It's time to put on your creepiest, cutest, funniest, most inappropriate or most creative attire: A lot is going on for Halloween this year. Across the state Alaskans will find some family-friendly entertainment, some truly Alaska entertainment and some adult entertainment.
For little ghouls and goblins
Nothing says real Alaska Halloween like mini-Alaskans lacing up a pair of skates, putting on a cute pumpkin suit and hitting the ice in the state's capital city. Little spooksters who aren't that comfortable in a set of ice skates are encouraged to attend the Halloween spooky skate in Juneau, anyway. Who wouldn't get a kick out of watching little princesses, ghosts and animals learn how to skate? And maybe, having the courage of a Disney princess or lion will provide the extra push they need to let go of mom's or dad's hand, and make little strides across the ice.
In the big city of Anchorage, Trick-or-Treat Town is a 22-year tradition that's offered families a gathering place for families to safely trick-or-treat, filling buckets, pillow cases and bags.
Fairbanks will be dressing up the entire town for their Trick-or-Treat Town. Historical cabins and houses will be looking awfully eerie in their Halloween decor and filled with witches and ghosts. The city is welcoming families with kids of all ages to attend. Organizers said the theme is to be spooky and whimsical.
Barrow residents should also prepare to get a little creeped out during their annual Fright Night event on Halloween. Locals call the event a Halloween staple in the Arctic community.
For rotting skeletons and ancient creatures
The annual Halloween Massive in Anchorage is back for another year of floor shaking beats by some resident Last Frontier DJs. The multi-use Egan Center will be filled with locals 18 and up looking for a good time, with good music and creative costumes.
A cult classic flick tells the tale of a couple of sweethearts caught in a torrential downpour and stuck at the peculiar home of Dr. Scott. Since the film's debut in 1975, Rocky Picture Horror Show has made a mark and garnered a big, if unlikely, following. The cult classic will come to life, again, at Mad Myrna's in Anchorage for the next few weeks. Tickets are selling out, though, so buy yours soon.
Haunted Houses
These creepy seasonal hot-spots aren't really age specific, but walking through spooky buildings haunted by the dead and dying may not be for the young or faint of heart.
The largest haunted house in Alaska is in the state's biggest city. Fright Night has found its home in Anchorage for nearly 30 years, but times are changing. Now, there is an extra element of spooky at this haunted house -- you can take the tour wearing 3D glasses.
Gateway to Darkness, in Wasilla, could give Fright Night in Anchorage a run for its money. The organizers said this haunted house isn't for anyone younger than 12. They also boast an active tally board of pukers, poopers and peers at the front entrance.
But if you don't feel like paying $10 to $20 for five minutes of terror, Alaska does offer some year-round haunted houses of its own.
And of course, this is just a taste of what's happening around the state. For more events, check out the Alaska Dispatch Calendar.
Contact Megan Edge at megan(at)alaskadispatch.com. Follow her on Twitter @megtedge