Get ready buoys and ghouls, Halloween is upon us. Dress up, get down and — if your tricks are tight — you might just score some cold, hard cash as a treat.
Activities abound for the young, and the young at heart, and a bloody good time is not hard to find. The haunt starts Friday night, Oct. 28, at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino at Stateline, Nevada. The second-annual Rockin’ Dead Halloween Bash gets underway at 9 p.m. DJ Chris Payne will be spinning the tunes in the Vinyl for dancers decked out in who knows what. The costume contest clicks in when the clock strikes 1 a.m. and owners of the four most outlandish outfits will share $5,000 in cash and prizes. No masks, fake or real weapons or makeup that makes you unidentifiable. Entry fee is $10 and partiers must be 21 or older.
On Saturday, Oct. 29, The Loft in Heavenly Village is holding its first Halloween party. No cover charge to enter the Haunted Loft, but attendees must be 21 or older. They can stake their claim to a costume contest with more than $1,000 in cash and prizes. DJ Roger That will be in charge of the dance floor, and silent but scary movies will add to the flavor.
Also on Saturday, Freakers Ball makes its 38th-annual appearance at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa at Stateline. Advance tickets are $35 to the grand-ghoul of all Halloween celebrations in South Shore, or $40 on the day of the event. Ballers must be 21 or older and can compete for $10,000 in cash and prizes DJs, go-go dancers and laser lights will keep the party in the spotlight throughout the casino.
Next door, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe hosts “A Twisted Fairy Tale” Saturday night at Peek Nightclub and the first 100 guests will receive a free drink. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. and folks must be 21 or older with a valid id. Cover charge is $10 for ladies and $20 for men (gentle or otherwise). Let your costume consultants know that The Peek does not allow flip flops, tank tops or shorts. A costume contest will be held at 1 a.m., with more than $5,000 in prizes.
On the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, Crystal Bay Casino will hold back-to-back parties this Halloween weekend. On Friday at 9 p.m., Vaud & The Villains will take over the Crown Room, featuring a 1930s-style New Orleans orchestra and cabaret show. Tickets are $17 in advance or $20 on day of show. On Saturday at 9 p.m., Tainted Love will deliver a crazy ’80s dance party in the Crown Room at CBC’s 12th-annual Creepers Ball. Attendees both nights must be 21 or older. Tickets are $25. DJs will spin tunes into the early morning hours during free after-parties in the Red Room.
Family friendly fun for all ages
- Friday at 7 and 9 p.m. a free magic show will be staged at The Loft in Heavenly Village. Kids can nibble on candy while watching world-class musicians from Magic Fusion.
- Halloween night, Monday, Oct. 31, radio stations KRLT 93.9 FM and KOWL 1490 AM will host Treat Street at Lake Tahoe Community College. Local businesses and nonprofit groups will distribute candy to trick-or-treaters from 5 to 8 p.m. in a fun and safe environment. Pizza, hot chocolate, cotton candy and other treats will be available. Check out the haunted house and the mad scientist laboratory.
- On Monday in Stateline, Kahle Community Center will host a Halloween Carnival Celebration from 4 to 6:30 p.m., with games and plenty of treats.
- Kids — and pets — are welcome Halloween night from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Beach Retreat and Lodge in South Shore. Fun at the free event includes a bounce house, s’mores, a costume contest and trick-or-treating.