Halloween Preview Calendar

Saturday, October 11
The Fall Colors Masquerade. Enjoy a festive night with Emmy Award-winning comedian Maile Flanagan and other live entertainment. Also featured are a large silent auction, dancing, cocktails, and masks. VIP portion starts at 5:30 PM, with a five-course meal. The main event begins at 7:30 PM. Solera, 900 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. www.familyequality.org/events/gala.

Saturday, October 25
Boo Bash. Showcasing the best of Grand Avenue during the fall season, this is one pre-Halloween event to see. Participating businesses will offer trick-or-treating, fall food samples, costume contests, a pumpkin patch, and sidewalk sales. Grand Avenue, St. Paul. www.grandave.com.

Friday, October 31
Big Hair Mania. BIG is the thing. Billed as the Halloween benefit, this one is sure to be the biggest when it comes to the dos, and stylists will be on hand to help up that do. The night features Dance Band. It’s a benefit for the Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP). 8 PM. Varsity Theater, 1308 4th St. SE, Mpls. www.bighairmania.com.

Red White & Black Masquerade Ball. Join The Aliveness Project for its second annual ball, with a night of sexy costumes, hors d’oeuvres, dancing, and a silent auction. Dress in your best, and win a prize in one of the many categories. 7 PM. The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, 410 Oak Grove St., Mpls. (612) 824-5433. www.aliveness.org/ball.