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.

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.)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.")

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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