mood, there are also events that aren’t necessarily following the Halloween theme, including Ryan Quinn at Piggy Pat’s Smoke and Ale House Friday and the Honey Badgers on Saturday, both at 7. On Friday Lukin’s has the Gridley Naked Duo from 8:30 to midnight. No mention of any holiday festivities, and even though it’s weekend for outrageous costumes, we’re assuming that’s just a name and not a fashion choice. And while Woodland Farm Brewery’s costume party is on Saturday the 30th, if you’re not all partied out, stick around and enjoy music from Above the Dam on Halloween Sunday. Who knows, maybe they have some spooky fun planned.
Keep in mind some venues may be charging admission (even venues that usually don’t) so it’s always a good idea to call ahead to check on cover charges and times. And even if they’re not promoting the wearing of costumes, that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up if you want. Bottom line: if you think you’re too cool to dress up for Halloween, that just means you’re not as cool as you think.
Mark Sisti is an experienced musician who writes about local music for the Observer-Dispatch. Email him at msist1@roadrunner.com.
