Halloween is one holiday that is generally loved by all. Girls love it because they get to dress up in slutty costumes, guys love it because girls get dressed up in slutty costumes, and everyone uses it as an excuse to get drunk and make bad decisions in public. But where to make these bad decisions? As always, New York City has an absurd amount of shows for all types of music fans. Don’t miss out – check out this complete New York City Halloween Live Music Guide to all the week’s festivities.
Friday, October 26th
What: Trey Anastasio Band
Where: Beacon Theater
Why:Â The Phish front man has just released a solid new album with some tracks that should be rocking live. Trey’s solo tour allows fans to see the guitarist in a much more intimate setting, and it’s a great chance to hear him backed by some horns.
What: Everyone Orchestra (post Trey Anastasio)
Where: Sullivan Hall
Why: Matt Butler conducts an ever changing ensemble of musicians as the ‘Everyone Orchestra’, creating one of the most unique musical experiences today. The band for this run includes Jon Fishman from Phish and John Kadlecik from Furthur.
What: Sensation
Where: Barclays Center
Why: Sensation has been throwing events for years in Europe, and American dance fans have been clamoring for the world famous dance festival to finally make it’s American debut. Sensation mixes top quality DJs with an absurd visual showcase that really must be experienced to full understand. The event is headlined by Fedde Le Grand with support from Dennis Ferrer, Joris Voorn, and Nic Fanciulli.
What: Knife Party’s Haunted House Tour
Where: Pier 94
Why: If you’re into a little bit harder electronic music, electro house duo Knife Party are some of the hottest in the game right now. They’re bringing a ton of top level support to New York, including Tommy Trash, Kill The Noise, and and Bauer.
What: Halloween Girls and Boys featuring Crookers
Where: Webster Hall
Why: Girls and Boys hosts New York City’s best weekly electro party every Friday at Webster Hall, and are known for bring some of the worlds best talent to the decks nightly. They promise a ‘very special’ halloween edition this Friday, with Italian DJ duo Crookers and Fool’s Gold Records co-founder Nick Catchdubs.
Saturday, October 27
What: Sensation
Where: Barclays Center
Why: Sensation returns to the Barclays Center for a second night of house music madness. Headliner Fedde Le Grand and Sensation figurehead Mr. White will return, but support will switch up to Danny Tenaglia, 2000 and One, and Mark Knight.
What: Major Lazer
Where: Terminal 5
Why: Diplo’s dancehall project has become a fan favorite due to high energy live shows full of crazy dance moves, booty shaking, and of course, lasers. Songs like ‘Pon de Floor’ have become dance floor staples, and Diplo never seems to disappoint behind the decks.
What: NERO
Where: Hammerstein Ballroom
Why: British dubstep duo Nero have more hits than you can count. Their latest album, ‘Welcome Reality’, solidified them as heavyweights within their genre. Vocalist Alana will be performing live as well. They’ll be joined by Adventure Club, FareOH, and Girls and Boys resident Alex English.
What: Equifunk All- Stars
Where: Beekman Beer Garden
Why:  Equifunk: The All-Inclusive Music Festival is hosting Eddie Roberts (The New Mastersounds), Adam Scone (Mofro), Jermal Watson (Dirty Dozen Brass Band), Steven Bernstein (Levon Helm Band), and Peter Apfelbaum (Trey Anastasio Band).  The Lawn Boys will be playing a “Greatest Hits” Phish set from all of Phish’s famous Halloween Costume sets from all over the years.  The event is All-Inclusive, which will include: Ticket, Top Shelf Open Bar, and Coat Check.
What: All Mixed Up feat. Sebastian Ingrosso
Where: Pier 94 and Nassau Colliseum
Why: Swedish House Mafia member Sebastian Ingrosso is attempting to do something that sounds a little crazy. Two shows in two different venues in two different parts of New York – at the same time. Creative set times will allow this feat to go off without a hitch. Ingrosso is bringing along fan favorite Alesso, as well as Otto Knows along for the ride.
What: Everyone Orchestra
Where: Sullivan Hall
Why: Matt Butler’s Everyone Orchestra will return to the Sullivan Hall for the second night of a three night residency. This time, the show starts at 8:30, rather than late night.
Sunday, October 28
What: Trey Anastasio Band
Where: The Capitol Theater
Why: If you missed Trey Anastasio at the Beacon Theater on Friday, he’s back in Port Chester at the brand New Capitol Theater on Sunday. The new venue is fantastic, featuring an open floor as well and balcony seating, as well as psychedelic projections on the walls and ceiling.
What: Rusko
Where: Pacha
Why: This dubstep packed weekend continues as Rusko takes over Pacha for what will surely be a crazy event. Rusko’s lat New York show at Terminal 5 was fantastic, and you should expect nothing less this time around.
What: Everyone Orchestra
Where: Sullivan Hall
Why: Matt Butler’s Everyone Orchestra wraps up their three night run at Sullivan Hall.
What: Wu Block Party
Where: Highline Ballroom
Why: If you’re in the mood for some hip hop this weekend, the Wu Block Party returns to the Highline Ballroom. The collaboration between members of the Wu Tang Clan and D-Block includes Ghostface Killah, Sheek Louch, and Saigon.
Wednesday, October 31
What: The Meter Men featuring Page McConnell
Where: BB King’s Blues Club
Why: The Meters are known to be one of the most influential funk bands to come out of New Orleans. Bassist George Porter Jr. has assembled The Meter Men, comprised of original Meters members Leo Nocentelli and Ziggy Modeliste, in addition to Phish keyboardist Page McConnell. This line up promises to be an amazing night of funk music.
What: The Smashing Pumpkins
Where: Barclays Center
Why: Alt rock faves The Smashing Pumpkins head to the brand new Barclays Center to rock out on Halloween. While at this point, the band’s only original member is front man Billy Corgan, the band’s latest album, Oceania, received generally positive reviews.