The Avalon caters to the mainstream; the Asylum plays to darker fantasies and the Reverence is expected to impress the dedicated Halloween'er.
Club Avalon: a staple of Sacramento for almost two decades, is where the DJ fills the dance floor and the bartenders fill glasses.
The dance floor is already filling as the DJ works his slick beats. The upper level balconies, draped with black cloth and clusters of plastic skulls, are already beginning to attract those with the additional wealth to take part in the extra luxury to be found up there.
The lights are dimmed and cotton pulls for spiderwebs are everywhere. Jack-o-lanterns litter every available space and plastic bats and skeletons hang from the ceiling. Granted, it's cheesy, but the costumed guests are always intended to be the real scenery.
Tonight, celebrating Halloween and the promise of a couple of free drinks guarantees a good crowd. The doorman filters out those that aren't in costume - although more than one pretty lady in a short skirt finds herself let through as a 'hooker.'
Upon entering, a wristband is given, giving access to the club as costumed door attendants hole punch a ticket to qualify the party goer for the two free drinks.