Photos by Samantha Jane Beatty
Styling by Todd Ramos
Model Jerry Raines for Neal Hamil Agency
Grooming by Briana Dai
Photography assistance by John Lewis
Styling assistance by Tyler Treadwell
Shot on location at The Barn at Four Pines Ranch in Crosby
'Eye of the Storm' cocktail at Traveler's Table; Witchy Brunch at Brennan's
Witchy Brunch is back! The annual tradition, this Saturday, Oct. 28, features Brennan’s classics. Grab your broomsticks, don your best witchy attire and gather around the cauldron for a festive mid-morning affair. Reservations recommended: 713.522.9711.
Calling all ghosts and ghouls, monsters and mummies, witches and werewolves: Houston’s favorite Halloween party — the one and only Spirits & Skeletons — is back at HMNS this Saturday, Oct. 28, 8-10pm! The entire museum is open for you to shake your stuff with a stegosaurus and get spellbound by bewitching gems with live music, three DJs and fantastic food trucks parked right outside. Whether you go with scary and spooky or fab and kooky, dress up and party the night away.
Featured cocktails at The Moran
The welcoming hotel is hosting a frighteningly fun Halloween Bash on Saturday, Oct. 28. “The Thriller Resurrection” will begin in Fireside at 7pm with live music by Level One Band. Show off your creativity and join the “Thriller”-themed costume contest for a chance to win prizes, including a one-night stay at The Moran! As the night creeps on, dance to the beats of DJ EDJ. The first 50 guests will receive a Tito’s Vodka swag bag and be treated to a bewitching selection of specialty cocktails to keep spirits high. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are available for $25 here.
Julep's Penicillin cocktail
The popular spot will celebrate Dia de los Muertos with altars set up through Nov. 6. Julep is a classic cocktail bar highlighting the global flavors of Houston and the cultures and experiences of its staff. Julep, a James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Bar Program and one of North America’s 50 Best Bars in 2022, specializes in handcrafted drinks and snacks from an expertly curated menu.
Pizaro's (photo by Becca Wright)
Treat yourself to Halloween specials through Oct. 31 at both locations. Specials include the "Nightmare on Gray St." pizza with four types of garlic (fresh minced garlic, garlic confit, black garlic powder, garlic chips and topped with red garlic oil "Blood") for $22-$32. Also featured is the Franken-Mummy Cannoli for $9. Pizaro’s prepares and serves award-winning Napoletana, New York-, and Detroit-style pizzas in Memorial and in Montrose.
'Hocus Pocus'
Get ready for a bone-chilling night of thrills, chills, and nostalgia as Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown hosts its Spooktacular Halloween Party on its stunning rooftop. Bundle up on Oct. 31 and join the rooftop cinema for a double feature including the original Halloween released in 1978 and the cult classic Hocus Pocus. Tickets includes a complimentary drink and bag of popcorn. Come dressed to impress for your chance to win fun prizes and capture the spooky vibes with 360-degree selfies using our special camera setup.
Don’t miss the All Hallows-All Weekend at Traveler’s Table for boo-licious cocktails and to-die-for dishes Oct. 27-Oct. 31. Features include a pumpkin spice old fashioned, Eye of the Storm, and pumpkin pie shots. Nosh on the Bloody Juicy Lucy burger, Louisiana fried chicken, and pumpkin flan. Halloween treats for guests who arrive in costume.
2024 Mr. Steptember
Raising more than $750,000, the event took place at the Royal Sonesta and drew a fun crowd, the largest group to date for the fundraiser. Alan and Elizabeth Stein, founders of the event, served as chairs.
“We can declare this is our biggest year yet and we are still counting,” said a rep for the event’s organizers.
Per the Steins: “With the community’s support, we have continued to raise money, purchase equipment, provide additional training, and address the needs of firefighters and their families facing extraordinary hardships. With your support, we have raised more than $4 million in six years.”
As ever, the most memorable moment of the night came when the firefighters featured in the new hunky-firemen calendar strutted the stage, bare pecs glistening under spotlights thanks to a fresh coat of baby oil!
But there were touching moments, too, as in the opening presentation of the flags by the Houston Firefighter Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums, followed by firefighter Joe Rice’s stirring acapella rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner acapella. Also, videos were played highlighting the first responders’ dangerous, life-saving work. And Hallie Vanderhider and Bobbie Nau were honored for their longstanding support of the Red Hot mission.
Auction items included a fabulous necklace from IW Marks and a stay at a villa in Puerto Vallarta. As ever, a raucous country band played at both the cocktail hour before dinner and again after — a unique Red Hot touch. The shirtless hunks milling around, happily posing for pics, was also notable.
VIP guests included Brigitte Kalai, Van and David Greenberg, Bill Baldwin, Fady Armanious, Patti and Don Murphy, Beth Muecke, mayoral candidate John Whitmire, Robin and Alex Brennan-Martin, Frances and Tony Buzbee, Gary Petersen, Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman and Joanna Marks.
Alex Ochoa, Julie Chen, and Joanna Marks
Cheryl & Bill King
Ben Berg
Dee Darby, Elizabeth Stein, Laura Elizabeth Stein, and Scarlett Tyler
Bobbie Nau & Sr. Captain Robert Clark
Gaye Lynn & Stuart Zarrow
Maria Bassa & Beth Muecke
2024 Mr. January
Lesha & Tom Elsenbrook with Elyse & Drew Tolson
Marty Lancton and Hallie Vanderhider
Nellie & Lux K-9 AFT Arson Dogs
Tammy & Kim Norman
Maria Moncada Alaoui & Captain Christopher Garcia