With Halloween right around the corner, Otto’s Niteclub, 118 E. Lincoln Highway, and The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Highway, will celebrate the typical candy-filled holiday with their own special events for music lovers of all ages.

Beginning Friday, Otto’s and The Independent Rock Barn will present “Octoberfest,” featuring performances by Sons of the Mothers, Obie Call, Great Influence Machine, Big Muddy and Deconstructing Jim.

“We wanted to have a cool indie rock festival over the weekend,” said Nort Johnson, Otto’s promotions director. “They are all very good regional and national rock bands.”

On Saturday, The House Café will present “Halloween Extravaganza ’05,” where attendees are encouraged to come in costumes and take part in contests and giveaways.

The featured performers for the evening will also be in disguise as other popular bands. Inspector Owl will perform as the Police, Where’s Jimmy K At as the Talking Heads, Bikes Not Bombs as the B-52’s, I Need Sleep as the Radio Pop Sensations, Fishsticks Enfuego as They Might Be Giants, Melon Boat as Mike and Joe and a mystery act as Refused.

“It’s fun for everyone,” said John Ugolini, booking agent for Kickstand Productions.

On the same night, Otto’s will present Cealed Kasket and Coldhawk on the Main Stage.

Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes for the festivities and can take part in a costume contest.

On Halloween night, The House Café will present “Garaj Mahalloween” with Garaj Mahal and Great Influence Machine. Garaj Mahal, featuring House Café owner and guitarist Fareed Haque, was brought together in 2000 as a super jam session and plays a unique blend of music including funk, jazz and blues.