Halloween is just around the corner and right after Pride it’s probably our favorite thing to celebrate. Who could blame us? Awesome costumes, great parties and tasty drinks, we don’t need any more excuses to join in the celebrations and to help you we have rounded up 7 spots you should check out for a ghoulish time!

1. New York

The Halloween Parade in New York and particularly the festivities in Greenwich Village is an event you must attend once in your life. While in town, head to the Lower East Side for the haunted house, Nightmare Horror Show, but be prepared for one scary ride. And with a name like Monster, this Village gay bar is the perfect place to meet some locals!

Stay: Courtyard New York Manhattan/SoHo

2. Provincetown

The summer season is long gone but Ptown comes back to life on Halloween for one extravagant weekend. From October 30th to November 1st, the town hosts tons of parties, culminating with The Masquerade Ball at the Ptown Town Hall.

Stay: Courtyard Cape Code Hyannis

3. Los Angeles

In West Hollywood do not miss the largest Halloween parade in the world, just make sure you come dressed! A few years ago, MTV surprised everyone with a concert from Robyn so who knows what could happen this year! On Friday don’t miss Halloweenie, a known dance party at the Majestic Halls in Downtown LA. Then, if you want to really scare yourself, head over to Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights with 6 different mazes.

Stay: Beverly Hills Marriott

4. Salem

Known for the Witch Trials of 1692, Salem is a classic Halloween destination. If you go, you will have the time of your life! Most of the historic homes give tours and have set up haunted houses. They go all out to make sure they give you the scariest experience. Be sure to attend the Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball, you’ll remember this night for a long time! If you are driving, get to town early afternoon to avoid traffic.

Stay: TownePlace Suites Boston Logan Airport/Chelsea

5. New Orleans

Second only to Mardi Gras when it comes to crazy costumes with a wild dose of fun, Halloween in New Orleans is awesome! Learn more about voodoo, visit a couple haunted houses and make sure to attend the LGBT festivities from October 29th to November 1st. This year’s theme is “Fall of the Pharaohs” and all proceeds are going to Project Lazarus, a local LGBT nonprofit helping people living with HIV/AIDS. 

Stay: Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette Hotel

6. Key West

If you want to soak up the sun and make it a weeklong celebration, head to the southern tip of Florida for Halloween. This year’s theme is Intergalactic Freak show. While in town, check out Kwest for drinks and some eye candy or 801 Bourbon Bar for a Drag Show. Both are located on Duval Street. Your only issue might be to figure out how many costumes to pack for this epic weeklong trip.

Stay: Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel

7. Las Vegas

The Fetish & Fantasy Halloween Ball was called “One of the most outrageous, bizarre and risqué Halloween parties in the country” by the LA Times. Costumes are “de rigueur’ and I recommend you follow their guidelines. If dressing up is not your cup of tea, head over to Omnia for Calvin Harris with Generik. Either way, have a blast!

Stay: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Photography and words by Jonathan Ducrest