Get it? Wicked like for Halloween, but also “wicked sick” like how all these awesome local shows are going to be! In either case, your costumes will be a lot more exciting than our attempt at a Halloween double entendre. Here are a few places you can show them off and get wild while you do it.
Thursday, October 27
The Adicts at The Catalyst Club Main Stage
Thirty-five years and ten albums after getting their start across the pond, The Adicts have long been solidified as one of the greatest punk bands of all time. They might be a little older than when they got started, but they still bring the ferocious punk rock that made them famous with just as much passion as they did in 1980. The band consistently sports a Clockwork Orange “Droog”-like outfit complete with black bowlers, white suits, painted faces, glitter, and even some beach balls. Even if you’re not a fan of old fashioned punk rock and elbow throws, this will be the perfect spot to try out that costume’s sweat and movement threshold, as no one stays still or out of the pit for long at an Adict show.
Show at 8:30pm. Tickets $25 at the door
Friday, October 28 & Saturday, October 29
21st Annual Halloween Freaker’s Ball at The Catalyst Mainstage and Atrium
Santa Cruz’s oldest Halloween musical extravaganza is back and freakier than ever. Taking over the entire Catalyst for two nights, the Freaker’s Ball brings more than 40 bands, DJ’s, performance artists, and dance troupes coupled as well as live art installations, costume contests, body painting, and even an authentic Day of The Dead Altar. It might sound corny, but with the immersive decorations they do every year, scary art, and top-notch costume design by almost everyone involved, Freaker’s Ball gives you an opportunity to experience one of the oldest venues in town like you never have before. For more detailed information on the lineup, ticketing, and age restrictions visit their Facebook page.
Show at 8pm. Tickets $30 single day, $50 for both days
Saturday, October 29
Frogman’s Haunted Carnival Pt.2 at The Blue Lagoon
Sure, plenty of bands are going to dress up on Halloween, and some might even have tribal-inspired, paper mache Fishman, Birdman, Bushman, and Wizard costumes—but will they tell you a story, too? The Frogman Experience will. Every show has an Aesop’s Fables-style message that is delivered to you not only through the music, but through insanely detailed stage costumes, props, and hilariously overacted character interactions throughout the show. If this is how they approach a normal show, imagine what they have in store for you on All Hallow’s Eve. Word on the street is The Frogman has an extra spooky plotline planned out, so come down for a night of frightful funk music, Halloween drink specials, and, of course, a costume contest.
Show at 9pm. Tickets $5 at the door
Monday, October 31
SambaDa Halloween Dance Party at Moe’s Alley
If you love seeing live music in Santa Cruz, you’ve probably crossed paths with SambaDa at least once since they formed here back in 1998. Easily one of the hottest Brazilian bands in the United States, these guys have been tearing up festivals and stages all across the globe for the last 15 years. The group always brings something a little extra special (and spooky) to the table for this annual event. SambaDa takes their fast paced, high energy percussion, intensely danceable Brazilian Carnaval-style show and pairs it with Halloween decorations, Day of The Dead costumes, and special tracks for a South American-inspired evening of Halloween fun.
Show at 9pm. Tickets $15 in advance and $20 at the door
