Though the current housing slump is scary enough, this year there are plenty of other things to fear. Witness Sarah Winchester's crazy house by flashlight, eerie dance parties with whips and chains and gaggles of screaming children filling every nook and cranny in the South Bay.

Haunted Houses/Themed Events/
Interactive Events

Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patch A Halloween tradition with two mazes, a seven-circuit labyrinth, three haunted events, a kiddy corral, a pumpkin sling shot and more. Wed–Thu, 10am–6pm, Fri–Sat, 10am–midnight, Sun, 10am–10pm and Mon–Tue, 10am–6pm. Thru Oct 31. Swank Farms, 2600 San Felipe Road, Hollister. 831.637.4704.

World's Largest Haunted House Beware of losing yourself in the Cemetery of Lost Souls and the maze of endless deadly sights. Wed–Thu, 5:30–10pm, Fri, 5:30–midnight and Sat–Sun, 1–11pm. Thru Oct 31. $8–$12. 6902 Chestnut St., Gilroy. www.worldslargesthauntedhouse.info.

Gyro's 3-D Scream Fest The annual haunted house takes on a new twist this year, incorporating Rob Zombie's "The Devil's Playground" attraction, plus Nightmare Alley, Evil Jack's Arcade, and Rob Zombie's Monster Shop. Thu, 7–10pm, Fri–Sat, 7pm–midnight, Sun, 7–10pm and Halloween, 7pm–midnight. $19.95. Westfield Oakridge Mall, 925 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose. 866.558.FEAR. www.3dfearfactory.com.

Uesugi Farms Pumpkin Park Including the "Field of Screams" haunted corn maze, an enchanted hayride, the storybook path, a cow train, a pumpkin patch and live entertainment. Call for dates and times. Thru Oct 31. 14485 Monterey Hwy., Morgan Hill. 408.842.1294. www.uesugifarms.com.

Pirates of Emerson These infamous pirates bring their swashbuckling brand of fright to the Boardwalk. Call for specific dates and times. $24.95. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. 831.426.7433.

Psych Ward Twelve rooms feature psych ward tenants, trapped inside the building when it was demolished to make way for Westmont High School. Oct 25–28 and 31, 6pm. Westmont High School, 4905 Westmont Ave., Campbell.

Haunted Lake Every Halloween, Boronda Lake becomes haunted. Learn about nocturnal animals, make recycled crafts, hear scary stories and taste witches' brew. Oct 26–27, 6–8:45pm. $8–$12; registration suggested. Foothills Park, 3300 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto.

Monstrous Halloween Movies A screening of the 1927 silent film The Cat and the Canary, along with spooky silent shorts, on Friday and Saturday, and a showing of The Milpitas Monster on Sunday. Oct 26, 8pm, Oct 27, 7:30pm and Oct 28, 4pm. $10. Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, 37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont. 510.494.1411.

Midnight Madness A film screening of the horror classic The Lost Boys, part of which was filmed in Santa Cruz. Oct 26–27, midnight. $8. The Aquarius, 430 Emerson St., Palo Alto. 650.266.9260.

Halloween Psychic Fair Have your aura photographed, receive psychic readings and more at this metaphysical Halloween alternative. Oct 27, 11am–6pm. Free. San Jose Book Shop, 1231-E Kentwood Ave., San Jose. 408.446.0590.

Hallowed: An Underground Awakening A group of local artists create a collection of individual sanctuaries through a collage of art, music and film. Donations benefit CityTeam Youth Outreach. Oct 27, 7–10pm. Free. The Oasis, 200 N. First St., San Jose.

Bugged-Out Movie Night Learn about spiders through live encounters with the arachnids and a screening of the 1950s thriller Tarantula. Oct 27, 7:30–10:30pm. $5; reservations requested. Santa Teresa County Park, Bernal Ranch, 260 Bernal Road, San Jose. 408.226.5453.

Scare-a-thon Back-to-back spooky films, including Psycho, Night of the Living Dead and The Exorcist.. A fundraiser for the Guatemala Rotaplast Project. Oct 28, 3–10pm. $35. Los Gatos Cinema, 41 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos. 408.913.7712. www.saratogarotary.org.

Evening Flashlight Tours Tour the house in the dark. Oct 27 and 31, 6:30pm. $39. Winchester Mystery House, 525 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose. 408.247.2000.

Nosferatu A screening of the newly restored 1922 silent masterwork, accompanied by live musicians. Oct 30, 7pm. $10–$18. Del Mar Theatre, 1124 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz.

DC Cemetery The "cemetery," now in its 17th year, displays animated props, scares and special effects to create a creepy Halloween environment. Oct 30, 7–9pm, Oct 31, 6–11pm, Nov 1–2, 6–9pm and tentatively Nov 3. Free; donations appreciated. 840 Bush St., between Yosemite and Fairmont, Mountain View. www.dc-cemetery.com.

