Halloween season is here, and there are as many options for celebrating this week as there are variations on witch costumes at Dooley's. Want to attend a Wiccan ball? Done. Spooky theater? Take your pick. Kid-friendly outings? So many to choose from. (Not to mention roller derby bouts, animal costume contests and fun runs). With Oct. 31 falling on a Thursday, the majority of the festivities will take place this weekend -- especially Saturday. Plan accordingly.
FUN FOR KIDS
Haunted Trails
4:30-8 p.m. Friday
Goose Lake Park
This event will feature carnival games, a trick or treat trail 4:30- 6:30 p.m. for young children ($5) and a spooky haunted trail 6:45- 8 p.m. for the more daring ($8). Come dressed to impress in your costume. The trick or treat trail is suitable for ages 3 and up; Spooky Trail is for ages 8 and up.
Trick or Treat Town
5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday
Alaska Communications Garage, 600 Telephone Ave.
Stuffing a beloved costume into snow pants is an Alaska rite of passage but it's also a bummer. The 22nd Trick or Treat Town gives all the little witches, goblins and their families a safe, warm place to go trick or treating inside, and all proceeds will benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of Alaska. Tickets are $7 at bgcalaska.org, $10 at the door. See trickortreattown.org.
Shake Rattle and Rot: The Zombie Musical
7 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Alaska Fine Arts Academy, 12340 Old Glenn Highway, Suite 200 (Eagle River)
Alaska Fine Arts Academy presents "Shake Rattle and Rot: The Zombie Musical." Can a zombie find true love with a living, breathing woman? Can he kiss her without his lips falling off? These and other pressing questions are answered in a musical that's "Night of the Living Dead" meets "Happy Days." Tickets are $14 at akfinearts.org.
Frankenstein
Runs Friday through Nov. 3
7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. on Sunday
7 and 10 p.m. Oct. 31
Grant Hall, Alaska Pacific University
A ship is lodged in the Arctic ice, and Captain Walton discovers the gravely ill Dr. Victor Frankenstein, who reveals an unbelievable tale of science and horror from his laboratory table. Recommended for ages 10 and above, or those who can handle a good scare. There will be trick-or-treating with the cast after every performance in October. Tickets $6-$11 at www.tbatheatre.org or the door.
Trick or Treat Street
12-4 p.m. Saturday
Downtown Anchorage
This annual event features free trick-or-treating from business to business downtown. Activities for children will be offered along the way, including photo opportunities, cookie decorating, hay rides and more. Skinny Raven is sponsoring a "frightening 4-K" run prior to the event, so run in your costume, then join the door to door trick-or-treating. Between Fourth, Fifth and Sixth avenues, C to L streets. Free. See anchoragedowntown.org.
Sleepy Hollow: A Musical Tale
2 and 7 p.m. Saturday
Sydney Laurence Theatre, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
In this spooky and lighthearted tale, three modern-day children decide to trick-or-treat at the old abandoned "Crane House" and are magically transported into the middle of the classic tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. Tickets $8-$15 at centertix.net. See alaskatheatreofyouth.org for more.
Owl-o-Ween
3-5 p.m. Saturday
Alaska Heritage Museum at Wells Fargo, 301 W. Northern Lights Blvd.
In this free event, Bird TLC will reveal the secrets of why owls are a witch's best friend and how ghost stories got started. There will be a photo booth provided by Red Carpet Photography, a costume contest and hooting contest at 4 p.m.
Night at the Museum
4-8 p.m. Saturday
Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, 3800 W. Museum Drive, Wasilla
The museum will host a family event with trick-or-treating, games, a spooky train tour and a model train exhibit in the haunted Whitney Section House. $5 per person. All children must be accompanied by an adult. See museumofalaska.org for more.
Haunted School
4-8 p.m. Saturday
Hope School
Join Hope School staff for dinner and a costume contest for adults and kids. A major science experiment gone wrong can be found at the goo table. There will be carving contests for multiple ages, so bring your pumpkin. Other activities include a cake walk and a haunted house, where you'll hear the creepy stories of Edgar Allan Poe. Free admission; $1 for five activity tickets. $5 for dinner. Call 782-3202 for more information.
Halloween Nature Walk
2-2:30 p.m. Saturday
Eagle River Nature Center, Mile 12 Eagle River Road
Families with children are invited to visit a series of Halloween-themed stations along the Rodak Nature Trail (3/4-mile roundtrip). Start any time between 2 and 2:30 p.m. to allow enough time to visit all six stations. Costumes are welcome but be sure to dress for the outdoors. Free; $5 parking for non-members. See www.ernc.org for more.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
Discovery Theatre, Alaska Center For The Performing Arts
Join the Alaska Dance Theatre for a tale of sorcery. Choreography of Gillmer Duran and Sarah Grunwaldt breathes new life into a reimagined version of "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," which follows the adventures of Young Neenan, the wartwillies, mama dragon, the cutest baby dragon and more. Tickets $22 at centertix.net.
