Colby Melvin's guide to the hottest gay Halloween events in the US

Oct. 14 2016

by Joshua Pramis

1.Halloween New Orleans

When: October 27–30, 2016

What: This annual event is part party, part charity event. Since the festival kicked off 31 years ago, it has helped to raise $4.5 million for Project Lazarus, an organization that provides AIDS services.

Need to know: This year’s theme is Pirate’s Revenge & the Curse of Jean Lafitte. Events consist of a ball, with live entertainment and a silent auction; the neon party, where men strip down and paint their chests with neon paint; the main event, which includes a costume contest; and a brunch that embraces the pirate theme by taking to the water, aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen.

Where to Stay: Stay with gay-friendly locals near San Diego, browse San Diego listings on misterbnb.com

2. Halloweenie, Los Angeles

When: October 28, 2016

What: The biggest Halloween party in Los Angeles is entering its 11th year at a new location in the California Science Center. One of the dance floors will be directly below the Endeavor space shutter, adding to the cool factor.

Need to know: Costumes are required for entry, and proceeds from ticket sales go to benefit the Alive Music Project and It Gets Better Tour. It’s a nice of full of sexy costumes and music by world-renowned DJs, like Dave Aude and Dawna Montell.

Where to Stay: Stay with gay-friendly locals near Los Angeles, browse Los Angeles listings on misterbnb.com

3.Halloween Alegria, New York

When: October 30, 2016

What: This annual party takes over Webster Hall this year with an American Horror Story theme. DJs Isaac Escalante and Mauro Mozart will spin until the wee hours of the night.

Need to know: At 3 a.m., judging for the costume contest will begin.

Where to Stay: Stay with gay friendly locals near New York, browse New York listings on misterbandb.com

4.Fantasy Fest, Key West

When: October 21–30, 2016

What: Fantasy Fest is a weeklong celebration in the party capital of the southeast. While it’s kicked off by a family-friendly weekend of music, street food, and arts and crafts, come Monday the atmosphere becomes decidedly much more adult.

Need to know: There are almost daily burlesque shows, an “Anything But Clothes” costume party, body painting, and a Dirty Doctors and Naughty Nurses party, among others.

Where to Stay:  Stay with gay-friendly locals near Key West, browse Key West listings on misterbandb.com

5. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal, Los Angeles

When: Friday–Sunday, September 16–November 5, 2016

What: Universal Studios becomes a living nightmare for almost two full months on weekends each year. Attractions with ultra creepy and realistic looking costumes scare the pants off guests walking through. Different attraction themes include American Horror Story, The Exorcist, Texas Chainsaw Massare, Freddy vs. Jason, Halloween, and Krampus.

Need to know: Don’t make the mistake of showing up in a costume; they’re not allowed.

Where to Stay: Stay with gay-friendly locals near Los Angeles, browse Los Angeles listings on misterbandb.com

6.Dark Harbor on the Queen Mary, Long Beach

When: September 29–October 31, 2016

What: Queen Mary cruise ship is transformed into a series of six horrifying mazes guaranteed to keep your heart racing. The creepiest is likely to be Lullaby, where Scary Mary herself makes a creepy appearance.

Need to know: Guests even have the option to stay onboard, though after a night of being chased by ghouls and zombies, you might end up rethinking that.

Where to Stay: Stay with gay-friendly locals near Long Beach, browse Long Beach listings on misterbandb.com

7. Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

When: October 1–31, 2016

What: It’s not Halloween without the quintessential hayride. For this year’s hayride, an interactive feature was added; guests will actually leave the wagon and be split into one of two societies. Depending on which society they’re assigned, they’ll each take different paths.

Need to know: In addition to the wagon ride, this year there will be featured a “possessed demonic house” to walk through; if the hay ride didn’t scare you enough, this will.

Where to Stay: Stay with gay-friendly locals near Los Angeles, browse Los Angeles listings on misterbandb.com