Chris' Home-built Halloween F/X Displays This home yard haunt has been in effect for more than 10 years, creating a creepy Halloween night from motor-driven props, illusions and special effects. All ages welcome to trick-or-treat. Oct 31, 5–9pm. Free. 38642 Moore Dr., Fremont.

Haunted Graveyard Stroll through this spooky graveyard with ghoulish goblins and wacky witches. Oct 31, dusk–10pm. Free. 1030 S. Mary Ave., Sunnyvale.

Halloween on the Ridge Docents Deborah Probst and Susan Peterson lead this three-mile hike. Costumes are optional. Bring a poem to share to celebrate the season. Oct 31, 6:30–9pm. Reservations required. Russian Ridge Preserve, Skyline Boulevard and Page Mill Road, Palo Alto. www.openspace.org.

Halloween in the Hensley Neighbors gather together on Sixth Street to create a ghoulish community spectacle. Oct 31, 6:30–9:30pm. Free. 300–400 block of Sixth Street, San Jose. 408.286.5675.

Dance Parties/Costume Contests/Concerts

Fright Nite 6 Three rooms, full bars and DJs Nasty Nick, Boy Wonder, Mauricio, As Is and others. Costumes required. Oct 25, 9pm–2am. Abyss Nightclub, 146 S. Murphy, Sunnyvale. 408.73.ABYSS.

Masquerade Digital Underground performs live at this Halloween-themed costume dance party, also featuring resident DJ D'jam Hassan. Oct 25, 9pm. $15. Angels Ultra Lounge, 400 S. First St., San Jose. 408.885.9588.

Haunted Mansion Costume Party This second annual event features a huge display of Halloween decorations and DJ Jose Melendez spinning all night. Oct 26, 9:30pm. Cuccini's, 72 N. Almaden Ave., San Jose. 408.287.1737

Haunted House Halloween A five-night Halloween blowout, with themed costume parties each night. The club gives away $200 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and $500 on Halloween for best costumes. Oct 25–28 and 31. Miami Beach Club, 175 San Pedro Square, San Jose. 408.242.9621.

Poor House Bistro Halloween Weekend Wear a costume, win a prize. With live music all weekend from the Insomniacs, the Pleasure Kings, School of Blues students and After Dark. Oct 26–27, 6–10pm and Oct 28, noon–8pm. Poor House Bistro, 91 S. Autumn St., San Jose. 408.292.5837.

Big Pimpin' A Halloween costume ball presented by Barcelona, with Armann the Brainchild, Trevor Simpson and others spinning in two rooms, party favors, a balloon drop, a costume contest and a laser show. Oct 26, 7pm–3am. Vault Ultra Lounge, 81 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose. 408.298.1112.

Scary-o-ke Karaoke Contest Come listen to the eerie squeals and wails of karaoke contestants. Oct 26, 8pm. Acapulco Restaurant and Cantina, 1299 Lawrence Expwy., Santa Clara. 408.249.2001.

Halloween Spook-Tacular A night of fun, fright and frolic, including live DJs, dance exhibitions, magic from Intimate Magic and a haunted bar. Oct 26, 8pm–midnight. $30/$35. Decathlon Club, 3240 Central Expwy., Santa Clara. 408.738.2582.

Halloween Party for Singles Creep up to that ghoul dancing beside you and mingle at this dance party and costume contest. Includes light hors d'oeuvres. Oct 26, 8pm–midnight. $20. Lion and Compass Restaurant, 1023 N. Fair Oaks, Sunnyvale. 650.327.4645. www.thepartyhotline.com.

RIP (Rock in Pleasure) Channel 104.9, Chris Rojas and Dustin Loose present this night of dancing with DJs Donovan, Chris Clouse, Zhaldee, Adam Cova, Eddy Santana and FM, plus more than $30,000 in Halloween-themed props from Gyro's. Oct 26, 8pm–2am. $40 and up. Corinthian Event Center, 196 N. Third St., San Jose.

Halloween Havoc The Bay Area Band Militia hosts this concert with Lick, A Lurking Fear, If Time Fails and Dimidium. Plus a costume contest sponsored by Hybrid Moments Piercing. Prizes awarded at 11pm. Oct 26, 9pm. Free. C&J's Sports Bar, 1550 Lafayette St., Santa Clara. 408.469.0177.

Halloween at Vivid Monster Mania Halloween Bash on Friday, the scariest party of the year, straight out of L.A. A Halloween Hooker Ball on Saturday, featuring a provocative costume contest with $1,000 awarded to the most sexy and scandalous costume. Trick-or-Treat on Wednesday with a naughty lingerie Halloween party and guest DJ Reckid. Oct 26–27, 9pm–3am and Oct 31, 9pm–3am. Vivid, 8 S. First St., San Jose. 408.279.4444.

Blackout Halloween Party A first annual Halloween party for ages 18 and older. Oct 26, 10pm–2am. $15. Abyss Nightclub, 146 S. Murphy, Sunnyvale. 408.73.ABYSS.

