Nightshade

You'll have to check event listings for upcoming event dates, locations and themes although traditionally Nightshade has been held every 3 or 4 weeks in the backroom of Menz & Mollyz Bar at 2182 Gottingen St.

You show up on the advertised date to the advertised location, dressed in your best and sexiest outfit. You tell the door person that you are there for the Nightshade party, they ask for valid ID for proof that you're of legal drinking age. You then pay the cover charge and are given a different bracelet than the regular club goers. As you head up the stairs and into the nightclub you check your coat and bag, (why not it is free!) and then head to the bar to grab one of the night's drink specials. You start a tab by leaving your credit card and ID with the bartender, this will only be the first of many after all.

You then proceed to the backroom where you are greeted by a second door person who asks if you are there for the Nightshade party. You say yes, they check your bracelet and wave you through. You step through the plastic divider and the party. Everyone is dressed up, leather, PVC, latex, lingerie and costumes. Some are dressed to that nights theme, most are in black and a handful of people who look a little out of place are just in their street clothes but there is no official dress code so anything is allowed.

The main room is a play area, gear, equipment for those who wish to learn, explore or show off and has some dimly lit sitting areas for those who wish to sit back and take it all in. Some Nightshade staff and volunteers monitor the area and are there to teach, demonstrate and explain.

Moving through to the next area you hear the music drifting down the short hallway to your left where you can see the makeshift dance floor where the DJ is setup on a small stage playing dark industrial and EBM. The room is complete with sound system, dance lights and effects. In front of you, you find some couches and chairs set up in low lit alcove with people chatting and drinking. A small room to your right has some more couches and chairs with a closing door for any group that wishes for a little more privacy or quiet.

The rhythmic sounds of the music wash over you and blends almost seamlessly with the sounds of chitchat, laughter and the crack of a whip followed by someone's moan. The sweet smell of sweat fills your nostrils, someone dancing on the edge of the group at the end of the hall catches your eye and your heart races a little. You take a sip of your drink and venture forward. It's going to be a night indeed.

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Nightshade parties are unlike a regular night out at a club. This is a whole new experience unlike any other in Halifax. A lot of reserved people have trouble building up the courage to go or don't want to go by themselves and have no one they can ask to go with. But once they do make it to an event they very quickly discover the all accepting nature of the Nightshade community and come back time and time again.

So come out to a night and see for yourself, it isn't all about the kink or the costumes, it isn't all about the drinking or dancing. Nightshade is the biggest alternative social event in Halifax and we welcome you to come and see what we are all about.