Go out or stay in? Let one of these Halloween themed ideas help you decide what to do this weekend.
1. Eat, Drink and Be Scary
Rooftop Cinema says they are taking "dining and cinema to new heights". Cinema events are held outdoors, bring a blanket, get cozy and settle in for your favorite cult classic. Rooftop Cinema hosts a food menu and full bar. They have several locations in the US and the UK to choose from.
If you're looking for something a little more intimate, try the Foreign Cinema here in San Francisco. The Foreign Cinema is a covered, heated patio, casual chic spot with good food, wine and spirits. Buffy The Vampire Slayer, 90's comedy horror flick currently playing.
2. Jaunt to an Eerie Haunt
Celebrate the haunt in a spooky city near you or in New Orleans, one of America's top 10 spookiest place. NOLA has everything you need for a frightfully good time with haunted joints, jazzy ghosts and boo-tiful boozy cocktails.
New Orleans French quarters hosts thousands of party goers and it's their 2nd largest celebration next to Mardi Gras. Like Mardi Gras the streets come alive through music, art and costumed reveler parades. New Orleans also has a dark side another draw for All Hallows Eve.
If you're looking to embrace the macabre, make contact with a local guide and take a ghost tour. Explore the legendary dark and mysterious history and the prominence of spirits in the region.
Spine-tinging tours, an All Hallows Eve celebration you'll not soon forget.
Photo by Kuiyibo-Campos
3. Ghouls Got Game
October is THE month for sports enthusiasts as it's the time of the year when NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, and the NCAA are all playing. Some leagues are in playoff mode, others are in pre-season. If you're a sports fan, you probably have plans but if you're not its not too late to get in on the fun.
Check your local outlet for Halloween matchups and head out to a sports bar. They'll have all the games on the biggest screens. Most sports-theme bars, have a happy hour featuring an array of affordable food options and ice cold beer on tap.
4. Not So Haunted Retreat
In the late COVID years we (five couples) chose to hunker down at a bed and breakfast. We extended the holiday and spent a couple of nights amongst the sequoias. During the day we visited nearby towns, shopped, and attended the Halloween & Fall Festival.
For the big night, we worked with the owner and chef to create a menu and dined in our costumes. If you'd prefer to keep it cozy, a vacation rental is the way to go.
4. Perfect Pairing
Host a pumpkin and wine pairing party. Pumpkin is synonymous with fall and is no longer relegated to Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations. From the savory dishes of Pumpkin Risotto and Pumpkin Soup to the sweet Pumpkin Waffles and Pumpkin Caramel Bread Pudding. Pumpkin is in everything and there's a perfect pairing for that.
To host this gathering you'll need to collect recipes, and decide on a menu. It can be appetizers, dinner or dessert or all of the above. You're sure to find a variety of recipes for this seasonal squash. Once you've settled on a menu enlist your guests help. Highlight the spice profile in one of your recipes and send to invitees so they can source a complimentary bottle of wine for the party.
At the party hand out copies of all the recipes and provide note cards for guest to track their favorite pairings.
Photo by Sur la Table
5. Yes Chef!
Stay in and let the party come to you. Hire a professional chef and have Michelin style meals prepared for you. Chefs in your locale shop for the ingredients, prep, cook, serve and clean up afterwards. Cozymeal has chefs in over 100 cities preparing Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Lebanese, French, and Thai dish faves and specialties.
Or if you prefer, put your chef and knife skills to the test and join a virtual cooking class.
Sur La Table has fully interactive classes, led by chefs skilled in the art of teaching. You'll learn the French term 'mise en place' and build confidence in the kitchen. Chefs welcome questions, and dialogue. No cook gets left behind, good for beginners, and cooks who know their way around the cutting board.
❤️ Beautiful and balanced. Great range of ideas for all ages and all social economic backgrounds.