Halloween Parties at Taste Red Light District Halloween Extravaganza on Friday, with DJs Roonie G, Don Lynch and David Q and Miss San Jose Grand Prix Marivel Salgado. Risque: Halloween Edition on Saturday, including a sexy costume contest, giveaways and DJs Jose Melendez and Big Boy. Plus A Tasty Halloween on Tuesday, the official Boo Bomb after party, with a costume contest and DJs Jose Melendez and Jay Reese. Oct 26–27, 9pm and Oct 30–31, 9pm. Taste Ultra Lounge, 87 N. San Pedro St., San Jose. 408.885.1016. www.tasteultralounge.com.

Halloween Celebrity Costume Party With prizes for first, second and third place. Oct 27. Peacock Lounge, 102 E. Fremont Ave., Sunnyvale. 408.962.6690. www.thepeacocklounge.com.

Murphy's Law Halloween Including a costume contest with a $100 first prize and music from Original Wise Guys. Oct 27. Murphy's Law, 135 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale. 408.736.3822.

Scare-it-Up Saturday DJ Joel mixes it up while go-go boys take the stage. Plus a costume contest with $150 in prizes. Oct 27. $3. Hunters, 349 S. First St., San Jose. 408.947.1975.

Halloween Costume Contest With prizes totaling $600 for the top three costumes. Plus karaoke and a full bar. Oct 27. Effie's Restaurant and Bar, 331 Hacienda Ave., Campbell. 408.374.3400.

Halloween Party A costume contest with cash prizes and live music from Jaded. Oct 27. Britannia Arms Cupertino, 1087 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino. 408.252.7262.

Halloween Bash DJ As Is spins and prizes totaling $500 will be awarded for top costumes. Oct 27. Britannia Arms Downtown, 173 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose. 408.278.1400.

Halloween Costume Party Music from Floyd's Ordeal and a costume contest. Oct 27. No cover. Fibbar Magees, 156 S. Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale. 408.749.8373.

Halloween Costume Party Prizes for top costumes and a live DJ. Oct 27. No cover. Molly Magees, 241 Castro St, Mountain View. 650.961.0108.

Heaven and Hell Coach's hosts two Halloween celebrations with cash prizes for best costume both nights. Plus drink specials. Oct 27 and 31. Coach's Extreme Sports Bar and Grill, 2240 S. Winchester Blvd., Campbell. 408.379.2654.

Super Scary Halloween Show Skate along to rock bands Evolution, Undergone, Miss Crazy, Loren of Story Told, Novice, Storybook of Stars, Anonymity, Catastrophe and Kallbox. Plus a haunted house, bounce house and prizes for scariest costumes. All ages. Oct 27, 6pm. $10 (includes skating). San Jose Skate, 397 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose. www.myspace.com/pinupproductionssj.

Playboy Mansion Halloween Party One entrance to two venues (Mountain Charley's and 180 Restaurant), including a costume contest with prizes and live DJs. Oct 27, 7pm. $10 before 9pm, $20 after 9pm. Mountain Charley's, 15 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos. 408.395.8880.

Halloween Concert Redwood Symphony performs spine tinglers, including music from The Nightmare Before Christmas and Star Wars. Costumes welcome. Oct 27, 7pm. $10-$25. Cañada College Main Theatre, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City. 650.366.6872.

Halloween's Magic Spell Carl Franzen's vocal students perform spooky opera, operetta, musical theater and concert favorites. Plus a costume contest. Oct 27, 7pm. Ladera Community Church, 3300 Alpine Road, Portola Valley.

Unleash the Spirits at the Winery A costume party and contest, with wine tasting, live music from the Fast Lane Band and scary tours. Oct 27, 7–11pm. $20–25; reservations required. Pedrizzetti Winery, 1645 San Pedro Ave., Morgan Hill. 408.779.7389. www.pedrizzetti.com.

Singles Halloween Costume Party This coffee club meets in Cupertino for a pot luck and Halloween celebration. Oct 27, 8pm. Free. Call for details, 408.260.2740.

Halloween Costume Ball Featuring headliners Hell's Belles. Plus the all-girl band Turbonegra. Oct 27, 8pm. $17/$20. Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 831.423.1336.

Halloween Singles Costume Dance Party Your Asian Connection hosts this catered dance party and costume contest specifically for Asian singles. Oct 27, 8pm–12:30am. $15–$25. CPAA Arts Center, 10123 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino. www.yourasianconnection.com.

Halloween Costume Ball NuDay performs at this Halloween dance party, featuring a live DJ and dancing, a costume contest, drink specials and Jell-o shots. Oct 27, 8pm. $15. Club Max, Doubletree Hotel, 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose. 408.437.2167.

