14 events to catch across Scotland this Halloween

Microsteria, the immersive music and club night that originally sprung from the creative minds of former synth-pop duo Maranta, now run by Gloria Black solo, is always an excuse to get freaky and dress up. Combine it with All Hallows' Eve and throw DJ collective Ascetic Practices into the unholy mix, and you’ve got the makings of the night out of the year. “The Devil has a party in His mouth,” goes the tagline for this weekend’s shindig, “and all the creatures of the night are invited!”

Taking place 31 October in the vaults of People’s Leisure Club, expect a night of dark and experimental electronic music, weird and wacky costumes and eye-popping performance art. The delicious lineup includes Callum Easter, Heavenphetamine, Life Cry, Isa Gordon and Little League Rebellion, among others.

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Air Conditioner (2020) courtesy of Jali Collective

Jali Film Weekender

Various venues, Edinburgh, until 1 Nov
 

There are four days left of this five-day celebration of Black, African and diaspora cinema. This year's theme is Rebellion, and that's represented in the programme by works rebelling against society but also against conventional filmmaking forms, with incredible experimental works across fiction, documentary and animation.

Mykki Blanco courtesy of Gen Mut

Mykki Blanco

Hug & Pint, Glasgow. 3 Nov, 7.30pm
 

Mykki Blanco started off as a 2010 YouTube persona, but has since evolved into an elaborate music and performance art piece that promises one of the best live shows out there. Recognised as one of queer hip-hop’s most influential pioneers, Blanco’s work draws on influences as diverse as drag, punk and riot grrrl.

Spooky stuff...

Ken Russell's The Devils courtesy of Warner Bros.

→ The Spook School

The Caves, Edinburgh. 4 Nov, 7pm

Indie pop quartet The Spook School will be releasing a comeback record in the New Year, but ahead of that highly anticipated new music, they're bringing their delightful jangly pop vibe to this hometown show to liven up your spooky season.

→ PHANTASMAGASM Spooky Elvis Special!

Glad Cafe, Glasgow. 31 Oct, 7pm

Psychedelic surf punk outfit Maz & The Phantasms are back at Glad for a night of spooky queer rock ’n’ roll, comedy, pantomime, drag and disco. The mighty Tia Rey is your MC, with The Foot & Leg Clinic also on the bill.

→ Our film editor's spooky season film picks!

Gorehounds are spoiled for choice this Halloween weekend. Here are our picks for spooky film events across the country!

GFT's All Day Horror Madness is an essential day-long horror fest and it's close to selling out. If you miss out, that Glasgow cinema also have the much-anticipated 4K rerelease of Ken Russell's The Devils to get your pulses racing. Filmhouse are throwing a Halloween Party on the 31st, while on screen they've the European cut of The Shining and The Rocky Horror Picture Show; they also have The Devils, screening on 35mm. Ken Russell's masterpiece is also at DCA, alongside the demonic chiller The Omen. Basically, I'm saying, watch The Devils!

More! More! More!

→ Tweed River Festival

Melrose Corn Exchange. 30-31 Oct

For wholesome vibes in the Borders, this festival explores the cultural impact of the river on local communities through the likes of costume making workshops, circus performances and screenings.

→ Tai Shani: M.I.A.S.M.A

Jupiter Artland, Edinburgh. Until Apr 2027

For arty alfresco adventures, this exhibition reimagining the myth of Antigone features sculpture, image, sound and architecture to explore what expressions of love and honour remain in times of political crisis.

→ Frankie Monroe: DEAD AND ALIVE!!!!

The Stand, Glasgow. 1 Nov, 3pm

For an afternoon with the working men’s club landlord from hell, this show sees character comic Joe Kent-Walters combine their two wildly acclaimed Frankie Monroe Fringe shows, Live!!! and Dead!!!, for some weird shenanigans.