The dance floor at Halloween 2007’s Hot Mess queer house partyIt’s officially the weekend before Halloween weekend. So the trick-or-treating will most certainly start tonight so be prepared and don your most garish ghouly outfits and start penciling in your Halloween happenings for the week. (And thank you to Just Out for providing me the bulk of these events).
Saturday the 25th
The only haunted happening tonight is up in my hometown of the ‘Couv at the Lipz Cabaret (106 W Sixth St). Halloween Show: Vampires Bite Back featuring production numbers, belly dancers and a $50 cash prize for best costume! And while I’m sorely tempted to check out if any more of my high school friends have come out of the closet I’m also being encouraged to attend the monthly Double Down at Holocene (1001 SE Morrison) in costume. Thoughts?
The Queers & Allies Students Organization is partnering with the Mt. Hood Associated Student Government for Barney’s Halloween Treasure Hunt, a Family event and a benefit for Barney’s Pantry a free food service for MHCC students, providing groceries, diapers, lunches and more. Noon – 3 pm Mt Hood Community College (26000 SE Stark St., Gresham)
Sunday the 26th
Little gaybees need Halloween fun too and the annual family friendly Spooktacular! takes place from 2 – 4 in the afternoon at Q Center (69 SE Taylor St). And girl, I just love that it is hosted by drag celebrity Poison Waters, whom they’ve dubbed their in-house Elvira. There will be a pumpkin carving, a raffle and a costume contest so dress up your little ghost or goblin and get ready for an avalanche of kiddie costume cuteness.
Thursday the the 30th
Storm Large takes over the Portland Spirit to really start Halloween weekend. Large’s “Halloweener Cruise” promises musical surprises with James Beaton, Pianist. Costumes are encouraged, and there will be prizes. $20 plus $8 for the “light buffet.” Boarding begins at 8:30 and the boat should return at a respectable midnight, before your carriage turns back into a pumpkin.
Friday the 31st, Halloween night
Rosetown Ramblers, Portland’s gay and lesbian square dance club, presents Scares ‘n Squares…We’re Baaack!!!–a weekend of dancing, fun and friendship–through Nov. 2.
Portland Erotic BallNot for the weak of heart Portland Erotic Ball at Crystal Ballroom (1332 W Burnside St.) features Pepe & the Bottle Blondes, Broken Soviet, March Fourth Marching Band, Rose City Sirens, fetish demonstrations by Lady Alycyn and Portland’s biggest costume contest with $5,000 in cash and prizes!
Though I haven’t been to it before, I’ve heard this crazy party filled with mixed genders, sexualities and styles has gotten pretty intense. For example a little hanky panky in a confessional? You better be prepared if you’re going to venture into this haunted dance party. I might be a little scared to mix that level of debauchery with a holiday focused around all things scary and creepy, but hey, you can call me vanilla. Are you ready for your whips, chains, and vampire blood-sucking? 9 pm $35 at the door, $30 in advance from box office or Ticketmaster.
The Egyptian Club (3701 SE Division St) presents Halloween Hootenanny featuring a costume contest. 9pm $5.
C.C. Slaughters (219 NW Davis St) presents the Guys in Disguise Halloween Party featuring music by DJ Robb and hosts Alex Hollywood and Bolivia Carmichaels as Barack Obama and Sarah Palin! 9 pm.
Gay-owned Crush (1400 SE Morrison) throws a Halloween Party. This sounds like the place to be if you want some mellow swankness that your straight friends would be ok with accompanying you to?
Scandals (1125 SW Stark St) presents Halloween 08: Heroes & Villains featuring a cash costume contest, music by DJ Crumbz and hosts Miss Mylar Black and the Trailer Sisters! 10 pm.
And, of course, numerous house parties will be taking place across the east side. So if you see a retro boxer on a bike, well, that’s probably me…
are you sure you can steer in boxing gloves?