Are you tired of Halloween yet? Good, because neither are we. Besides, this is the last holiday for quite a few months that doesn't involve your Aunt Hilda's green bean casserole or your Great Uncle Joe's creepily inappropriate jokes, so we suggest you enjoy it to its fullest. Steam the costume and ready your ghostly game face, because this week is another marathon dedicated to all things spine-tingling -- with as many ridiculous antics as we can throw in before you and Halloween both turn into a pumpkin (har har).
Monday
After work, grab a light dinner at Mendocino Farms (Pork Belly Banh Mi!) before heading to the Silent Movie Theater for an Animated Spooktacular with Cinefamily. Curating the animated shorts is cartoon historian Jerry Beck, who explores our modern sympathetic identification with monsters through his various selections.
If freaky film school isn't quite your thing but contemporary literature is, opt instead for ALOUD: An Evening with Tom Wolfe. The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test author will be reading from and discussing his newest book Back to Blood. Afterwards, stop by Beachy Keen, where they've just introduced gourmet hot dogs onto their otherwise all-ice cream menu.
Hit play: Glass Candy -- Halloween
Tuesday
Start your night by attending the first annual Crush Party at Napa Valley Grille. For a mere $40, you can enjoy apps, charcuterie, cheese and wine from four of Napa's best vineyards: Sequoia Grove, Domaine Carneros, Spring Mountain, and Chateau Montelena. They're also playing the age-old party game "Guess the Grape," so get ready to nerd out with your fellow oenophiles.
Later, visit our friends at Rock & Reilly's for a "Thriller"-themed pre-Halloween party. Staff will be dressed in iconic red leather jackets à la the King of Pop, and there will be special "Thriller" dance experts available to help you perfect your zombie choreography. If the night's earlier cheese and charcuterie weren't enough to fortify you for the four-hour rehearsal, we suggest you sneak out for a bite of Thai street food at nearby Night + Market.
Hit play: Michael Jackson -- Thriller
Wednesday
Wednesday is the grand finale of nearly a full week of Halloween celebrating; so first things first, get yourself to Krispy Kreme in costume. Today only, you can get a free donut just for wearing something crazy out in broad daylight. Meanwhile, if you're a hoarder and happen to be on the west side, get to the Santa Monica Farmer's Market, where you can take as many pumpkins as you want for free so long as you can carry them yourself.
Later, head to the "Offal-y Spooky" event at Wood & Vine for special menu items like Shaved Pig Head and Calf's Brain Ravioli. While we're pretty sure we'll personally abstain from this food menu, they'll also have a cocktail named "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" that's got our name on it. Those who will do anything for a deal should go instead to Tart at Farmer's Daughter. Come in costume and you'll get a free dessert; jump in the pool in said costume and your meal is half off; jump in the pool with your cell phone and everything is on the house.
Finish up the night at the Echoplex with a punk rock Halloween. Bleached is headlining the night and playing all Misfits and Ramones covers. They'll also have black metal face painting, a kissing booth, a booty-shakin' contest, and more.
Hit play: Bleached -- Dazed
Thursday
Did you survive it? If so, absorb the ill effects of last night with an Old Hollywood-inspired burger at 25 Degrees. Then, continue on to the Grauman's Chinese Theater, where the AFI Fest is kicking off with a screening of Hitchcock. Sounds mellow enough, right?
After a jam-packed Halloween week, we'll be winding down Thursday night with a little Hollywood noir: a classic martini at Musso and Frank.
Hit play: David Lynch -- Pinky's Dream