What the devil! The ultimate Halloween guide for Chennai

From creepy costumes to bloody cocktail parties, here is our happening plan of action for a spine-tingling Halloween weekend 
What the devil! The ultimate Halloween guide for Chennai

The origin of Halloween dates back to the period of the Celts of Medieval Europe, 2,000 years ago. They believed that this day marks the end of the harvest season, and the beginning of dark winter, often associated with death. However, the gloomy and macabre origins have evolved over time into a fun festival of trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns, horror storytelling, lighting bonfires and masquerades. Here’s our party planner to get you into the mood for some chills and horrors — dress up as supernatural figures in masks and hats to ward off the ghosts or go door-to-door hunting for candies. In other words, brace yourself for a hectic weekend ahead! 

(Food)

Spooky supper
BUZZ, the all-day diner, has laid out a special Halloween dinner buffet. Start with Spicy bloody lavash, Paleo witch finger cookies and move on to Batty Chicken Wings served with red pepper spicy sauce before wrapping things up with Halloween Candy and Pumpkin Pail Cake. `1,300 and taxes. At The Gateway hotel, IT Expressway Chennai. Details: 66802500  

 

Bloody brunch
This Halloween, join the chefs at Madras Pavilion for an exciting brunch experience with spooky cocktails and dishes like Skeleton pumpkin pie (roasted pumpkin in shortcrust pastry), Poison apples (candied apples with toasted nuts), Cobweb brownies (dark chocolate brownies), Blood taffy (maple taffy served with chopped gherkins), Mummy meatballs (barbeque lamb meatballs in butter crust), and more. `2,119 upwards. On October 29 at ITC Grand Chola. 12.30 pm to 3.30 am. Details: 22200000

Deadly dinner
With a dash of spookiness, Anise serves an all-day dinner starting with appetisers like Cheesy eyes and Hot Finger pita wrap. Don’t miss the Van Helsing steak balls and Liver Ale pie, and be sure to end your meal with Devils cake or Wizard’s cupcakes. `2,200 onwards. At Anise. Details: 66002827

Evil ecstasy
The Leela Palace will host a special Sunday brunch for Halloween, offering hordes of fun activities for kids, including indoor and outdoor games, coupled with a spread of epicurean delights. `2,600 plus taxes. On October 29. 12-3 pm. Details: 18001031444

(Gaming)

Scary games
Hosted by Arknemesis gaming and Madras comic fest, experience a different Halloween celebration with video games. No registration fee, however, gaming charges applicable for professional gamers. October 28. 6 pm onwards at Ispahani centre. `2,200 onwards. Details: 9840213117

(Kid's corner)

Scare tactics
Launched on September 30, this is the first event that this start-up preschool is celebrating. They’re planning a craft workshop where the kids learn to make their own costumes. The kids are taught pumpkin carving, making skulls using cardboard, and also have some entertaining games. Get ready to have a wicked time along with snacks and drinks. `1,500. On 28 & 29 Oct. 10 am to 1 pm. At Kilpauk. Details: 48564638

Killer looks
Get dressed like your favourite Wonder Woman or scary Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street, and walk the ramp. Empower kids is holding their first Halloween costume party, which will include exciting games, and themed snacks like cookies and cakes. `750. On October 29. 6-8 pm. From age eight-15. At Abhiramipuram. Details: 8452023555

Catch them if you can
Feel the spirit of Halloween through a trick-or-treat trip around  7-10 leading toy stores like Hamleys, Gini & Jony, The Children’s Place, the Lego Store, Mera Toy Shop, Starmark, Nautica, and the Tommy Hilfiger kids store. There will also be an array of fun-filled activities such as Ring in Halloween, apart from tattoo & face painting, and more. Snacks include Donuts from Krispy Crème, Candy Floss, Popcorn and various soft drinks. `150. On October 28 & 29. At Phoenix MarketCity. Details: 8939933433

(Parties)

Cheap thrills
Get ready to rock and roll at this special pre-Halloween party as Italian DJ Olly Esse takes you on a musical trip with signature beverages, fine international spirits and tasty nibbles. Also expect some foot-tapping numbers of future house, Melbourne bounce and deep house. `600. On October 28. 10 pm onwards at Chipstead, Taj Coromandel. Details: 66002827

Creepy cocktails
Soak in a cocktail night and enjoy a vibrant evening at Blend as DJs Shilvi Sharon and Chris Jason play their scary list. Some of the cocktails on offer—Bloody orange cocktail, Poison apple cocktail, Witches brew, Zombie cocktail, Bloody bitter and other colourful spooky ones. `650. 8 pm onwards. Tonight at Taj Club House. Details: 66313131

Mummy returns
EC 41 promises a chilled-out party by the beach, this Halloween. African-born British artiste Ma Faiza, often hailed as the Indian godmother of electronica, returns to Chennai with her Back to India tour, named #MerePaasMAHai. Freshly from a recent Europe Tour, she’s back with new groovy, bouncy tunes. Alongside DJ Sam Shroff. `1,500. 6 pm onwards at VGP Resorts. Details: bookmyshow.com

Lots of parties happening this weekend! Also check out the karaoke nights at Secret Society (9176790918); themed nights at The Vault Bar Stock Exchange (9566088811) and at Illusions — The Madras Pub (42144449); and Halloween parties at The Moon And Sixpence (22334000) and Winchester Bar (30637501).