Halloween Show With AC/DC cover act Powerage, Rat Bastard, Graveyard Tan and Scotty Bon Osbourne. Plus a costume contest featuring prizes in a variety of categories. Oct 27, 8pm. $13/$15. Little Fox Theatre, 2209 Broadway, Redwood City. 650.369.4119. www.foxdream.com.

#1 Broadway Halloween Including a dance party with Pacific Standard Time and a costume contest with prizes. Oct 27, 8pm–2am. $10. #1 Broadway, 102 S. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos. 408.354.4303. www.numberonebroadway.com.

Club Bollywood Halloween Masquerade Bollywood Affair presents DJs Aanshul, Real Deal, Precaution and Atish, plus a cash prize for best costume, Bollywood music videos and more. Oct 27, 8:30pm–1am. $20. Avalon Nightclub, 777 Lawrence Expwy., Santa Clara. 408.315.6565.

Agenda Halloween On Saturday, DJs Frank Morales, Vin Roc and Neil Armstrong spin hip-hop and mash-ups in three levels, plus a costume contest with $1,000 in prizes for the most original costumes. Halloween night, Agenda hosts a Scary Salsa Halloween with another $500 for best costume and DJ Jean Carlo. Oct 27 and 31, 9pm. Agenda Lounge, 399 S. First St., San Jose. 408.287.3991. www.agendalounge.com.

Rhythm Ritual Halloween Masquerade With DJs Harry Who, Arturo Garces and Gabriel Black. Oct 27, 9pm–2am. No cover. Cardiff Lounge, 260 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell. 408.374.7477.

Halloween Pre-Party Bands on the Spot hosts an evening of live rock music. 21+. Oct 27, 9pm–2am. $5. Quarter Note, 1214 Apollo Way, Sunnyvale. 408.732.2110. www.quarternote.com.

Halloween Latin Party DJ MGD spins the best new Latin hits, Top 40, salsa, merengue, reggaeton and more. Plus cash prizes for the sexiest and scariest costumes. Oct 27, 9pm–2am. $10 before 11pm. Stephens Green, 223 Castro St., Mountain View. 408.507.6519. www.ststephensgreen.com.

Halloween Costume Party Brian Salazar DJs at tonight's installment of Remedy, which includes a costume contest. Oct 27, 9pm–3am. Vault Ultra Lounge, 81 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose. 408.298.1112.

Eyes Wide Shut A masquerade and costume ball with a live performance from Menace and DJ Juan Burgundy. Plus prizes for sexiest female costume and best male costume. Costumes encouraged but not required. Oct 27, 9:30pm. Casbah Ultra Lounge, 234 S. B St., San Mateo. www.casbahnights.com.

Halloween at Fahrenheit DJ Shey Love takes to the turntables on Saturday, plus drink specials and more than $1,000 in prizes for best costumes. Pay no cover on Tuesday for drink specials and music from DJ David Q. And Halloween night is an '80s Rockstar and Karaoke Party with drink specials, a costume contest with more than $500 in prizes and DJs Basura and guests. Oct 27 and 30–31, 9pm. Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge, 99 E. San Fernando St., San Jose. 408.998.9998. www.fultralounge.com.

Evensong for All Hallows An annual Halloween concert featuring funeral music from the English renaissance, baroque works and instrumental pieces for Celtic harp. Oct 28, 7:30–11pm. $12–$15. All Saints Episcopal Church, 555 Waverly St., Palo Alto.

The Halloween Experience SouthBayHipHop.com presents music from Conspiracy, Infinity the MC, Kelda Music, AM1, Druhnkin Ninjah, the Beatmites Silence, Lady Ivory, JFlo and Boogieman. Oct 28, 9pm. VooDoo Lounge, 14 S. Second St., San Jose. 408.286.VODO.

Halloween Black and Orange Bash An evening of dancing and drinking, plus a costume contest. Oct 27, 9pm–2am. Free with costume. Smoke Tiki Lounge, 152 Post St., San Jose. 408.292.4266. www.smoketiki.com.

Boo Bomb Wild 94.9 presents a hip-hop and R&B concert event, with Fabolous, Jordin Sparks, Baby Bash, Ne-Yo, Natasha Bedingfield, Rihanna and T-Pain. All ages. Oct 30, 7:30pm. $20–$65. HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose. 408.998.TIXS.

Abyss Haunted Mansion and Freakfest Two nights of Halloween mayhem with music on two floors from Young Sal and DJs Maniakal, Pross and Hollywood. Costumes mandatory. Ages 18 and up welcome. Oct 30–31. Abyss Nightclub, 146 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale. 408.73.ABYSS.

Ride 'n' Hide Halloween Bash Live music from 40831, Rise of the Revolution and Firme, plus DJ Aspect. Costumes "a must." Oct 31. $5. Tres Gringos Baja Cantina, 83 S. Second St., San Jose. 408.278.9888.

