{"id":504785,"date":"2026-10-23T00:08:08","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T00:08:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/504785\/"},"modified":"2026-10-23T00:08:08","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T00:08:08","slug":"these-san-francisco-halloween-parties-are-to-die-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/504785\/","title":{"rendered":"These San Francisco Halloween Parties Are to Die for"},"content":{"rendered":"

As frequent readers may have noticed, I\u2019m particular about certain things<\/a>, and Halloween is no exception. It\u2019s not that Halloween and scary movies particularly bother me; I just am not the type who runs toward places like the USS Haunted Hornet<\/a> in Alameda or Terror Vault<\/a> at the Mint. Bless you if you are the type \u2014 I certainly won\u2019t rain on your parade \u2014 but I\u2019m more the person who likes to mingle in costume, preferably with a fog-laden drink in hand, looking around at the spooky decor before heading home, nary a knife-wielding serial killer in sight to chase me down a hallway or plank. Call it my apr\u00e8s-ski syndrome \u2014 I\u2019m someone who\u2019d rather stay at the cozy lodge than ski.<\/p>\n

Sure, some of you may have already been partying it up at the bars that like to spook it up for the month of October, but the last two weeks are when Halloween goes from good to great. I\u2019ve found some events that I\u2019m eyeing for the next two weekends, here\u2019s where I recommend going for those good-not-crazy Halloween vibes you\u2019re seeking.<\/p>\n

The Haunting at Palm House<\/p>\n

Palm House<\/a> in the Marina received a Halloween makeover with lots of spooky regalia, plus some punny, Halloween-themed cocktails to get you in the spirit of the holiday. (Example: The Clown Pear-anoia drink, above.) Dubbed the Haunting at Palm House<\/a>, the decor is hanging out until Sunday, November 1. But what I\u2019m really after is the fourth annual Halloween Bark Bash<\/a>, a dog-friendly brunch and Halloween fashion show from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 25. (Tag me \u2014 @thedeguz<\/a> \u2014 in your dog costume photos!) The Haunting at Palm House<\/a>, 2032 Union Street, San Francisco<\/p>\n

Rye<\/a> continues its commitment to the classic Stanley Kubrick film, The Shining, bringing the theme back for its sixth year. But lest you accuse the bar of resting on its laurels, the team there is upcasting its decor with a \u201cWendy Wall,\u201d what they\u2019re calling an \u201chomage and shrine\u201d to actress Shelley Duvall. There are even menus cut out in the shape of the Grady sisters (AKA creepy twins in the hallway). There are hanging axes, a fun photo opp (you\u2019ll know it when you see it), and, of course, excellent cocktails named just for the occasion (think Tony\u2019s Negroni and Elevator of Blood). It\u2019s running now through the end of the month. Rye<\/a>, 688 Geary, San Francisco<\/p>\n

Fright Nightlife at Cal Academy<\/p>\n

We\u2019re all probably aware at this point that Cal Academy<\/a> does 21-and-over nights on Thursdays, but I do love when they step things up to meet the occasion. As such, starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, the museum\u2019s Fright Nightlife<\/a> will feature Peaches Christ as headliner, \u201cscare actors and vampires\u201d stalking the museum floor (you can miss me with that part), and a mix of food vendors curated by Off the Grid<\/a>. There will also be tarot card readings and opportunities to get flash tattoos and piercings, if this seems like the type of outing you want to commemorate forever (laughs maniacally). Tickets available via Calacademy.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

La Cave Maudite at Verjus<\/p>\n

Details are scant for this Halloween-themed bash at wine bar favorite Verjus<\/a>, but it sounds very promising: From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, La Cave Maudite<\/a> at Verjus will have music from Fusion and Lakeverett, a costume contest, and (likely) candlelit vibes to spare. Start off with two glasses of house punch, and wines by the glass from there on. Verjus<\/a>, 550 Washington Street, San Francisco. Tickets available via Sevenrooms.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Devil\u2019s Sea at Kaiyo Rooftop<\/p>\n

Halloween costumes at a rooftop bar? There are worse places to be caught on Halloween, but this isn\u2019t one of them, if you\u2019re looking for views paired with costumes and drinks. Kaiyo Rooftop<\/a> transforms into the Devil\u2019s Sea from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, for \u201cJapanese-inspired Halloween revelry.\u201d There will be a DJ, costume contest, and drinks, of course, and revelers can book a table<\/a> or RSVP for free on Eventbrite<\/a>, for standing room only. Kaiyo Rooftop<\/a>, 701 3rd Street, San Francisco<\/p>\n