Davy Jones' Haunted Halloween Cruise
3 p.m. Saturday, and Saturday, Nov. 2
Grant Hall, Alaska Pacific University
Plundering isn't what it used to be, so Davy Jones has turned his pirate ship into a luxury cruising vessel. Three witches arrive on Halloween night to spend seven gloomy days and eight fright-filled nights anchored in the dead center of the Bermuda Triangle, and that's where things begin to get complicated. This is a humorous musical show that aims to entertain the whole family. $10 general admission, $8 student/senior/military, $5 for children 12 and under.
Kids' Day and Pumpkin Carving
Noon-5 p.m. Sunday
Summit Spice and Tea, 3030 Denali St., Suite 2
Anchorage's tea and spice store will have everything needed for pumpkin carving -- you bring the child, and they'll handle everything else, including cleanup. Costumes are encouraged, and door prizes, a photo booth and free face painting will be on hand. Pumpkins are $5 each. All children must have adult supervision. See summitspiceandtea.com for more.
The Witch and Her Owl
2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27
Eagle River Nature Center, Mile 12 Eagle River Road
Why are owls associated with Halloween? Find out all about owls from volunteer Ginamaria Smith, who will bring her live great-horned owl to the Nature Center. Children are welcome to come in Halloween costumes. Free; $5 parking for non-members.
Trunk or Treat
3-5 p.m. Sunday
Anchorage Lutheran Church, 1420 N St.
Trick-or-treat from decorated and treat-bulging car trunks for a safe, fun and goodie-filled evening. Hot chocolate, hot dogs and special treats will be provided. Free. See anchoragelutheran.org for more.
Trunk or Treat
3-5 p.m. Sunday
Turnagain United Methodist Church
Cars will be decorated for the neighborhood kids to trick-or-treat. Coffee and snacks will be available for the adults. This is a great opportunity to check out all the cool costumes and have some fun. Free.
Zoo Boo
5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31
The Alaska Zoo
The entire zoo will be decorated for Halloween, and treat stations and activities will be on hand for children. Come in costume and grab a warm drink or meal in the coffee shop. Tickets $7 for non-pass holders, $5 for pass holders. See alaskazoo.org/zoo-boo for more.
Little Red Riding Hood and Other Stories
6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31
Atwood Concert Hall, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
This Halloween show by the Pushcart Players is a great first theater outing for very young children, featuring sing-along songs and a collection of classic tales: Little Red Riding Hood, The Emperor's New Clothes, The Princess and the Pea and All's Well That Ends Well. Costumes are encouraged for indoor trick-or-treating on all four levels of the Atwood Concert Hall lobby after the show. Tickets are $16-$22 at centertix.net.
TEENS AND OLDER
Halloween Contra Dance
7:30 p.m. Friday
Wendler Middle School, 2905 Lake Otis Parkway
Contra dance is a style of folk dancing where couples dance in two facing lines or a square. Want to give it a try? Don a danceable costume and join the Dancing Bears for a Halloween dance. There will be live music by Fat Weasel and dance calls by Bob Hume. No experience or partner necessary. Tickets $8-$10.
Rage City Rollergirls Season 6 Opener: Halloween Bout
Doors open at 6 p.m.; wheels roll at 7 p.m. Saturday
ATT Sports Pavilion, 11051 O'Malley Centre Drive
Rage City Rollergirls will go head to head in their season-opening Halloween Monster Mash-Up, featuring the Ven-Killa Dolls and the VooDoo Dollies. You can save gas and beat the crazy parking by catching the courtesy shuttle at 6 p.m. from The Peanut Farm on the Old Seward. For those 21 and over, there's an afterparty at The Peanut Farm. Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door, and $5 for children ages 3-11 at brownpapertickets.com.
Zombiefist 6
6 p.m. Saturday
Egan Center
36 Crazyfists returns to Anchorage for a night of metal at Zombiefist 6, just days before leaving to tour the UK in support of their yet-to-be released album. Also featured are Thera, Griffith, Seracs and Harlequin State. There is a $1,000 cash prize for the best costume. Tickets are $30 in advance and $36 at the door; they're available at The Look, Dooley's and ticketmaster.com.
Halloween Storytelling
7 p.m. Sunday
Anchorage Community Theatre, 1133 E. 70th Ave.
The Storyteller's Guild of Anchorage will present an evening of frightening and entertaining Halloween stories. Appropriate for teens and up. This event is free but there is a $5 suggested donation or five non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of Alaska.
21 AND OVER
2nd Annual Masquerade Ball
8 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday
Tap Root Public House, 3300 Spenard Road
Animal Sounds Productions will host a costume dance party at the Tap Root, featuring Sophia Street (9 p.m.), Smile Ease (10 p.m.) and The Modern Savage (11 p.m.). The night will close with Starship Amazing at midnight. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door; see taprootalaska.com for more.
Rocky Horror
7 and 10 p.m. Friday
Anchorage Community Works, 349 E. Ship Creek Ave.
FAMJ Talent will present "Rocky Horror Picture Show -- The Live Experience" in two showings. It's time to do the time warp, so be prepared to get (and get others) dirty and wet. There will be beer and wine for sale by Spenard Roadhouse and food for sale from AK Street Eats. Tickets are $10 in advance at theworksrhpsearly.eventbrite.com or $15 at the door (cash only).
