It’s hard not to come up with something corny when celebrating Halloween on a massive scale. Thus, any New York based expressions of the spooky event will, most likely, contain elements conducive to eye rolling.

However, if you take a step back to appreciate parade-goers’ intricate costume designs and just how beautiful hundreds of jack o’lanterns look when arranged in the shape of a small train, you may find yourself seeing the classy side of, say, New York’s Halloween Parade or an exhibition north of the city dedicated to showcasing carved pumpkins. That being said, keep an open mind when considering the following places to celebrate Halloween this year.
 

Saturday, October 24, 9 PM

With a mysterious description including phrases like “choose your own adventure” and “secret location,” this weekend before Halloween party seems like it will take attendees off the beaten Halloween path and in the direction of something unexpected. If partygoers do follow in the aesthetic of Mr. Burton, the vibe will be stylishly creepy—no hoards of people wearing “Scream” masks here. (Tickets and more details here)
 

Friday, October 30, 9 PM

Part of The Dirty Diamonds tour, this Halloween party requires only a $5 entry fee and the will to dance for hours. More focused on good music than on gimmicks, the party should offer a chill crowd and reasonably priced drinks. (Friends and Lovers, 641 Classon Ave., Brooklyn; 917-979-3060)

Saturday, October 31, 7 PM

It’s just too classic to be corny. Plus, since it is in the very essence of a parade to be corny, you can hardly judge the festivity based on that criteria. As far as parades go, this one is worth attending for the inspired costumes and years of cumulative energy. There’s always something to be said for a Halloween tradition. (Starts 6th Ave. between Canal and Spring Sts.)
 

Saturday, October 31, 9 PM

Your requisite East Williamsburg Halloween warehouse option, this one seems like it might be worth the $65+ it costs to get in. Multiple stages, “mutant vehicles,” performers from Coney Island, and a bouncy castle all sound pretty enticing. Headlining performers include Hayden James and Louis the Child. It goes without saying that the alcohol will be running freely (not to be confused with it being actually free—you’ll have to pay for it separately from the party’s entry fee). (Secret location; Tickets here)
 

This actually astounding, pumpkin-fueled feat takes place in Sleepy Hollow, so you can’t get much more authentically Halloween than that. Comprising over 10,000 intricately carved pumpkins, the Blaze offers a range of experiences both spooky and beautiful (depending on your mood, of course) in addition to snacks and cider. Though family friendly, you can easily make this a flask-sporting kind of event. (Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 South Riverside Ave., Croton-on-Hudson; Tickets here)
 

Go to one. I know you can find one, even via a tenuous connection like a friend of a friend of a cousin. It will be cheaper and less corny than any paid entry event NYC has to offer. Also, BYOB. (Some apartment; Your friend’s cell)

Photo via Flickr user PaulSteinJC