Perhaps the pressure of planning your witty political costume have driven you to write off Halloween 2012 altogether. Don't throw in the towel just yet! There are plenty of great shows around DFW this weekend and on Halloween night that will put you in the festive spirit, even if you've opted for jeans and a T-shirt.
See also: - 20 more awesome Halloween events
Freaker's Ball: Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson Wednesday, October 31, at Verizon Theater, $36-$290 I can think of no better occasion for Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson to join forces than on Halloween night. Instead of staying at home with your cat and waiting for the doorbell to ring, dust off your combat boots from '94, smear on some black make-up and let your freak flag fly.
GWAR, DevilDriver, Cancer Bats, Legacy of Disorder Friday, October 26, at House of Blues, $20 What better way to celebrate Halloween than with a little horrorcore? Don't come to this heavy metal show dressed to impress, come prepared to have the costumed aliens of GWAR spew green goo all over you at the end of their always loud and offensive set.
Rockoween: Rock and Roll Over, Black Dutch Sioux Friday, October 26, at 2826 Arnetic, $10 If you're in Fort Worth this weekend, stop by 2826 Arnetic to check out the KISS tribute band Rock and Roll Over, who actually do a spectacular job with their make-up. Southern blues group Black Dutch Sioux opens, and a costume contest will happen later in the night.
Ishi Saturday, October 27, at Hailey's Club, $10/$15 Drive out to Denton on Saturday night for Hailey's Club's ninth annual costume contest party, which promises a $500 cash prize and features electro-rockers Ishi. The Dallas band opened for New Order earlier this month, so you might want to catch them while it's still cheap.
Good Records' Halloween Party Saturday, October 27, at Good Records, Free Head to Good Records Saturday, between 7 and 11 p.m., for free beer, a costume contest and performances from Yells At Eels, Party Static and Midnight Movie. You really can't beat that whole free beer part.
Nightmare on 6th Street IV: RTB2, Secret Ghost Champion, Danny "Dobro" Hill Saturday, October 27, at Lola's Saloon, $10/$14 Hang out with rock duo RTB2 this Halloween weekend and the only thing you'll be haunted by is how good they are. Folk group Secret Ghost Champion and blues man Danny "Dobro" Hill open the night. This year's "Deadman's Island" theme will also feature carnival games, a costume contest and "pirate humor" by comedy troupe Shut Up and Prance.
Mothership, The Spectacle, Red Light Kills, Shaolin Death Squad, The Phuss, Trebuchet Saturday, October 27, at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios, $5/$7 Each of these seven DFW bands will be representing Halloween this year by covering songs by Motörhead, White Zombie, Black Sabbath, Weird Al, Alkaline Trio and Failure, respectively. Get in for just $5 when you wear a costume.
Tomahawk Wednesday, October 31, at Granada Theater, $35 Mike Patton has come a long way from his Faith No More days. Since the early Aughts, he's fronted the experimental metal band Tomahawk, who are prepping their new album for early 2013, appropriately titled Oddfellows.
Justice Wednesday, October 31, at The Palladium Ballroom, $40 If you're in the mood to dance the night away, get your tickets now for Justice's Wednesday show at Palladium. The French electronic duo just kicked off their "Live" North American tour and will be pumping you up with their disco rock.
Thriller Night with R.C. & The Gritz Wednesday, October 31, at The Prophet Bar, $10 On Halloween night, Dallas' popular funk and R&B band R.C. & The Gritz will be performing tracks from Michael Jackson's Thriller. The night will also feature a costume contest and prizes.