The Works' Halloween Ball
7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. music Saturday
Anchorage Community Works, 349 E. Ship Creek Ave.
The newly minted Anchorage Community Works will ring in its first Halloween with a costume ball and array of local bands. Wear your best costume and your dancing shoes for The Sweeteners, Ghost Hands, Pretty Birds That Kill and DJ Alex the Lion. There will be food and drinks available for purchase from AK Street Eats and the Tap Root. Tickets are $15 at the door (cash only).
First (feels like the second) Annual DÉJÀ Vudoo Party
8 p.m.-midnight Saturday
731 E. Fifth Ave. (former Toyota dealership)
The International Gallery of Contemporary Art -- that visionary artist collective that makes Anchorage Object Runway a reality each year -- will host a costume party at what used to be a Toyota dealership on Fifth Avenue. Two of Anchorage's most danceable bands, The Modern Savage and Super Saturated Sugar Strings, will play, with bonus beats by DJ Jacob Mattie. Festivities will include a costume contest and prizes, music, dancing, a photo booth, cash bar, food, silent art auction and more (Voodoo pins optional). Tickets are $25.
Monster Ball
8 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday
Anchorage Museum, 625 C St.
The Anchorage Museum will be transformed into a graveyard full of tombstones and coffins -- an appropriate place for ghouls and ghosts to party to the tunes of DJ Shawn Williams. There will be full service beer, wine and liquor. Come in costume for a chance to win prizes. Advance tickets are $40, or $50 for VIP access (balcony, seating, "Madame Mystic" palm reading and VIP bar). At the door, it's $50-$60. See fivestaralaska.com for more.
Witches' Ball
5-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
American Legion Spenard Post No. 28, 7001 Brayton Drive
Wiccans of Alaska are throwing their first-ever Witches' Ball. This semi-formal costume ball will include a New England Colonial light dinner, dancing, tarot readers and fortune tellers, a costume contest, witches' cackle competition, a vampire kissing booth, and a "lifesize witches brew." Featuring DJ's WJN and Gabriel. The evening will close with a live art auction. Tickets are $20.
Alyeska Halloween Train and Zombie Disco
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 2-3
Anchorage Train Depot and Alyeska Resort
Don't feel like dealing with taxis and designated drivers? How about some alternate transportation: railroad. Riders on the Alyeska Halloween Train will board at the Train Depot Saturday, Nov. 2, and ride to Girdwood, where they'll eat a buffet dinner at Hotel Alyeska and then dance the night away at a zombie disco at the Daylodge.
Tickets are $249, which includes a one-night stay at the Hotel Alyeska and a ride home Nov. 3 via motorcoach. For those partying the whole weekend in Girdwood, the Daylodge has a two-day Halloween show: Fly Guy will play new wave and pop hits from the '80s and '90s on Friday, and '70s disco and funk aficianados The Funky Hippeez will play Saturday. For more info or to buy tickets, see alyeskaresort.com.
FUN FOR
EVERYONE
(PETS INCLUDED)
The 7th Annual Pet Spooktacular
6-8 p.m. Friday
Pet Emergency Treatment Inc., 2320 E. Dowling Road
Bring your pets in costume for some delicious pet and people treats, prizes, a costume contest and more. All pets in costume will get a gift bag. Judging starts at 7 p.m.
Haunted Hay Maze
8-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
7-10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31
Reindeer Farm, Palmer
Come with your group and be prepared to be spooked, courtesy of the Palmer Music Booster Club. Rides are $5, and all proceeds benefit the Palmer High School choir. Remember to dress warmly and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Spooktacular Ha-Ha-Halloween Show
8 p.m. Saturday
Snow Goose Restaurant, 717 W. Third Ave.
Alaska's longest-running improv troupe will perform in costume for the annual Scared Scriptless Halloween show (there will be a costume contest for the audience as well). Scared Scriptless says: "If you don't have a good time you're probably DEAD! (Dead are welcome)." See scaredscriptless.com for more.
Thrill the World
8:30 a.m.-2:30 Saturday
Girdwood Community Center, 250 Egloff Drive
Join your fellow "walking dead" and learn some of Michael Jackson's monster moves for a "Thriller" flash mob. All ages and abilities welcome. Sign-in and "Thriller" crash course will be 8:30- 10:30 a.m. ; 11 a.m.-noon is zombie makeup at Keul in the park. Practice as a group in the community room, then head to the dance location at 1 p.m. Join funky zombies everywhere and Thrill The World! Free.
Bonny Sosa Race Series' Kincaid Costume Run
6 p.m. Tuesday
Kincaid Outdoor Center, 9401 Raspberry Road
Halloween is usually about candy or other indulgences but that doesn't mean some healthy outdoor activity can't be mixed in with the festivities. For the Bonny Sosa run, be prepared for chills, thrills and spills, with distances up to 10-K. Meet at 6 p.m.; races begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Entry is $2 for kids, $5 for adults, $10 for families. Register online at activenet.active.com/municipalityanchorage.
By VICTORIA BARBER
VBARBER@ADN.COM