Everyone's getting into the Halloween spirit this year. Besides the West Hollywood carnival, there are tons of spooky cinematic events. UCB comics take on Halloween's cultural appropriation while the Getty Villa explores the afterlife in art. And maybe even scarier than Halloween? The upcoming midterm election. KPCC in Person discusses what's on the ballot at the state, local and national levels.
MONDAY, OCT. 29 - TUESDAY, OCT. 30; 8 p.m.
Horror Movie Nights: Beetlejuice and The Shining
The Wiltern -- 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown
To get into the spirit of the season, the venue ditches music for movies, screening Tim Burton's "Beetlejuice" on Monday and Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" on Tuesday. Movie-goers enter a scary maze upon arrival while a DJ spins tunes. Wear a costume for the contest -- and for photo opps. The movie nights are all ages. Concessions and a full bar (21+) will be available.
COST: $10 - $15 for each screening; MORE INFO
MONDAY, OCT. 29; 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
National Cat Day
CatCafé Lounge -- 1736 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Koreatown
LA's first nonprofit cat café opens its doors to feline lovers for free on Monday. The usual $25 tax-deductible donation patrons give for reservation is entirely optional. (But should guests want to donate to the cafe, they'll be accepted.) The donations benefit the cafe's work toward eliminating animal euthanasia, promoting adoptions and creating a safe, comfortable space for the cats.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
MONDAY, OCT. 29; 7:30 p.m.
ARRAY @ The Broad: Ganja & Hess
Egyptian Theater -- 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Ava Duvernay's arts collective, Array, is dedicated to amplification of films by people of color and women. As guest curator for the series, Duvernay selects classic and contemporary films that stand at the "intersection of art, history and cultural identity." Bill Gunn's 1973 indie film, "Ganja & Hess," is a mix of blaxploitation and gothic horror. Costumes are encouraged for this event.
COST: $15 - $20; MORE INFO
TUESDAY, OCT. 30; 7 p.m
Blue Wave, Red Tide, Or Purple Haze? - a midterm conversation
Sandhu Center, Chapman University -- 571 N Grand St., Orange
KPCC's In Person teams up with The New York Times and Voice of OC for an in-depth look at the 2018 midterm elections at the local, state and federal levels. Panelists include KPCC political correspondent Mary Plummer, New York Times L.A. bureau chief Adam Nagourney and Voice of OC publisher Norberto Santana Jr.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
TUESDAY, OCT. 30; 8:30 p.m
Cultural Depreciation: #PleaseDontWearUs
UCBT Sunset -- 5419 W Sunset Blvd., East Hollywood
Join UCB's comedians of color as they tackle the ridiculous (and sometimes racist) trend of dressing up as a person of color for Halloween. Hosted and produced by Charity L. Miller and Dwana White, the night features two dozen comics and surprise celeb guests.
COST: $7; MORE INFO
TUESDAY, OCT. 30; 6 or 8 p.m. seatings
Sobremesa with PCP & LASA
PCP DTLA -- 1320 E 7th St., Ste #100, downtown L.A.
Chef Ria Dolly Barbosa of the coffee shop located at ROW DTLA teams with LASA chef Chad Valencia for a six-course, family-style meal inspired by their shared Filipino heritage and SoCal's autumnal produce. Ticket prices do not include gratuity.
COST: $85 with $35 optional wine pairing; MORE INFO
TUESDAY, OCT. 30; 7 p.m.
The Leopold and Loeb Files: An Intimate Look at One of America's Most Infamous Crimes
Book Soup -- 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood
This book about a grisly murder seems perfect for the Halloween season. In 1924, University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb were young, rich and bored so they killed 14-year-old Bobby Franks. Author Nina Barrett returns to the primary sources -- confessions, interrogation transcripts, psychological reports -- to give readers a glimpse into the past.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31; 6 - 11 p.m.
West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
Santa Monica Blvd., between Doheny Dr. and La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood
Throw your inhibitions to the wind and don your best Halloween garb for a mile-long street festival. It's peak people-watching time. Leave the alcohol at home because there's no drinking on the street. Clear plastic bags will be permitted but backpacks, camera cases or tote bags are prohibited. City officials recommend leaving children and dogs at home because of the crowds.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31; 6 - 11 p.m.
John Carpenter Live
Hollywood Palladium -- 6215 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
The director of memorable films such as Halloween, The Fog, Big Trouble in Little China, and Escape from New York is also a musician who composed the music for most of his movies. John Carpenter performs the Halloween soundtrack on Halloween, along with all of his greatest scores while clips play in the background.
COST: $45 - $105; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31; 8 p.m.
Halloween Organ & Film: Nosferatu
Walt Disney Concert Hall -- 111 South Grand Ave., downtown L.A.
The L.A. Phil celebrates All Hallows Eve with a screening of F. W. Murnau's 1922 classic, the first cinematic adaptation of Dracula. The film will be accompanied by organist Clark Wilson. Get there early for a pre-concert talk at 7 p.m. with Alan Chapman of KUSC.
