First up, annual Optimo (Espookio), one of Glasgow’s most enduring terror-filled dress-up nights, which is appearing on both coasts this month, commandeering Cabaret Voltaire for its first Edinburgh fright fest (Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, Sat 25 Oct and the Sub Club, Glasgow, Sun 26 Oct). Never shy when it comes to dressing up, the Central Belt’s burlesque nights are relishing the Samhuinn festivities. Scotland’s biggest cabaret night Club Noir weighs in with its Nightmare (Carling Academy, Glasgow, 25 Oct), while Glasgow’s newest burlesque night brings us the scary Cheesecake: Night of the Living Tease (Capitol, Glasgow, 31 Oct).

More leftfield offerings are on the cards as punk club Fast (Bongo Club, Edinburgh, 31 Oct) has, appropriately enough, secured the live talents of Fangs for its Halloween shindig. Meanwhile Croc Monsieur vs Croc Madame (Flying Duck, Glasgow, 30 Oct) features live sets from Gay Against You, Babyshaker and Raxyor, cardboard sets and a ‘loose, half All Saints Day, half Halloween theme’ plus new indie, new wave, psyche rock. Meanwhile, soul night Sonic Arcade (from the folks who brought us Superfly) continues with a Halloween date (Woodside Social, Glasgow, 31 Oct), while Edinburgh’s Studio 24 hosts two nights. JakN (31 Oct) and under 18s rock night Sanctuary (1 Nov), while over 18s night Retribution takes the form of a monster’s ball (1 Nov). At Byblos, Lost Prophets put in a DJ set (30 Oct) and Sloveinian techno act Umek guest at Hell (31 Oct).

Back in Glasgow, check out Inside Out (Arches, Glasgow, 25 Oct) with Super8 & Tab, Marcus Schossow and Kamui. Or get yourself along to Back to the Future (Carling Academy, Glasgow, 31 Oct) and Boombox presents BooBox (Luna, Edinburgh, 31 Oct) with special guest Richard Durand.