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It is that time of year again, to pick out the perfect costume and start planning party line up. For 2012, Seattleites can expect the return of some of their favorite annual Halloween bashes to take place the weekend before Oct. 31. All of these Seattle Halloween events are for adults only, and most require you to dress in costume or classic masquerade-style.

PULSE: The Ultimate Halloween Bash
Experience Music Project
325 5th Ave. North
Seattle, WA 98109
(425) 202-5104
www.halloweenseattle.com

Price: $42.85 per person/advanced ticket purchase is recommended
Hours: Oct. 27 – 8 p.m.

In 2012, The PULSE will celebrates its 11th annual Ultimate Halloween Bash at the Experience Music Project. As one of Seattle’s best Halloween parties of the year, more than 1,000 guests attend each year, and tickets sell out fast. PULSE’s Halloween bash is highly anticipated and well-known for its costume contest, which awards more than $4,000 in prizes. It also features high-energy music supplied by popular DJs, such as DJ Funkdaddy, who will be churning out the beats this year. The Northwest band, Brand X, will also give a special performance to rock this party.

Related: Best DJs In Seattle

Price: $65 to $85 per person
Hours: Oct. 26 – 7:30 p.m. to 4 a.m.

As one of the largest and longest-running Halloween events in Seattle, the 16th annual Freak Night at the WaMu Theater is one party that shouldn’t be missed. Put on annually by the United State of Consciousness, it is one of the strangest Halloween events you will ever experience. Guests may attend dressed in costume and will have the opportunity to dance to live band performances by Toy Guns and DJ’ed music by Lil Jon, Infected Mushroom and DJ Steve Aoki. Also known as Seattle’s “Sinister Circus,” guests may explore chambers and mazes filled with ghoulish characters, horror-themed backdrops and bone-crushing music beats. Guests must be at least 18 to attend and 21 or older to consume alcohol.

Price: $10 early bird tickets (first 50 tickets)/$15 general admission (limited)/$30 VIP (limited) Mezz Lounge with private VIP bar
When: Oct. 27 – 8 p.m.

The Last Supper Club, a popular nightlife location in Seattle, is holding its ninth annual Jagermeister Halloween Bash. This event sells out every year, so it is wise to purchase tickets in advance. Dress up and enter the costume contest, which offers more than $3,000 in prizes and cash. Attendees of this Seattle Halloween event will receive Jagermeister drink specials, and enjoy three levels of dancing and music with six of Seattle’s top DJs. In the dungeon, or the club’s first level, dance to Top 40, hip hop and mash-ups. On the larger main stage on the second level, DJs will spin house and electronica music, as well as commercial-type dance.

Related: Best Seattle Area Nightclubs

Price: $40 per person/advanced ticket purchase is recommended
When: Oct. 27 – 8:30 p.m.

Bell Harbor is hosting the fifth annual Bonza Bash Halloween party and masquerade costume ball. All attendees must wear a costume, or come dressed in classic masquerade attire, such as black tie or a formal gown with a Venetian-style mask. The Bonza Bash gives away amazing prizes to the guest wearing the best costume. In 2011, a trip for two to Australia was the grand prize. Musical entertainment will be provided by DJ Lifeguard of Seattle’s radio station C89.5. Guests will hear a mix of R&B, Top 40, hip-hop, electronica and house. Purchase your tickets as soon as possible, as the expected turnout will be around 10,000 people.

Price: $25 pre-sale tickets/$50 regular price
When: Oct. 27 – 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

If you are seeking a different kind of Halloween party this year, consider attending the Halloween Havoc Cruise Party II to party by boat. Costumed guests will sail via the Seattle-based cruise operator, Islander Champagne Cruises. You will party aboard the 72-foot boat, The Islander, which accommodates up to 250 passengers per voyage. This second-annual Halloween cruise party books up fast, so order tickets at your earliest convenience. While aboard this party cruise, guests will have access to a fully licensed bar, on-board go-go dancers, a costume contest and free giveaways. DJs Beardie and Hoopsta will spin the hottest beats in reggae, hip-hop, house and R&B so you can dance throughout the four-hour cruise.

Related: Best Evening Cruises in Seattle