The long Halloweekend

What's the scariest thing about Halloween? Not knowing what to do.

Halloween lands on a Sunday this year, which means there is a full weekend of ghoulish fun to be had. While a few dance clubs and music venues are saving their big parties for Sunday, many are spreading their celebrations out over Friday and Saturday, too.

So where to go? That depends on your mood. You don't need a haunted house to get a chill up your spine (have you been to Ground Zero?). If you're looking for something silly, there's a "Big Lebowski" party right around the corner. Or maybe you just want to dress up in a naughty little costume. If that's the case, most of the major clubs -- Spin, Envy, Aqua, Bar-Fly, Saloon -- are throwing parties where wearing absolutely nothing could probably win you the costume contest.

Here's to a happy Halloweekend.

THE SCARY...

Ground Zero's Masquerade Ball

Where's a good dominatrix when you need one? You'll find plenty at this club's annual whips-and-chains freakfest. (9 p.m. Sat., 15 NE. 4th St., Mpls. $10. 612-378-5115.)

"The Haunted Theater"

Part haunted house and part theatrical experience, the Music Box Theatre has been transformed into "The Haunted Theater." Harking back to its days as a 1920s silent cinema, guests (who are encouraged to dress the part) will be led through the theater's endless passageways and corridors while actors play a series of scenes. Afterward, have a drink at the speakeasy. (5-10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun., 1407 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls. $12/$14. 612-424-1407. www.musicboxtheatre.org)

"Psycho" at Orchestra Hall

What's scarier than Hitchcock's infamous shower scene? Watching it with a live orchestra. Reek! Reek! Reek! (8 p.m. Sat., 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. $22-$65. 612-371-5656. www.minnesotaorchestra.org)

BareBones Outdoor Puppet Extravaganza

The giant, flaming puppet masters are back for their 17th annual show at Hidden Falls in St. Paul. This year's allegorical spectacle, titled "Carnetheria," is inspired by Ray Bradbury's "Something Wicked This Way Comes." (7 p.m. Fri.-Sun., 1309 S. Mississippi River Blvd., St. Paul. $5-$20. 651-592-7867. www.barebonespuppets.org)

THE SILLY...

"Tonight We Abide"

It wouldn't be Halloween without a bunch of dorks dressed up like the Dude. Bryant-Lake Bowl's third annual celebration of the Coen brothers' classic "The Big Lebowski" has $2 bowling, karaoke and a costume contest. (9 p.m. Sat., 810 W. Lake St., Mpls. Free. 612-825-8949. www.bryantlakebowl.com)

"Vampires! Horror!"

Lustful, angst-ridden vampires are so overrated (hello "Twilight" and "True Blood"). This sounds like fun: a campy rock musical with fangs. Table Salt Productions takes a stab at vampires with this comedy at Old Arizona. (7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2821 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls. $15. 612-871-0050. www.tablesaltproductions.com)

The Lounge's Addams Family party

If you're looking to dust off that Uncle Fester costume, check out this downtown club's Addams Family-themed soirée. With decor designed by Brant Kingman and a $1,000 cash prize for best costume. (9 p.m. Sat., 411 2nd Av. N., Mpls. $10. 612-333-8800. www.theloungempls.com)

L.A. Guns at Jersey's

Hair-metal costume on the agenda this year? Why not party with the real thing -- L.A. Guns at Jersey's in Inver Grove Heights. Cash prize for best '80s costume. (8 p.m. Fri., 6449 Concord Blvd., Inver Grove Heights. $10-$15. 651-455-4561. www.jerseysbar.com)

AND THE SEXY...

Om's Haunted Ghost Brides Runway Show

The hottest ghosts? Ghost brides, of course. Models will strut their ghastly stuff at this two-level Indian restaurant. After-party beats handled by DJ Kane. (10 p.m. Sat., 401 1st Av. N., Mpls. $10. 612-338-1510. www.omminneapolis.com)

Salsa Police Halloween Bash

Nobody throws a spicier Latin night than the Salsa Police. The guys will turn their regular weekend party palace -- the Loring Pasta Bar -- into a dance for the dead, plus $500 for best costume. (10 p.m. Sun., 327 14th Av. SE., Mpls. $10. 18 and older. 612-378-4849. www.loringpastabar.com)

The Big Gay Halloween Party III

Known as one of the best-looking GLBT dance parties around, the third incarnation of this Halloween party is moving into bigger digs this year. Held at Karma, it'll feature DJ Escape from New York and a costume contest. (10 p.m. Fri., 315 1st Av. N., Mpls. $10-$15. www.karmampls.com. Facebook: "Big Gay Halloween.")

KDWB's Exotic Erotic Ball

The Far East Movement, an L.A.-based electro rap group with the No. 1 song in the country ("Like a G6"), will bring their bottle-poppin' ways to Valentino's Halloween party in South St. Paul. (Fri., 200 N. Concord Exchange, South St. Paul. 651-209-6850. www.valentinosnightclub.com)

thorgen@startribune.com • 612-673-7909

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