Dressing up for Halloween makes me happy.  As a kid, I got to be whatever I wanted.  As a grown-up, I get to be whatever I want, AND act as silly as I want, and opt out of being recognized.

As a kid? I stood to gain candy.  As an adult? Cash, prizes, and money off of alcohol (hangover optional).

So what’s going on, where? 

While word is that Syren, Chopstix and Tempest will be costume-friendly venues, with Tempest giving you a buck off your drink if you show up in costume on Halloween Night, other venues will get the party rolling early.

The Swiss will host a costume parties Friday and Saturday night, with cash prizes (Bartender Nobby tells me “we like cash.”)  Prizes will be awarded as close to midnight as possible, during breaks from live music.  Dance Factory will perform Friday, and Just Dirt will hit the stage Saturday.

As long as live music and factories are being mentioned, heavily-buzzed The Factory will be throwing a big, loud bash with Atomic Outlaws, Top Heavy Crush, and Underride. There will also be a costume contest. 

The Spar will double-dip the holiday action, hosting a BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) carving contest on the 28th â€" because nothing says fun quite like “sharp carving implements” and “alcohol.” Actually, I was told that those bright orange safety-carvers are encouraged. On Halloween, the Scuzztones will play the Spar, and wearing costumes gets you $3 micros.

Magoo’s Annex will host a cash-prizes costume party, but on Halloween night; 1st Prize will be $150, which buys an awful lot of chocolate bars or a couple of rounds and some big tips, if you’re charitable. â€" Jessica Corey-Butler

Editor's note: For costume suggestions, check out Natasha's ideas.