Green Fools Halloween Howl
It was a close one this year. The Fools have been throwing great parties for years, but after The Uptown closed, the crew was in a scramble for a new venue. Downtown Legion No. 1 to the rescue.

Although the new space is a bit smaller than The Uptown, the party promises to be as good as ever, with live music (Plaid Tongue Devils, Eve Hell and the Razors), a live performance by the Fools (a tradition), DJs, a costume contest and loads of cheap beer.

This party is one of the best for just sitting back and watching the amazing costumes stroll by. With so many local artists in attendance, the costumes here tend to be a few steps up the rung from naughty (fill in the blank) and whatever character from whatever movie was popular this year (Avengers anyone?).

Saturday, October 27 at the Legion No. 1. Doors at 8 p.m. Tickets $35.

Calgary Opera Grave Gala
If you’ve got the cash for a ticket, this is a sinfully good party. This year’s theme is Venice is Sinking, promising lots of seedy and mysterious characters from one of Europe’s most celebrated cities.

The Grave Gala takes place at Hotel Arts, occupying almost the entire first floor, with entertainers wandering amongst the throngs of cultural big whigs. Like the Howl, this party features stunning costumes. If you want to win this costume contest, you better don your best.

Saturday, October 27 at Hotel Arts. Doors at 8:30 p.m. Tickets $95.

Hifi and Men Without Hats
You know how your mom always warned you to be safe on Halloween? Well, why not make her happy by doing the Safety Dance along with Men Without Hats. Yes, Men Without Hats. At the HiFi. I’m really not sure what else to say about this one, but it should be a ridiculously good time. Dress like a little person and you might get onstage.

Saturday, October 27 at HiFi Club. Doors at 9 p.m.

Fresh vs. Hesh
The fine folks at Commonwealth are attempting to settle a long-standing argument: who parties harder? The night features a throw-down between classic hip-hop and old-school metal/rock. Dress the part and do your best to outparty the opposition. What could possibly go wrong? Oh, and there’s a ping pong tournament to start things off.

Wednesday, October 31 at Commonwealth. Doors at 7 p.m. No cover.

Beast feeding in Public
Okay, so we already mentioned this one in our roundup of what to do at GIRAF, but it’s worth doubling up on. Music by Black Phoenix Orchestra, and Hats and Black Ties, plus animation, GIFs, a photobooth and lots of crazed artists and art students. Good times abound.

Wednesday, October 31 at The Distillery. Doors at 8 p.m. Tickets $10.

Have you got more party suggestions, post them in the comments.