As one of New York City’s favorite holidays approaches, I would be remiss by not highlighting some of the best Halloween themed events going on in the city this weekend.  In a city overflowing with the most talented performers in the world, this weekend is a perfect chance to immerse yourself in the action as a gory abstract world comes to life on the streets of NYC.

If you want to get a jump start on Halloween, head to St John’s Cathedral on the Upper West Side at 7pm or 10pm this evening.  For those who enjoy a more classic Halloween experience, the Procession of the Ghouls, has become a main attraction of beginning the festivities.  The event begins with a classic horror film.  This year will be a screening of the 1920’s film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.  Guests are treated with the ultimate surround sound experience, as an organist accompanies the film’s already chilling music.  After the film winds down, Broadway caliber ghouls begin their haunting procession down the center aisle.  A word of warning, they are eerily amazing at staying in character, and the show often becomes interactive with those sitting on the aisle.

St John’s Cathedral is located at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue.  Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance by calling 212.316.7540

Halloween is the time of year where you can let loose, dress up, get a little crazy and have something to talk about in the office the following day. Dressing up in costume these days can be very expensive. Spending fifty dollars on an outfit you are going to only wear once seems ridiculous. Penta wants to give you some tips on how to have a killer costume on a low budget.

So…you want be Lady Gaga: Lady Gaga is probably one of the top costumes this year. I know I have seen a Lady Gaga costume in every Halloween store I have been to, but the costume alone is fifty dollars, not to mention the accessories you need to purchase. Why not piece together your own Lady Gaga costume.

1. Sunglasses are a must.  Purchase a pair of sunglasses and crazy jewelry from a street vendor.  I have some great ‘knock off’ Ray-Bans I purchased for $5.
2. Next, go to a craft store for some glitter, gems, rhinestones and other flashy items to dress up those street sunglasses so that even Gaga would want them for herself (Pearl Art & Craft Supply has great discount art supplies: http://www.pearlpaint.com/)
3. Onto the outfit.  If you are going for Gaga, the outfit must be colorful, loud, and original. Get out those old prom dresses and shoes we all know you will never wear again and combine them together. You may even inspire Gaga’s next red carpet outfit.
4. Hair.  If you hair is short, go for the curly bob look.  If you have long hair, get out that straighter to get the Pokerface look!
5. Now, on to the makeup.  Loud colors, a star or a lighting bolt on your face, and a dark red lipstick should bring out the Lady Gaga in you.

You are officially ready to have a bad romance this Halloween.

So…you want to be on the Jersey Shore: Although they are selling Jersey Shore costumes this season (I do believe Snookie’s costume is the number one seller) there is no reason to buy the costume.

1. Ladies:  Visit multiple stores in NYC and find a tight, short, barely there dress for an inexpensive price (Exstaza Limited is a good place to check out:  http://www.yelp.com/biz/exstaza-limited-new-york)
2. Buy some inexpensive bronzer for the perfect fake tan and cheap hair spray to make sure the ‘Snookie/Pauly D poof’ will stay intact for the night.
3. For the fellas, buy a v-neck (Uniqlo has some great v-necks for $5:  http://www.uniqlo.com/us/), wear a pair of jeans, and draw a tribal tattoo on your arms.  Buy lots and lots of hair gel and you are the new MVP.

So…you want to be in the 80’s: 80s costumes is one of my personal favorite. It is so easy yet so affordable!

1. First, a pair of colorful leggings is a must.
2. For the top for your 80s outfit, check out any Goodwill or thrift store (I have purchased a great leopard long sleeve shirt that made me believe I was back in the 80s).
3. The make up should be loud colors and put it on thick.   Blue eye shadow is a must!
4. As for the hair, the bigger the better.  If you don’t want to spend the next three days trying to get the hairspray out of your hair, a side ponytail would also do.
5. Top off the 80s look with a pair of ‘knock off’ Ray-Bans.

So… you want to be Don Draper: Mad Men is cool, sexy, and daring. Choosing to be Mad Men’s leading man, Don Draper, is an excellent choice. The best way to do this costume on a low budget would be…

1. Wear a suit you already own.
2. Buy an inexpensive fedora.  They sell these at street vendors or, if you want more of a selection, check out Gallerie H.: www.facebook.com/pages/gallerie–H/334852768441
3. Buy a pack of cigarettes (the cheaper, and healthier alterative, would be candy cigarettes).
4. Drink lots and lots of brandy.
5. Want a special touch?  Add a couple of red lipstick stains on your collar. 

So…you want to be a vampire: Between Twilight, The Vampire Diaries and True Blood, vampires are the new “it” thing. Instead of doing the old school vampire, do the new aged vampire.

