Susanne Bartsch Is NYC’s Forever Halloween Queen

Susanne Bartsch is New York City. And what’s more NYC than an over-the-top Halloween?

Bartsch has been a defining force in NYC nightlife since the ‘80s. With a sense of theatrics and a penchant for fantasy, Bartsch has served as a north star for generations of creatives and partygoers. Her legendary stints at the Copacabana, her pioneering Love Ball and her can’t-miss On Top parties are just a few of the memorable moments of culture that Bartsch has concocted from her magical cauldron.

Though Bartsch’s parties skew fantastical, she’s not afraid to lean into the nightmarish. Bartsch has created twisted bits of Halloween mayhem for years and become an integral part of NYC’s always-bustling pumpkin season. “My Halloweens have been shut down by the fire department more times than I can count, because of the lines going down the block, and thousands of people trying to get in,” Bartsch tells PAPER.

This year, NYC night owls have ample opportunity to celebrate spooky season in style with Bartsch. She has three different parties that combine the fabulous and horrific for those who prefer a little glitter with their gore. There’s Night at The Museum Halloween: The Return of HalloQueens at MoMA PS1 on Friday, October 25; The Witches of Bushwick at Bushwick’s favorite roller rink, Xanadu, on Saturday, October 26; and “BOOM! DAY OF THE DEAD” on Friday, November 1 at LeBain featuring legendary Brooklyn DJ Eli Escobar.

Be prepared — a Bartsch affair is not for those who simply want to slap on kitten ears or a cowboy hat. In Bartschland, the only rule is fearless and bold self-expression.

You’re an integral part of the history of New York City nightlife. What makes our nightlife singular?

New York is such a melting pot and the nightlife reflects that. I love that there’s a party for everyone, and that many are organic and not corporate or contrived. In one night, you can go from a gala uptown to a downtown club to a Bushwick rave. That feels quintessentially NYC.

What’s the secret to having a great Halloween season in NYC?

When I first moved to NYC, Halloween was just about the 31st. I love that it’s become an ongoing celebration now. I love the planning and preparation. Deciding what to wear and figuring out your looks, that’s my favorite part of Halloween. I also love the streets bustling with people and looks, and seeing mummies and skeletons driving cars.

Halloween costumes have become amplified with social media. What’s your philosophy for Halloween costumes? Are you a maximalist or is less sometimes more?

I don’t think it’s about less or more. It’s more about, What are you going for? What’s your fantasy and how are you going to express that? I’ve seen some incredible costumes made on a shoestring budget. It’s not about what you wear so much as how you put it all together.

What’s your favorite Halloween party memory?

There are so many. There are some that I remember because of the decor, like one year at the Palladium that was water-themed. I installed all these incredible Las Vegas-style fountains on the stage and dance floor. Some parties I remember for their drama. My Halloweens have been shut down by the fire department more times than I can count, because of the lines going down the block and thousands of people trying to get in.

But, like they say, you always remember your first. Mine was at this club over by the Westside Highway and Cher wound up coming with a busload of people from her Halloween perfume launch. The looks and creativity were through the roof, it was just a magical night in every way

What are you doing this Halloween?

I am going to town. I have three parties this season: MoMA PS1, Witches of Bushwick at Xanadu Roller Arts

and BOOM Day of the Dead.

Photography: Mark Minton