Halloween night isn’t just for kids. While you might need to do a little more work than ringing some doorbells to have fun during the spookiest night of the year, you have lots of options for making Halloween memorable. One of the best ways to celebrate the fall season might have been under your nose this whole time. This year, ditch the boring, scary movie party at your neighbor’s house and invite them to join you on a bar crawl that turns this night into a truly thrill-inducing experience.

What Happens During a Bar Crawl?

Bar crawls involve visiting multiple venues over the course of the night, where you can sample new drinks and listen to some of the hottest DJs and bands around. Usually, bar crawls are open to anyone who wants to join, making this a great way to meet other people enjoying the night. Being on an organized bar crawl also gives you perks, such as waiving the door cover charge.

What Types of Costumes Do People Wear?

You can see just about any costume you can imagine on a bar crawl. On a Halloween bar crawl, you can expect to see the usual scary costumes, including zombies, ghosts and ghouls. Some couples and groups dress up around a theme, such as comic book heroes. While you can go on a bar crawl without a costume, most people find that it is fun to wear something that brings out their wild side.

Are Bar Crawls Safe for Solo Revelers?

As a solo traveler, it’s always a good idea to explore big cities with a group whenever it’s possible. Since bar crawls often start and end at the same location, you’ll already have some built-in pals who are willing to look out for each other. Remember that you’ll still want to follow the usual safety protocols for solo travelers. Since you’ll likely be drinking, remember to watch how much you imbibe and have a safe plan for getting home when you’re all done.

What Should You Bring On a Halloween Bar Crawl?

You’ll definitely want to wear comfortable shoes that make it possible to walk from one bar to the next. Many bars may also request cash for buying drinks or handling the cover charge, so make sure to check ahead of time and plan accordingly. You’ll also want to bring your smartphone along to take pictures throughout the night. If you’re worried about your phone’s low battery, bringing a portable charger is a good idea.

How Do You Prep for a Bar Crawl?

Some people prefer to do a little pre-gaming to help them be ready to sample multiple drinks throughout the night. You should eat a light meal before you head out and consider drinking water between each drink at the bars you visit. If you’re curious about what to expect, you can also check out the digital bar list to research the included venues. Knowing which bars offer special drinks and the dress codes helps you plan ahead.

What Happens After the Event Is Over?

Many bar crawls leave the night open-ended, but you can also finish the night out at an after-party that is included in the event. Following the itinerary lets you know when the event will end so you can hit all of the bars on your digital list. If you’ve made some new friends during the crawl, then you may also opt to head out for an early breakfast or late-night meal to trade photos and memories of your best Halloween night ever.

Making your bar crawl an annual event is a great way always to know that Halloween will be the best night of the year. Not only will you get to escape having to answer the door multiple times an hour, but you’ll also have the perfect excuse to dress up in an awesome costume. Whether you decide to dress up as a superhero or a daring firefighter is up to you. No matter what you go as you can bet that this Halloween will be a real adventure.