Halloween is on Saturday, and you know what that means: Costumes! Spooks! Parties! Cheap beer! Thin layers of vomit all over your apartment! College!!! That being said, if the typical Halloween party isn’t quite your speed, fear not: there are plenty of events this weekend to keep you occupied while your friends are busy getting graveyard smashed.
GIVERS [Oct. 30]
This Louisiana-based, indie-pop group is way more concerned with having fun than getting a cheap scare. Bright synthesizers and pulsing bass lines keep the songs both spacey and tight, and Tiffany Lamson’s vocals will make you believe the band could fly off into space at any moment — good thing they’ll be nestled safely on Stubb’s indoor stage. (Stubb’s, 801 W. Red River St.)
Kidlat Punch [Oct. 30]
If you’re looking to celebrate this Halloweekend on a tight boo-dget (like a budget, but spookier), haunted house and co-op shows are your best bet. Stepfather Gets Mohawk, Kidlat Punch and Shannon Brielle will be providing some haunting melodies and rowdy rock and roll in North Austin this Friday, and no cover and BYOB will get you so hype it’s scary. (7518 Eastcrest Dr.)
Vintage Trouble [Oct. 30]
Why get the fright when you can get the funk? That’s exactly what Vintage Trouble is serving up at Emo’s, with their rowdy blend of funk, soul and rock and roll sure to get crowds off their feet. Latasha Lee & the BlackTies provide support, and if there’s one thing more shocking than a dancing skeleton, it’s Lee’s irresistibly sultry vocals. (Emo’s, 2015 E. Riverside Drive)
Allen Stone [Oct. 31]
If you’re not into the Halloween party scene, but you don’t want to sit at home, alone stuffing your face with candy corn, mellow out with Allen Stone at the Parish. Allen is soulful, jazzy, and a little bit goofy — perfect for relaxing while still feeling like you got into the holiday spirit this weekend. (The Parish, 214 E. 6th St.)
HELIOWEEN [Oct. 31]
If your thirst for human blood killer tunes isn’t satisfied, you can catch Light Horse Harry, the Cuckoos, Summer Salt and the Rotten Mangos at Helios Co-op for HELIOWEEN this Saturday on All Hallows’ Eve proper. No cover and BYOB should have you howling at the moon, and drink access is only $4. (Helios Co-op, 1909 Nueces St.)
Holiday Mountain [Oct. 31]
If you’ve never been to a Holiday Mountain show, just imagine a piñata full of weird space vibes and infectious dance beats bursting all over the crowd. Laura Patino always has something crazy planned, whether it’s shaving someone’s head onstage, breaking piñatas or shoving cake in the audience’s faces (it was great cake, too). There’s no telling what Holiday Mountain has planned for their Halloween show at Sidewinder, but for $8, you can find out. Just be sure to tell Laura beforehand if you wish to keep all of your hair, but I recommend the cake in the face. (Sidewinder, 715 Red River St.)
Milezo [Oct. 31]
If you’re feeling a little alien and want to meet people on the same wavelength, check out the “Psychedelic Halloween Party” hosted by Raw Paw, a local record label known for keeping things weird and futuristic. Milezo will release their newest album on Halloween, with support from other Austin bands Tele Novella, Annabelle Chairlegs and Pollen Rx. This is Raw Paw’s last show of the year at Spider House. Don’t miss out on the craziest antics in town. (Spider House Cafe & Ballroom, 2908 Fruth St.)
Viva La Vida Festival & Parade [Oct. 31]
Viva La Vida is Austin’s largest and longest-running celebration of Dia de los Muertos, and a perfect way to spend the day before bar-hopping through Sixth (with your woes). The event will feature live music from Gina Chavez (who was named Musician of the Year at the 2015 Austin Music Awards), DJ Chorizo Funk and Tiarra Girls, an all-sister band from Austin. Other attractions include a costume competition and a 21+ event where attendees can sample cocktails and Mexican cuisine. Viva La Vida is the perfect way to spend Halloween before hitting the parties, and who knows? You might even learn something. (Brazos Hall, 204 E. 4th St.)
