Monster Mash, live music events happening in Lincoln this Halloween

Art by Sophie Goessling

If you’re searching for some on-theme events this Halloween, Lincoln has plenty to choose from. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly evenings, candlelit concerts or adult only costume parties, there is sure to be at least one event that’ll get you dancing the monster mash. 

Friday, October 25

White Elm Brewing Company is hosting their Nightmare on White Elm Street event starting at 5 p.m. The evening features live music from Echo Venture and Fall Break. There will be a costume contest with prizes for the winners and food from Metamodern-BBQ. 

Star City Chorus presents their annual Hoot and Howl concert at the Christ United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. There will be performances from drag performers and the Star City Chorus. The concert is free, with a suggested donation amount of $10. Costumes are encouraged and the top three will be given prizes by the drag performers. 

Gray’s Keg is holding a Halloween costume party with music from Hell Toupéé starting at 8 p.m. On-themed drinks will be served and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. 

The 1867 Bar is having a Halloween show featuring the bands Pearl Parade, Alkyvad and Wave. The 18+ event starts at 9 p.m. and costumes are encouraged. There is a $13 cover charge. 

For a more relaxed evening, attend the Candlelight Concert: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics. This is a ticketed event at St. Paul United Methodist Church open to anyone over the age of eight. Doors open at 8:15 p.m. with the concert starting at 9 p.m. 

Sunday, October 27 

Unity Lincoln is hosting a Harvest Hoedown & Potluck starting at 4 p.m. There will be guest musicians, a sing-along and an open-mic. Unity Lincoln is an organization with a “progressive approach to Christianity” that is an LGBTQ-affirming space. 

Movies and music combine for a showing of the silent film “Phantom of the Opera” with live organ improvisation. The concert is free to attend, but will be taking donations for the Nebraska CASA Association. The event starts at 7 p.m. at First-Plymouth Church. 

Tuesday, October 29

Screamers Family Restaurant is hosting “Be Our Guest,” a family-friendly Disney tribute show starting at 6 p.m. The show will feature Disney songs, photo-ops and a dinner. Performers will be in costume and all are encouraged to dress up as well. Tickets must be purchased for $10 prior to the evening. 

Halloween! – Thursday, October 31

Duffy’s Tavern is hosting a Halloween show with Vempire, Sweats, Toilet Rats and Saving Fiona. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. Costumes are highly encouraged. The event is 21+ and has no cover charge.

The Bourbon Theatre is having a Halloween Party featuring Bryan Olesen, who was a top three finalist on Season 25 of the “The Voice.” There are prizes for the best costumes. Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 the day of. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. The event is 18+ and those under 21 will pay a $2 fee at the door. 

The 1867 Bar kicks off Terror Fest with Emo Night on Halloween evening with a costume contest and prizes. Terror Fest continues with performances from various metal bands over the weekend, and tickets must be purchased for each day at $20, or a weekend pass for $30. 

Friday, November 1 

Cappy’s Hotspot and Grill brings in a local hip hop band for a Halloween costume party. The best costumes will be awarded cash prizes. The event starts at 8:30 p.m. and is 21+ with a cover charge of $7.

Saturday, November 2

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s acapella groups The Red Keys and Boots & Cats are hosting a Cats & Keys Costume Party at The Crib in City Union. Tickets for the concert are $5 for students and $7 for non-students. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. 

Lincoln has a lot to offer for anyone looking to find themed events. Visit your favorite local haunts to support live music this Halloween. 

Published the in the Daily Nebraskan, read here.