COST: $33 - $63; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31; 9 p.m.
Willy Wonka + Costume Ball
Los Angeles Theatre -- 615 S. Broadway, downtown L.A.
Cinespia moves from Hollywood Forever Cemetery for this grand ball. Grab your golden ticket and wear your best costume because a costume is mandatory for entry. The night includes live music, a DJ dance party, a costume contest, sugar sculptures and a chocolate factory in honor of Willy Wonka. Full bars are available on every level of the theater. This event is 21+.
COST: $35 - $85; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31; 8 p.m.
A Misfits Halloween
Highland Park Bowl -- 5621 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park
It's a punk rock Halloween with live music sets by Psycho '78, a Misfits tribute band, and The Vigils. On the turntables: DJ Papawarlock and and DJ Hongo. This party is 21+.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31. - MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2019
Underworld: Imagining the Afterlife
The Getty Villa -- 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades
What did ancient Greeks believe happens after death? This exhibition explores the depiction of the underworld in the art of Greece and southern Italy, from rulers of the dead to criminals.
COST: FREE with tickets, parking $15; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31; 6:30 p.m.
Mac Miller Tribute
Greek Theatre -- 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Griffith Park
Before his death last month, the rapper-singer-producer was scheduled to play the Greek on Halloween. Now, his family and friends are using the night for a tribute show with performances by Action Bronson, Anderson .Paak, Chance the Rapper, Domo Genesis, Dylan Reynolds, Earl Sweatshirt, J.I.D, John Mayer, Miguel, Njomza, Schoolboy Q, SZA, Thundercat, Travis Scott, Ty Dolla $ign and Vince Staples. The concert launches the Mac Miller Circles Foundation, dedicated to arts programming for underserved kids in Pittsburgh, Miller's hometown.
COST: $39.50 - $500; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31; 7:30 p.m.
A Hi-Impact Dance Party
The Friend -- 2611 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake
Chicago's Fabulous Ladies of Fitness (FLOF), those "spandex-clad DJ/dance party enthusiasts," are throwing a free, retro Halloween party. They spin a blend of '70s lite rock, yacht rock, '80s/'90s R&B, pop, hip-hop and a TV theme song or two. Get ready to join in optional (ironic) cardio dance routines. Prizes will be given for best costume and free sweatbands to the first 20 attendees. Stick around after FLOF for live music from headliner Freddy Spacer, starting at 10:30 p.m.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31; 8 p.m.
Golden Road Brewing's Halloween Bash
Golden Road Brewing -- 5410 San Fernando Rd., Glendale
The brewery's "Night To Dismember" features food, specialty beers, music and scares. It includes live performances by Teenage Werewolves and Moving Units, tarot and palm readings, and a haunt designed by Albert Reyes. Costumes are required for this 21+ party. You can get in for free with an Eventbrite RSVP and a donation item (nonperishable food items, diapers, feminine hygiene products). The collected goods will be donated to the Elizabeth House and the L.A. Food Bank. Rideshare is encouraged.
COST: FREE - $15; MORE INFO
THURSDAY, NOV. 1 - SUNDAY, NOV. 4
Infinity Film Festival
Paley Center for Media, the Writers Guild Theater, Laemmle's Music Hall and RealD Theater -- Beverly Hills
The inaugural festival celebrates storytelling advanced by technology, from immersive and AI experiences, to Blockchain, 3D, 4K and the internet of things. In addition to screenings, there are dozens of panels, workshops and technology demos. One of the featured screenings on Thursday is an episode of TNT's "The Last Ship," followed by a panel discussion with director Peter Weller and members of the cast. The screening coincides with The Last Ship Virtual Reality Experience, which will be featured at the festival on Thursday and Friday.
COST: $20 - $494; MORE INFO
THURSDAY, NOV. 1; 8 p.m.
Morrissey with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Microsoft Theater -- 777 Chick Hearn Ct., downtown L.A.
Moz, the former Smiths frontman, tours in support of last year's release "Low in High School." Opening the night are the '80s rockers fronted by the OG riot grrrrl Joan Jett.
COST: Tickets start at $49.50; MORE INFO
THURSDAY, NOV. 1 - SUNDAY, NOV. 18
SkyPilot One-Act Festival
Oh My Ribs! Entertainment -- 6468 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood
The award-winning SkyPilot Theatre Company premieres seven original short plays during its inaugural one-act festival. Divided into Series A (which runs Thursdays and Fridays) and Series B (running Saturdays and Sundays), the playwrights were asked to submit works based on the #MeToo, Black Lives Matter or March for Our Lives (specifically gun safety in schools) movements, with no limits on position (left, right or center). The final seven plays were chosen by company members from 85 submissions.
COST: $15 per show or $20 for the series; MORE INFO
How are you spending your week? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.
You made it! Congrats, you read the entire story, you gorgeous human. This story was made possible by generous people like you. Independent, local journalism costs $$$$$. And now that LAist is part of KPCC, we rely on that support. So if you aren't already, be one of us! Help us help you live your best life in Southern California. Donate now.
