World/Inferno Friendship Society
Irving Plaza, 17 Irving Pl., at 15th St.; 212-777-6800October 28, $18
The circus-inspired punk-rock cabaret group brings their raucous brand of Halloween fun to Manhattan (last year they played Williamsburg’s Brooklyn Bowl). No colorful costumes allowed this time around, as a strict dress code of gray, black, and white will be enforced for the show.
Danzig
Hammerstein Ballroom, 311 W. 34th St., nr. Eighth Ave.; 212-279-7740October 29, $36.50-97
Is there a more appropriate Halloween activity than seeing Danzig perform? The idol of Hot Topic shoppers everywhere performs selections from his entire career—Misfits! Samhain!—Saturday night at Hammerstein Ballroom.
Hell at the Hall with Black Lips
Webster Hall, 125 E. 11th St., nr. Third Ave., 212-353-1600October 29, $20
The rowdy Atlantans headline a Vice magazine party at Webster Hall, a sure recipe for some near-fright-night debauchery. Davila 666, billed as “Puerto Rico’s punk rock answer to Menudo,” and Xray Eyeballs open the show.
Boogaween Costume Ball
Mercury Lounge, 217 E. Houston St., nr. Ludlow St.; 212-260-4700October 29, $20 advance, $25 night of
The name says it all for Mercury Lounge’s costumed dance-party blowout. With a soundtrack by Booga Sugar and Hot Lava, you’ll want to make sure your costume is dance-proof.
Jeff Mangum
Town Hall, 123 W. 43rd St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-840-2824October 29, $35
For those not too keen on showing off their Halloween spirit, there are other more restrained options over the weekend, none more noteworthy than the former Neutral Milk Hotel front man’s show at Town Hall. But don’t be surprised if you see a ghost or witch among the crowd of adoring fans.
Note: Advance tickets are sold out, so check Craigslist and pray to the Great Pumpkin.
Fright NightsConcerts aren’t the only option for a scarily good time; here are five Halloween-themed club nights worth checking out:•Cherylween IV: Prellraiser
The Bell House, 149 7th St., Brooklyn, 718-643-6510October 29, $8 advance, $12 night of
The costume party that encourages you to look your worst.•The End of the World
Brooklyn Masonic Temple, 317 Clermont Ave., Brooklyn; 718-638-1256October 29, $10-15
Party like it’s your last night on Earth.•Fright Night at Electric Beach!
Santos Party House, 96 Lafayette St., nr. Walker St., 212-584-5492October 29, $10
D.J. Sinatra and D.J. Holosound spin.•Joonbug’s Tenth Annual Masquerade Halloween Ball
Capitale, 130 Bowery, nr. Grand St., 212-334-5500October 31, $15
Dance the night away in Capitale’s grand ballroom.•Webster Hell
Webster Hall, 125 E. 11th St., nr. Third Ave., 212-353-1600October 31, $35
Four floors of wicked Halloween fun.