Halloween may not be until next Friday, but University of Connecticut students are starting the party early this weekend. As students figure out their plans to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year, there’s many options to choose from. And what better way to celebrate than heading to one of the many Halloween-themed shows to dance and mosh in your favorite costume? Here’s a look at what Halloween-themed shows are happening in Storrs and across the Nutmeg state this weekend.
Saturday 10/25: The Dog Pound “Harvest Fest” – Storrs
For those without a car or looking to stay in Storrs, look no further than The Dog Pound’s “Harvest Fest” show happening on Saturday, Oct. 25. Though a 4 p.m. start time may seem early, the stacked lineup makes up for the late afternoon timing. The six-band lineup features some of the biggest names in the Storrs music scene, including jazz fusion-inspired jam band AshBABY opening the show and indie punk group Overlöded. Headlining the show is reggae group Sol Gyres, one of the most successful bands to come out of Storrs in recent years. Joining them is Foundations of Wednesday, Boston-based trio Cheaters’ Rights and Philadelphia-based pop punk group Warpark.
Music starts at 4 p.m. and admission is $12. The show will be benefiting the UConn Solidarity Fund, a mutual aid fund run by UConn students. For the address, message @thedogp0und on Instagram.
Sunday 10/26: The Workshop Halloween show – Manchester
One of the many long-running gags done by legendary jam band Phish is when they perform in “musical costume” on Halloween by playing an album in its entirety. The spirit of this concept is on display at The Workshop in Manchester for a Halloween show on Sunday, Oct. 26, where five bands will be performing the music of other bands. The five-band bill is highlight by alternative rock band Blandest as Nirvana, Mildly Allergic as Weezer and scene staple Jaded in Paradise as Canadian heavy metal band Kittie. Rounding out the bill is Scrt Agnt as The Cure and Iggy B as Alex G.
Doors open at 6 p.m., admission is $10 and all ages are welcome to attend.
Sunday 10/26: “Emo Halloween” house show – Bristol
There’s an oft-repeated phrase among Deadheads – fans of the Grateful Dead – that goes “Never miss a Sunday show,” in reference to many of the band’s great shows that happened on the day of rest. This weekend’s “Emo Halloween” house show hosted by punk band Don’t Go Outside on Sunday, Oct. 26, is one of these shows. The four-band bill is one of the best lineups assembled in the Nutmeg state this year. Joining Don’t Go Outside is Overlöded, who is taking the stage after rocking out in Storrs the night before, as well as New York City-based pop punk trio 2/14 and Radiodonta, an alternative rock band based in New Haven.
Music starts at 5 p.m. and admission is $5. For the address, message @dontgooutside.band on Instagram.