Countless scary movies prove Halloween is not just a night for little kids and those in Penticton who want to get ghoulish have plenty of places to do so.
You may be daring to get in, but you’ll be dying to get out of Pen High Arts Media Entertainment’s production of Cryptville III.
On a bone-chilling, damp October night in 1958, the fruit growing community of Cryptville was busy preparing for its annual Halloween celebration. As darkness came over the community, a mysterious, toxic fog poisoned all in its path. Trapped in time for all eternity, Cryptville remains a town of the dead. A half-century later, it has opened its doors for business and they are asking Penticton to be a tourist in their town.
Featuring 50 actors and four staff, guided 90-minute tours with 17 points of interest in Cryptville will be held Oct. 24 to 26 with tours at 5 and 6:30 p.m.
Admission is $10 with all proceeds going back into the drama program. Those wanting to attend are asked to arrive at least 10 minutes before showtime.
Rutherford stressed that Cryptville is designed for all ages.
“We have entertainment and games for people of all ages including small children. No one jumps out to scare and we are a hands-off production, so none of the actors will grab anyone,” said Pen High drama arts instructor Megan Rutherford. “This is a really great way for us to get the community into the school and have a lot of fun.”
The Elite Restaurant wants people to join them for A Nightmare at The Elite on Oct. 31.
“I wanted to do something for Halloween because I love it. I always wanted to throw the best Halloween party in the world, but how am I going to get all these people to come?,” said Stacy Franck, event promoter.
She called up four bands of different genres, to attract a diverse crowd, and will be using the event as a fundraiser for Critteraid’s Summerland cat sanctuary. Live music will be performed by Cinged, a psychedelic rock band out of Kelowna. Local hip hip label, Mad Melody Records, will also have some of their artists performing and folk music will be performed by Ghost of Jack Rabbit. Also on the bill is local musician Michael Musclow, who is performing under the name My Kill Must Glow for the evening. He will be singing original songs, using an electric guitar instead of his usual acoustic and he will have a drummer on stage with him. The evening will also feature stand-up comedian Thomas Hunter, costume contests with prizes, local artists auctioning off their art for Critteraid, tarot card readings and a pumpkin carving contest.
Tickets are $10 at the door, or $8 in advance and are available for purchase at the Grooveyard or Elite Restaurant. Doors open at 7 p.m.
This weekend Voodoo’s is hosting a Rocky Horror Picture Show night on Oct. 27 that includes a screening of the movie, live music and prizes.
“The event will have lots of audience participation,” promises Jesse Longbear, the promoter. “Rocky Horror Picture Show events have been done ever since the movie was released. It has a huge cult following all over the world and we wanted to do something in Penticton that didn’t involve going to a bar, so it is for all ages.”
Doors to Voodoo’s open at 6 p.m. and Longbear said the rock-musical movie will start at 9 p.m. Opening and closing the night will be music from Indestructible Johnny.
Longbear said there will be prizes for best costume and for best Rocky Horror Picture Show costumes. He advised those wanting to get right into the audience participation can visit the official fan site for the movie to see costume ideas and Rocky Horror etiquette at www.rockyhorror.com/participation.
For those of legal age, The Mule Nightclub is being transformed into a haunted mansion on Oct. 27.
The 13th annual Halloween Howler presented by Jagermeister will have prizes for best male, female and couples costumes. Jagermeister will also be giving away lots of swag. Doors open at 9 p.m.
The Barking Parrot is also hosting a Jagermeister Halloween party with a $500 gift certificate going to the best costume and runner-up prizes. There is no cover charge.