Wicked Wednesday Wear your most wickedly sexy costume and win up to $75 for first place. Plus DJ Sue mixing and bad boy go-go dancers. Oct 31. $3. Hunters, 349 S. First St., San Jose. 408.947.1975.

Stephens Green Halloween Party With a live DJ, prizes for best costumes and drink specials. Oct 31. No cover. Stephens Green, 223 Castro St., Mountain View. 650.964.9151. www.ststephensgreen.com.

Boswell's Halloween Spend the night in the company of a full bar and one of the venue's resident DJ/RJs. Oct 31. Boswell's, 1875 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell. 408.371.4404.

Halloween Blues Jam An evening of spooky tunes and a costume contest and giveaways. Oct 31, 7pm. No cover. Little Fox Theatre, 2209 Broadway, Redwood City. 650.369.4119. www.foxdream.com.

Saddle Rack Annual Halloween Party Featuring Lofton Creek Records artist Heartland and a costume contest with prizes. Oct 31, 7pm–2am. $5. The Saddle Rack, 42011 Boscell Road, Fremont. 510.979.0477. www.thesaddlerack.com.

Halloween Concert and Costume Contest Stanford hosts this campus tradition with the Stanford Wind Ensemble and the Stanford Symphony Orchestra performing a spooky concert of Halloween-related works. Plus a costume contest judged by the audience with the winner conducting the concert's final song. Oct 31, 8pm. $5–$10. Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford University, 471 Lagunita Dr., Palo Alto. 650.725.ARTS.

Annual Halloween Concert Phantom organist James Welch and Russell "FrankenSteinway" Hancock perform eerie tunes, including a collection of Scherzi. Costumes welcome. Oct 31, 8pm. $10. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto. 650.326.3800.

Rivals' Halloween Party Local band Rivals holds its sixth annual Halloween bash with musical acts Embrace Forever, Starving Millionaires and 12 Steps to Nothing. Plus a costume contest with prizes. Oct 31, 8pm. $9 with costume, $12 without. VooDoo Lounge, 14 S. Second St., San Jose. 408.286.VODO. www.myspace.com/rivals.

Club Satori Halloween Party Costume are encouraged at this night of New Wave, goth and death rock dance party. Oct 31, 9pm. $5. The Blank Club, 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose. 408.29.BLANK. www.theblankclub.com.

Halloween Show A creepy evening with metal from Silence Chair and Thunderhorse. Oct 31, 10:30pm. South First Billiards, 420 S. First St., San Jose. 408.294.7800.

Kids/Family/Patches

Spina Farms A pumpkin patch and train rides. Sun–Thu, 8:30am–6pm and Fri–Sat, 8:30am–8pm. Thru Oct 31. Spina Farms, Santa Teresa Boulevard and Bailey Avenue, San Jose. 408.463.0125.

Trick-or-Treat Bag Participate in the Halloween-themed craft to create a bag for trick-or-treating. Oct 24, 3pm. Free. Educational Branch Library, 1770 Educational Park Dr., San Jose. 408.272.3663. www.sjlibrary.org

Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere Decorate pumpkins without using any sharp objects. Pumpkins provided. Oct 24, 3:30–4:30pm. Free. Children's Library, 1213 Newell Road, Palo Alto. 650.329.2436.

Almaden Community Pumpkin Patch Party A safe, fun Halloween with games, crafts, stories and food. Costumes encouraged. Oct 25, 4–6pm. $25. Almaden Community Center, 6445 Camden Ave., San Jose.

Halloween Workshop A day filled with Halloween-themed activities, including making jack o' lanterns and scarecrows and other arts and crafts. Oct 26, 8:30am–5:30pm. $25; registration required. Camden Community Center, 3369 Union Ave., San Jose. 408.559.7542.

Borders Halloween Spooktacular A full day of Halloween-themed activities, including spooky stories and costume contests. Oct 26, 9am. Free. Borders Books, 456 University Ave., Palo Alto. 650.326.3670. Plus other Bay Area locations.

Spooky, Spooky Night Halloween activities for kids and families, including decorating a trick-or-treat bag, making spooky masks and bobbing for apples. Oct 26, noon–7pm. Campbell Historical Museum, 51 N. Central Ave., Campbell. 408.866.2119.

Bats, Cats and Spiders, Oh My Explore the world of bats, cats, owls and spiders and transform a pumpkin into your favorite fall creature. Ages 5–10. Oct 26, 3:30–5pm. $7–$10; registration required. Guadalupe River Park and Gardens, 438 Coleman Ave., San Jose. 408.298.7657.

Halloween Bash at Solari Park An annual afternoon of creepy carnival games, a haunted Halloween walk and fun. Costumes encouraged. Oct 26, 4–7pm. Solari Park, 3501 Cas Dr., San Jose.

Trick-or-Treat in Downtown Campbell Downtown restaurants and shops open their doors and hand out treats. Plus a costume contest at 7pm. Oct 26, 5–8pm. Free. East Campbell Avenue, Downtown Campbell. www.downtowncampbell.com.

