Halloween Hellorium. Kiss the Witch. Nightmare on Bond Street.
Better get that costume ready. Maybe two.
Several breweries are throwing parties in Astoria that promise loads of spooky fun. Best of all: There’s no cover charge.
Fort George Brewery is again presenting its popular Hellorium, while Breakside Brewery’s Astoria brewpub and Obelisk Beer Co. are hosting bashes for the first time.
Here’s a look at each:
Halloween Hellorium
5:30-10 p.m. Oct. 31
“On the scariest night in the spookiest town on the coast …,” begins Fort George’s description of its celebration of All Hallows’ Eve, now in its 14th year.
The Hellorium will take over the Lovell Taproom building, where partiers can expect the usual elaborate decorations.
There will be live performances by local bands Holiday Friends and Electric Vice, and a costume contest with prizes that’s worth watching.
“The costumes are always really good,” says brewery spokesman Brian Bovenizer.
All ages are welcome.
1483 Duane St.
Kiss the Witch
8-11 p.m. Oct. 31
Andee Gowing used to create haunting sculptures for Fort George’s Hellorium and Festival of Dark Arts, specializing in towering witches and assorted creatures.
Now she’s doing it for Breakside’s downtown Astoria brewpub, where she works as a server.
Gowing says she recently approached general manager Kyle Chriestenson and asked, “So, are we doing something for Halloween or not?”
When he shrugged, she took charge.
“The theme is a very classic Halloween,” she says, taking a break from adding a few dozen bats to a wall. “Jack-o’-lanterns, a couple of black cats running around. It should be a blast.”
The star of the show, however, will be a “grotesque” witch created by Gowing who will oversee the dance floor from an elevated throne. Mortals will be allowed to kiss her hand, if they dare.
Disco music and punch specials are planned. Costumes are encouraged.
No minors or pets.
1355 Exchange St.
Nightmare on Bond Street
Noon-9:30 p.m. Oct. 28
Obelisk’s Halloween party is an all-day affair.
“From open to close, we have things happening,” says co-founder and head brewer Dave Coyne.
The fun starts at noon, with pumpkin carving and mini donuts for kids, then transitions to a pair of DJs in the early evening. Electric Vice is performing two sets, with a costume contest in between.
Staffers are going all-out with the decorations, which includes a fat bat with giant outstretched wings created by a local artist.
There will be beer cocktail specials and vintage Halloween movies playing all day.
598 Bond St.
Reach Break Brewing Costume Party
6-8 p.m. Oct. 29
Come dressed up for a shot at prizes in categories such as “best couple” and “scariest.” The pet bracket should provide even more comic relief.
Open to all ages in the Reach Break taproom.
The downtown brewery is also hosting a special Halloween-themed trivia night on Oct. 26 from 6-8 p.m. Bela Lugosi may or may not be an answer.
1343 Duane St.
