Beware the 'Horror of Party Beach' at The Mai-Kai's fifth annual Hulaween party on Oct. 25

Updated Nov. 1, 2013
RECAP: See photos from Hulaween 2013

The Mai-Kai’s Hulaween, one of South Florida’s most distinctive and festive Halloween parties, celebrates its fifth anniversary on Friday, Oct. 25, with a retro surf-themed bash dubbed “The Horror of Party Beach.” The event is free and runs from 5 p.m. until the witching hour in the legendary Fort Lauderdale Polynesian restaurant’s Molokai bar.
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Inspired by the 1964 B-movie of the same name, the event will feature the sinister surf stylings of Deerfield Beach’s Skinny Jimmy & the Stingrays, a costume contest with special prizes, drink specials and more. Hulaween kicks off at 5 p.m. with The Mai-Kai’s famous happy hour and classic Halloween tunes programmed by The Atomic Grog.

A zombie couple gnaws on a Pupu Platter at last year's Hulaween — A zombie couple gnaws on a Pupu Platter at last year’s Hulaween. (The Mai-Kai, Facebook photo)

The first of three sets of live music kicks off around 7 p.m., and the parade of costumes follows the second set around 10 p.m. Revelers can enjoy The Mai-Kai’s tasty menu of nearly 50 vintage and dangerous tropical drinks (such as the Oh So Deadly, Shark Bite and Zombie), plus a delectable selection of appetizers such as the Pupu Platter, Barbecued Pork Tenderloin and Javanesian Beef.

Opened in 1956, The Mai-Kai stands as a monument to mid-century Tiki culture and the lasting appeal of the exotic dining experience. The lavishly decorated restaurant and its nautical-themed Molokai lounge are the perfect backdrop for special events. The Hukilau, the four-day celebration of Polynesian Pop culture held every June, in the most notable. But Hulaween is perhaps the most popular one-night event, along with the annual anniversary party in December.

Skinny Jimmy & the Stingrays perform in The Mai-Kai's Molokai bar during The Hukilau in June 2013 — Skinny Jimmy & the Stingrays perform in The Mai-Kai’s Molokai bar during The Hukilau in June 2013. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

Hulaween has also become a showcase for some of South Florida’s most popular retro-themed bands, such as perennial favorite and last year’s headliner, Slip and the Spinouts. This year’s band, Skinny Jimmy & the Stingrays, is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after acts for special events in South Florida. The group has opened for surf-rock legend Dick Dale, and last performed at The Mai-Kai during The Hukilau’s closing night “Lost Cocktails Party” in June.

Expect the band to play a rousing selection of surf standards by legendary artists such as The Belairs, The Ventures, The Surfaris, The Chantays, The Atlantics, The Surfmen, Los Straitjackes, Link Wray, and many more. In addition, you’ll hear Skinny Jimmy & the Stingrays original songs that are held to the same high standards. And, of course, a few creepy classics will be thrown into the mix for the occasion. With recording recently completed, look for the five-piece group to be releasing a full-length album in the near future.

The Mai-Kai is at 3599 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale, on the west side between Commercial and Oakland Park boulevards. Valet and paid self-parking. Call (954) 563-3272 for more information or to make dinner reservations.
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