From frats to costume contests: a guide to Yale’s Halloweekend
Unsure what to do on Halloweekend? Read more to find out all the different activities you can do, regardless of interests and sleep schedule.
Baala Shakya, Contributing Photographer
Halloween is no small event at Yale. From club celebrations to the packed crowds at the Hallopaluther live music event this past Saturday, a “pre-Halloweekend” frenzy has already taken over the student body.
With the onslaught of party invites flooding students’ inboxes and events that are staples of “Yaleoween,” this Halloweekend won’t be quiet either. Fear not — the Arts desk has compiled a fun guide to all the Halloween festivities happening in the next few days.
Thursday, Oct. 31
HalloToads — or Hallowoads Pt. 2
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Place: Toad’s Place, 300 York St.
Did you miss Wednesday’s Hallowoads dance party or just want another night of clubbing? Now’s your chance! According to their email, the dance party will also double as a costume party, where there will be prizes for the best costumes.
This party is limited to Yale students, and tickets are $17 and up. Yale IDs and a purchased ticket are required for entry.
SKULLS
Time: 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Place: Vandome, 102 Hamilton St.
If you’re a graduate student at the Law School or Jackson School, head over to SKULLS –– a spooky celebration that combines a typical Halloween party with the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos. Expect music, Día de los Muertos decorations, food, drinks, a Halloween costume party and much more. Organized by the graduate student affinity groups, registration is limited to the Law School, the School of Management and the Jackson School students at this time.
“Last year, we had planned this event internally at the Law School. This year, to make it a cross-school celebration, we partnered with students at SOM and the Jackson School. Leaders from the affinity groups at the law school joined forces to plan this event for the law school,” said Tanya Aggarwal, a member of the organizing committee for the event.
Kappa Kares Trick-or-Toss Kornhole
Time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Place: Cross Campus
Join Kappa Kappa Gamma on Cross Campus for a few rounds of cornhole and ring toss. One play is $2 and three plays are $5. The event is a Halloween fundraiser for Mental Health America.
International Trick-Or-Treat and Costume Contest
Time: 3 – 5 p.m.
Place: International Center, 421 Temple St.
If this is your first American Halloween, join the OISS office for their annual International Trick-or-Treat Tour. Students will be able to do a “Trick-or-Treat” tour, where each of the offices will be set up as “homes.” Get some Halloween candy and enter their costume contest, which will award the best-dressed student.
Kasama and Southeast Asian Movement’s Halo-Halloween
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Asian American Cultural Center, 295 Crown St.
The event’s name, Halo-Haloween, is a play on “halo halo,” which is a famous Filipino dessert. Students will have the chance to mingle and eat the Filipino dish, which consists of layers of shaved ice and condensed milk.
“This year, we’re excited to be doing it as a collaboration with the Southeast Asian Movement (SEAM), as during my time of co-presidency at Kasama, we have been making efforts to form bonds both within our Filipino community and beyond it,” said Elisa Cruz ’26. “At Halo-Haloween, we’re inviting everyone to engage with Filipino culture through this dessert as we end programming for our Filipino American History Month.”
Terrors from the Yale Film Archive
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: 53 Wall St.
This year, the annual Halloween screening will feature a new print of the 1935 edition of James Whale’s “Bride of Frankenstein.” Whale’s masterpiece is both chilling and campy — mixing familiar sci-fi tropes with social satire. See this classic… if you dare!
Yale Symphony Orchestra’s Halloween Show
Time: 11 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Place: Woolsey Hall, 500 College St.
This isn’t your average classical concert. The annual YSO Halloween Concert offers a blend of live orchestral music with an original silent film created by the students, usually packed with humorous, Yale-inspired skits.
Tickets for this beloved Halloween concert are now sold out.
Friday, Nov. 1
Grove Street Cemetery Tour
Time: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Place: Grove Street Cemetery, 227 Grove St.
You’ve probably walked past the cemetery, but have you ever gone in? Join this tour to learn about the history of the Grove Street Cemetery and the notable figures buried there, as well as engage in lively discussions about the cemetery’s residents.
Pierson’s “Once Upon Inferno”
Time: 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Place: Pierson College, 261 Park St.
Pierson Inferno is an annual rager in a stripped-bare Pierson dining hall for all of Yale College with a DJ, dance lights and lasers, snacks and a cool-down room.
This year’s theme is Once Upon Inferno and will feature references to fairytales, storybooks, princesses and enchanted forests. Like any Halloween party, students are encouraged to wear themed costumes! This year’s DJ is Maxx Shearod; you can listen to some of his music on @soundsbymaxx on Instagram.
The event is free of charge to all Yale undergraduates with student ID.
“Pierson Dining staff will be providing snacks, like lemon bars, chips, and brownies, and drinks, such as apple cider, hot chocolate, Gatorade, and water,” said William Hin ’25, an organizer and co-president of Pierson College Council.
The Fence Club: Haunted Haus
Time: 10 p.m.
Place: 380 Crown St.
End, or begin, your Friday night with a party at Fence. The entrance fee is $7 at the door.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Hocus Pocus
Time: 10 p.m.
Place: 37 Lynwood Pl.
Held at the Alpha Epsilon Pi house, Yale’s Spizzwinks return with their annual Halloween bash!
Chi Psi: Nightmare on Elm
Time: 10:30 p.m.
Place: 340 Elm St.
Check out some frights at this Saturday night frat party! All are welcome!
Hallow’edon
Time: 10:30 p.m.
Place: 105 Howe St.
Spend the final night of your Halloweekend marathon at The Edon Club’s Halloween party!