The Goth Rock Show

Weekend
Slipknot
As far as wardrobe goes, Halloween is just another day for the masked metalheads of Slipknot. This nine-man shock-rock band is known as much for its raise-the-dead look and violent onstage antics as it is for its alternative rap-metal. Fans, affectionately referred to as “Maggots,” can be equally over-the-top. (Expect a bruise or two in the mosh pit.) Since this holiday marks the ninth anniversary of their self-released debut Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat. and the band drops a live CD next month, you’ll undoubtedly be hearing classic tracks like “Wait and Bleed” and “People = Shit.”
• Nokia Theatre Times Square, 1515 Broadway, at 44th St., 212-930-1950
• Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.
• $41.

Halloween
Drop Dead Festival
Last year’s three-day showcase of psychobilly, goth, death rock and horror punk at the Knitting Factory was such a hit that this year they’ve added a fourth day and a second venue. More than 65 acts (many indebted to The Misfits) take the stage, but the real draw is Monday night, when punk goddess Nina Hagen gives a rare stateside performance at the abandoned church-turned-nightclub, Avalon. Sharing the bill will be the eccentrically theatrical band Cinema Strange and the eerily dapper World Inferno Friendship Society.
• Avalon, 47 W. 20th St., at Sixth Ave., 212-807-7780
• Oct. 31, 7 p.m.
• $35; $100.

The Low-Budget Costume Party

Weekend
Motor City Bar
Tonight’s the night when hardcore fans get to become the stars they adore. At this bar celebrating Detroit Rock City, the impersonations span from the elaborate to the reverential to the twisted. Guess who wins? Last year’s top honors went to a guy dressed as Rick Allen, the one-armed drummer from Def Leppard. This year perhaps someone will come as a geriatric Mick Jagger with a walker. Drink specials run until last call at 4 a.m.
• 127 Ludlow St., between Rivington and Delancey Sts.; 212-358-1595.
• Oct. 28, 10 p.m.
• Free.

Halloween
Doc Holliday's
“How naked can you get?” is the un-stated but apparent question at Doc Holliday's Sexiest Costume Contest. Last year’s winner constructed a trashy anti-outfit of used Lay's potato chip bags; another contestant wore nothing but clear balloons to simulate a bubble bath. $600 in prize money is doled out but most of the female competitors–dressed as catwomen or naughty nurses—are happy enough winning free beer or being treated to a $3 Michelob pint, the special which lasts all night.
• 141 Ave. A, at 9th St., 212-979-0312.
• Oct. 31, midnight.
• Free.

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• Articles by E. J. Samson | Joe DeLessio