EAT
Oct. 31: Ekiben Baolloween and The Charmery Fear Factory Challenge
Ekiben. 911 W 36th St. and 1622 Eastern Ave. 11 a.m-11 p.m.
Each year on Halloween, costume-clad foodies flock to Ekiben for sweet deals on steamed buns and signature rice bowls. But this year, the restaurant’s aptly-named “Baolloween” bash will take on a virtual twist. This Saturday, visit the Asian-fusion joint at either location in Fells Point or Hampden to grab favorites to-go, like the Korean fried chicken-topped “Neighborhood Bird” or “The Original” packed with Thai chicken meatballs, coconut black peppercorn sauce, and seasonal slaw. Each order comes with a “Baolloween 2020” pumpkin sticker, which you’ll need to compete in this year’s costume contest. To enter, throw on your spookiest gear, snap a picture with your grub and sticker, and be sure to tag Ekiben (@ekibenbaltimore). Then, using the hashtag #Baolloween2020, upload your masterpiece to Instagram or Tiktok for your chance to win a $100 gift card.
If you’re in need of some spooky sweets to accompany your grub from Ekiben, Hampden neighbor The Charmery is offering its annual Fear Factory Challenge with five frightening ice cream flavors crafted by owner and master creamer David Alima. For $20, sample individually packaged scoops in varieties such as Orange Juice and Toothpaste, Pickled Onion Sorbet, Ketchup and Mustard, Fava Beans and Chianti, and Green Bean Casserole. Accept the challenge at The Charmery’s Hampden, Towson, and Federal Hill locations, or order for local delivery—if you dare.
DRINK
Oct. 30-Nov. 1: Dutch Courage Costume Competition and Smokin’ Sunday Supper
Dutch Courage. 2229 N. Charles St. 10/30-31, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. 11/1, 4-9 p.m.
If you visit Dutch Courage this weekend, don’t be surprised to see staff dressed up in the style of their favorite spooky sips. This Hallo-weekend, dust off your most spirited gear and join the gin-centric cocktail crafters out on the patio for three nights of boo-zy beverages and frightening bites. Once you’ve had your fill, be sure to stick around the Old Goucher haunt for your chance to win this year’s costume contest. Prizes for best individual and couples costumes will be awarded Friday and Saturday at 6 and 9 p.m., so be sure to come dressed in your Halloween best. Then on Sunday, revisit the bar for a scary-good supper courtesy of Chef Carl Zimmerman.
SEE
Oct. 30: Time Warp Fright Night at Checkerspot Brewing
Checkerspot Brewing Company. 1399 S Sharp St. 8 p.m-11 p.m.
Halloween would be amiss without our favorite frightening flicks, and at Checkerspot Brewing, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has become a tradition. Get ready to do the “Time Warp” and channel your inner Brad, Janet, or Dr. Frank N-Furter in the social media costume contest. Then, grab a chair (and some confetti, if you’re feeling inclined) and head to the South Baltimore brewery at 8 p.m. for an outdoor screening and interactive reenactment of the ‘70s cult classic, which famously stars Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon. Sip spooky sours and haunted hops while grazing popcorn balls and street-style snacks like the “Tim Curry-wurst,” a street-style brat served with curried ketchup. (If you can’t make it out, catch hometown hero John Waters in Tenacious D’s fun Rock-y The Vote “Time Warp” video encouraging voters in advance of Election Day.)
HEAR
Oct. 31: Halloween at The Point
The Point in Fells. 1738 Thames St. 12 a.m.
Those in search of frightening fun and terrifying tunes need look no further than this Thames Street mainstay. Don some ghoulish gear (and a mask to match) and head to The Point in Fells to play distanced games, compete in a costume contest, and snag spooky drink specials such as $5 green tea shots, $9 32-oz. Modelo drafts, $18 Witches Brew buckets, and more. Then, stick around to do the “Monster Mash” and hear DJ Cian spin other Halloween bangers and spooky smash hits.
DO
Oct. 31: The Great Halloween Lantern Car Parade
Creative Alliance. Grundy St. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Now in its 21st year, Creative Alliance’s glowing celebration of Dia de los Muertos will wind its way through Southeast Baltimore this Saturday—but with a socially distanced spin. Visit the Highlandtown arts center’s website to find everything you’ll need to craft paper plate and milk jug lanterns at home. Then, decorate your stoop and let the magic begin. From 6:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m., feast your eyes on colorful floats, luminous lanterns, traditional sculptures, and decorated vehicles as the car parade makes its way from Grundy Street to Eastern Avenue. Along the parade route, enjoy Sidewalk Serenades by the likes of Cañas Y Su Mariachi Norteño, Baby Beats with Max and Root, Clarence Ward III & Dat Feel Good, and more.