Although Halloween may be considered a children’s holiday by most, we all know that it’s a magical day that is even more enjoyable as an adult. Thankfully, Memphis has several great parties, concerts, and monster mashes headed our way soon. Here are just a few of the spooky music-centric events to circle on your calendar for the next couple of weeks…
All Hallows Grieve at Hi Tone
October 14
Sure, zombies, werewolves, and vampires are always good for a scare, but what’s more horrifying than facing one’s own feelings and emotions? Hi Tone’s recurring emo night is back with a special Halloween edition of the popular dance party, so dust off your skinny jeans, straighten those bangs, and head down for a night of fright and tears.
Ghoultown at Growlers
October 26
What would happen if you somehow had the ability to take a classic horror film and somehow transform it into a band? Texas band Ghoultown seems as close to an answer as we’re likely to get, expertly channeling films like From Dusk till Dawn and Curse of the Undead into an exhilarating live show. With a devilish mix of punk twang, horror rock, and spaghetti-western flair, Ghoultown is the perfect band for a hellacious good time.
Halloween Masquerade Ball at Black Lodge
October 28
Like a Spirit Halloween with liquor and live music, Black Lodge is truly your one-stop-shop for everything Halloween related. The video rental store/venue has always had a fondness for the macabre, but that seems to be ramped up even more this October with a slate of enticing events. Although we encourage you to check out their full list of events– especially the back-to-back Vampire and Witches Masquerade Ball on Friday, Oct. 20th followed the next evening by a Zombie Prom– the main event is the annual Masquerade Ball. Featuring a who’s who of Memphis rockers, this is likely to be the biggest party of the night.
Tone Presents “Black October”
October 28th
Tone, the city’s premiere Black Arts organization (or at the very least, its coolest) is back with another highly-anticipated Halloween event, this year at the Orange Mound Tower. This year’s theme is Vampires in Memphis, so dress accordingly and be ready to dance late into the evening. Oh, and based on last year, the costumes promise to be fierce, so bring your A-game!
Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Memphis Music Room
October 28
Dia de Muertos–the joyous Mexican holiday based on remembering and celebrating friends and family members who have died–has slowly integrated itself into American culture. In fact, there are a handful of Dia de Muertos events happening throughout Memphis this month, but the one we’re most excited for is the Don Ramon Band at the Memphis Music Room. Ramon is one of the city’s premiere Spanish-language acts and he is all but guaranteed to keep things rockin’ into the early morning.
Stevie Nicks at FedEx Forum
October 28
As Fleetwood Mac’s iconic singer Stevie Nicks has made clear many times over the years, she is not actually a witch or a practitioner of the dark arts, yet her mystical and fantastical personae continues to inspire would-be witches and warlocks worldwide. Aside from perhaps Ozzy Osbourne or Alice Cooper, it’s hard to think of a more appropriate classic rock icon to have in town during Halloween weekend. Nicks, of course, is a must-see event regardless of the season, but it’s hard to deny that a late October concert is particularly enticing.
**For even more Halloween-themed events and much more, check out our live music calendar here!**
