Ghosts! Skeletons! Costumes! Dark Arts! Day of the dead!: Mobile Version

Karen Briggs

Eye Level Art's Dark Arts Ball featured an open bar, DJs and art from local artists. Proceeds from the event went toward The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Trident Area.

Karen Briggs

Taco Boy's downtown location celebrated Dia de los Muertos with a special brunch.

Eye Level Art transformed its warehouse into a spooky wonderland for The Dark Arts Ball last weekend. An eclectic crowd of Charlestonians made their way to the Heriot Street location donning an impressive array of costumes. Valet service helped orient guests in the out of the way, somewhat dodgy location. Inside, the artist decorated space displayed ghastly paintings juxtaposed with kitschy horror films splashed across the gallery.

Nate Fowler of Stella by Starlight and DJ CMNDer stirred up the dance floor, alternating between burlesque performances by The Red Hot Rebelettes. At one point the raucous crowd caused the police to see what all the fuss was about. Outside, a decorative skeletal tree stretched over guests under tented lounge areas. Ghoulish light displays cast made up faces in unsettling lights. The Ball's revelers hammed it up in Austin Nelson and Kevin Hoth's seamless photo booth, really getting into character. Papa Smurf got it on with Smurfette, two Charlie Chaplains silently dueled for best ensemble, werewolves attacked cowgirls … you get the picture.

While the decor was beautiful, the hefty $40 ticket price left some disappointed with the outcome. The advertised costume contest failed to materialize, most alcohol (that did not include liquor drinks) was gone by midnight and Street Foods catering was only free for two hours. I also longed for more entertainment in the way of a live band or larger performance act. Despite the drawbacks, many still had a terrifyingly good time.

It's no secret that Charleston loves holidays. Local, national and international festivities are all celebrated with vigor. Case in point was last Sunday's Dia de los Muertos. If you're unfamiliar, Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrating the spectral visits of deceased loved ones. Taco Boy paid homage to the day in fantastic style.

The downtown location was drenched in vibrant color stemming from traditional decorations. Yellow and orange marigolds draped every inch of the eatery, interrupted only by bulbous tissue flowers and brightly colored sugar skulls. Candles lit a makeshift shrine comprised of flowers and deceased celebrity photographs. The event officially kicked off at noon, offering an array of Mexican brunch specials.

As I chowed down on huevos rancheros, grilled chipotle "street corn" and light Mexican cookies, a Latin inspired band strummed on the patio. I opted for pressed coffee, but gutsier guests sipped bacon infused vodka. Parents danced with their kids and dogs lazed in the shade as partyers relaxed on one of the nicer fall days this season. While I didn't see any ghosts, I did come away with a love for the aesthetic and cuisine inspired by the day.