Halloween tricks and treats around the city

JAKARTA (JP): This weekend is the time to dress up, be creative and have fun in celebrating the hijinks of Halloween, the festival of the dead.

Entertainment spots across the city are using the Halloween spirit to lure would-be witches and ghosts to get into the spirit of the celebration.

Those who have looked to animal characters for inspiration for their Halloween costumes should blaze a trail to the Hard Rock Cafe Jakarta in the Sarinah building, Central Jakarta, for its Animal Party for Party Animals on Sunday from 9 p.m. onwards.

Face painting and fortune teller stands will highlight the event, while musicians including Armand Maulana and Asia Reforms Band will perform animal-themed songs like Survivor's Eye of the Tiger and The Cranberries' Animal Instinct.

Live bands and DJs at Jalan-Jalan Cafe in Kuningan, South Jakarta will be on hand to entertain spooky characters coming out for a night of terrific fun.

Jalan-Jalan will present a Tower of Terror "Act like One" contest on Saturday by providing free makeup for those who want to look their scary best. Giving the lowdown on things which go bump in the night will be the "Interview with the Vampire" show, featuring female impersonator Tata Dado and the Silver Ghosts.

Illusionist Deddy Corbuzier will present his magical performances at The Regent Jakarta on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31. The hotel's restaurants are also offering unique Halloween-themed names of their beverages, such as Brain Tumor and Scarecrow cocktails.

Ghostly ghouls and frolicking phantoms are set to keep guests on their toes at Tiga Puluh Music Bar at Le Meridien Jakarta on Saturday. The bar's roster of Halloween thrills includes singer Shakila, a circus troupe and spectacular gypsy dancing.

Get ready to party until you drop or that ghoulish get-up becomes too hot to handle. Either way, make the annual fright night one to remember. (ste)