Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | Live Music by Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
Looking for love in all the wrong places? This Halloween, Cat’s Corner is bringing together killer dates, notorious villains, creepy costumes, and some seriously good swing music!
Join us for So I Dated an Axe Murderer! — our annual Halloween party featuring a murderous twist on the classic TV Dating Game, a carved pumpkin contest, spooky cocktails, and an all-star swing band.
Come dressed as your favorite horror villain, a date from hell, or whatever your imagination comes up with. All costumes welcome — murder-horror especially encouraged!
Live Swing Music: Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
One of San Francisco’s finest jazz and swing bands takes the stage for Halloween!
Led by powerhouse vocalist Lavay Smith and pianist Chris Siebert, this all-star ensemble delivers a rich mix of big-band swing, blues, jump blues, R&B, and New Orleans jazz.
A cornerstone of San Francisco’s swing revival, the Skillet Lickers were a favorite of legendary Lindy Hopper Frankie Manning and remain one of the Bay Area’s most celebrated dance bands.
Halloween Festivities
So I Dated an Axe Murderer! — The Dating Game (around 10:30 PM)
Love is scary. Dating can be deadly! Watch our brave contestants interview a mystery panel of horror’s most notorious characters in a hilariously twisted version of the classic TV dating show. Will they find true love — or their last date ever?
Annual Carved Pumpkin Contest
Carve your jack-o’-lantern at home and bring it to Cat’s Corner! We’ll display everyone’s creations and celebrate our favorites. Spooky, silly, artistic, or outrageous — show us what you’ve got!
Halloween Cocktails
Our bartenders are getting into the spirit with featured Halloween-themed cocktails throughout the evening.
Special Lindy Hop Classes — October Finale!
We’re wrapping up two October class series before the party:
- 7–8 PM — Swing Rueda + Intermediate Lindy Hop: Learn the famous Amoeba with Nathan & Eileen!
- 8–9 PM — Int/Adv Lindy Hop Grab Bag: Bryan Lopez & Kacey Pitcher close out our October series.
Experienced dancers welcome for drop-ins! $30 drop-in for 1 class, or $45 for both.
Never Swing Danced Before? You’re Invited!
Join our 9 PM Beginner Swing Crash Course — a friendly 30-minute introduction that gets you ready to enjoy the live band. No experience, partner, or advance registration needed. Included with admission!
When & Where
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Broadway Studios / Mabuhay Gardens
435 Broadway Street, San Francisco (near Columbus)
9:00 PM — Beginner Swing Crash Course
9:00–11:30 PM — Live Swing Music & Dancing
Around 10:30 PM — Halloween Dating Game
Admission: $15 general (includes beginner lesson)
$10 before 8:30 PM or after 10 PM | $5 after 11 PM
18+
Bring a friend, bring a pumpkin, dress to kill, and join us for Halloween at Cat’s Corner!