Get ready, Lawrence. It’s about to get REALLY spooky up in here.
With Halloween falling on a weekend this year, that means an extra boost in Halloween-centered concerts. We decided to add a little extra attention to the holiday by giving you the rundown on where you can get down on some spooky soirees. Here’s a look at the top Halloween concerts happening this month.
The Dead Bettys Skalloween
Abe and Jake’s | Friday, October 30
Lawrence’s favorite party ska band are going big this year. They’ve booked one of the largest event venues in town to throw a family-friendly Halloween bash. It’s safe to say we expect some monsters to be mashing at this one. Though the band is known for going big over the Christmas season, this is their first Halloween event. So throw on your costumes and bring the whole family out. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.
RIYL: Dancing with the fam
Unfit Wives Halloween Hootenanny
The Bottleneck | Friday, October 30
Nobody quite does Halloween like Unfit Wives. In the past, the band has been known to don some pretty impressive coordinated costumes for the holiday fun. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. and will feature your favorite rowdy bluegrass band.
This event is 18+.
RIYL: Folk, bluegrass, Jenna and Martin, Split Lip Rayfield
Nas Reville and the Kingstonians
Lucia | Friday, October 30
We’re lucky to have such an eclectic music palette here in Lawrence, and on the Friday before Halloween we really do get to see a bit of everything. Fans of reggae should make a beeline to Lucia for Ras Neville and the Kingstonians’ 2nd annual Halloween reggae bash. The night will also feature a special appearance by International House of Dub DJs.
This event is 21+.
RIYL: Reggae with a local flair
Pale Tongue / Drastic Plastic / Rations
The Replay | Friday, October 30
If you want a late-night, rock-and-roll freakout kind of night to ring in the holiday weekend, the Replay is the place to be on Friday night (there are no concerts there on Saturday).
Pale Tongue are one of the longest-running psych-rock bands in the area, and they’ll be headlining the night with their high fuzz and chaotic live shows (this is NOT to be missed). Drastic Plastic and Rations are also on the lineup. Most of the shows around town on this night start at 8:00 p.m., but this one starts at 10:00 p.m., so you could theoretically go to both.
This event is 21+.
RIYL: The Sluts, Pimp Magic Cuts / Jackoffs
Emo Nite
The Bottleneck | Saturday, October 31
Once the trick-or-treaters have cleared out from Downtown, it’s time to head to The Bottleneck. Emo Nite is a longstanding and very popular event in Lawrence that celebrates emo and pop-punk music. The night features curated playlists and the occasional guest performer, but the highlight is always the community connections.
This event is 18+.
RIYL: My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Panic! At the Disco
Waterparks and Friends
The Granada | Saturday, October 31
This isn’t technically a Halloween-themed show, but it IS a concert happening on Halloween. Lawrence is only the third stop on the band’s “No Barricade” tour. The Texas pop-rock band is touring in support of their sixth album, Jinx, though you’ll probably hear more from their discography across their raw and high-energy releases.
RIYL: The Wrecks, Eric Nally, Broadside
Bonus show: Halloween Hangover
The Bottleneck | Sunday, November 1
If you need a bit of decompression from Halloween weekend (or if you decided to skip out on it entirely but are itching to see some live music), this is the show for you. Regional rock and punk bands will be gathering for Halloween Hangover at the Bottleneck on Sunday evening.
This is a show for fans of HEAVY rock and hardcore. Oxytoxin, Spare the Dead, Bite, and We Are Arya are all set to play.
RIYL: anything from the local metal scene
