Halloween bashes feature live music

As Halloween approaches, Sussex County comes alive with musical delights, complemented by a range of Halloween parties and costume contests.

Friday, Oct. 27

Get your evening started at McQ’s Pub at Lake Lenape, 165 Andover Sparta Road, Newton, where Barry McArdle will set the stage for a night of enchanting melodies at 6 p.m.

For a dose of classic rock covers, make your way to the Skylands Craft Beer & Wine Garden, 447 Route 284, Wantage, at 6:30 p.m., where the DUG the Band rock trio will have you grooving to your favorite tunes.

At Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta, prepare to be delighted as Carl Pariso takes the stage, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

While Pariso is a Nashville-based musician, he’s a Sussex County native, and he’s all set to treat his home audience to his distinctive blend of pop/rock infused with traditional Americana influences.

Also starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Glenwood, 2 Vernon Crossing Road, Vernon, listen to the acoustic musings of Sean O’Flynn.

The band Roxon will be performing a mix of classic rock and country tunes at 7 p.m. at Blue Arrow Farm, 86 Glenwood Road, Pine Island, N.Y.

For a wide-ranging musical experience, make your way to Brick & Brew, 27 Route 23, Franklin, at 8 p.m. Wind Up Monkey will take the stage, promising a mix of cover band classics, including rock, country, pop, party dance and hip-hop.

Saturday, Oct. 28

Start your day at the Sparta Farmers Market, 89 S. Sparta Ave., and enjoy the sounds of seasoned musician Scott Ringle, who has been playing for more than three decades.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Footbridge Park, Paulinskill Valley Trail, Blairstown, revel in the Blairstown Fall Festival. This event features performances by the pop/rock band Waterstreet and singer-songwriter Dani Zanoni.

Or switch it up and enjoy Celtic punk and classic rock favorites at McQ’s Pub at Lake Lenape at 6 p.m., where Kill Van Kelts will be performing as part of the Halloween and costume contest party!

Get ready for a Funky Halloween Bash with Milo Z at the Stanhope House, 45 Main St., at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

If you’re in the mood for some non-stop rock, make your way to Milk Street Distillery, 1 Milk St., Branchville, at 7 p.m. The Acoustic Wolves will provide the tunes for a night of dancing and enjoyment.

Hef’s Hut Bar and Grill, 414 County Road 517, Vernon, welcomes local favorite Maribyrd at 8 p.m., promising a memorable night of acoustic tunes.

Brick & Brew will host a Halloween Party starting at 8 p.m. It includes drink specials, a costume contest, prizes, and a Down 2 Earth Band performance.

For a unique musical experience, head to the Newton Theatre, 234 Spring St., at 8 p.m., where the Rod Experience will transport you back in time with a historical tribute to Rod Stewart.

This replica of Rod Stewart’s world tour shows from the ‘70s and early ’80s will feature former band member Carmine Appice, with a production that has multimedia elements and historical trivia. Tickets start at $44 and may be purchased online at https://skypac.org

Sunday, Oct. 29

Cap off the weekend at Angry Erik Brewing, 2 Camre Drive, Newton, at 2:30 p.m., where John Cain will perform acoustic classics and modern rock.

Tuesday, Oct. 31

On Halloween night, visit the Stanhope House for a drag show from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Tickets for this spooktacular event are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Wednesday, Nov. 1

Visit McQ’s Pub, where Sean Henry will perform from 5 to 9 p.m. As a multi-instrumentalist, he plays multiple genres of music in multiple bands, promising a varied and entertaining evening.

Thursday, Nov. 2

Starting at 6 p.m. at the Homestead Rest, 294 N. Church Road, Sparta, it’s your chance to show off your skills or just enjoy the tunes during the open mic night. Sign-ups begin at 5:30.

At Krogh’s at 6:30 p.m., Bill Ruddy will perform music that caters to a broad audience, spanning acoustic music from the ’50s to today.

Send information to Stef at themicnj@gmail.com