Haute Horror

By Jen Smith

Every year, right about now, a sense of mystery arrives in a city that already embraces the wild and wacky side of entertainment. As Halloween approaches, Summerlin and the surrounding areas welcome seasonal events and parties for families and visitors alike. Discover the best in high-end horror this season, from themed desserts to costumes.

A Spooky Stay

Relax — or run for your life — in a truly terrifying getaway

Halloween Suite

Westgate Las Vegas

As a hotel renowned for its themed suites with staggering square footage, the Westgate Hotel showcases of “spooky sophistication,” standing ready for reservations for everyone’s favorite October holiday. The Halloween Suite captures that haunted essence with 1,160 square feet of black leather and dark velvet furniture, a giant spider keeping watch over the bedroom, candelabra lighting and skull decorations throughout. A separate living room makes watching those Halloween films extra comfortable, with the right amount of creepiness, and guests can enjoy the wet bar, provided they are among the living.

For the Halloween Suite, nightly stay prices vary in October. Can’t get enough of the holiday décor? Westgate also offers a Day of the Dead suite, complete with vibrant colors and traditional Mexican calavera, to celebrate long after the sun rises on November 1. westgateresorts.com

Costume Calamity

Suit up for nights of fun and frights

On Stage Essentials

Las Vegas

Forget scrolling online for that showstopping Halloween costume. A brand-new cut and sew destination has arrived in Las Vegas, backed by design talent that has dressed the biggest stars in the business. On Stage Essentials was founded by Natali Germanotta — also known as Lady Gaga’s sister — whose needlemaster talents have dressed the likes of Gwen Stefani, Austin Butler, Brandi Carlile and, of course, Lady Gaga herself. Along with her business partner, photographer and systems expert Alex Dolan, the pair oversees a design shop that caters to creatives with a talent for needle and thread projects. From feathers and fabrics to colorful trims and essential tools, On Stage Essentials provides materials that support the city’s costume designers and professional craft workers. To discover “where costumes begin,” visit On Stage Essentials at 3550 East Post Road in Suite 200, just east of the Harry Reid International Airport. onstageessentials.com

DISCOSHOW

The LINQ

When New York City vibes meet the psychedelic energy of the ’70s, the result is a glitter-soaked disco party, so bust out the go-go boots and layer on the sequins.

The Strip’s resident dance party, DISCOSHOW, puts on a costume extravaganza where everyone is invited to join in. As an interactive performance, the show’s resident divas move among the crowds, inviting everyone to get up and show off their best moves. Don’t miss out on a meal at Diner Ross, the adjacent eatery serving colorful takes on steakhouse delights, from seafood starters to steak cuts and the Delancy burger with a short rib and brisket blend patty, muenster cheese, a sour cherry aioli, cornichon and dipping sauce.

Two admission times are available on Halloween, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and there are shows every Wednesday through Sunday night in October. spiegelworld.com

No Tricks, Only Treats

Hit the town for fiery flavors and sweet sips

Diablo Skull en Fuego

Mijo

This dessert didn’t escape from the depths of the underworld, but its flavor — and flames — are sinfully delicious. Mijo Modern Mexican eatery offers a Diablo Skull en Fuego as one of its succulent dessert delights. A nearly life-sized chocolate skull sits on a plate adorned with flower petals, as an omen leading into the performative act of pouring flaming chocolate mocha sauce all over the top. The showmanship doesn’t stop there, as the skull reveals a soft and decadent chocolate flan cake, set on a bright bed of fruit salsa.

Taste the Diablo Skull en Fuego at Mijo in Durango Casino & Resort for $19. For more mystery, visit the Wax Rabbit speakeasy located just steps away from Mijo’s main entrance. mijomexican.com

Smoky Coconut

Triple Crown Cigar Lounge

Can mixology be magic? At Triple Crown Cigar Lounge, the answer is a resounding yes.

Along with handpicked cigars and a comfortable lounge space, Triple Crown carries a high-quality cocktail list that caters to every kind of drinker. Its current program specializes in Old Fashioneds and bespoke drinks of all kinds.

The Smoky Coconut boasts tropical flavors with a striking presentation. This monochromatic cocktail is made with Appleton 8 rum, Producer Mezcal Espadín, a flavorful coconut syrup and pineapple juice, balancing the strength of the spirits (no pun intended) with layers of fruity sweetness. Garnished with a Luxardo cherry, nutmeg and a dried dragonfruit slice, the contrasting colors complement the bright mix of ingredients. No hocus-pocus here. Order one for $17 to enjoy seven nights a week in this Town Square hotspot. triplecrowncigarlounge.com

Eerie Entertainment

Enjoy an undead undertaking, or cozy up with a fright-night flick

Luxury Movie Suites

Regal Red Rock

Turn that scary movie night into a private outing. Red Rock Resort’s resident movie theater provides an exclusive VIP experience in its luxury movie booths. Six spaces accommodating 18-20 moviegoers are available for rent, with the option to add full food and beverage service. Along with a private area, a dedicated bartender can be reserved for the event. Pre-order refreshments from the room dining menu for a minimum spend of $200. Visitors can choose from any film currently in theaters and also join a waitlist for upcoming releases.

Pricing starts at $550 for up to 8 guests and $1,100 for up to 20 guests per movie. A new movie release is available every Thursday, so keep an eye out for seasonal scares, to make a festive selection. Contact the Red Rock team for reservations. redrockresort.com

Zone 2: The Terminals

AREA15

Even more madness has descended on the city’s beloved creative collective. AREA15 welcomed 35 more acres of activities earlier this summer, with more to come, including a Boeing 747 converted into a cocktail space descended straight from the dunes of Burning Man. The expansion, dubbed Zone 2: The Terminals, will include local staples such as Saint Honoré doughnuts and Nacho Daddy alongside recreational and retail favorites like Dolls Kill apparel and iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Dozens of new murals and sculptures dot the grounds in this record-breaking installation.

Along with the expansion comes Universal Horror Unleashed, a collection of four seriously spine-chilling haunted houses that thrill with jump scares and costumes.

Watch out for the ScAREA15 massive and its frightening fun alongside the new additions. area15.com