Halloween isn’t all fun and games, it’s also tricks and treats, and you’re in for a treat if you are in the city this weekend. Whether you go as Sherlock Holmes or Dracula you can count on capers galore all around town.

Costumes, and costume contests, are the order of the day for those willing to let their inner-child out. Bling are top of the contest pile as they are offering RMB 5,000 to the best-dressed party-goer at their event. It’s free to get in so what do you have to lose?

Block 8 are taking things to another level with performance art as the basis for their Death Prom (RMB 50). Think of a haunted house that has been peopled by George A. Romero, (that is if the undead can people something). Spooked by Acupuncture takes place in a warehouse at 798. Techno and beautiful people wearing next to nothing can be yours for RMB 70.

The Boat floats into its first October 31 with a HallowQueen party (Free). Not to give too much away but it is pandering to a more alternative bent. Zeta at the Hilton is offering a devilishly good deal of RMB 200 for all that you can drink. Straight from the crypt is the metal extravaganza at MAO Livehouse (RMB 180) with Behemoth headlining, which should make it quite a large night. Yen Fetish (RMB 80) is on at Star Live this year and they promise to make up for any of the ill feeling hanging around from last year. A spot of quality drum & bass from The Syndicate might help them out.

Klubb Rouge is still alive and kicking and they have a party (Price TBA) on too which should be as sexy and stylish as you’d expect. Suzie Wong’s aren’t missing out on the act either, details are sketchy but their promise of “frighten and carnival in this special occasion” will tempt many. MGM are new kids on the block at this but they promise to spook you at their celebration. ChinaDoll (in 3.3) has a costume contest with a theme of “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea” (RMB 50) washed down by Witches Brew cocktails. While the similarly named Club China Doll (in Tongli) has Kanye West’s DJ Craze playing (RMB 200) and UV lights aplenty to shake your bones to. Meanwhile, Lan is vamping it up for a night of Blade tribute.

Other options include Hotel G’s Pumpkin Party, be warned you will need a pumpkin to enter. Obiwan is having its regular Beijing Calling night with added spookiness, I predict at least one rendition of the Monster Mash. A little further out, Shunyi stalwart The Pomegranate will be also getting into the spirit of things and there was talk about a Rocky Horror Picture Show evening. Get dressed up with that in mind as what’s the worst that could happen? On Halloween you never know

If none of this is your thing then sense comes in the form of Hallowine at La Baie des Anges. There you will find an anti-Halloween with plenty of the fruit of the vine. The only thing ghastly about that might be the French cheeses.

For more suggestions of where to spend All Hallow's Eve, take a look at this forum thread or check out Beiijing Boyce’s roundup of the Halloween action here. If you still haven't settled on a costume, take a look at this earlier post for suggestions of where to find last minute inspiration.