The Independent’s Halloween Happenings in Boston
This week in revival, we’re excited to share the scariest screenings and local events in the Boston area. Whether you’re into books, movies or murder mysteries, you’re sure to find a good time. Skip here to check out our highlights, if you dare.
Monday Oct. 28
MOVIE: “Creature From The Black Lagoon” (1954) dir. Jack Arnold – Alamo Drafthouse • 4:15pm
3-D Screening
Led by marine life specialist David Reed (Richard Carlson), archeologists try to capture the monster that has become obsessed with David’s assistant, Kay (Julia Adams). Tickets.
MOVIE: “Evil Dead 2” (1987) dir. Sam Raimi – The Brattle Theater • 9:30pm
35mm projection
After playing a recording of the Book of the Dead found in a seemingly abandoned cabin in the woods, and unleashing an evil force that possesses his girlfriend, Ash (Bruce Campbell) is forced into a macabre battle for his life. Tickets.
BOOKS: Fright Night: A Celebration of Horror Novels & Their Authors – WBUR CitySpace • 5:30pm (Doors Open)
Join Here & Now associate producer Kalyani Saxena for a conversation celebrating the thrills and chills of horror novels with authors Alix E. Harrow (“Starling House”), Alexis Henderson (“An Academy for Liars”) and Grady Hendrix (“How to Sell a Haunted House”). They’ll discuss their books, how the genre has evolved and the insatiable appetite for more scary stories. Copies of their books will be available from our bookstore partner Brookline Booksmith and the authors will sign following the conversation. Tickets.
MOVIE: “Kwaidan” (1965) dir. Masaki Kobayashi – The Brattle Theater • 6:00pm
35mm projection
Taking its title from an archaic Japanese word meaning “ghost story,” this anthology adapts four folk tales. This film will be presented in Japanese with English subtitles. Tickets.
MOVIE: “Night Of The Creeps” (1986) / Night Of The Comet (1984) dir. Fred Dekker / Dir. Thom Eberhardt Double Feature – Somerville Theater • 7:30pm
Alien brain parasites, an apocalyptic comet, and cannibal zombies! Head to the Somerville Theater for this flesh-eating double feature. Tickets.
MOVIE: “Nightmare On Elm Street” (1984) dir. Wes Craven {Seminar & Screening featuring instructor Ava M. Fields} – Coolidge Corner Theater • 6:15pm (Seminar) 7:00pm (Screening)
“Behind the Red Door: A Nightmare on Elm Street and the Shapeshifting of a Monster” delves into Wes Craven’s masterful depiction of man-made hell in suburbia, the violence embedded in cultural norms, and how core struggles of existence make captives of us all. The seminar is followed by a screening horror genre classic, where a scarred Freddy Kreuger returns years after his in the terrifying nightmares of his killers’ teenage children… And the dreaming teenagers are starting to die in their sleep. Tickets (Seminar) and (Screening).
Tuesday Oct 29
MOVIE: “Beetlejuice” (1988) dir. Tim Burton – Somerville Theater • 7:15pm
“In this house, if you’ve seen one ghost, you haven’t seen them all.”
This screening will be followed by “Little Shop Of Horrors” as part of the theater’s Halloween Hullabaloo, co-presented with ScreenBoston. Tickets.
MOVIE: “Evil Dead 2” (1987) dir. Sam Raimi – The Brattle Theater • 9:30pm
35mm projection.
After playing a recording of the Book of the Dead found in a seemingly abandoned cabin in the woods, and unleashing an evil force that possesses his girlfriend, Ash (Bruce Campbell) is forced into a macabre battle for his life. Tickets.
MOVIE: “Little Shop Of Horrors” (1986) dir. Frank Oz – Somerville Theater • 9:00pm
35mm projection.
“A singing plant. A daring hero. A sweet girl. A demented dentist. It’s the most outrageous musical comedy in years.” This will be screened following “Beetlejuice” as part of the theater’s Halloween Hullabaloo, co-presented with ScreenBoston. Tickets.
