In San Francisco, Halloween is as big a deal for the grown-ups as it is for kids. The adult-oriented Halloween events below, some of which are before and after Oct. 31, 2014, include costume balls and terror-filled. They’re intended for ages 21+ unless otherwise noted. For activities with no age restrictions, including haunted houses, parties and films, see our guide to Halloween fun for all ages

Hell in the Armory
Oct. 7-Nov. 1 (Tuesdays through Saturdays), at 7 pm-12 am
What’s billed as the world’s first erotic haunted house is open at Kink.com’s porn studio in the San Francisco Armory.

The historic building is said to be haunted, and what with Kink’s film sets of dungeons and padded cells, it’s a natural Halloween spot. Expect contortionists, horror, simulated acts and body-painted models during a bondage- and S&M-inspired 60-minute tour.
At the Armory, 333 14th St., San Francisco 94103. Tickets available online only; $45. Ages 18+.

Shocktoberfest: The Bloody Debutante
Oct. 9-Nov. 22 (Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays), and Oct. 28 & 29,at 8 pm
The Thrillpeddlers present "terror and titillation,” including Edgar Allan Poe’s “The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether," the musical one-act Bloody Debutante, other short acts and a lights-out spook-show finale.
At the Hypnodrome Theatre, 575 10th St., San Francisco 94103. Tickets $30-35. For mature audiences.

Celebrating Super Heroes: An All Hands Halloween Fundraiser
Oct. 29, at 8 pm-1 am
?Organized by San Francisco State University, this costume contest and party is a fundraiser for All Hands Volunteers, which provides volunteers to communities in need and after natural disasters.

All ticket proceeds go to the nonprofit organization.
At DNA Lounge, 375 11th St., San Francisco 94103. Tickets $10, 20. Ages 18+.

Creatures of the NightLife
Oct. 30, at 6-10 pm
Find out the science behind werewolves, vampires and zombies. Touch organs, including human brains, and get your blood analyzed. Drag queen Peaches Christ hosts a costume contest and drag show.
At California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr.,Golden Gate Park, San Francisco 94118. Tickets $12.

CarnEvil Halloween
Oct. 30 & 31, at 8 pm-2 am
The Clift’s Redwood Room becomes a “horrifying traveling circus” with spooky carnival freaks and clowns. Hosted cocktails and appetizers at 8-9 pm, and DJs playing all night.
At Clift San Francisco, 495 Geary St., San Francisco 94102. Tickets $25 and up.

Spookeasy Halloween Extravaganza & Costume Ball
Oct. 30-Nov. 2, at 8 pm
A once-thriving vaudeville house where Mae West and Josephine Baker performed, the Great Star is turned into a Prohibition-era speakeasy with showgirls, dancers and giant puppets. Enjoy a vaudeville stage show, costume ball and eerie theater acts complete with villains and apparitions.
At Great Star Theatre, 636 Jackson St., San Francisco 94133. Tickets $54.95 and up.

Guitarmageddon’s Halloween Monster Mash
Oct. 31, at 9 pm
Guitarmageddon, a loose-knit band of rockers that are prone to wailing, over-the-top guitar solos, perform Black Sabbath and Pink Floyd songs. Costume contest, too.
At Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 1710 Mission St., San Francisco 94103. Tickets $15-20.  

Titanic Masquerade Halloween Party Cruise
Oct. 31, at 9 pm-1 am
What’s scarier than pretending you’re aboard the doomed Titanic? Party as its passengers did, but on a 350-passenger yacht, with an open bar, great city views and DJs. Costumes and masks required; semi-formal attire preferred.
Starts and ends at Pier 40, the Embarcadero, San Francisco 94107. Tickets $110 and up.

Bowlloween 
Oct. 31, at 9 pm-2 am
Ditch the jammed ballroom and head to the Lucky Strike bowling alley-lounge for dancing to a DJ, bowling, a costume contest and drink specials.
At Lucky Strike, 200 King St., San Francisco 94107. Tickets $15 and up.

Monster Manic
Oct. 31, at 9 pm-2 am
Two DJs spin in the Julia-Morgan-designed ballroom. Costumes are required; there’s a contest with cash prizes. No weapons of any kind are allowed. 
At Julia Morgan Ballroom, 465 California St., San Francisco 94104. Tickets $35 and up.

A Nightmare On Van Ness
Oct. 31, at 9 pm-2 am
Entertainment on three floors, go-go dancers and DJs. Costumes required--the best ones get cash prizes--but no guns (real or toy) are allowed.
At the Regency Center, 1300 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco 94107. Tickets $45 and up; pre-sale purchase required.  

Spooky Hotel
Oct. 31, at 9 pm-2 am
A five-DJ, three-floor, costumes-required party.
At the W San Francisco, 181 3rd St., San Francisco 94103. Tickets $30 and up.

Halloween Pub Crawl
Oct. 31 & Nov. 1, at 5 pm-2 am
Don a costume and crawl bars on Union Street and in the Marina for drink specials, starting at $2 for beer and $3 for mixed drinks.
Check in at Bar None, 1980 Union St., San Francisco, from 5-10 pm. Tickets $20, 25.

Ghost Ship Halloween: Asylum
Oct. 31& Nov. 1, at 9 pm-4 am
Halloween, Burning-Man style. Gawk at jaw-dropping original art installations, made from sustainable and recyclable materials and for this event only. Dozens of DJs on six stages and party-goers in attire that’s more spectacle than costume.
At Pier 70, 420 22nd St, San Francisco.Tickets $45-60.

Saints & Sinners Ball
Nov. 1, at 9 pm-2 am
A "sinister chic" party on two floors. Costumes optional.
At the W San Francisco, 181 3rd St., San Francisco 94103. Tickets $20 and up.