My favorite and most BOO-tiful season is upon us, though with temps heading back up toward triple digits, it may feel more feverish than fall-ish. But even if Halloween proves to be equal parts scary and sweaty, there’s plenty of reasons to revel – from award-winning stories to heart-warming movie masters, a den of delusions and a poetic house of ill repute, to a musical performance that’ll Light your night, Oktoberfest(s) galore and plenty of gore, here’s your Guide To The Good Stuff…

Story Time

Everybody’s got a story.  And The Moth’s “StorySLAM” is the place to tell it. Since its inception in 1997, The Moth has become a global storytelling event sensation, creating international opportunities for ordinary folks to share extraordinary experiences of their own lives with devoted audiences who get to laugh, cry, and be moved in myriad ways by these tales from strangers.

PS, it’s also a competition, with audience judges declaring a winner. This month’s SLAM theme is “Frenemies.” So if you’re still seething about that best friend who stole your boyfriend in the 9^th grade, now’s your chance to let it out, girl! Happening Wednesday, October 21^st at 7:30 pm at Jam in the Van – which sounds like a story in and of itself. 3384 Motor Ave in West Los Angeles.  GET THE DETAILS.

A Wonderful Life

“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” For anyone who’s every sobbed with joy at the end of the Christmas classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life” (me, every time!), you have Frank Capra to thank. But Mr. Capra gave us “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington,” “You Can’t Take It With You,” and “It Happened One Night” – beloved classics that gave rise to the term “Capra-esque” as glowing visions of humanity at its most admirable.  Author and film historian Sam Wasson’s new book, “Frank Capra,” paints a detailed portrait of the artist, the man, and the Hollywood era that shaped both.  Wasson discusses his book at a Writer’s Bloc event on Monday, October 26^th, 7:30pm at the Ebell of Los Angeles, 741 S. Lucerne Blvd. If your heart could use a smile, bring it to this. GET THE DETAILS.

Let There Be Light…With Music

“The Light We Leave Behind” is a live concert performed completely on water, further described as “an evening where architecture, hospitality, and live music become one continuous experience.” I have no idea what that means, but it sounds intriguing, and you don’t need a life jacket. But it looks cool, and it’s selling out, so it must be worth the price of admission – especially since they don’t even give you the address of the venue until after you book your reservation. Again, intrigue!  The “experience” happens the next two weekends, through October 11^th with multiple shows each night.  And there’s a “snow lounge”! Ski boots optional.   GET THE DETAILS.

Den Of Delusion

Interactive theater takes a supernatural turn at “Delusion: Den of the Mosquito.”  Set in a brothel in 1920’s New Orleans and featuring “mystery, mobsters, monsters, and of course, vampire prostitutes (are there any other kind in New Orleans?), “Delusion” puts you into the story – and lets you channel your inner Anne Rice to boot.  The experience happens Wednesdays through Sundays through the month of October.  At The Beckett Mansion, 2218 S. Harvard Blvd in Los Angeles.  BYOC (Bring Your Own Crawfish.) GET THE DETAILS.

 Poetry Brothel

“Immersive” seems to be the description du jour for live experiences lately, so we’re going with the flow here.  “Poetry Brothel” – I’m in, just from the name – is a “literary cabaret that fuses poetry, vaudeville, activism, live music, visual art” and several et ceteras that make it sound ambitious, to say the least. Especially given that it all happens in one night.  Sunday, October 18^th, 6:00 pm at Sassafras Saloon, 1233 Vine St. in Hollywood. Roses are red, violets are blue, rhymes in a brothel, well that’s new! GET THE DETAILS.

Oktoberfest(S) For All

We’re here, for beer, get used to it!  You don’t have to go to Germany to get your fill of hops & barley beverages in large crowds, LA is dripping with them. Oktoberfest is everywhere, and you can raise a glass at numerous venues in and around the Southland.  Here’s a handy list for your hoisting pleasure. Cheers! GET THE DETAILS.

Hooray For Halloween

 Hip, hip, hallooow!  I love Halloween, and L.A. is rife with offerings for any kind of festivity that floats your boat.  My favorite option this year for the over-21crowd?  “Nightmare on Strip Street.” As its name implies, it’s a burlesque parody of horror films (aka BOO-ty fest). ‘Nuff said.  A close second would be “Drunk Dracula” – in case you missed it last month. And of course, there’s LA’s most famous Halloween happening, the West Hollywood Carnaval – a cornucopia of costumery and raucous behavior, vibing with good ol’ fashioned neighborhood community spirit. See below for info on these events, and all kinds of alternatives to get your ghost on. GET THE DETAILS.