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The next seven days promise to be thoroughly overloaded with entertainment possibilities within the town of Oshkosh, thanks largely methinks to that popular celebration once known as All Hallow's Eve. In this and the next 3 posts, I'll go through a bunch of 'em.

Topping the list is undoubtedly the third Carnivale event. Ostensibly a it's fundraiser for the art programs at Oshkosh-area public schools -- not that I doubt this, simply that I know better than to think that this is going to be a sober charity affair.

No, I hear that this year they're going to hang a sign forbidding carnal relations in the back room. Of course, if you drink enough, it kinda gets too blurry to read. And anyway, if it would apply to you, you probably have enough in your hands to be able to easily look at things like signs.

In any case, if you've already been to one of these, you're already planning on going to this one. If not, I'm feeling lazy, so here's how they describe themselves:

"Carnivále is a Costume ball, where you will arrive dressed to kill and ready to dance, and we will provide outlandish and ridiculous surprises meant to keep you entertained, and keep your wine glasses full!Be prepared for fun and surprises. Witness the fashion show and enjoy the performance art, place a bid on one of your favorite directors for the dance auction. Proceeds stay in the community!"

Musical entertainment is being provided by Becky and the Guys and I think the Jazz Orgy, also promised is a fashion show, performance art, and a dance auction. And a "super secret surprise!" I'm betting it's that the legendary Dr. Kickbutt makes an appearance.

Doors at 8p, fashion show at 10p. $5 with costume or formal wear, $20 if you're feeling lazy or just didn't have time (although, it's not like you've been celebrating Halloween since you were born or anything :P). It all goes down at the Algoma Club, 103 Algoma Blvd.

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Continuing the review of Hallowe'en weekend events, time to look at what's happening at the two finest live music venues in Oshkosh, the Reptile Palace and New Moon Cafe.

Whereas most places in town seem content to have maybe a slightly-better band than usual and promote it as their "Halloween Costume Party!", the Palace is raising the bar. And this ain't no limbo contest. (No cover on any of these.)

Thursday night has Bobby, Jay and Erik taking the night off in place of Pat McDonald and Andy Lubahn getting up on stage and pickin' it some. No, it's not Halloween related. Although, maybe they'll get on stage in costume or hand out candy or something.

Friday gives us the triumphant return of my personal favorite zombie-surf-punkers, Suspirios, along with guests Bobby Rivera & the Rivieras. And that's exciting. What's even more exciting is the annunciation of the night as the Zombie Hooker Party, which, I mean, well, it can only be good. Starts at 10p.

Saturday is just as promising. Seriously. Machine Gun Joe, the Lemurs, Shelter Belt, and Snowbirds. I have no idea who the last two are, but who cares. (Actually Shelter Belt is from out of town and has a new album, and Snowbirds are said to be a new local supergroup. Of sorts?) With any luck, Carnivale will be over before this gets too rockin'. Showtime is early tonight: 8:30p.

Sunday I dunno what's happening, go see the Jazz Orgy at Peabody's or something. Or just sleep because:

Monday is another night of the Lemurs, this time at the New Moon with The Undead Milkmen and Seven Sins. Showtime is 9p, so I'm guessing the Moon is going to be open late for this one.

And finally, Tuesday gives us the Halloween Open Mic at the Moon. Come in costume and you may win a prize. 7p.

(Although also not really Halloween-related, the New Moon of course has music the rest of the weekend too. Thursday is a special show by the Rev. Eddie Danger, Friday is Buzz Meade's monthly show, and Saturday is Jamie Dawicki.)

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The Grand Opera House is getting into the holiday spirit too with a fantastic 3-night double-feature movie festival that hits a lot of the best chillers and thrillers that have ever been filmed.

It begins 2 nights before the witching eve itself, with a kid-friendly double feature of James Whale's Frankenstein and the rated-PG Poltergeist.

Monday the 30th is the more adult Shadow of the Vampire and Stanley Kubrick's The Shining (not The Shinning), which probably gets my vote for the creepiest movie ever made.

And it all ends on Halloween night with The Exorcist and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Following these a midnight tour will be given of the supposedly very haunted Grand. Perhaps the movies that night were chosen to put the audience on edge…?

A festival pass is available for $15 a person; individual nights are $6 Sunday and Monday and $8 Tuesday. Movies begin at 7p every might.

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Finally, in the one non-Halloween post for today, the UW-Oshkosh International Film Series group is presenting one of my favorite Werner Herzog films, Stroszek, at Reeve Memorial Union, 748 Algoma Blvd., on Nov. 1.

Unfortunately I won't be able to attend myself, but if you're free it's as heartwarming as Herzog gets: a tale of three German misfits (an alcoholic, a prostitute, and a decrepit old man) who get tired of life in Berlin and move to northern Wisconsin, the land of beer in the Pepsi machine. Stick until the very end for one of the most surreal moments in cinema. Starts at 7p and it's free.