Ghoulish gatherings: Halloween parties in Philadelphia

Whether you're dressing like a pretty little princess or a sadistic zombie this Halloween, Philadelphia isn't shy of costumed-themed parties. Here's our list of party happenings on Friday, Oct. 31.

As if staring at the pitch black Delaware River isn't spooky enough, the Spirit of Philadelphia hosts (401 S. Columbus Blvd.) its Halloween Cruise at 8 p.m.,  which includes an open bar with selected beverages and their signature beef and beer buffet featuring their new "build your own cheesesteak bar." Dress in costume and be rewarded prizes throughout the night.

With six different venues offering numerous themed zones, everyone's costume, even if you're a unicorn, will fit in at Xfinity Live's! (1100 Pattison Ave.) Wicked Halloween extravaganza. Beginning at 8 p.m., experience some frightening and quirky rooms such as the Broad Street Bullies Dead Celebrity Area and a Spectrum Grill's '80s girl party, and treat your ears as Go Go Gadget  performs live at the NBC arena.

If your Halloween costume is Michael Jackson and you have a killer voice to the song Thriller, McGillin's Olde Ale House (1310 Drury St.) is the place to be for their Halloween Party. Beginning at 9 p.m., sip down on some spooky-themed drinks, participate in a costume contest, and sing your heart out to scara-okie.

The Southern-inspired Bourbon House, the Twisted Tail (509 S. 2nd St.) gets into the Halloween spirit during their Western-themed party, including live fire breathers, a fortune teller, live music, and fine spirits being served throughout this rootin'-tootin' party. Event starts at 9 p.m.

The Trocadero Theatre (1003 Arch St.) invites guests to break out their inner vampire during Dracula's Ball, which features live music by the Spider Lilies, Interface, DJ Hiem, and DJ Chase Paris throughout the night. This event is open to all ages. The fang sinking starts at 9 p.m.

The dead will rise, and un-dead, too, during the annual Night of the Philly Dead: Brews and Brains event held at the International House Philadelphia (3701 Chestnut St.) which will showcase cult-zombie films as well as a soulless corpse dance party. For guests who are into the zombie craze yet can't do quite the Hollywood makeup job, makeup by NickieRenee and team will be on site. The deadly dancing starts at 9 p.m.

Leave your spirit on Trestle Inn's (339 N. 11th St.) dance floor as their annual Halloween Party, At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul, event is set to take place at 9 p.m. This Brazilian-themed gala will have you shaking your hips to the Latin music spun by DJs, enter a costume party, and enjoy Dock Street Walker (a pale stout with roasted goat brains and cranberry) and special cocktails.

If you think your costume stands a chance in winning more than one category contest, you're in luck. The annual Henri David Ball returns for a night of frightening entertainment at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel (201 N. 17th St.), where guests can enjoy live Halloween-themed entertainment and enter in numerous contests such as: most hysterical, most original couple, most believable female impersonator, a new most sensual fantasy category, and more. This tradition starts at 9 p.m.

If you're wearing face paint this Halloween, make sure it's sweat-proof. On Friday, Oct. 31, Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St.) converts into an asylum of spook, tunes, and dance during Making Time's Pure Halloween bash. Beginning at 9 p.m., jam out to performances by Sammy Slice and Dave P, Mike Z, Dave Pack, Rocktits!, Broadzilla, Greg D, and a live rock-and-roll performance by the Dum Dum Girls.

The Hotel Monaco's (433 Chestnut St.) Halloween Party doubles up on the trouble at 10 p.m. with a Heaven and Hell theme that will take visitors two both realms. Stratus Rooftop Bar and Lounge is for the angels out there, featuring cocktails, a DJ and champagne, and the first floor of Hotel Monaco is transformed into fire in brimstone with frightening tunes, and decorations.

Think you can make Mickey Mouse look sexy? Fado Philadelphia (1500 Locust St.) hosts their annual Halloween party with a Dirty Disney theme that will result in a trip-giveaway for the grand prize costume. Start brainstorming, the official party begins at 10 p.m. Pre-party starts at 7 p.m. and receives a three-hour open bar.