The practice involves a group of people moving from one drinking establishment to another on or around October 31st within San Francisco. Participants often wear costumes and the event is typically organized, with designated routes and potentially discounted drinks at participating locations. It represents a seasonal social gathering that integrates the festive nature of a specific holiday with the communal activity of visiting multiple bars.
These structured events offer a number of potential advantages. They can boost revenue for participating businesses, particularly during periods where typical patronage might be lower. For attendees, they provide a safe and organized environment to celebrate, often with pre-planned itineraries eliminating the need for individual navigation and decision-making. Historically, organized versions have become increasingly popular, providing structured alternatives to spontaneous, potentially less controlled celebrations.