Sifting through a litany of costumes in search of an original and pop culturally relevant one has always been one of the more tedious holiday jobs.

Do you, for instance, join the growing legion of young women making up the “Sexy Big Bird” movement (the popular costume, which includes striped stockings, a yellow short-skirt and a small bird head proves the theory that just about any costume can by skimpified)? Do you figure out a way to dress as a “binder full of women” or ditch last year’s Snooki look to go as America’s favorite Mountain Dew-chugging beauty queen, Honey Boo Boo?

What shouldn’t be difficult, however, is figuring out where to go in said costume. And luckily, Kansas City’s social calendar is packed with holiday-themed events of every type.

From costume parties and masquerade balls to horror flicks and haunted houses, Ink has gathered more than 50 Halloween-themed events to ensure you and your outfit end up in the right place.

WEDNESDAY

** Boris Karloff Double Feature

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Ameristar, Barrywoods, Independence, Merriam, Palace, Studio 30 and Town Center

What: Screenings of “Frankenstein” (1931) and “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935). Ticket prices vary by location.

Info: fathomevents.com

** Ghosts, Goblins & Booze … Oh My!

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Rhythm & Booze, 432 Southwest Blvd.

What: This first of four days of Halloween-themed events features a bring-your-own-tools pumpkin carving. Friday, there’s bobbing for apples at 6 p.m. on the back patio and a costume contest on Saturday beginning at midnight (no cover). On Halloween night, there’s another midnight costume contest (no cover).

Info: rhythmandbooze09.com

THURSDAY

Replay Lounge

When: 10 p.m.

Where: 946 Massachusetts St., Lawrence

What: Scary Manilow’s annual party with live music by Ponyboy, Pale Hearts and Sister Rat. Admission is $3.

Info: replaylounge.com

Rifftrax Live: ‘Birdemic ’

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Ameristar, Barrywoods, Merriam, Palace and Studio 30

What: The stars of “Mystery Science Theatre 3000” take potshots at this classic stinker. Ticketing available on Facebook.

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** Terror on the Plains

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Mission Theatre, 5909 Johnson Drive in Mission

What: The Paris on the Plains Film Group will show local short horror flicks and Sam Raimi’s “Army of Darkness.” There’s an after party beginning at 11 p.m. Admission is $10.

Info: themissiontheatre.com

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FRIDAY

RecordBar

When: 9:30 p.m.

Where: 1020 Westport Road

What: Dia de los Muertos show and costume party with music by Making Movies and DJ Brent Tactic. Admission is $10.

Info: therecordbar.com, 816.753.5207

The Night Halloween Blacked Out Part II

When: 8 p.m.-1 a.m.

Where: The Valentine Room in theUptown Theater, 3700 Broadway

What: All you can drink beer, wine and premium liquor, DJs and a costume contest with prizes. Tickets are $35.

Info: uptowntheater.com, kcblackedout.com

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Halloween Cometh

When: 10 p.m.

Where: The Brooksider Bar and Grill, 6330 Brookside Plaza

What: The two-night, sixth annual event features live music from the Zeros. Costume contest both nights, with a $500 cash prize on Friday and a $1,000 cash prize Saturday.

Info: brooksiderbarandgrill.com

816.363.4070

SATURDAY

Pandemonium at the Temple

When: 9 p.m. (7 p.m. for VIP)

Where: Scottish Rite Temple, 1330 E. Linwood Blvd.

What: Mix 93.3’s Steve Serrano hosts the Halloween costume party with DJs, live music from the Cataracs and Silver Medallion and different party areas spread across two floors. There’s also an open bar running all night. Tickets are $50-$75, with VIP options available.

Info: kchalloween.com

KC Live! Haunted House Party

When: 9 p.m.

Where: Power & Light District

What: Fifth annual party includes a costume contest at midnight, more than $5,000 in prizes and music from DJ Mike Scott. Venues participating include Shark Bar, Howl at the Moon, PBR Big Sky, Angels Rock Bar, Mosaic Lounge, Tengo Sed Cantina, Johnny’s Tavern, Pizza Bar, McFadden’s Sports Saloon and Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge.

