‘Costume crazies’ get into the Halloween spirit at downtown Syracuse pubs
'Costume crazies' get into the Halloween spirit at downtown Syracuse pubs
The spirit of Halloween was high in downtown Syracuse on Saturday evening, with jokers, pirates and priests occupying the stools at half a dozen different bars. Drinks flowed as people enjoyed a comfortably chilly night out on the town, one that patrons felt was a welcome activity in Armory Square.
“Costume crazies” — a name given to event attendees on the bar crawl Facebook page — went all out this year as they dressed up in their Halloween costumes and bar hopped with friends, meeting new people with each destination. Because the bar crawl started in the afternoon, several patrons said the event was serving as the “pregame” to their actual destination of the night. But early hours didn’t stop the party. Each bar got busier as the night went on.
The Halloween Bar Crawl took place at The Hops Spot, Syracuse Suds Factory, Clinton Street Pub, Limerick Pub, Kasai Ramen and The Penny Pub from 3-9 p.m. Participants picked up their wristbands at The Hops Spot on Walton Street, then followed the map to each party destination. The wristband granted free entry into each bar and gave guests access to drink specials. The crawl also featured costume contests for the best group costume, the scariest costume and the sexiest costume and also sent a few winners home with “grand prize swag bags.”
From left to right, Marissa Colon and Anna Beaudry as an 80's aerobics instructor and Mrs. Frizzle at The Penny Pub.
Richy Sterling dressed as an alien abduction.
Every bar crawl attendee had a different experience. For Alyssa Kirley, who ran the registration table, it was a fun environment to be in. The event was her first time working a Halloween bar crawl, and she was just excited to see the different outfits of people coming up to the table.
“I like seeing people’s costumes. It makes me nostalgic,” she said.
For Anna Beaudry, a local dressed as Mrs. Frizzle from “The Magic School Bus,” the bar crawl created a welcoming atmosphere downtown. She said the event was necessary for people her age.
“It’s supporting an environment for people in their twenties to come out and get to know each other because a lot of times there’s not a lot of space for us twenty-something year olds to get out there and talk to each other,” Beaudry said. “It’s more of an older scene but these events have allowed us to have spaces. It’s a very industrial city but they’re creating events for us which is highly appreciated.”
Beaudry loved how each bar participated in the crawl this year. The bars’ engagement in the event has allowed it to be a friendlier, more enjoyable event, she said.
“The bars have really stepped up their game with wearing costumes and getting involved in the theatrics of Halloween, whereas in past years, it hasn’t been like that. This year, it was a good welcoming environment for everyone to come out. Everyone was very creative.”
Taylor, a bartender at Kasai Ramen, said the event was about being a part of the community. The staff prepares for the events by stocking the backup bar and dining room downstairs. They try to “keep it simple, yet fun” for the holiday, she said.
“It’s just another day, just a little bit more crazier people,” she added, laughing as she made drinks. “We’re all about local and supporting local events. That’s one of our main goals here at Kasai.”
Joshua Wheeler plays pool at The Penny Pub.
Kasai Ramen served a Devil's Caramel Apple shot at the crawl.
is a digital producer for The NewsHouse.
