While out-of-town guests are not welcome at the University of Wisconsin for Halloween events this coming weekend, Milwaukee is offering a 1930s- and ’40s-themed party with drinks, music, celebrities and more.

Vintage cars from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s are the portal’s entrance to the time warp. Red carpet will reach for the entrance and the stars will reach for the red velvet rope as they stride past those without tickets. Capacity for the event is set for 500 people.

“I recommend pre-buying the tickets or getting there early,” said Holly DeShaw, the mastermind and organizer behind the event and a teaching assistant in the College of Communication at Marquette University. “We’re sure to hit that number early.”

The Milwaukee International Film Festival Closing Weekend Gala will be held at the Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 790 N. Van Buren St., Friday from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday.

Tickets for the four-hour event can be purchased before Friday for $10 or for $15 at the door.

“As an alternative to Madison, it’s something to do for Halloween other than going to the bars, paying a cover and walking outside in the cold,” DeShaw said.

Everyone is encouraged to attend dressed appropriately for the themed party’s two-decade span, DeShaw said.

“The theme will be centered on black and white vintage Hollywood (1930s-’40s) and we are inviting attendees to dress up as old Hollywood stars from that time period,” she said.

Patrick Warburton (David Puddy from “Seinfeld”) will be in attendance along with accredited filmmakers.

“It’s a really young, hip event,” DeShaw said, “so bring your cameras. You’ll want to take pictures of this event.”

Tickets include food from Izumi’s, HopSheng Gourmet, Palermo Villa Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Elliot’s Bistro and Casablanca one lakefront beer and entertainment.

Jazz and swing jazz will play throughout the night performed by featured bands, Ethan Keller Jazz, Bill Bonifas Jazz Quartet, Avalon Four and Paul Cebar and the Milwaukeeans.

The Milwaukee School of Engineering WMSE-FM (91.7) DJs will complete the retro theme by spinning ’30s and ’40s vinyl records throughout the night.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio dancers will also be performing an “awesome spectacle,” DeShaw said.

Discounted Grey Goose vodka drinks will be provided by Capital Husting, Lakewood Wine by Purple Feet and various beers by Lakefront Brewery.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit milwaukeefilmfest.org or call the Oriental Theatre Box Office at 276-5140.

Madison’s doors closed

“If students still choose to come to Madison, they should be aware that they will be held accountable for their actions, both legally, and even through their own university,” said University of Wisconsin interim Dean of Students Lori Berquam.

Berquam said that no guests will be allowed for Halloween weekend in University Housing and violations of the policy will result in sanctions for the host ranging from reprimand to dismissal from the halls and university probation.

If confronted, guests will be expected to leave the premises immediately, regardless of the time of the day, weather or availability of another place to stay. University Police will be on hand to enforce the policy. Campus parking will also be severely restricted.

Information about criminal behavior by guests from other colleges or universities will be forwarded back to their own campus student affairs staff for possible adjudication.

In addition, the Madison Police Department, District Attorney’s office and the City Attorney’s office are planning to aggressively prosecute cases and fines have been increased substantially over past years.

For more information about Madison Halloween policies and expectations, visit http://www.news.wisc.edu/halloween/ or http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/police/Halloween05.html.

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