Halloween is amateur night in the bar scene.
I hate to claim to be a "bar expert" because I’m pretty sure that would also classify me as an alcoholic. But my line of work means I spend a lot of time in the bars of Milwaukee. And honestly Halloween (like New Year's Eve) attracts everyone. Young and old, suburban and urban, pour into the downtown bars inevitably causing long lines, ridiculous cover charges and an over-worked bathroom attendant.
No matter how often you patronize your favorite hotspot, there is no hope of slipping in past the door guy; you’ll end up out in the cold, along with everyone else, cursing your sexy witch costume.
When you finally do make it into the garishly-decorated establishment, you’ll need cash plus credit because drink specials are far and few between. Bar owners reap every penny they can on one of the busiest nights of the year.
So what’s the easy solution for a bar-goer’s Halloween blues? The Big Halloween Gig, a party celebrating its 10th anniversary at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Harley-Davidson Museum.
Why is it any different from simply heading out to the bars? There are several undeniable reasons.
First up, while walk-ups are welcome on the night of the event, advance tickets are available online. The prior purchase alleviates any hopping from toe to toe in mini-skirt version of a pilot’s uniform trying to stay warm. Simply walk right in, without waiting in a line wrapped around the block.
Secondly, the $31 ticket price provides free tap beer, pizza and entertainment all night long. Your need for a wallet is strictly limited to generously tipping the bartender.
The musical entertainment starts with the Savini Effects, a band specializing in ghoulish Halloween soundtracks. Following with the main set, BarBeez have notoriously nearly won the costume contest every year with their extravagant stage décor and outfits. Get ready to dance and enjoy the fact that you’re not shoulder to shoulder, getting repeatedly whipped in the face with glittered angel wings.
But beyond the chance to win prizes and the sense of gratitude you’ll feel with ability to move freely from room to room, the Big Halloween Gig is the place to be because 100 percent party profits go to Variety -- The Children’s Charity.
This organization provides life-enriching assistance to Wisconsin children challenged by physical disabilities. While you are rocking the night away, fully embracing Halloween and all its ghastly glory, you are also helping a non-profit group raise money for local disabled children.
It's clearly a win-win for everyone involved.
My "expert" advice -- skip the headache of battling thousands of zombie-clad amateurs while donating to a great cause. There’s no better solution. For more details and to check out pictures of the past years’ events please go to bighalloweengig.com.
Angela returned to Milwaukee after living on both coasts and overseas. Filled with uncertainty about the move, she quickly discovered the hidden gem that is Milwaukee. The caliber of arts, music and culture as well as the ease of accessibility to it all, make Milwaukee one of a kind.
After a year of acclimating to life in Milwaukee, she is now surprised she ever doubted the return home in the first place. Exploring the different facets of Milwaukee has been an adventure she never expected and is what you'll mostly read about in this blog.