Halloween Carnival Walk through the haunted forest, visit fortune tellers, win prizes and more at this event geared toward children 12 and younger. Oct 26, 5–9pm. Free. Village School, 825 W. Parr Ave., Campbell. 408.656.7727.

Society Dog's Howling Halloween Dogs and their owners can enjoy the Halloween spirit with this sixth annual event, including trick-or-treating, music, food, "paw" readings and a costume contest. Proceeds benefit the Los Gatos Police Foundation's K-9 unit. Registration required. Oct 26, 5:30–10pm. $25/$30; children under 14 free. Borders Books, 50 University Ave., Los Gatos. 408.671.3417. www.societydog.com.

Millbrook Halloween Party Celebrate the spooky season with games, music, pumpkin carving, costumes and more. Ages 5–12. Oct 26, 6–9pm. $3. Millbrook Community Center, 3200 Millbrook Dr., San Jose.

Halloween Haunts Ages 4–12 can explore Hidden Villa's haunted trail, gather treats and experience creepy and kooky characters. Following trick-or-treating, enjoy treats and listen to spooky stories and songs by the fire. Costumes and flashlights are encouraged. Oct 26–27, 6:30–8:30pm. $16; registration suggested. Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills. 650.949.8653. www.hiddenvilla.org.

Halloween at the YMCA Including a haunted house, costume contest, face painting and more. Oct 27. Free. El Camino YMCA, 2400 Grant Road, Mountain View. 650.842.3591.

Cal Skate Halloween A skating party and costume contest. Saturday's event costs $5.75 and is for ages 10 and under and Sunday's event costs $6.50, plus a $3 skate rental fee, and is all ages. Oct 27, 10am–noon and Oct 28, noon–4pm. Cal Skate, 980 Los Coches, Milpitas. 408.946.1363.

Children's Harvest Festival Including games, crafts, goodie bags, a costume parade and a pumpkin patch. Oct 27, 10am–2pm. Westside Preschool, 3257 Payne Ave., San Jose. 408.249.5533.

Halloween Story Time Plus a costume parade. Oct 27, 10:30am. Free. Cupertino Community Hall, 10350 Torre Ave., Cupertino. www.santaclaracountylib.org.

Halloween Story Time A special story time with spooky stories for all ages. Plus a Halloween craft. Oct 27, 10:30am-noon. Free. Alum Rock Branch Library, 3090 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose. 408.808.3090.

Halloween Happenings at Hiller Creepy crafts, a Halloween treasure hunt and more. Oct 27–28, 11am. Admission free with costume. Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos. 650.654.0200.

Witches' Delight Carnival This 47th annual event includes magician Jean Paul Valjean, carnival games, a cake walk, cookie decorating, a costume contest and a haunted house. Oct 27, 11am–3pm. $5–$25. Santa Rita Elementary School, 700 Los Altos Ave., Los Altos.

Harvest Festival Celebrate the season with crafts, treats and pumpkins, plus a haunted house and art activities. Oct 27, 11am–4pm. Free. Almaden Community Center, 6445 Camden Ave., San Jose.

Halloween Spooktakular A spooky family event for newborns to age 10 with a gooey mad scientist lab, carnival games, a costume parade and crafts. Oct 27, noon–3pm. $5 per child; adults free. Red Morton Community Center, 1120 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City. 650.780.7311.

Witchy Walk-a-bout Kids can visit participating businesses along Big Basin Way to nab goodies. Oct 27, 2–4pm. Free. Big Basin Way, downtown Saratoga. 408.867.0753.

Halloween Party for Families Santa Clara County Open Space Authority hosts this afternoon of free trick-or-treating, games, arts and crafts and various creatures. Costumes welcome. Oct 27, 2–4pm. Free. Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve, Casa Loma Road behind Calero Lake County Park, San Jose. 408.224.7476.

Bow Wow Wow Howl-loween Doggy Costume Contest A dog costume contest and party, including prizes for cutest, funniest, coolest and best costumes. Plus games, raffles, silent auction, goodies and a dog adoption showcase. Oct 27, 2-4pm. $5 donation to Furry Friends Rescue. Titan's Kingdom Doggie Day Care, 1512 Fulton Place, Fremont. 510.794.4703. www.furryfriendsrescue.org.

Baby Loves Disco A family-friendly dance party with a Halloween theme. Oct 27, 2–5pm. $12. Avalon Nightclub, 777 Lawrence Expwy., Santa Clara. 408.241.0777.

Spook-a-rama An afternoon of scary stories, movies and "ghost" bingo for kids in grades 1–4. Oct 27, 3pm. Free. Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave., Morgan Hill. 408.779.3196.

Halloween Festival An afternoon of Halloween fun, including games and crafts. Come in costume and receive a prize. Oct 27, 3:30pm. Free. Tully Branch Library, 880 Tully Road, San Jose. 408.808.3030. www.sjlibrary.org.

