Halloween Hoedown at the Hammer

This Friday, the Hammer Museum at UCLA will host a bluegrass-infused Halloween party. Joshua Tree's Shadow Mountain Band will provide live music. JP Craft Captain (aka Julianna Parr, the mastermind behind Craftnight), will help you make your own Halloween decorations.

From the Hammer website: "Your hostess Darlin’ will serve up drag hospitality in gingham as you enjoy the cash bar and seasonal menu at the Café Hammer. Costumes encouraged… think Westwood Hillbillies!"

Friday, October 30, 7:00 pm. FREE. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Hammer members receive priority seating, subject to availability. Reservations not accepted, RSVPs not required.

Day of the Dead celebration

Tomorrow is the 10th annual Day of the Dead festival (Dia de los Muertos) at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Coinciding with Halloween, this Mexican holiday commemorates both one's ancestors and the dearly departed.

The historical roots of this celebration date back to the pre-Hispanic cultures of Meso-America, especially those of the Nahua (Aztecs, Mayans, Toltecas, Tlaxcaltec, Chichimec, Tecpanec) and others. At the center of Hollywood Forever's celebration are a traditional procession and viewing of community altars.

The festival also includes food, live music, cultural performances, arts and crafts, and family activities. Admission is $10.

Saturday, October 24, 4 pm to 11 pm. Hollywood Forever Cemetery is at 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. in Los Angeles. For more information, visit the official website.