Halloween Party Guide
Yes, Halloween is right around the corner. You know what that means – time to dust off that slutty nurse costume (or was it hutong harlot?) and hit the clubs. We’ve concocted a party guide, divided by both date and personality type.
Who should go: Premature Partiers
When: Friday Oct 26
If you’re jumping the gun, throw on your mask and hit Mingle’s pre-party on October 26. Promotional material promises “sexy nurses with tasty injectors.” Yep. Drink specials before midnight. Ticket price includes one drink. RMB 50. 9pm.
(Mingle is a new bar located on Sanlitun Houjie, under La Maison de Marguerite; 135 0116 7018)
Who should go: Good-hearted Souls
When: Friday Oct 26
The owner of The Rickshaw had a tough week, discovering just yesterday that his peppy little bar manager, Luga, had stolen his other bar (The Saddle) from underneath him. Find out more here. Get dressed up (they’re offering a RMB 500 voucher for best costume) and head over to express your condolences and to drink for charity – a share of drink sales will go to the Chi Heng Foundation. Free. 8pm.
Who should go: Cheese-eaters
When: Sat Oct 27
Sip Vin Chaud and bloody wine cocktails at La Baie des Anges’ Oct 27 Hallowine hutong costume party. The scariest wins a prize, but any effort is rewarded with a free drink. Free. 9pm.
Who should go: Cheapskates
When: Sat Oct 27
Free drinks with a costume, free face-painting, and free entrance at Alfa’s Oct 27 Inhibition party. Free. 10pm.
Who should go: Sheep
When: Sat Oct 27
The legendary Yen Fetish will probably draw the biggest crowds, with performers all night. Although historically held in 798, problems with scheduling at the venue prompted a change to Arena, in the basement of luxury mall The Place. Buy tickets online at www.clubzone.cn. RMB 100.
Who should go: Tech-heads
When: Sat Oct 27
On Oct 27, Acupuncture DJs spin at Spooked, starting from 10pm, at the only warehouse party in town. A massive dance floor awaits those who hitch their way to German-designed Originally Square (No. 20 Road 797, 798 Art District, No. 2 Jiuxianqiao Road). Call 138 1034 7555 for more info. RMB 50 (before midnight) RMB 80 (after). 10pm.
Who should go: Gamblers
When: Wed Oct 31
Bar Blu has been off and on with trouble stemming from the fire code. Even the owners can’t predict if they’ll be on for Halloween, but they’re doing their damnedest to get the doors open. If they pull it together by Oct 31, look for a “Fright Night” quiz at 7.45pm, leading into the real deal: two for one on selected bottles and shots. Dress in costume for a chance at the give-away prizes throughout the evening.
Who should go: High Society
When: Wed Oct 31
These rich clowns don’t have to go any further than they ever do on Oct 31. i-Ultra sponsors a classy alternative called Diablo with a fashion show at 8.30pm and eight free-flowing wines all night. RMB 100.
Who should go: Oglers
When: Wed Oct 31
The Bank’s Oct 31 party is called “Sexy As Hell.” They promise half-naked vampires and dirty caged dancers. We’re sending our photographer to this one. DJs start working the decks at 10.30pm. RMB 50, free for those in costumes.
Costumes
China is a wonderland for those with a fetish for dressing up. If you’re feeling creative, any market and RMB 50 should suffice. If you need a bit more direction, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to go shopping for that prize-winning costume:
Chongwen
Hongqiao Market
Chaoyang
Alien’s Street Market
Haidian
Golden Five Stars Market
Xicheng
Wantong Clothing Market
Fuchengmenwai Dajie, the Fuchengmen subway, Xicheng District (6858 8145)
Haidian
翟敬利 (Demi)
Costume rentals, call for directions (6343 4790, 136 9363 7391 - Chinese only)
Shuangjing
Beta Costume Rentals (6844 4222)
Another good place to start is our forum - check these threads for costume ideas (they've got them all - good, bad, offensive, and X-rated).