Info: powerandlightdistrict.com

Halloween Hustle

When: 7 a.m.

Where: Unity Village, 1902 N.W. Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit

What: The Halloween-themed road race includes 5K and 10K options, as well as costume contests. Registration is $35 through Oct. 25 and $40 after that.

Info: kctrack.org

Halloween on the Hill

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Martini Corner

What: Party at six Martini Corner bars and in an outdoor tent featuring live music from the Patrick Lentz Band. Tickets, which include unlimited well drinks, domestic beer and house wine from 8 p.m. to midnight, are $35-$55 and $45-$65 the day of the event.

Info: halloweenonthehill.com

Boo Ball

When: 7-11 p.m.

Where: Emaline Ballroom, 616 S.W. Third St., Lee’s Summit

What: NBC anchor and cancer survivor Cynthia Newsome hosts an evening that includes costume contests, prizes and a silent auction. The People Next Door will provide live music. The St. Luke’s East Hospital fundraiser benefits the hospital’s new Appearance Renewal Center, which aids cancer survivors in their recovery.

Info: boo-ball.org

Trick or Treat on the Farm and Boooo Barn

When: 1-4 p.m.

Where: National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame, 630 N. 126th St., Bonner Springs

What: Trick-or-treat in FarmTown USA and miniature train and wagon rides. There’s also a costume show, spooky stories and tours through the haunted barn. $5. Kids younger than 1 and members are free.

Info: aghalloffame.com, 913.721.1075

Come Az You Aren’t

When: 7 p.m.

Where: One 8 Oak Event Space, 1814 Oak

What: Food and drinks, raffles, a costume contest and music by Drew 6 and DJ Kirby. The party benefits Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City. Tickets are $75 each or two for $130.

Info: eventbrite.com

Party Monster VII

When: 9 p.m.

Where: VooDoo Lounge, inside Harrah’s North Kansas City Casino & Hotel, 1 Riverboat Drive in North Kansas City

What: Music by DJ Jay E and the best costume wins $1,000 in this seventh annual event.

Info: voodookc.com

Independence Halloween Parade

When: Events start at 1 p.m.

Where: The square in downtown Independence

What: Before the parade, which starts at 3 p.m., kids can trick-or-treat from 1-2:30 p.m. at participating businesses throughout the square. You can also guess the weight of a giant pumpkin for a shot at a $100 prize.

Info: independencechamber.org

Creepy Crawl

When: 1-5 p.m.

Where: Gusto Lounge, the Riot Room, Union, Buzzard Beach, RecordBar in Westport

What: Pub crawl sponsored by the Midwest Music Foundation and Ink benefits local musicians going to SXSW. Prizes and a team costume contest. Tickets are $25.

Info: theriotroom.com

Howl-O-Ween Bash

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Howl at the Moon, 1334 Grand Blvd. in the Power & Light District

What: Come in costume and you can win as much as $1,500 in prizes during the bar’s Halloween party. Drink specials and dueling pianos throughout the night.

Info: howlatthemoon.com

Halloween Zombie Apocalypse

When: 9 p.m.

Where: McFadden’s Sports Saloon, 1330 Grand Blvd. in the Power & Light District

What: Sports bar features a costume contest with prizes and a chance for a spot in the KC Live! Haunted House Party competition.

Info: mcfaddenskc.com, 816.471.1330

Zombie Apocalypse

When: 9 p.m.

Where: Z Strike, 1370 Grand Blvd. in the Power & Light District

What: The bowling alley has a $25 package that includes domestic drafts and wells from 9 p.m. to midnight, plus drink specials from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Music by DJ Kittie.

Info: z-strike.com, 816.471.2316

Rocky Horror Pizza Bar

When: 9 p.m.

Where: Pizza Bar,1320 Grand Blvd. in the Power & Light District

What: Halloween-themed drink specials and a face painter.

Info: pizzabarkc.com, 816.799.2362

Llywelyn’s Pub Costume Party

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Llywelyn’s Pub, 6995 W. 151st St., Overland Park

What: Live music by Flannigan’s Right Hook, drink specials and a prize wheel. The bar will be giving away $500 in prizes.