Halloween Haunt at Ed Levin County Park Park staff lead this evening of ghoulish family entertainment, with games, pumpkin carving, s'mores, a hike around the pond and more. Oct 27, 5–8pm. $5. Ed Levin County Park, 3100 Calaveras Road, Milpitas. 408.262.6980.

Haunted House and Festival Creepy and spooky for 15 years, this annual event includes music, arts and crafts, face painting, a pumpkin walk and more. Come in costume. Oct 27, 5–9pm. $2. Washington United Youth Center, 921 S. First St., San Jose.

Family Skate Night Wear a costume and trick-or-treat at the rink. Oct 27, 5–9pm. $5. Roosevelt Roller Hockey Rink, 901 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose. 408.286.0195.

Scare on the Square Watch a double feature of The Corpse Bride and Ghostbusters to get in the Halloween spirit. Oct 27, 6:30pm. Free. Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway St., Redwood City. 650.780.7323.

Halloween Treasure Hunt Kids 12 and under can hunt for special treasures at this year's expanded Halloween attraction, which also includes a haunted maze, a hay maze and Scarecrow Alley. Oct 27–28. Free with admission. Gilroy Gardens Theme Park, 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy. 408.840.7100.

Boo Meadows The local race track opens its doors for a family day of bounce houses, rock climbing, a haunted house, live entertainment and a costume contest. Oct 28, 10am–4pm. $3. Bay Meadows, 2600 S. Delaware St., San Mateo. 650.574.RACE.

Halloween Carnival Good Samaritan Church hosts this children's carnival with games, a costume parade, food and a kid-friendly haunted house. Oct 28, 3-5pm. Free. Good Samaritan United Methodist Church, 19624 Homestead Road, Cupertino. 408.253.0751

Monster Bash Stanford Shopping Center's Simon Kidgits Club presents this afternoon of happening Halloween tunes. Oct 27, 3pm. Free Stanford Shopping Center, 180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto. 650.617.8591. www.stanfordshop.com.

Spook Night Local author Dave Keane gives a "ghoularious" presentation. There will also be trick-or-treating and costumes are welcome. Oct 27, 6pm. Free. Kepler's Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. 650.324.4321.

Nick or Treat Kids 12 and under can wear costumes, trick-or-treat with Nickelodeon characters and participate in a Halloween-themed parade. Oct 27–28. Free with admission. Paramount's Great America, 4701 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara. 408.988.1776.

Halloween Carnival Including a costume parade, games, food and a kid-friendly haunted house. Oct 28, 3–5pm. Free. Good Samaritan United Methodist Church, 19624 Homestead Road, Cupertino. 408.253.0751.

Haunt the Hollow... and History Park Happy Hollow opens up trick-or-treat stations throughout the park, which also features rides, play areas, a zoo and puppet shows. Oct 28, 1–4pm. Free with admission. Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, 1300 Senter Road, San Jose. 408.277.4193. Then head to History Park and trick-or-treat at the park's historic homes. Oct 28, 3–6pm. Free. History Park, 1500 Senter Road, San Jose. 408.287.2290.

Monster Bash Halloween Celebration Kids can make craft projects, view a movie and more. Oct 28, 5–8pm. Free. Mountain View Community Center, 201 S. Rengstorff Ave., Mountain View. 650.903.6331.

Halloween Familyfest Santana Row's free monthly event, Mommy and Me on the Row, presents a spooktacular puppet show from National Puppet Theatre, pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating and other activities. Costumes encouraged. Oct 30, 10am–noon. Free. Santana Row, Winchester and Stevens Creek boulevards, San Jose. 408.551.4611. www.santanarow.com.

Halloween Fun Fest Wear your best costume and participate in crafts and games, listen to stories and music and more. Registration required. Oct 30, 4–6pm. $25. Kirk Community Center, 1601 Foxworthy Ave., San Jose. 408.723.1571

Halloween Costume Party Come dressed in your fun-day's best to eat "boo-tiful" treats and listen to spooky stories. Oct 30, 6:30pm. Free. Alum Rock Branch Library, 3090 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose. 408.808.3090. www.sjlibrary.org.

Fun and Spooky Stories Megumi tells Halloween tales of overcoming fears and outwitting evil. Ages 5 and up. Oct 30, 7pm. Free. Central Park Library, 2635 Homestead Road, Santa Clara. 408.615.2916.

Family Halloween Event With puppet shows and stories by library staff. Oct 30, 7:30pm. Free. Saratoga Library, 13650 Saratoga Ave., Saratoga. 408.867.6126.

Willow Glen Trick-or-Treat Stop by participating local businesses in Willow Glen to trick-or-treat in the daylight with the little ones. Oct 31, 10am–noon for preschoolers, 3–5pm for school-age children. Free. Downtown Willow Glen, Lincoln Avenue between Minnesota Avenue and Coe Street, San Jose. 408.298.2100.

