Halloween is on a Monday this year. That means the major partying for adults will take place on Saturday — providing a merciful 48 hours to get beyond the hangover.

If you're not actually attending a soiree in a private home, chances are good you'll be hitting the nightclubs, where shrewd management types always book great bands to celebrate the spook-happy occasion. And I'm going to go out on a limb here and recommend, costume-wise, that Donald Trump won't be a particularly original idea. Neither will Killer Clowns, but that concept nonetheless holds a decided appeal.

Anyhoo, there are plenty of options this weekend. An annual highlight is Hygienic Art's Howling Halloween Bash. The gala takes place Saturday in the Art Park — called, for the occasion, "The Planet of Pus" — as well as the inside galleries ("House of Horrors") and also features a costume contest, a cash bar, food trucks and live entertainment from Llama Tsunami and DJ Easy. The Hygienic is located at 79 Bank St., New London. Cover is $10; (860) 443-8001.

In addition, here are other bands playing at officially designated Halloween parties this weekend.

Friday

The Hempsteadys, 9 p.m., The Oasis, 16 Bank St., New London; $5; (860) 447-3929

Saturday

No Shame, 8 p.m. Sneekers, 568 Poquonnock Road, Groton; free; (860) 445-1967

John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band, 8 p.m., Mystic Hilton, 20 Coogan Blvd., Mystic; $25, $35; (860) 572-0731

Jeremiah Hazed and Teddy Midnight, 9 p.m., Strange Brew Pub, 297 West Main St., Norwich; $10; (860) 886-7600

Suspect, Casting Shadow, Theater Zombies, 9 p.m. Saturday, 33 Golden Street, 33 Golden St., New London; $5; (860) 443-1191