Halloween is in six days and you still have no idea what party you're going to. You simultaneously feel as though you have everything to do and nothing to do. You haven't even got a costume anymore, because your lazy stoner friend stole your zombie Billy Mays schtick. Now you don't know where to begin, but you'd still give anything to rock Halloween this weekend. How do you get started?
Don't worry, the Phoenix has your back — we've already planned out your entire Halloween weekend for you. You may be too old to go door-to-door, but you are definitely not too old for costumery, chocolates, and an intense feeling of regret on Sunday morning. So get ready to plan out your hangover cure, because we are about to give you a weekend to remember.
Your weekend starts on FRIDAY the 30th at the end of your work day. Make your way to Harvard Square for a free pre-Halloween fest that starts at 4 pm called Harvard Scare! This is a costume parade and block party with magicians, live acts, and contests. Grab some dinner in the area as you pass through and get in the mood. Scope out the costumes and look for inspiration.
Your next stop is to use that inspiration at The Garment District (200 Broadway, Cambridge) — thrift shop, alternative department store, and Halloween boutique all rolled into one. If you're still stumped or just broke, grab a trash bag: this will turn you into anything from Balloon Boy to the embodiement of White Trash. Classy! Or you could always be an evil helper-monkey. Stash the Halloween costume for Saturday night, and for tonight, just pick up some basic zombie make-up. You could go all out, but if you can't afford to, brown and purple shadows around the eyes will do the trick.
Next stop is Calling All Zombies 2: A Tribute to Michael Jackson, which starts at 9 pm and takes place at Boston Swing Central at Extreme Dancesport (288 Norfolk St, #3, Cambridge). It's $15, $12 if you're a student. Don't take too long touching up your zombie look in the bathroom cause it'll probably melt off as you learn the steps to the classic "Thriller" dance. Rock out to live music by Fried Bananas, and by midnight, you should know the dance well enough to rock the King of Pop's moves with the rest of the undead.
Next on the list is to eat someone's braaaaaainnnnns and steal their Cambridge apartment — okay, just kidding. But if you do manage to stay in the area, then hit up the Friendly Toast (1 Kendall Sq, Cambridge) for breakfast on Halloween morning, SATURDAY the 31st. They'll be serving pumpkin pancakes along with the rest of their delicious breakfast menu, which just happens to be vegan-friendly for all you plant-grazing zombies.
Are you feeling sad that you don't get candy on Halloween anymore? It is a little awkward going door to door once you pass the age of 12, so don't think we're suggesting that — but that doesn't mean you don't deserve something special. L.A. Burdick's (52D Brattle St, Cambridge) is offering a coffin-shaped box of Halloween-themed chocolates, as well as smaller boxes of chocolate ghosts. Grab some early in the day before everyone else thinks of it.
