Boston Halloween Deals: Boo-ston at a great price

Should we call this week’s column “Boo-ston on the Deal”? WITH Halloween On Thursday, the city will come alive with plenty of ghosts and ghouls – and something that won’t scare your wallet: freebies and deals. From joke or treat with family, cheap hot dogs and adult comedies, we’ve got you covered. And don’t worry if you prefer stay home for halloween and watch The Nightmare Before Christmas: There’s still plenty to do on the cheap all week long.

IT’S GOOD TO BE BAD On the last Monday of every month, the Capitol Theater in Arlington hosts a “Catastrophe” movie night, featuring some of the “worst” VHS movies you can find. Each surprise movie is screened Mystery Science Theater 3000 style—live commentary is encouraged—meaning guests won’t know what happens next until the film starts running. Before the show starts at 7:00 p.m., VCR owners can take part in a VHS tape swap starting at 6:30 p.m., and that’s what they mean when they say, “Bring the worst.” October 28, 6:30 p.m. Capitol Theatre, 204 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington. capitoltheatreusa.com

MUSIC OF THE NIGHT Theo Bleckmann, Grammy-nominated composer and vocalist, will join New England Conservatory student ensembles for a free live performance. The German jazz artist has recorded 17 albums, most recently with the bass quartet The Westerlies. The exhibition will feature his original works, as well as arrangements by Ives, Sylvester, Lennon and McCartney. October 30, 20–21:30. Burns Hall, 255 St. Botolph St. Necmusic.edu

CHALLENGE ALL MONSTERS It’s Halloween! Every year the Nixon Street community in Dorchester comes together to throw a Halloween party. Their fourth annual event features treats—and even more treats: free ice cream from Mr. Kool Ice Cream Truck, live DJ, hot dogs from Mig’s Dogs and a family photo booth. October 31, 16:00–20:00, 13 Nixon St. eventbrite.com

LAUGHTER IS POWER If you’re looking for a little more adult fun for the holiday, GrandTen Distilling is hosting its first Halloween social event, Ghosted. The evening will begin with spooky trivia and continue with a comedy show at 9:00 pm and an open mic. They will also be offering Mei Mei’s special dumplings for $1 all night long. October 31, from 19:00 to 23:30. GrandTen Distilling, 383 Dorchester Ave. grandten.com

TRADITIONAL TREAT There’s nothing wrong with beautiful music. Each year, the Boston Symphony Orchestra presents free live performances at venues throughout Boston. The Community Chamber Concerts series takes place this week at Hibernian Hall in Roxbury, where six musicians will play an hour-long set featuring three unique pieces. Among the selections is “Methos” by Latin American composer Gabriela Lena Frank, who was one of the co-curators of the 2023 Tanglewood Contemporary Music Festival. November 3, 3-4pm, Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley Street, No. 200. bso.org

DIFFERENT TYPES OF POTION For Halloween, Allston’s Silhouette Lounge is offering classic hot dogs for $1. There will also be several drink specials, from the $6 pumpkin beer to the Nightmare on Alston Street, a pineapple High Noon cocktail with Devil’s Reserve tequila and grenadine for $9. Special Halloween decor, a spooky playlist and a costume contest will provide plenty of fun. October 31, 16:00 – 1:00. Silhouette Lounge, 200 Brighton Ave., Allston. silentallston.com

Emily Wyrwa can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @emilywyrwa.