1. Put on your everyday clothes.
2. Buy some vampire teeth.
3. Make fake blood (check out http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fake-Blood for recipes).
4. Put on some makeup that makes you like pale.

Instantly, you are the new sexy vampire of NYC.

Penta wishes everyone a Happy and Haunted Halloween!

Question or comments? Email Casey Gallagher at cgallagher@pentaevents.com

Weekly, Penta Dynamic Solutions has the opportunity to experience great venues in New York City through networking events. Penta is especially looking forward to this week’s networking event at Carnival.

Carnival (presented by Bowlmor) is a hot new venue located at 110 University Place (between 12th and 13th Streets).  The nightlife at Carnival is the adult playground for the kid in everyone.  Carnival offers all the amenities of a traditional nightclub with classic carnival games (shoot outs, ring toss, and a dunk tank) and live entertainment (contortionists, jugglers, stilt walkers, sword swallowers, jugglers and fire breathers).  Carnival also offers kid friendly party options for birthdays, bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs.

The menu at Carnival is simple yet decadent. Starters include spinach & artichoke fondue, crispy beef taquitos, vegetarian egg rolls, mini corn dogs, mozzarella sticks, nachos, hummus, wings and grilled chicken quesadilla. The entrees include, sliders, pizza, wraps, sandwiches, and burgers. There are so you many delicious options choose from, every item will satisfy your tastes buds.  For a special treat, spiked snow cones and carnival fare is available for private events.

Children and adults can let loose in the 16,000 sq foot wonderland and enjoy entertainment, games, food and more. With party packages for kids and adults, Carnival is the destination for any event for all ages.

For more details visit their website www.carnivalnyc.com

If you would like to plan your event at Carnival, contact Casey Gallagher at cgallagher@pentaevents.com.

Sometimes it is difficult to decide when you need an event planner for an upcoming event. Penta put together a few tips to help determine:  When To Hire An Event Planner.

When You Plan To Host An Event With A Large Amount Of Guests
Planning a Friday night get-together for twenty people in your apartment is one thing; it is another to plan a two hundred plus dinner party in the city. The bigger the event more likely you will need help.

When You Need To Hire A Specific Vendor To Fit Your Needs
An event planner has connections with many different vendors including DJ’s, live bands, caterers, venues, and more.  Having this relationship with vendors, event planners can negotiate pricing and provide the best rate for his/her client.  Also, vendor contracts can be long, wordy and sometimes confusing if you are not acquainted with the industry lingo.  Event planners have experience shopping around to make sure their clients are getting you what they request and within their budget.

When Planning An Outdoor Event
Planning an outdoor event can add stress due to unpredictable weather, noises and distractions, unwanted guests, etc.  An event planner can be your stress reliever. They are skilled in preparing for unforeseen incidents and have experience working outdoors.  Troubleshooting is part of an event planners job and they are well prepared for any disaster.

When You Need Creative, Cutting Edge Ideas
Not everyone has a creative side to them.  Hiring an event planner can help you come up with a great theme and tell you the hot trends of the season.  You will have a party that your friends will be talking about for months.

When You Are Not Organized
Not everyone is great organizer.  Hiring an event planner can help you keep everything together and make sure any outside vendors or venues are scheduled, confirmed and arrive on time.

When You Want To Enjoy The Event
Hiring an event planner means you get to eat, drink, and mingle at your event. The event planner will take care of everything so you can have a great time.

When You Need To Evaluate Your Event
Event planners will remember to review all aspects of the event after it is over. Event planners want to make sure to take note of items that could be improved to make the next event a bigger and better success.

Please feel free to reach out to Penta for all your event planning needs.  Contact cgallagher@pentaevents.com for a free event consultation.

Sure, she has been negatively portrayed in the tabloids, yet that doesn’t mean she isn’t talented. Samantha Ronson (aka Lindsay Lohan’s better, or at least more sober, half) is performing tonight, Friday October 22, at Covet, a recently opened event space with a blend of European class and New York City sophistication.

Pulled into the spotlight by her troubled ex, Ronson manages to sustain a favorable public opinion. Her incredible talent livens up any crowd, whether it be an LA hot spot or spinning for her sister, fashion designer Charlotte Ronson, during NYC Fashion Week.

Recently opened in the Spring of 2010, Covet creators Eric Milon and Andre Hnatyszak created this multi-level space that provides an evening of entertainment. Before heading to the lounge tucked into the lower level, be sure to dine on John Keller’s Asian and Mediterranean inspired menu. In the ever evolving war for the hottest venue in NYC, pulling in talent such as Ronson will help secure a spot at the top. http://www.covetlounge.com/

**Located on 55th near Lexington Avenue. Performances are noted to begin at 11:00pm.