Scene at Night: Kick off Halloween at Witches Ball

For those of you without a Halloween costume thinking there’s still plenty of time left, let me give you a solid reason to rethink your act together starting right this minute — the Witches Ball Saturday night in Mount Holly.

Every year this free event gets bigger and bigger. But make no mistake, this isn’t one for the kiddies. From 6 to 11 p.m., Mill Race Village is transformed into a wicked party. Feel free to create and wear your most suggestive or goriest getup and revel in the eerie atmosphere. If you’re looking to enter the big costume contest, be aware you need to register online at thewitchesball.com in advance.

There will be plenty of food vendors and two beer gardens this year, one featuring Flying Fish Brewery and the other the new Mount Holly drink, Spellbound. There’s also a bizarre bazaar featuring vendors selling macabre, unusual or just plain fun wares.

But what would any grand outdoor party be without music? Hebe Music is one of the event’s sponsors, which means you will be seeing many of the cutting-edge local bands in the area. The lineups are abundant with talent, the venue needs three stages to hold all of the acts.

And on the off chance that it rains tomorrow, don’t be disappointed — the rain date for this event is next Saturday, Oct. 18. 1 High St., Mount Holly.

If what you want is simply a nice place to relax outdoors, listen to live music and sip some fabulous vino, then the Cape May Wine Festival is where you need to be going this weekend. Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., listen to smokin’ blues with Bluebone or 80’s-style rock and covers with Jodi Bongiovi while sampling the best from ten New Jersey wineries, including Amalthea, Bellview, Hawk Haven and Chestnut Run. There’s also food available for purchase from vendors like Waffle de Lys, Ben’s BBQ and The Cow and The Curd. Tickets are $25 at the gate, $20 in advance if purchased online, and designated drivers are $5. For more information visit newjerseywines.com. Cape May Winery, Shunpike Road and Sandman Blvd., Cape May.

Anyone craving adventure can cross the bridge next Saturday, Oct. 18 for Dare Theory, an epic scavenger hunt designed to push you way out of your comfort zone. Start off at McFadden’s check-in party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and enjoy drink specials and games. Then, from 1 to 5 p.m., explore the city by taking photos and videos of yourself and friends doing dares and various insane activities. Finally, from 5 to 7 p.m., attend McFadden’s after party for one final dare, awarded prizes and more drink specials. Tickets are limited, so get them now (available at daretheory.com). $25 in advance and $30 at the door if there are any left. 461 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia. Go to mcfaddensphilly.com.