Some hot spots to warm up for Halloween

Almost every weekend on the dance circuit can feel a bit like Halloween, with ravers in angel wings, masks and dressed as characters from “Alice in Wonderland.” Given that, dance music fans treat Halloween not as just another day, but the day. Here are a few places offering a pre-Halloween excuse to dress up and dance to big-name talent.

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Monster Massive, L.A. Sports Arena: In its fifth year, with more than 40 acts, it’s a great primer for new dance music fans. Last year, the crowd was chill and the setup put the DJs at the center of the Sports Arena. This year, Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson and AK1200 will work the Saturday all-ages show.

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J. Cowan, Parks and Wilson; Red at Arena: Red’s official Halloween party, with Junior Sanchez, is next Friday, but this Friday’s warmup features progressive house heroes Parks and Wilson.

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Naked L.A. Halloween, Grand Avenue: If, like Sammy Hagar, red is your color, then come celebrate scarlet on Friday. Quality acts (Anne Savage, Danny B., Steve Castro, Joseph Christopher, Sean Morales) drive the party with hip-hop, hard-core and more.

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Clinic Halloween, A.D.: Like Naked L.A. Halloween, Clinic Halloween is an excuse to dress up on Saturday night. The music is solid (Danny B., Jeff Bomb, Christos, Adam 12, T-Rex), and A.D. is always packed.

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Sander Kleinenberg & Kazell, Spundae: Saturday night’s top alternative for those scared off by the all-ages Monster Massive show, it features Dutch DJ Sander Kleinenberg, and a tribal theme that encourages dressing up in paint and feathers.

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John Digweed, Mayan: For those who care more about the music than the party, on Wednesday this is the event. John Digweed is among the world’s elite DJs.

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Twine Halloween, Knitting Factory: Special Wednesday Tribal Techno Halloween Eve, featuring the Developer, Daniel and DJ Gonz.

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Halloween Masquerade Ball, Hollywood Athletic Club: Saturday’s sexy 6th annual fetish fest features the Damned plus club rooms by Beat It, Synthetic, Sinamatic and Coven13.

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For most addresses and information numbers, check the clubs directory.