It’s Halloween and partygoers can look forward to a celebration the likes of which we haven’t seen since 2003, the last year the ultimate gay holiday landed on a weekend night.

When Halloween falls on a weekday, the celebration gets drawn out and no on knows whether the big parties are the weekend before or on Halloween night. This year, there is no question: the big party is Friday, Oct. 31 – Halloween night!

For those of you who started last weekend (there were a few Halloween parties around town), wash the booze off your costume and get ready for another great party. The best way to start it off this year is at Nightmare on Normal Street.

The outdoor street party is a Hillcrest tradition, and thousands of people gather on Normal Street between Blaine and University for the event which includes a costume contest, music spun by DJ Steven Oliveri, go-go boys, alcohol and fun. The costumes are going to be amazing. The event, which runs from 7-10 p.m., is for those 21 years and older. The entry fee is $5 and proceeds go toward the programs and services at The San Diego LGBT Community Center. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1088.

For many years, one of the premier Halloween destinations has been Rich’s. This year will be no exception. The club has dubbed its party “Hillcrest’s biggest Halloween party,” and will serve as the official after party for Nightmare on Normal Street. For this special Halloween edition of the popular “Salvation” event, DJ/Producer Alexander of Los Angeles will spin, as ghoul-ghoul boys provide the eye candy around the dance floor. There will also be a costume contest with more than $1,000 in cash prizes. Rich’s will be decked out like a haunted house, and I’m sure it will look amazing. You can always count on Rich’s to go all out – from the music, to the entertainment, to the décor. Rich’s remains one of San Diego’s premier nightspots. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1088.

Bourbon Street will be another exciting place to be on Halloween night. The New Orleans-style bar will also host its costume contest with more than $2,000 in cash and prizes, including a grand prize cruise for two! Friday nights at Bourbon typically have a nice mix of guys and girls which brings a unique, fun energy to the place. A night at Bourbon Street always includes great drinks, a great atmosphere, great music and one of the best crowds in town. The best part is: there is no cover charge! For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1088.

If you want to glam it up, head over to Universal Hillcrest for the “Haunted Hollywood” party. Everything about Universal is fabulous, and I am certain it will pull off something ghoulishly-great Halloween night. Lately, Universal has been hosting more theme parties and has pulled off some fabulous events. This party will include “tricks and treats,” including a costume contest hosted by Nicole, and DJ Who on the decks. For more information, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links/1088.

These are a few of my suggestions for Halloween shenanigans. Of course, most of the bars and clubs around town will be hosting some sort of Halloween party, along with the hundreds of house parties you can crash. There will be no shortage of fun this Halloween!

Lastly, please don’t forget the importance of voting next week, on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Of utmost importance is that we defeat the awful Proposition 8, which, if passed, will amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage in California.

On Saturday, Nov. 1 at 9 p.m., club promoter Meaghan Yaple is putting together a “No on 8” candlelight vigil. The goal is to draw more than 1,000 people to line University Avenue holding candles and signs in support of the No on 8 efforts. Candles and signs will be distributed at The San Diego LGBT Community Center starting at 8:45 p.m. Please show your support before you head out to our bars and clubs for the evening. We need all the help we can get! And, of course, please vote “no” on Proposition 8 on Nov. 4.

Have a safe, happy Halloween!