I swear the clock has turned back to 1998 because I have not seen this much enthusiasm around Halloween parties in years. YEARS, I tells ya. Ever since The Collective bumped up the Halloween standard, a host of other bars, restaurants and venues have been dying to get in on the gig. (Only one stupid Halloween pun is allowed per story and that was it.) Because Halloween is officially on Thursday, Oct. 31, the parties have been spread out — before and after. So get yourself to the Goodwill, you have a lot of costumes to make. Here is your Halloween rundown up and down the Midcoast.

Saturday, Oct. 26

The Collective — Rockland

8 p.m. to midnight

Join The Collective — the Farnsworth Art Museum’s newest membership group — for its third annual bash in downtown Rockland on Winter Street. Drawing on the museum’s Wonderful World of Oz exhibition, this party is not to be missed. “There will be dancing, drinking and OZing.” Drinks and light snacks will be served amongst an atmosphere created by The Collective Steering Committee and other community volunteers. Dress for Kansas or dress for Oz • Cash Bar • Tickets are limited • The bash is free for Collective members and $10 for non-Collective members. To purchase or reserve a ticket stop by the Museum Store, email membership@farnsworthmuseum.org or call 596-6457 Ext. 145.

The Black Harpoon Halloween Party — Port Clyde

9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Wear your costume, judging is at 9 p.m. Prizes for 1st (cash prize), 2nd (gift certificate prize) and 3rd (gift certificate prize). Appetizer buffet for $5 starting at 8 p.m. They will be having specialty beer for the night and several Halloween cocktails, such as "Witches Brew." 

 Trackside Station's 5th annual Halloween Bash — Rockland

9 p.m to 1 a.m.

DJ VJ will be playing all of your favorites, along with modern dance music.  “We encourage everyone to come in costume,” said owner Kelly Woods. “All of our female bartenders will be Disney princesses.” $100 cash prize for best costume. There will be drink specials. 21 and over with ID. No cover.

 The Smokestack Grill—Camden

9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

It's the Smokestack's annual Halloween party!! Costume contests with cash prizes, games, drink specials and this year, live music with JUST TEACHERS!!

 Halloween Dance at Waldoboro VFW Hall — Waldoboro

8 p.m. to close

The Waldoboro Fireman’s Association and Soule Shuman VFW Post of Waldoboro are co-hosting a public dance with Bad Penny, a country and country-rock music band, providing the music. According to Waldoboro Asst. Fire Chief Bill Maxwell, “Bad Penny is very popular in this area and was the band that helped kick off the anniversary celebration we had back in August.”

Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded for the following categories: Most Original Costume, Funniest Costume, Best Group Costume, Scariest Costume, Best Couple Costume and People’s Choice.

Cost is $8 per person and $15 per couple. For more information contact VFW Commander John Blodgett at 832-6343 or Asst. Fire Chief Bill Maxwell at 832-2161.

Front Street Pub — Belfast

9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Join them for their 9th annual Costume Party and Jager giveaway night with cash prizes.

Bowen’s Tavern — Belfast

9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The Halloween party kicks off with Octavia, a rock and roll band. They’re offering a $200 cash prize for the best costume, but you must be present for the time of the judging. Drink specials include $1.50 Rolling Rock draughts. $5 cover.

Thursday, Oct. 31

3Crow Restaurant & Bar’s Funky Halloween Dance Party — Rockland

9:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Get on the good foot and get down to great live funk, soul and classic R&B with The Groove Machine. Featuring members of Active Culture, Bim Skala Bim, Chronic Funk, Blind Albert, and the Elevator Pilots ... this is going to be a night you (and your dancin' shoes) won't want to miss. Costumes • Prizes • Drink specials • Soul Train Line • Come help tear the roof off the mutha-sucka.

FOG Bar & Cafe’s All Hallow’s Eve with The Dolphin Strikers — Rockland

9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Guess what folks, they've got The Dolphin Strikers at FOG Bar Halloween, when all the ghouls come out to play with one of the best bands in the Midcoast. There will be Halloween drink specials, and those in costume will be generously rewarded. (Think contest ...). Come one, come all, get dressed up and have a ball. 21+ with I.D., $5 Cover, Costume-like attire suggested.

Myrtle Street Tavern— Rockland

9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

The popular DJs, The 220s will be playing reggae and they’ll be offering “Scary-eoke” with a costume contest and prizes. 21+ with I.D.

Front Street Pub — Belfast

9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Join us for a Halloween party with bobbing for apples, pumpkin carving contest, pumpkin baking contest, and more. 21+ with I.D.

Three Tides: Halloween Black Light Dance Party— Belfast

 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Doors open at 8 p.m. and the music with DJ Ian Hammond, (Portland’s Penthouse Party Resident) begins at 9 p.m. 21+ with I.D.

Friday, November 1

Feast of Fools Masquerade Ball, Simonton Corner Community Hall— Rockport

7 p.m. to close

For a minor donation of $5 in advance or $7 at the door, you can join us for an evening of dancing and mystery as we encourage all who attend to come in costume! The 220s will be playing and they are not a band to miss! Their eclectic sound can play anything from the classic sound of Jimi Hendrix to the Beastie Boys and Daft Punk! To enter the costume competition, there is a small fee of $3 a person or $5 per couple, which will be awarded to the winners of best individual and best couple’s costume! For those bringing potions in which to imbibe, be sure to have your ID on you, for we will be checking them at the door. 21 and over only!

Saturday, Nov. 2

Blue Goose’s Hallo Week After — Northport

7 – 11 p.m.

The Juke Rockets will perform at the Blue Goose on Route 1 in Northport during Hallo Week After: A post-ghost fundraiser. Guests are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy fine food samplings from local restaurants and caterers, high energy blues dance music and a cash bar. There will also be a raffle featuring fabulous prizes from local businesses. Tickets are $25 per person and are available for pre-sale at Waldo County YMCA and Left Bank Books in Belfast, and at Totman's in Belmont. All proceeds benefit community nonprofit organizations Cold Comfort Productions/Belfast Maskers and the Waldo County YMCA. For more information, contact Waldo County YMCA 338-4598.

Stay tuned as more details and more events emerge! If you have a 21-and-over party that we’ve missed, please email Kay at Penobscot Bay Pilot!

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com