Matthew Moyer

“Make heaven crowded again!” is the mission statement of the deliciously on-point traveling drag revue Turning Point U.S. Gay. Oh yes, hostess Lauren Banall (a sublime

Much as Dracula had a mysterious mental grip on his faithful servant Renfield, so he has a hold on Orlando-rooted actors Paul Vogt and Kelly Bashar.

Participants have one hour to decipher clues and photograph matching graves and monuments. The free event is part of TalkDeath's mission to normalize conversations about mortality and see cemeteries as more than final resting places. Prizes await those who find 13 clues (not ghosts!) first, uncover the most clues or snap the most creative photos.

It's a lucky 13th year for dog-lovers as Barktoberfest is back at Lake Eola Park with furry friends (and fiends) as far as the eye can see. Orange County Animal Services teams with a plethora of local animal rescue operations to shine the spotlight on plenty of adoptable pets all patiently awaiting their new human companions, as well as vendors and food trucks. Dog owners are encouraged to bring along their own pooches, and if they happen to be in a cute or chilling costume, well, so much the better.

The late-evening Devil's Night event is a first for OMA and they're going all out with a costume contest, themed drinks, light bites, a DJ (and attendant dancing) and a photobooth. And Phantasmagoria, fresh off a run of Frankenstein performances, will be there to ply their fell trade in the galleries, bringing new and chilling meaning to the word “immersive.” Also expect “mysterious characters and unexpected surprises.” Promise?

The spooky institution that is Psycho '78 doing their annual full-bore Misfits set is always welcome; a GG Allin tribute act called GG Ellin has us intrigued despite ourselves; and hardcore firebrands M.A.C.E. doing a Bauhaus tribute set as Interlude With a Vampire Haus is almost wishcasting for us. Also expect takes on AFI, Alkaline Trio, Jawbreaker and Control This! performing a “Skalloween” set. Our only quibble: No Cramps?

Now they're closing on Halloween night and, fittingly for a space that has never shied away from a good conceptual soiree, with a funeral-themed party. There will be a photo booth, and the back patio will be open like the old days (the pre-paid-parking lot days!). Come raise a glass to two folks who did it their way until the very end.

Feeling bitter about living in the shadow of imminent economic collapse? Scottish comedian Daniel Sloss might just commiserate onstage at Steinmetz Hall Friday. He's taking his new show, Bitter — a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, so let's see how it translates from one Fringe-y town to another — all around the States (with his family in tow, for real) on an extensive theater run as part of a worldwide campaign.

If you're all spooky season'd out and instead want to spend Halloween taking in some terrifyingly good new theatrical works, the first weekend of PlayFest is where you need to be. You'll be treated to staged readings of six plays and get to engage with the playwright and company in a talkback afterwards.

Horror con Spooky Empire, much like a good slasher-flick villain, is back for another installment in Orlando on Halloween weekend.