11 Dubai Halloween parties

Just because you’re a little too long in the tooth to go trick or treating without it coming across a bit creepy, it doesn’t mean you should let All Hallow’s Eve pass you by without some fun. Fortunately, the UAE’s social scene takes the “holiday” pretty seriously, with a multitude of beloved nightspots hosting special events, themed brunches and more fancy-dress parties than you can shake a witch’s broom at.

Craig David @ XL Club
Craig David has swapped the recording studio for the DJ booth in recent years and it actually looks like the smart choice for the one-time saviour of British music. After decamping to Miami, he developed an alternative career in boutique house parties for the city’s great and good. This developed into his TS5 brand. He will be on the decks at XL Club from midnight on October 31, playing to an anticipated crowd of 4,000 people. Last year, more than 2,000 were locked out, so get the facepaint sorted, the fake bolts attached and get down there early.
Where: XL Club, Habtoor Grand
When: Saturday, October 31
Contact: +971 50 738 1388

The Monster Halloween Costume Party @ Zero Gravity
For seven years now, DJ Tim Cheddar has been hosting one of the most popular Halloween nights in the city. He’s back again at Zero Gravity for The Monster Costume Party, where imaginative outfits are a must. Help is at hand for anyone struggling for inspiration, though:  the venue boasts a special effects make-up artist on site. With a AED50,000 cash prize spread across revellers – AED5,000 a piece for Scariest Male, Scariest Female, Best Group and so on – you may well end up being very grateful of their presence. Of course, the event will host a stellar music line-up, with Cheddar himself leading a charge of DJs that includes Soulninja, Jon Besant and Chris Wright – alongside an entire crew of creepy entertainers.
Where: Zero Gravity, Skydive Dubai
When: October 29
Contact:

Propaganda & A Dark Night at the Opera @ The ACT Dubai
The theatrical club at the Shangri La will also be starting the Halloween weekend early with the return of its Propaganda night on Thursday. There’ll be the usual array of death-defying acrobatics, stunts and illusions – underpinned by horror paraphernalia and a themed drinks list. Far from your conventional opera, though, performances will consist of songs from famous musicals, televisions shows and films, intertwined with plenty of comedy and drama. An AED445 ticket will get you seats for the show, a welcome cocktail and a three-course set menu of The Act’s innovative Peruvian cuisine.
Where: Shangri La Hotel, Dubai
When: October 29 & 31
Contact:

Halloween @ Barasti
We’re not quite sure what Jazzy Jeff likes so much about this place, but we’re not complaining. The former Fresh Prince of Bel Air star turned regular Dubai DJ is back at Barasti once again from 10pm. It’s worth noting, though, that this is an all-day festivity, with the likes of Marty Metcalf, Jonezy and Marc T heading a likely-lad cast who will be performing throughout the afternoon and evening. With Barasti being the failsafe venue of choice for Dubai residents who often find themselves without a plan at the weekend, you can expect this to be one to be packed.
Where: Barasti Beach Bar, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
When: October 31
Contact:

Candypants Halloween Brunch @ XL Dubai
Candypants’ MEGA brunch concept will be returning for a Halloween special – with up to 700 guests all decked out in costume. A full day of DJs and various acts will ensue, before the “haunted” XL Club hosts the after party from 4pm.
Where: Habtoor Grand, Dubai
When: October 30
Contact:

Halloween Legends of Horror @ OKKU
OKKU’s annual Halloween party is back, complete with characters from the most terrifying spooky tales. Meet Freddie Krueger, and share a cocktail with Jason Coorhees. Dress to impress with a costume representing your favourite horror movie beast, and you could win a table for four at Friday brunch. No costume, no entry.
Where: OKKU, H Hotel, Dubai
When: October 30
Contact:

The Haunted Tavern @ Crab Tavern
The Media One hotspot will be serving up a special Halloween style affair, with themed drinks and dishes, including Halloween fire wings, toffee apples with cream and pumpkin and sage risotto.
Where: Media One Hotel
When: October 30
Contact: www.crabtavern.ae

Bounce
Dubai’s favourite trampolining spot is holding an “After Dark Spooktacular” event this Thursday. It promises to have you, wait for it, jumping out of your skin as it undergoes a Halloween transformation, complete with cobwebs and pumpkins. You’ll also be bouncing along to some RnB and hip-hop beats, courtesy of DJ Kabbo and DJ Sunny.
Where: Bounce, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
When: October 29
Contact:

DISTURBia @ Cirque Le Soir
A heavy dose of the theatrical is Cirque Le Soir’s bread and butter and, as such, is a natural home for a Halloween event. The talented troupe of performers will be out in all their frightening force, and with a potential horror around every corner in this intimate space, those of a particularly nervous disposition should approach with caution.
Where: The Fairmont, Sheikh Zayed Road
When: October 30 & 31
Contact: www.cirquelesoir.com/Dubai

Ball of Horrors @ Movida
With the added bonus of falling on Movida’s ladies night (so free drinks for the girls all evening), the Ball of Horrors will be overhauling its dance floor and decorating it in fantastical fashion for Halloween revellers. Special guest DJ V will be on the decks. Be warned, though: unlike the city’s other venues that encourage dressing up, here it’s actually compulsory.
Where: Nassima Royal Hotel, Dubai
When: October 31
Contact:

Dead Famous @ Cavalli Club
Hollywood glam is the order of the night at Cavalli, with patrons encouraged to dress up as their favourite movie icons. Dinner guests will be serenaded by a Marilyn Monroe impersonator before percussionists Paris House Addict take to the stage.
Where: The Fairmont, Sheikh Zayed Road
When: October 30 & 31
Contact: www.dubai.cavalliclub.com