Info: llywelynspubkc.com, 913.402.0333

Free Comic Book Day of the Dead

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Elite Comics, 11842 Quivira Road, Overland Park

What: The comic shop’s free comic book day includes free comics, candy, face painting and a costume contest. Signing and sketching by comic book artists and a “zombie rights” protest out front. The event is free.

Info: elitecomics.wordpress.com, 913.345.9910

** Spooky Speakeasy

When: 8:30 p.m.

Where: The Garment House & Club 1000, 1000 Broadway

What: Two floors of entertainment, including multiple DJs and a premium open bar. There are $3,000 in cash prizes. Tickets are $40.

Info: garmenthousekc.com

SUNDAY

‘Night of the Living Dead’

When: 8:30 p.m.

Where: Grinders, 417 E. 18th St.

What: The Screenland at Grinders free film series shows the horror film in the outdoor event space behind the restaurant. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Info: grinderspizza.com, 816.472.5454

** Super Halloween Comic Con Spectacular

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd., Overland Park

What: The free inaugural event centers on comic books and pop culture as well as Halloween. There are cash prizes for the costume contest, which starts at 2:30 p.m., plus toys, comics and collectibles.

Info : facebook.com/kcsupercomicshow

** Halloween Boo Bash

** Golf Tournament

When: 10 a.m.

Where: Shoal Creek Golf Course, 8905 Shoal Creek Parkway

What: Admission is $75 per player for this three-person scramble golf tournament that includes 18 holes and a golf cart rental. There’s a buffet lunch following the tournament, and golf contests.

Info: shoalcreekgolf.com, 816.407.7242

** The Backroom

When: 9 p.m.

Where: The Backroom Ultra Dive Lounge, inside the Point Bar & Grill, 917 W. 44th St.

What: Outer-space-themed party includes a best alien costume contest with cash prizes and music from DJ Mike Scott.

TUESDAY

Avery Beer Dinner

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Swagger, 13401 Holmes

What: Beers are named after the devil, with the last beer named “Salvation.” Cost is $40 person.

Info: swaggerkc.com, 816.361.4388

RU Haunted?

When: 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: Rockhurst University, 54th Street and Troost Avenue

What: The university’s theater, math and physics departments combine to give interactive tours through the university’s Sedgwick Hall. Among the stops is a haunted ER. More than 150 students will provide commentary during the tours.

Info: rockhurst.edu

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31

Boo Bash

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Ra Sushi, 11638 Ash St., Leawood

What: $10 Halloween-themed food and $8 drink specials, a DJ and a $100 Ra Sushi gift certificate to the winner of the evening’s costume contest.

Info: rasushi.com/leawood, 913.850.6260

Burlesque Downtown Underground’s ‘Spooktacular! Spooktacular!’

When: 8 p.m.

Where: The Red Room in Nica’s 320, 320 Southwest Blvd.

What: Burlesque Downtown Underground puts on a Halloween-inspired performance. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Info: kcburlesque.com

Halloween Humpday Party

Where: Ernie Biggs, 4115 Mill St.

What: Parking lot party with a tent. Music by High Noon and DJ Ashton Martin and a $1,000 costume contest judged by Sporting KC players. Wells and draws are $1. Inside, you’ll find dueling pianos. Cover is $10.

Info: erniebiggs.com, 816.561.2444

Quasimodo

When: 8 p.m.

Where: 12056 W. 135th St., Overland Park

What: Music by the Justin Andrew Murray Band. Halloween-themed drinks and prizes for the best costume.

Info: quasimodokc.com, 913.239.9666

Blood Bath Halloween Blow Out

When: 9 p.m.Where: Gusto Lounge, 504 Westport Road

What: Drink specials and prizes for the best costumes. Music by DJ Sheppa.

Info: thegustolounge.com

Shark Bar and McFadden’s Halloween II

When: 8-11 p.m.

Where: 1340 and 1330 Grand Blvd.

What: The two Power & Light venues combine forces for a Halloween-night party featuring a bottomless cup special.

Info: sharkbarkc.com, mcfaddenskc.com