Trick-or-Treat at East Palo Alto Library Visit the library in costume and receive a small prize and candy. Oct 31, 10am–8pm. Free. 2415 University Ave., East Palo Alto. 650.321.7712.

Los Altos Halloween Spooktacular Downtown hosts a ghoulish afternoon of trick-or-treating and more. Oct 31, noon–3pm. Free. Los Altos Community Plaza, State and Second streets, Los Altos. www.losaltos-downtown.org.

Halloween Party Children in preschool through 5th grades are invited to celebrate the holiday with entertainment, treats, carnival games, arts and crafts and refreshments. Oct 31, 2:30–6pm. Free. Walter E. Schmidt Youth Activity Center, 2450 Cabrillo Ave., Santa Clara. 408.615.3760.

Halloween Story Time and Parade Listen to creepy stories then join the line of costumed kids to trek around the library. Oct 31, 3pm. Free. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 150 E. San Fernando St., San Jose. 408.808.2183. www.sjlibrary.org.

Halloween Magic Brian Scott performs illusions for kids before they head out trick-or-treating. Oct 31, 3:30-4:45pm. Free. College Terrace Library, 2300 Wellesley Ave., Palo Alto.

Halloween Bash All ghouls and goblins are invited to come to the library for treats, watching a scary film and making crafts. Oct 31, 4pm. Free. Seventrees Branch Library, 3597 Cas Dr., San Jose. 408.629.4536. www.sjlibrary.org.

Kids Cartoon Cavalcade A special afternoon matinee film showing of not-too-spooky cartoons and shorts. Oct 31, 4–5:30pm. $1. Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, 37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont. 510.494.1411.

Halloween Spooktacular Adults can accompany their costumed children to the Gilroy Outlets, where the first 1,000 to arrive can pick up trick-or-treat bags and glow bracelets at the Information Center in Building C and trick-or-treat at participating shops. Oct 31, 4–6pm. Free. Gilroy Premium Outlets, 681 Leavesley Road, Gilroy. 408.842.3729.

Gigante's Halloween Party Comcast and the San Jose Giants hosts this evening of trick-or-treating, a costume contest and parade, face painting, pumpkin decorating and other activities, plus visits from Sprout characters including the Berenstein Bears. Oct 31, 4:30–8:30pm. Free. Municipal Stadium, 588 E. Alma Ave., San Jose. 408.297.1435.

Trick-or-Treat Bash Westfield Valley Fair invites all young ghosts and goblins, accompanied by an adult, to trick-or-treat from participating stores, food vendors, kiosks and carts. Oct 31, 5–6pm. Free. Westfield Valley Fair, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose. 408.248.4450. www.westfield.com/valleyfair.

Halloween Monster Bash Trick-or-treat from 5–6pm, then watch Monster Bash shows, check out the slime booth, take photos with the Great Pumpkin and participate in crafts activities. Oct 31, 5–7pm. Free. Hillsdale Mall, 60 31st Ave., San Mateo. 650.345.8222.

Great Mall Safe Trick-or-Treat Visit participating stores and receive free goodies. Oct 31, 5–7pm. Great Mall of the Bay Area, 447 Great Mall Dr., Milpitas. www.greatmallbayarea.com.

Grace Church Halloween Night A Halloween event geared toward families, including pony rides, a petting zoo, live music, games and candy. Oct 31, 5:30–8:30pm. $5. Grace Church of Evergreen, 2650 Aborn Road, San Jose. 408.274.1200.

Halloween in Japantown Trick-or-treat on Sunday, then come back on Halloween for a performance from San Jose Taiko, including free photos with the drummers, a child-safety demonstration and more trick-or-treating. Oct 28, 11am–noon and Oct 31, 5–6:30pm. Free. Wesley Methodist Church, 566 N. Fifth St., San Jose. 408.293.9344.

Safe Trick or Treat Festivities Downtown Morgan Hill stores and restaurants offer candies for youth. Oct 31, 5–7pm. Free. Downtown Morgan Hill. 408.779.3190.

Annual Safe Halloween Lytton Gardens hosts this event for tots through grade 5, with spooky stories, face painting, a costume contest and trick-or-treating. Oct 31, 6–7:30pm. Free. Lytton Gardens, 656 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto. 650.328.3300. www.lyttongardens.org.

Trunk or Treat Dress up and trick-or-treat from the trunks of volunteers' cars. Plus puppet and magic shows, a bounce house, skits, games, food and drawings. Oct 31, 6–9pm. Free. New Life Church, 1912 San Luis Ave., Mountain View. 650.967.3453. www.newlifepcg.org.

Harvest Faire This annual Halloween alternative includes food, games and other fun for the whole family. Oct 31, 6:30-8:30pm. Free. Mount Olive Ministries, 1989 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas. 408.262.0506.

Send a letter to the editor about this story.