When October hits Lansing it means leaves are on the ground, the air is cool, and before you know it, people are wearing ridiculous Halloween costumes across the city. Here are a few options on local spots that are perfect for sporting spooky looks — and some festive activities to enjoy before the snow hits.
‘LANSING LIVE' OFFERS UP FOOD, DRINKS & STARFARM
The hustle-and-bustle of downtown Lansing will increase dramatically when the first-ever fall concert-drinking-eating extravaganza Lansing Live hits on Thursday, Oct. 20. Set on the streets and under a massive tent, the after-work-to-late-night event will feature six bars and a luxury lounge with music all night. Look for an energetic performance and eminently danceable ‘80s music by headliner Starfarm from 8 to 11:30 p.m., with local DJs spinning from midnight until late. For those who miss the days when Simple Minds, Cyndi Lauper, and Madonna ruled MTV, Starfarm could be your new favorite band. This may be one of the last outdoor concerts before snow, sleet and blizzards overtake Lansing, so you might want to stop out. Visit lansinglive.org for more info for this 21-and-over event.
RAVE INTO HALLOWEEN AT MAC'S
For those with an undeniable urge to do the Melbourne Shuffle with glow sticks in hand, "Mac's Neon Halloween" party on Saturday, Oct. 29 might be the spot. Local DJs set to spin a mix of electro include iNoV8, Dry Bones, Roque Ybarra, Andy Lynch and Xaos. The night will also feature a costume contest at midnight and some free food. Cover charge is $8 and doors open at 9 p.m. Mac's Bar is located at 2700 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing.
EAST LANSING'S ‘PUMP HOUSE' GETS SPOOKY
The Pump House is steadily becoming more of a fixture in the East Lansing folk scene, hosting frequent donation-driven shows. On Sunday, Oct. 30, the venue is hosting a Halloween-themed show and is encouraging guests to wear costumes. Not to mention, there'll be some Halloween-themed snacks and spooky decorations. Set to perform are Doug and Telisha Williams, a charismatic young couple from the foothills of southwest Virginia. The duo's latest album, Ghost of the Knoxville Girl, was in the Top 40 on the Americana Charts. They've traveled the country and played with some of their most beloved heroes, including Lucinda Williams and Charlie Louvin. Doug plays a mean bluesy, country guitar while Telisha sings with a sultry twang. The Pump House is a neighborhood-run listening room located in the heart of the Bailey Neighborhood in East Lansing (368 Orchard St.). It is a converted water-pumping house built by the WPA in the 1930s. This intimate atmosphere provides a cozy and involving listening environment; a unique way to listen to music. Tickets are sold at the door and the suggested donation is $10. All money goes to the musicians. The show starts at 7 p.m.
ULI'S HAUNTED HAUS OF ROCK
If your Halloween isn't complete until you hear some loud-and-heavy metal, Uli's Haus of Rock may already be on your radar this Halloween season. On Sunday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. the bar/venue hosts a Halloween party complete with live music from Battlecross, a Detroit band that's signed to the notable Metal Blade Records. The five-piece band is known for energetic live shows and playing its own style of rock: "Blue Collar Thrash Metal" - a description the band came up with in honor of the Motor City. The show openers at Uli's include Silent Divide, and Rotation 200. Uli's is located at 4519 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing
A DARK AND LOUD HALLOWEEN HEADBANGER
When a rock venue is named "Blackened Moon," one might guess the place is serious about Halloween. This year it will host a Halloween costume party, and of course a roster of devil-horn music. Taking the stage is Michigan metal heads Slight Case of Death, Blue to Gray, Sleepless Malice, Concaphonious Incantation, and Krawler. Blackened Moon is located at 3208 South Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing.
KIDS TAKE ON COUNT DRACULA
For those not in costume mode this year, the classic Bram Stoker novel comes to life courtesy of All-of-us Express Children's Theatre with Dracula: The Vampire Play. The show opens Saturday, Oct. 29. Adapted by Tim Kelly and directed by Miranda Hartmann, the play — acted by a cast of children — tells the story of Dr. Van Helsing, a specialist in obscure maladies who discovers that beautiful Lucy Westenra fell victim to a vampire. When Jonathan Harker returns from Transylvania with his own enthralling story of vampirism, suspicion falls on a mysterious new neighbor, Count Dracula, and his frighteningly beautiful wives. This play is filled with wonderfully devised characters including Renfield, who fancies a diet of flies and spiders. The play runs Oct. 28-29 and Nov. 4-5 at Hannah Community Center (819 Abbot Rd.) in East Lansing. Show times are: Fridays 7 p.m.; Saturdays 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Visit allofusexpress.org for more information.
