It's that time of year again, when scary, skimpy, and/or socially relevant costumes combine with the power of booze to create that wunderkind of holidays… Halloween! Because 2012's calendar hates us, Halloween falls on a Wednesday this year. But don't despair—that just means that the weekend before, as well as the actual day of, are designated as "Halloween week" here in Shanghai. Read on for a list of the parties that are expected to be particularly crazy fun this year as well as tips on where to get the creepiest costumes in town.

Events

1) Zombie Pub CrawlView In Map
Everyone's favorite pub crawl organizers, Drunken Dragon, are continuing their annual Zombie Pub Crawl on Thursday, October 25. Dress code is the undead, which will make it extra fun as you start at O'Malley's for an hour of open bar and move on to various bars and clubs along the way (with free shots and special drink discounts at each stop, of course). Tickets are 180 RMB for walk-ins or 150 RMB if you RSVP ahead of time (at reserve@pubcrawlshanghai.com). The party gets started at 21:30 and they plan to run till 01:00—plenty of time to flex your costumed muscle in preparation for the rest of the weekend's Halloween themed activities.

When: Oct 25, 21:30-01:00
Where: O'Malley's, 42 Taojiang Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu, Xuhui District, Shanghai
地址：上海市徐汇区桃江路42号, 近乌鲁木齐路
Price: 150 RMB (advance), 180 RMB (door)
Tel: 0216474 4533

2) Technow
Known for their DJ-tastic raves, Technow's event on Friday, October 26 at MAO Livehouse will be no exception. The dress code for the night is black and white, so let your creative minds go wild as you prepare your costumes (Zebra? Mime? A tuxedo cupcake?). Order your tickets ahead of time for only 80 RMB (at office@mushido.com) and get a "free gift" and one complimentary drink. If you procrastinate (and really, who doesn't here?), you can pay 100 RMB at the door and still get one drink included. This will be a dance-heavy Halloween party, perfect for those who prefer grooving to boozing.

When: Oct 26
Where: MAO Livehouse
Price: 80 RMB (advance), 100 RMB (door)
Tel: 0216445 0086

3) Gotham City HalloweenView In Map
And then we have Saturday, October 27 – officially "substitute Halloween" day. One of the most packed parties is sure to be The Apartment's Batman-themed throw down, "Gotham City Halloween." One dance room will be designated as Bruce Wayne's mansion, while the other will resemble the Bat Cave in all its glory. While your costume doesn't have to be Batman related, a costume of any sort is a must if you want to get in free. Expect packed dance floors and general debauchery, Gotham style.

When: Oct 27
Where: The Apartment, 3/F, 47 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu, Xuhui District, Shanghai
地址：上海市徐汇区永福路47号3楼近复兴西路
Tel: 021 6437 9478

4) Rico RicoView In Map
It's hard to imagine any holiday more suited to pub crawls than Halloween (except, perhaps, St. Patrick's Day). Rico Rico obviously feels similarly, as they're also jumping on the "portable drinking" bandwagon. Last year saw over two hundred pub crawlers, so you know it's going to be a good time. The starting point is Rico Rico but who knows where everyone will end up. 180 RMB includes free flow shots and booze all night, as well as transportation around the city.

When: Oct 26
Where: The Cool Docks, Wharf 1846, Bldg 3, 601 Waima Lu, near Zhuhangmatou Jie, Shanghai
地址：上海市外马路601号3号楼114室, 近竹行码头街
Price: 180 RMB
Tel: 0213330 0977

5) Monster MashView In Map
Perhaps the biggest Halloween party in Shanghai, Boxing Cat Brewery is once again hosting (for the third year in a row) their "Monster Mash" free-for-all: an intoxicating mix of crazy costumes, free-flow booze—home brews, sangria, house pours, and tequila shots, to be precise—and insanely long lines for their delicious outdoor barbeque. The festivities start at 19:00 and are slated to last until midnight. Last year's tally clocked over 500 people, so you know you want to get there early. The entry fee is 150 RMB and includes all you can drink of the above-mentioned beverages.

When: Oct 26, 19:00
Where: Boxing Cat Brewery (Sinan Mansions), Bldg. 26A, Sinan Mansions, 519 Fuxing Zhong Lu, near Chongqing Nan Lu
地址：上海市复兴中路519号，思南公馆，26A号楼近重庆南路
Price: 150 RMB
Tel: 0216426 0360

6) Dia de los MuertosView In Map
For the actual evening of Halloween, it's only appropriate that things get a little, well, creepier – so mucho gracias to Cantina Agave, whose "Dia de los Muertos" (Day of the Dead) is sure to be sufficiently spooky. It goes like this: Pay 150 RMB and get free flow beer, sangria, margaritas, and snacks from 19:00 until 22:00 (or dress up in a costume—a real costume, as management has already made it clear that they won't put up with half assed substitutes—and get it all for 100 RMB). After 22:00, all drinks are 25 RMB each. Not a bad way to spend a Wednesday evening!

When: Oct 31, 19:00
Where: Rm. 01A-2, 1/F, 291 Fumin Lu, near Changle Lu
地址：上海市徐汇区富民路291号01A-2室近长乐路，地铁1号线常熟路站或陕西南路站
Price: 100 RMB (w/ costume), 150 RMB (w/o costume)
Tel: 021 6170 1310

OK, so now you know where the best parties are—but what about your costume? With Halloween less than two weeks away, it's time to get on it. Here are some suggestions for everyone from the super creative to the super lazy. Happy Halloween!

Costumes

1) Holiday HouseView In Map
This is pretty much the only place to find both complete costumes and all the accessories you might possibly need for your outfit. Think wigs, fake guns and axes, mustaches, wands, fake eyelashes etc. Be warned, though, that the closer to Halloween it gets, the slimmer the pickings (and the more crowded the shop). This is hands down your best bet if you're not a DIY kind of person.

Add: 1188 Panyu Lu, near Kaixuan Lu, Xuhui District, Shanghai
地址：上海市徐汇区番禺路1188号，近凯旋路
Tel: 021 6447 7189

2) Shanghai South Bund Fabric MarketView In Map
For those who want to get a bit more creative about it, Shanghai's renowned South Bund Fabric Market should get the job done. Go in with a photo of what you have in mind and shop around until you find the person who is able to make it the cheapest/fastest/best. Costumes tend to take at least ten days, so you'll have to hurry if you want it in time for this year.

Add: 399 LujiabangLu, Huangpu District, Shanghai
地址：上海市黄浦区陆家浜路399号,近中山东二路 (上海南外轻纺面料市场)
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00

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