It’s finally thriller time, and Oshawa is jam-packed with exciting events! Coming on the heels of another successful Convergence Music & Art Festival, with its out-of-this-world theme and Punk Rock Flea Market Oshawa, Oshawa has shown that it knows how to party!
Kick things off at Parkwood Estate (270 Simcoe Street North) on Thursday, October 3, for their Halloween CharSPOOKerie and Mentalist Show from 6 to 8 p.m. Featuring skewers of artisanal cheeses such as smoked gouda and brie, savoury meats such as prosciutto and salami flowers, and delicious treats including butter tarts and chocolate-covered strawberries, the sunroom of Parkwood Estate is certainly the place to beta test your costumes. Then, enjoy having your mind read, spoons bending in your hand, and objects moving simply with thought by performer D.L Black, The Black Hatter. Perfect for date night, enjoy the tricks of the mentalist and the treats of a delicious charcuterie spread.
On Saturday, October 5, grab some friends and head over to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 (471 Simcoe Street, South Oshawa) for their 50 Shades of Fun Halloween Style Dirty Bingo. Hosted by Community Plus Durham, the event starting at 7 p.m. is predicted to be a roar of laughter, table games, door prizes, a swag bag, and dancing into the wee hours of the morning. With a jackpot prize of $800 and a portion of proceeds going to Mamma Meow’s Cat Rescue, Feed the Need Durham, and the Community Plus Durham Small Business and Advertising Program, this after-hours event is primed to be not only exciting but in support of excellent local endeavours. Tickets are $50, and tables must be registered (or else you will be randomly seated), so be sure to book fast.
If you are more of the stay home and find entertainment from my living room, my candle, and my books type, be sure to check out this online (and travelling) bookstore: introducing Quips & Quills Bookshop. From their successful “Grown Folks Book Fair” at Cork and Bean in Oshawa last June, Quips & Quills has only grown. Including thrillers by author Abigail Grimes and erotica from writer Caycie Thompson, to name a few, this local, Black woman-owned bookshop has titles, workshops, poetry, and musings that will definitely make this spooky season both cozy and to die for…
If you cannot get enough ghosties like me, be sure to get your bookmarks from ArtWithaKOfficial or some décor from lil spirit co. These hand-crafted treats make excellent gifts for the girlfriends and goblins in our lives.
Whether you enjoy your book with the coffee from the Deadly Grounds Horror Cafe or get caffeinated for a fun night out, this month has something for everyone. Friday, October 25, is when you can expect the second annual Halloween Crawl. Partnered with DRTT and Xtreme RC, check out some cool cars, enjoy prizes, and enter for your chance to win raffles. Starting at the Harmony Valley Conservation Area, it sounds like an event for the whole family!
For a live music experience, Wicked Truth plays at Bullocks Pub and Kitchen (555 Rossland Road East) on Friday, October 25, at 9 p.m. This award-winning band is famous for its medleys, mash-ups, and original compositions. Featuring tunes from your favourite artists, Wicked Truth’s Halloween set is already much anticipated.
If you haven’t heard already, Oshawa has a new roller rink. SUSO (short for Summer Solstice) Skate Co. has taken over the old Sears in the Oshawa Centre (419 King Street West) and made it a hub for roller skating enthusiasts. Whether you are just learning or looking for a community, SUSO has a calendar of events that you will surely find energizing. On October 30, check out their Wicked Wednesday event from 5 to 7 p.m. If you are over the age of 16, stay for the Costume Social from 7 to 9 p.m. The next day, SUSO’s all-ages skate is from 4 to 7 p.m., and adult skate is from 7 to 9 p.m. Costumes are highly encouraged for both days and among all age groups!
On Halloween Day, Thursday, October 31, the Biltmore Theatre (39 King Street East) is screening The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Bring friends and family to indulge in this classic. Starting at 7:30 p.m., costumes are encouraged for this 19+ event. The website warns, however, “Please no Prunes or open flames,” and “We only have one toaster on site.”
Oshawa knows how to have a good time all year round, but this Halloween is gearing up to stand out. The fear factor of Oshawa has even attracted major filmmakers, as scenes of Stephen King’s IT (2019) were filmed at the corner of James Street and Eulalie Avenue. With small businesses like Occultly Crafted, Misty Moon Co., Jacpot Pottery and more staples from Punk Rock Flea Market Oshawa surely creating crafts for the season, the community spirit that is always present in Oshawa doesn’t disappoint. Whether it is the staples from last year, including the Anderson’s Charity Haunted House, Fear Forest at Battle City Laser Tag, or Trunk-or-Treat in support of our young and old trick-or-treaters, there is so much to do during this month of expressing your truest self. I hope everyone enjoys pulling some tarot, casting some spells, having a movie marathon, or however else they enjoy their fright night!
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