Halloween parties start this weekend

Halloween is quickly approaching and the parties are already starting. Here are some highlights. (If you know of other parties, shoot me the details in an e-mail. I'm looking for a variety of events to attract a diverse crowd.)

This Friday:

• Haunted Nights Bar Crawl hosted by Elevate. No covers, transportation to and from each location on the Ragin Party Pus, free beer on the bus and tons of giveaways. Pickup at 6:30 p.m. at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille. $10. Get your tickets here.

Oct. 24:

• The 24th Annual Halloween Thriller Costume Ball. Costumes are highly encouraged. The party will be held at The Big Chill, 911 E. Morehead St. $10 for those in costume, $20 otherwise. E-mail partyczar@yahoo.com for more information.

Oct. 25:

• "It" girl Katy Perry will headline this year's Gravedigger's Ball. Bundle up because the Dixie's parking lot gets cold, regardless of how much alcohol you consume. A prize of $1,500 will be awarded for best costume. Ages 18 and up welcome. Doors open at 6 p.m. 301 E. Seventh St. $15. Tickets here.
• Rich and Bennett (of St. Patty's Day fame) are organizing their 8th Annual Halloween Pub Crawl, promising more bars than ever before. Prizes will be awarded for best individual and group costumes. Registration starts at Dixie's at 1:30 p.m. $20 in advance, $30 at the door.

Oct. 28

• Whisky River kicks off its Whisky Ween activities with a sexiest costume contest. $300 cash prize.

Oct. 29

• Whisky's second night of Halloween festivities is a 1950s Vaudeville night. Wear your best '50s-era/pin-up costumes. Fashion and hair show will be presented by Bella Lago and the Red Door. $500 in prizes for best '50s fashions. $5,000 in raffle prizes benefitting the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Oct. 31

• This year's CarnEVIL will be a two-night event at Amos' Southend. Entertainment includes live music, Big Momma's House of Burlesque and a zombie fashion show. 8 p.m. 1423 S. Tryon St. Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the door.
• NV Lounge is going all out for its 3rd Annual Boo Bash on Oct. 31. Best costume wins $1,000 (you must register for the costume contest before 11 p.m.). Creepy drink specials all night. Doors open at 9 p.m. 20924 Torrence Chapel Road. Tickets are $15.
• Guys with Ties is throwing its 3rd Annual Monster Mash at Cans. Proceeds will go toward The Bethlehem Center. 8 p.m. 500 W. Fifth St. $10 cover.
• Monster Cash Costume Bash at Whisky River. $1,500 for first place in costume contest.
• Rocky Horro-ween. A screening of the movie musical, complete with live actors animating the show, costume contest with cash prize, audience participation and complimentary buffet and bloody punch. 18 and up welcome. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets here.

The full list will be published next Friday in CLT.