MOVIE: The Poetry Brothel: Scream, Queen! – Bow Market • 7:30pm
At The Poetry Brothel, a “madam” presents a rotating cast of poets, artists, and artisans who operate within self-constructed characters, “erupting into verse in public and luring guests into back rooms for private readings.” Tickets.
MOVIE: “Practical Magic” (1998) dir. Griffin Dunne, & A Magical Night with Alison Hoffman – The Brattle Theater • 6:00pm
Join Lovestruck Books for an enchanting evening with Alice Hoffman, the brilliant mind behind the beloved novel Practical Magic. Enjoy an exclusive discussion with the author, followed by a special screening of the 1998 cult classic Practical Magic, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, at The Brattle Theatre. In addition to the movie screening, your ticket purchase includes a limited edition Lovestruck Books tote bag complete with a signed copy of the Practical Magic book, one drink ticket, and other fun surprise goodies! Tickets.
Wednesday OCT 30
MOVIE: The Crow (1994) dir. Alex Proyas – Coolidge Corner Theater • 7:00pm
The night before his wedding, musician Eric Draven and his fiancée are brutally murdered by members of a violent inner-city gang. On the anniversary of their death, Eric rises from the grave and assumes the gothic mantle of the Crow, a supernatural avenger. Tickets.
MOVIE: “Friday The 13th” (1980) dir. Sean S. Cunningham – Somerville Theater • 7:15pm
35mm projection.
Crystal Lake’s history of murder doesn’t deter counselors from setting up a summer camp in the woodsy area. Superstitious locals warn against it, but the fresh-faced young people pay little heed to the old-timers. They then find themselves stalked by a brutal killer. Tickets.
MOVIE: “Get Out” (2017) dir. Jordan Peele – West Newton Cinema • 7:30pm
Now that Chris and his girlfriend, Rose have reached the meet-the- parents milestone of dating, she invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with Missy and Dean. At first, Chris reads the family’s overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter’s interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he could have never imagined. Tickets.
MOVIE: “Nosferatu” (1922) dir. F. W Murnau {Live Music from Andrew Alden Ensemble} – The Brattle Theater • 7:00pm
Arguably the earliest surviving supernatural vampire film, Count Orlok—a sinister figure draws an unwitting man and his innocent wife into his deadly web. Tickets.
MOVIE: “The Tingler” (1959) dir. William Castle – Coolidge Corner Theater • 9:30pm
Digital projection – Presented in Percepto!*
The amazing terror device that makes you a living participant in the FLESH-CRAWLING ACTION! PERCEPTO! Horror icon Vincent Price plays a scientist who makes a remarkable discovery: within every human resides a creature, attached to the spine, that tingles in cases of fear. He manages to extract a Tingler from a recently murdered housewife, but the creature escapes… Tickets.
*Percepto is an in-theatre gimmick from William Castle, where certain seats will buzz, or tingle, during “The Tingler” to immerse the audience in the experience.
THURSDAY OCT 31
PERFORMANCE: Boston Circus Guild’s “Cirque of the Dead” – Somerville Armory • 8:00pm
This year, our show follows the Cirque of the Dead Historical Society as they bring to life the eerie and captivating world of the 1920s spiritualist movement. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Runtime is about 90 minutes with a short intermission. Want to be part of the show? Come dressed in your Halloween finest and enter the Cirque of the Dead instagram costume contest by tagging your photo with hashtag #cirquofthedead
This show is 18+ only, due to graphic / disturbing content. Tickets.
MOVIE: “Halloween” (1978) dir. John Carpenter – Alamo Drafthouse • 7:00pm
Michael’s Myers’ murderous debut, back on the big screen. Tickets.
BOOKS: Night Of The Living Books, A Halloween Party – Porter Square Books (50 Liberty Dr.) • 7:00pm
We’ll be hosting some of your favorite horror authors for a signing (Emily Hughes, Rebecca Mahoney, and Paul Tremblay), screening a scary movie, and having a creepy costume contest! A tarot reader will also be onsite to offer readings. Candy and refreshments provided! Costume contest rules are as follows: costumes must be bookish in some way, and they must be store appropriate. Be as creative as you like! The price of the ticket goes towards a purchase in store at the party. Tickets.
