October 29th, 2026
Greetings from Carrboro,
We had flimsy masks with rubber bands attached to keep them on our heads. And a pillowcase and a plastic cape of some sort. Times have, um, changed. Just a smidge. Because this weekend, an entire host of people I know will spend far more time and money on their dog’s Halloween costume than I’ve ever allotted for my own. Admittedly, that’s not saying a whole hell of a lot. But, let’s be clear, we are talking about a costume for a dog. And that doesn’t even take into account the lengths those people may go to for their own outrageous attire – some brilliantly coordinated with a slew of friends and, yes, even their friends’ dogs. I can’t decide if I’m more impressed, dumbfounded, or humiliated by all that festive originality and planning.
Because I’m so much better at planning a Halloween party. Figuring out how to coordinate a group to dress as all the characters from Zootopia 2 is very much not my strong suit. It’s right up there with my brain surgery know-how. So, needless to say, this Halloween I’m staying in my preferred lane and throwing a party. At Atlas. We’re going all ’80s and all Michael with a Thriller Night Halloween Extravaganza. If you Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ on Saturday night, we got you.
The Atlas team in all their costumed glory will have fantastic cocktails lined up for each of the 9 tracks on Thriller. Basically, on Halloween, Billie Jean may not be your lover, but can be your drink of choice. And we’ll have yummy food all night long with classic ’80s snacks – fried ravioli, pigs in a blanket, French bread pizza, jalapeño poppers, Cool Ranch Doritos, crab rangoon, and, mmm, potato skins – because it’s, you know, Human Nature to want something delicious on Halloween. And, don’t worry, there will be plenty of ’80s candy to go around because, well, duh.
Tickets to Thriller Night at Atlas are $20, which covers all the food and all the fun. If we haven’t sold out by then, there will also be tickets available to purchase at the door. Both Acme and Atlas will open at 5 pm on Halloween – but you are welcome to come to Atlas at any time throughout the evening to join the party. And, to be sure, costumes are completely optional; we only ask that you and your crew come to have a fabulous time.
Halloween at Atlas, you just can’t Beat It.
Next Wednesday, November 4th, Acme is thrilled to have Michelle Duckett from the glorious Mount Eden Vineyards here to showcase their legendary wines. These are wines truly made for the flavors of seasonal Southern food and, as you might imagine, we’re happy to do our part. (Their Cabernet Sauvignon may be my favorite California Cab.) The dinner will have a distinctly fall vibe, with four courses and four wines to usher in sweater season with a healthy dose of deliciousness. Tickets for the event are $85 (excluding tax & gratuity). The menu is below. We’ll kick things off at 6:30 pm, with doors opening at 6:00 pm. As always, we’d love for you to join us.
Who knew Wednesdays could be so good?
Well, that’s all the news from Carrboro. The Staff at Acme look forward to serving you soon.
Cheers,
The Staff at Acme
The Acme Wine Experience
with Mount Eden Vineyards
Wednesday, November 4th
6:30 in the evening
1st
Diver Scallop & Mountain Apple Ceviche
celery leaves, chili, lime, cilantro
Domaine Eden Chardonnay
2nd
Seared Salmon
blue crab, wild mushroom, sweet corn
Domaine Eden Pinot Noir
3rd
Grilled Quail
dirty rice, Lowcountry bourbon-mustard sauce
Domaine Eden Cabernet Sauvignon
4th
Braised Beef Short Rib
honey butternut squash, blue cheese
Mount Eden Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