(Costumes)

The expression, ‘dressed to kill’  gets a whole new meaning with this lineup of options for this Halloween!  Check out this master list of make-up artists and costume shops in the city to get that chilling makeover before you head out for that masquerade ball.

Guess me right
With costumes evolving over the years, the three-year-old store Viswaroop has everything from fairy tale characters to supernatural demons. Owner Jothi Venkat says that black witch costumes with a long hat and broomstick is most popular this year. Also look out for their nails, masks, knives and hats. For kids aged six months to 10 years. `300. At Viswaroop. Details: 43515388 

No strings attached
Peekaboo’s designer finger puppets, in a variety of themes, is sure to bring in the spooks and smiles on kids’ faces. Made of intricate embroidery, these can be worn to any place to ring in the Halloween mood. `500 for a set of five. At Bergamo Mall. Details: 43012042 

Themed nail art
From a skeleton stretch body suit to sliced organs and vampire fangs, online portals have it all with a variety of options and huge discounts. Check out lightinthebox for zombie cosplay costumes and costumepartyworld.com for accessories like witch mesh hats, pirate eye patches and masquerade gear. Other websites you can look out for are etsy.com, partymanao.com and costumeconnexions.com

Joke’s on them
Look out for these enigmatic bespoke glossy party shoes inspired by the character, The Joker and created by Chennai-based designer Osman Abdul Razak. The Batman jokes come for free. `12,500 onwards. Available at the store gabbana.life.Details: 9715531333

Skeletal makeover
Sringa Syam’s half-sugar skull make-up has been trending on Facebook since she released it last weekend. “It took me three hours to complete that look. It was an impromptu idea to put out two of my looks that I experimented with for the season, and people loved it,” says Sringa, founder of Kabooki Makeup Artist. She’s particular about the affordability of her different designs, as most of her clients are college-goers. `2,000 upwards. Details: 9962451264

Witch wigs
Deoli Kohli, owner of Twinkles, the three-year-old shop in Alwarpet says, “People are very particular about how they look, so there has been a great demand recently for fittings and accessories like extra teeth, blood, hair bands with knives as projections, apart from scars and dirty masks. Our witch and Madonna wigs, in particular, are in high demand this season, when compared to the rest of the year,” he says. `300. For kids from 3-10 years. Details: 9884494677

Superheroes to villains
If you’re planning a bulk order of costumes on rent, then Jyothi Sudhakar is your best bet, as she has been perfecting the art for eight years now. Choose from a mummy dress with LED lights to Lightning McQueencars. “Halloween does not always mean dressing up in spooky costumes. Sometimes kids go for fun outfits as well,” she says. So Spiderman and Telletubbies are as much in demand as Draculas and skeletons. A bulk order takes her around 20 days to put together, as some of her collection is imported. `250 onwards for rent. Details: 9444246800

(Pubs and quizzes)

Grim grimoire
Thirsty crow’s first Halloween this year is all about some uber-cool and scary decor and some rather inventive cocktails. The best-dressed guy, best-dressed girl, and a group will win gift hampers. Expect a photo booth to capture these moments as you sip on concoctions such as Witches Hat, the Black Widow and others. `350 upwards. On October 28. 8 pm onwards.  Details: 9003127433

Fearful freebies
From hosting storytelling sessions to identifying famous personalities to Scrabble tournaments, Boats Beach Bar has been quite busy with its online promotions for the week. Check out their party Deck of Dread, where winners will get meal vouchers and free pitchers of beer. Expect masquerade sessions and spooky music. `450 onwards. On October 28. Details: 9944404243

Nights in neon
Hosted by Studio — The Slate, this Halloween party will be defined by a spine-chilling ambience dominated by some cool UV lights and horror props. Dance through the night in your favourite costumes to DJ Vijay Chawla’s numbers. The best-dressed couple will win vouchers worth `2,000 that can be redeemed at the venue. `300 onwards. On October 27 & 28. 8 pm. Details: 8760222277

Horror pangs
Gatsby 2000 is hosting a Halloween night themed on the Phantom of the Opera. Unwind with music,dance, a spread of quirky cocktails and quick bites like Zombie apocalypse, Spooky sunrise, Vampire’s weakness, Skull vada and Invisible nachos. On October 28. 8 pm onwards. At Crowne Plaza. Details: 24994101

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