EVENT: Time Warp Murder Mystery Dinner – Trident Booksellers & Cafe • 6:30pm (Seating Begins) 7:00pm (Event Start)
Michael’s Myers’ murderous debut, back on the big screen.
Tie will be celebrating this Halloween with a thrilling mystery titled “Time Warp.” Dive into the world of suspense, intrigue, and drama as you become part of the Time Travelers Committee!
Each ticket will include dinner, a script, and a night full of mayhem. Dinner will be a “Mac-to-the Future” Buffet (Mac and Cheese bar!) along with salad and dessert. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets.
MOVIE: “Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975) dir. Jim Sharman. With The Teseracte Players – Somerville Theater • 8:00pm
From the website: Join the Teseracte Players of Boston for their annual “Rocky Horror” performance/movie! Costumes encouraged. Tickets.
MOVIE: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975) dir. Jim Sharman Movie Party! –
Alamo Drafthouse • 7:00pm
With thrilling props (including squirt guns, noisemakers, party hats, inflatable saxophones, and more), the most outrageous callbacks, boisterous sing-alongs, and stimulating pre-show games, our Movie Party will be your ultimate ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW – whether this is your first or 500th viewing. Tickets.
MOVIE: “Scream” (1996) & “Scream” (2022) dir. Wes Craven / Dir. Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillet {Double Feature & Halloween House Party} – Coolidge Corner Theater • 7:00pm
You’re invited to a Halloween party at our house before a double-feature of Scream (1996) and Scream (2022)! We’ll have our lobby fully decorated for spooky season, with snacks and film-themed cocktails available! Stop by our killer photo booth and come in costume for a chance to win spooktacular prizes. Tickets.
FRIDAY NOV 1
MOVIE: Eraserhead (1977) dir. David Lynch. Midnight Screening – Coolidge Corner Theater • 11:59pm
David Lynch’s startlin debut and cult sensation depicts a love story between a pencil factory worker and his girlfriend set in a dystopian industrial wasteland, this midnight classic is anything but a romance. Tickets.
MOVIE: “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974) dir. Tobe Hooper – Somerville Theater • 2:00 pm, 8:00pm
“Get revved up for a 4K restoration of the nerve-shredding horror classic.”
This screening is part of The Alamo Drafthouse’s Graveyard Shift program. Tickets.
SATURDAY NOV 2
MOVIE: “Vertigo” (1958) dir. Alfred Hitchcock – Somerville Theater • 2:00 pm, 8:00pm
Starring Jimmy Stewart and Jim Novak, a detective falls for the mysterious woman he’s been hired to tail. Tickets.
The Independent’s Highlights
Monday:
- “Creature From The Black Lagoon” 3-D screening at the Alamo Drafthouse on 10/28 at 4:15pm,
- “Kwaidan” 35mm screening at the Brattle Theater on 10/28 at 6:00pm
Wednesday:
- “Nosferatu” screening with live music at the Brattle Theater on 10/30 at 7:00pm
- “The Tingler” In Percepto! Screening at the Brattle Theater on 10/30 at 9:30pm
Thursday:
- “Halloween” screening at the Alamo Drafthouse on 10/31 at 7:00pm
- Night Of The Living Books at Porter Square Books (50 Liberty Dr.) on 10/31 at 7:00pm
- “Scream” Double Feature & Halloween Party at the Coolidge Corner Theater on 10/31 at 7:00pm
- Boston Circus Guild’s “Cirque Of The Dead” at the Somerville Armory on 10/31 at 8:00pm
Friday:
- “Eraserhead” midnight screening at the Coolidge Corner Theater on 11/1 at 11:59pm
All loglines for the listed events are sourced from their respective venue’s websites.
Regions: Boston