Maybe a better question is what isn’t going on in Las Vegas for Halloween, a time when the city is filled with more tricks and treats than you can shake a broomstick at.
First, here’s an interesting Halloween tidbit: The actual words "trick or treat" didn't enter general usage (though there is some debate about this) until 1941, when they first appeared in the files of Merriam-Webster. The tradition of trick-or-treating may be linked to Irish Samhain traditions celebrating the New Year and November 1st, the day when it was believed that souls came back to visit the Earth. It's said that followers of the celebration on November 1st opened their doors and provided food to the wandering dead and that this tradition has evolved into what we now know as trick-or-treating, on October 31st.
Now to the question at hand: Just what is there to do around town this Halloween weekend? Here are some of the options Las Vegas has to offer for the adult crowd:
10th Annual Fetish & Fantasy Halloween Ball Las Vegas Sports Center, 121 E. Sunset Blvd.
Voted "one of the Earth’s best bashes" by Stuff Magazine, the 10th Annual Fetish & Fantasy Halloween Ball takes place on 10/29 from 10 pm to 4 am. All attendees must purchase either a general-admission ticket or a late-admission ticket; if you buy a late-admission ticket, you're allowed to enter the event three and a half hours after it begins. On-site parking is available only to those who purchase pre-paid parking passes. General admission is $81.95, plus service fees. Late admission is $45.10, and pre-paid parking is $10, plus service fees. The ball features erotic stage performances, top DJs, a haunted house, and more. There's also an after-hours party at SIN Gentlemen’s Club for $22. You must be dressed according to Fetish & Fantasy dress code (note: this has altered slightly from previous years) to get into the ball, which includes costumes of any type or fantasy/fetish wear, but no nudity. For more information call 702/59-TEASE or log on to www.halloweenball.com.
Vegoose Sam Boyd Stadium
Vegoose is a music event taking place 10/29-10/30. The price is $128.50 with festivities beginning at noon. This two-day event includes performances by Beck, the Flaming Lips, Primus, Ween, Trey Anastasio, Talib Kweli, and Digable Planets. There's also a Vegoose at Night Concert Series, which is a set of separately ticketed musical performances at venues such as House of Blues, the Joint, and the Aladdin Theatre. Visit www.vegoose.com for more info.
5th Annual Masque Halloween Costume Ball Rio at Club Rio
The 5th Annual Masque Halloween Costume Ball takes place on 10/30 beginning at 10 pm. This ball features a live DJ set by the legendary Boy George, with an admission fee of $35. You can also enter to win a $5,000 costume contest. For more info call Club Rio at 702/247-7977.
Rock-O-Ween Cannery
The Cannery presents Rock-O-Ween on 10/30 with a performance by shock rockers The Tubes. The performance begins at 8 pm and tickets are $14.95. For more information and tickets, call 702/617-5585.
8th Annual Nightmare on 54th Street & 39th Annual Beaux Arts Ball MGM Grand at Studio 54
The 8th Annual Nightmare on 54th Street takes place 10/27-10/30 at 10 pm and has an admission fee of $40. 10/27 is the "Night of the Living Dolls" as Studio 54 transforms into a haunted nightlife haven with sounds provided by DJs Lisa Pittman and Miss Joy. On 10/28 & 10/29, DJ P spins records and you can enjoy four "Studio 54-infused" Halloween shows. On 10/30 is the costume ball hosted by DJ Frankie of NYC. The week rounds out with the 39th Annual Beaux Arts Ball on 10/31. This is a costume ball where all of the proceeds benefit Golden Rainbow, a charity program that helps men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS in the Vegas valley.
