Welcome to a special edition of the Amado newsletter, Halloween 2021 style! Full of decorative gourd things to love and do in the hi-desert (™️ forthcoming).
This mailer is designed for all the last-minute folks in mind. November is about to punch everyone in the face on Monday - so dust off that costume in the back of the closet you secretly wish you could wear to Von’s every day, and celebrate All Hallow’s Eve at one of these events.
SPOOKY (AND NOT SO SPOOKY) HAPPENINGS
Saturday 10/30
Now through 10/31: Book a This N That ghost tour before the month ends. The stores report that they have frequent ghost activity and even have a dedicated Instagram to the phenomenon. Attendees are required to be 18 or older. For more info on reservations, click here.
4pm-6pm: Many downtown 29 Palms businesses are banding together for Haunt The Block, a family friendly event filled with shopping and trick-or-treating. Those interested in participating in the costume contest can stop by The Lobby by Desert Beacon to register and to be photographed. For more info, click here.
5:30pm-7:30pm: Producer and guitarist Steven Smithie (aka Steve from St. Lou) performs an acoustic and eerie set to compliment this hallowed weekend with Janie Cowan at Red Dog Saloon. Free and all ages.
6pm-10pm: Joshua Tree Night Market is hosting their last iteration of the year. Face painting is available for all ages, and costumes are encouraged. Prizes will also be raffled off every hour with items via the Shops at Zannys, Zannedelions Boutique, and night market vendors. For more info on how to enter, click here.
7pm: In the mood for a musical offering? Attend an evening of electric tastes at Furstwurld with Riley Downing, Kassi Valazza, and Tommy Alexander. The venue is limiting capacity to ensure social distancing. Buy tickets here.
7pm-8:30pm: Stop by the Morongo Valley Halloween Extravaganza at Covington Park, featuring hay rides and a petting zoo (all ages). Bring your best costumes out for the trunk-o-treat event starting at dusk.
7:30pm: In the mood for a musical offering where attendance as your favorite dead rock star is encouraged? The Palms Wonder Valley is the place. The Outdoor Halloween Bash features music by Gutter Candy, Motördead, and Outhouse Outlaws, with DJ Alkimmy providing rock-n-roll tunage in between. Tickets available at the door, kids 12 and under free.
9pm til late: Score a perfect 300 (or 666) at Back Alley Apocalypse Party at Bowladium in 29 Palms, featuring karaoke and drink specials. Register for the soiree here.
Sunday 10/31
12pm: HeyThere Projects presents an Instagram live session with artist Al Marcano as part of the exhibition Best Friend. AL’S HALLOWEEN SPECIAL features a series of new sculptures and paintings, as well as commentary from the artist. Tune in here.
12pm-5pm: View Beneditos (Cabin Blessings) by creator Colleena at La Matadora Gallery, and find that special fixture to bring the right energy and light into the space you’re cultivating. By special appointment and with limited visitorship inside the gallery to practice social distancing.
6pm: Halloween In Pioneertown boasts undead performances by Jesika von Rabbit, Flames of Durga, Waxy, and Karma Dealers. Costume party and open bar for those who DM for a spot at the show. Click here (or here) for more info.
6pm: The waiting list is open for punk band Idles at Pappy & Harriet’s. The British quartet, known for blending politics with personal passion, just released Ultra Mono that takes aim at faux patriotism amongst other hot topics. Wear your best all-black attire in lieu of a costume.
7pm-9pm: Producer and guitarist Steven Smithie (aka Steve from St. Lou) makes his way to Giant Rock Meeting Room for night two of Halloween weekend performances in the Basin. Free and all ages.
Lastly - watch John MacLean and Nancy Whang, aka The Juan MacLean, play at Out There Bar. Wear your best dancing shoes while vibing underneath the neon lights flashing inside the newly renovated bar. No time given on the flyer, so we can only assume “desert time” (somewhere in the vicinity of 5pm-9pm).
WORTH THE DRIVE
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is offering several options for those who find themselves in the low desert on Halloween day and night. Highlights include:
A screening of fall classic Hocus Pocus, hosted by the Sanderson Sisters themselves with wands for those under 12 - 5pm (tickets)
Magician Dean Apple promising to razzle dazzle audiences of all ages at the Family Halloween Magic Show - 6pm (tickets)
Dirty Little Secrets Burlesque presenting a Halloween variety show not for the faint of heart as part of their Shock Theatre Spooktacular. Adults only - 8pm (tickets)
For their full list of programming, check out the PSCC schedule here.
EPHEMERAL OR NOT?
It was previously mentioned in the last Amado that Mercury was in retrograde until October 18. I recently learned that its shadow and trailing fallout is active until November 2. Lord help us all.
That’s it for this spoOoOoOky edition. Thanks for reading! Happy Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos.
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About me:
I’m Jenn, a hi-desert orb since 2019. I moved to Joshua Tree completely independent of the pandemic and now can’t imagine being anywhere else.
Amado in Spanish means “beloved.” It was important to me when naming this newsletter Amado that I focus on the center of it all: events that bring us together. As a new person in a new place, I wanted to immerse myself and get to know the community that would be my support system. In my short time as a local, I have found that the heart of the desert lies in its people - and the way we have formed communities to forge our bonds, especially during COVID-19, has been my own personal saving grace.
I love sharing things that I am interested in, and appreciate you are too! Til the next time.
Amado is published every Friday (formerly Thursday), pending an existential crisis. If that’s the case, it may be published on Saturdays. Sign up here so you don’t miss the next issue. Full archive of past newsletters can be accessed here.
Disclaimer: I founded and run The Grand Calavera, an events and production company for hire. Some events listed here from time to time may be special projects I am working on. Like me on Facebook and follow me on Instagram (shameless plug).
Feedback, ideas and more can be sent to thegrandcalavera@gmail.com.