Over the years Ukrainians, particularly residents of the capital, have grown to love Halloween. Only on this night is it acceptable to be naughty and take off the boring office suit, turn into a monster or witch, slap on bandages, splash on some blood and try to scare your friends.
Each year dozens of theme parties and events for all tastes take place in Kyiv.
Here are some ideas for where to go on Halloween:
One of the parties getting the most hype on social media and event sites is Crazy Halloween Fest 2012. Last year’s party, which took place in the Black Castle in Bortnichi, was one of the country’s biggest private bashes. Its success prompted the organizers to launch an even larger one, open to 2,500 visitors, this year. Music will be provided by Ukrainian and Russian DJs, including DJ Meg, and the shocking naked DJs Petel & Ostrikov.
Places are limited. Tickets can be bought in theatrical box offices.
Nov. 2. Moskovskiy Avenue Alta Expo, 11A. From 21:00. Hr 250-300. 063-660-4049
If you feel Halloween should be both chic and freaky, you might enjoy the Jameson Fashion Halloween in D’lux club, organized within the framework of the Ukrainian Fashion Week. One of its highlights will be the unique DJ Zombie Boy, one of the world’s most tattooed people, famous freak model, and good friend of Lady Gaga. Smart and casual, but above all stylish Halloween costumes welcome.
Oct. 26. Hrushevskogo St. 3, D’Lux Club. Hr 50 for women Hr 200 for men. 200-9009
www.dlux.com.ua
Those looking who for a family fun on Halloween can go to shopping mall Dream Town in Kyiv’s northern district of Obolon. Throughout the day a series of competitions, table games, prizes will keep the kids entertained with the assistance of numerous Halloween heroes, mimes and magicians. There will also be competitions for the best costume and carved pumpkin. DJ Katya will warm the public up before an evening concert by Druga Rika (Second Hand) opens the adult portion of the evening.
Oct. 29. Dreamtown, Obolonskiy Av. 1-B, 3rd floor. 15.00 – 20.00 family program, 20:00 Druga Rika concert. Free entrance
A traditional American Haunted House party will be held at the Arizona BBQ bar, organized by the American Chamber of Commerce. It will be the second time Kyiv hosts a traditional American-style Halloween event. The whole restaurant will be transformed into a thematic old house full of zombies, ghosts and vampires ready to spook children and their parents. The party should also thrill children (aged five or older), who will wear costumes go trick-or-treating, enjoy a guided tour through the house with a Ukrainian-, Russian- and English-speaking guide, and play games with a group of animators. The entrance fee gives you access to a buffet and free beer and Pepsi, which is a really convenient feature. Warm international atmosphere is expected!
Nov. 3-4. Arizona BBQ, Naberezhno-Kreshatytska St. 25, from 14:00 till 19:00. Hr 200. 425-2438.
If you want to party, but also to eat and chill out Kyiv’s restaurants and cafes are more than happy to accommodate your needs. Story Café offers a Stylish Halloween Party, which includes witch’s brew for each guest, seductive vocals by Lady Vamp and a photoshoot with evil spirits.
Oct.29. Naberezhno-Kreshchatitskaya St. 17/ 18. 467-7897. www.karta.ua
Safe Lounge Restaurant offers a Halloween evening with a thematically monstrous atmosphere and delicious cocktails. But don’t forget to reserve the table.
Oct. 31. Chervonoarmiyska St. 23a, party starts 20:00. 098-464-0306, 536-0157. nasha-karta.ua
If just eating and dancing sounds to dull, you may want to try a trip on a ghost bus, organized by Halloween with Open Kiev! You can rush through the darkness of the city on a double-decker bus-gig. Open Kiev promises an otherworldly, mystical atmosphere in typical Halloween-genre.
Oct. 29-30. The bus leaves from Kyiv-Pechersk lavra, Mazepy St. 21, at 11:00, 13:00 and 17:00. Hr 150-200. www.openkiev.com.ua
Kyiv Post staff writer Daria Zadorozhnaya can be reached at [email protected]
