The end of October is especially eventful in the Remezcla office because we have not one, but TWO skull-filled, death-themed reasons to celebrate: Halloween and Dia de Muertos. We want you to have a bloody good time, so we’ve rounded up the best monster mashes, concerts, pop-up raves and more to check out this year. (And don’t forget our favorite Halloween activity of all – waking up early the next day to watch the best Walks of Shame you’ll see all year…)
Maria’s Packaged Goods doubles down on its Halloween celebrations with two nights of Mexican horror films and Latin music. On Thursday, the bar pays tribute to Argentine musician Gustavo Cerati with help from DJ Luchador Luis Místico, while Friday’s festivities feature DJ Diabro digging through crates of Mexican music and Halloween-themed tunes. More info here.
Bust out your mullet wig and Thalia Quinceañera costumes for this 80s themed party at Beauty Bar — there are 5 different costume contests and you stand to win cash prizes, concert ticket packages, or just a free bar tab, which oraleeee is nothing to complain about.
80s jams will be spun all night by Marco Morales of Y2K, so start thinking up your old Los Bukis requests. More info here.
Redmoon is back with its massive, 1,000 person Pilsen art rave — a party that sounds like it came straight out of Stefon’s brain. The party spans three floors and has EVERYTHING: DJs, an outdoor “Fire Garden” with flaming sculptures and a DJ booth that shoots flames into the sky, a mausoleum with a “celestial swing” in it, a UFO Carousel with flying saucers, a confessional room, a mini-movie theater screening cartoons, aerial dancers, desserts and lots of people on mushrooms (we’re guessing).
Go forth and get weird. More info here.
Local latin mag Gozamos is throwing its annual Dia de los Muertos party featuring live music by Los Guapachosos, DJ sets by Soulphonetics, Afroqbano, and The Ponderers. Aside from dancing, you can win a $75 restaurant gift card by entering their Day of the Dead costume contest, and also catch the premiere of the Day of the Dead-themed music video for Chako’s folk-mariachi-rock song “Rosario.” More info here.
Founded by community based organization ElevArte, Muertos de la Risa is Chicago’s longest running Day of the Dead event. Programs include sugar skull face painting, food, drinks, and of course, the procession to capture the true story of remembrance on the holiday. More info here.
Ok, this technically isn’t a Dia de Muertos event, but we just really love Honduran songstress Empress Of so you should check her out. Her ethereal dream pop sounds will put you in touch with the spirits of your dearly departed — or soothe your hangover. Or both. More info here.