Halloween is the only time of the year when lions, tigers and bears can take on an entirely un Oz-like meaning. Luckily, Halloween falls on a Friday this year, so that means not worrying about stumbling into work with a frankenstein-sized hangover the next day. Baltimore has plenty of awesome events and parties to choose from, so put on your most creative costume and head out amongst the ghosts, ghouls, goblins and more for a good time.

Federal Hilloween
October 31, 6 PM–12 AM
Mother’s Grille (1113 S Charles St.; 410-244-8686)
Come in costume to bar hop (or crawl, depending on how many you have) between 17 bars and restaurants in Fed Hill. Specials include $2.50 Miller Lites, $2.50 Blue Moons, $3.50 Redd’s Wicked Apple Ales, food deals and a costume contest. Buy tickets for $15 here. 

Spirit’s Boo Cruise
October 31, 9PM–12:30 AM
Inner Harbor (866-312-2469)
Spend Halloween on the Harbor while on the spooky Spirit’s Boo Cruise. Costume contest, food and entertainment are included in the $44.90 ticket cost. Beer, wine, and liquor can be purchased on board. Tickets available here. 

Urban Pirates’ Adult B.Y.O.G. Cruise
October 31, 5:30, 7, 8:30, and 10 PM
Urban Pirates (911 S Ann St.; 410-327-8378)
Kick off Halloween with some ghostly grog and partying pirates. This adults-only cruise around the Harbor invites adults to come out for some spooky sailing, and to bring the “grog” of their choice. Beer, wine, liquor and mixers are allowed.

The Fell’s Point Haunted Pub Walk
Various Times
Fell’s Point Square (731 S Broadway; 800-979-3370)
From 5–7 PM every Saturday through November, enjoy a stroll through Fell’s Point with a tour guide from Baltimore Ghost Tour. Pop into many of the quaint waterfront communities oldest pubs while hearing some spooky stories.

PINK-O-WEEN
October 31, 8 PM
Hard Rock Cafe (601 E Pratt St.; 410-347-7625)
Hard Rock Cafe is mixing the holiday’s spookiness with fundraising for Breast Cancer Awareness month. A live performance from Leather & Lace, a Stevie Nicks Tribute Band is on tap, as well a costume contest with promised quality prizes. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door to benefit The Tyanna Foundation.

Halloween PubCrawl Baltimore
October 30, 31, November 1, 5 PM
The Point in Fells (1738 Thames St.; 410-327-7264)
Looking for a pub crawl of ghostly proportions? Check out this three day drink fest - all treats, no tricks. Prices range from $15.66 to $21.95 (the latter being the cost for access for all three days) and include cup, event wristband, and specials at a half dozen or more bars in Fell’s Point. Get your ticket here.

Annual Halloween Bash
October 31 & November 1, 9 PM
Poncabird Pub (1719 Poncabird Pass; 410-631-7530)
This off-the-beaten-path pub is hosting DJ Brandon Gill and serving up specials like $3 shots, $5 Crushes and $2 Bud and Bud Light bottles. Cash prizes are available for the best costumes and free giveaways are promised as well.

6th Annual Halloween Party: Ballyhoo Presents The Dead 80s
October 31, 7 PM
Baltimore Sound Stage (124 Market Pl.; 410-244-0057)
If you’re always looking for a good reason to strap on some lace gloves or wear neon, this 80s themed Halloween celebration is for you. Open to all ages, tickets are $18 each.

Photo via Flickr