Culture

From family-friendly to freaky: Your guide to Halloween fun

Some holidays are about giving and some are about togetherness, but perhaps more than any other, Halloween is just about fun. Children get free candy, adults can unleash their alter egos and everyone can look forward to getting a little spooked. Whether you prefer your Halloween festivities on the macabre or merry side — kid-friendly or risque — there's a party for you happening soon. So assemble your costume and hit the town.

Dance parties

Monster Ball — The Bill Sheffield Airport Depot will be transformed into a graveyard full of tombstones and coffins. DJ Shawn Williams will play new hits and a few party classics and give away prizes. Fully staffed bar. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Costumes encouraged but not required — however, there's a dress code (no actual weapons or T-shirts, for starters). $60 in advance, $75 door; includes one drink and free parking. Tickets available at brownpapertickets.com and at Dooley's. (fivestaralaska.com/monster-ball)

Zombiefist 7 — Featuring 36 Crazyfists, Kallahan, Spitshine, Ships Without Harbor and more at the Egan Center. New this year is "The Country Scare," a country stage featuring The Brook Faulk Band, Ettinger, The Goat Rodeo and The Eternal Cowboys. Win cash or Tim McGraw tickets at the costume contest. All ages, full bar with ID. 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct 25. Tickets $30 in advance and $36 at the door at ticketmaster.com. (aksoul.com/wp)

Alyeska Halloween Train —The train will depart from Anchorage to Girdwood and passengers can return on a bus on Sunday. In addition to train and bus fare, tickets include an onboard dance party, one-night stay at the haunted Hotel Alyeska, dinner buffet and drink vouchers. In Girdwood there will be a Halloween concert featuring all-girl Led Zeppelin tribute band Lez Zeppelin. It's maximum partying with minimum driving — always a treat. $249 plus $10 for the concert. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 1-2. (754-2111 or alyeskaresort.com)?

Alyeska Halloween party featuring Lez Zeppelin — Hotel Alyeska will have two nights of Halloween festivities featuring all-girl Led Zeppelin tribute band Lez Zeppelin. Costume contest at 9 p.m. with prizes. Music at 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. and party keeps going till midnight Friday and Saturday night, Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Alyeska Daylodge, $10. (754-1111, alyeskaresort.com)

Chilkoot Charlie's — Koot's will host three days of Halloween in the heart of Spenard this week. Zombie night is Thursday, Oct. 30, a Halloween party is Friday, Oct. 31 and a freak show night is Saturday, Nov. 1. There will be costume contests and cash prizes. See koots.com for details. Cost is $29 for a three-day pass, $20 in advance for Friday (Halloween). (279-1692)

Castle Crypt — The Castle on O'Malley will take a sabbatical from water slides to host a spooky dance party. There will be two stages in different themed rooms playing music by DJs Adam J, Tony-H, Rain$ex, The Last Rocketeer and Station. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31. Must be 21 and over. Tickets are $30 each, $50 for couples at the door. 1520 O'Malley Road. (764-2690, facebook.com/events/1485668885028414)

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Nocturnal Halloween Massive with Dead Disko — The big EDM event will be combined with Anchorage's long-running undead dance party, all under one roof at the Egan Center. There will be a fully scripted main show, and organizers promise the "most mind-blowing visuals, hardest bass and best synchronized sound and lighting display you've ever seen in AK." Headliners are hip-hop based DJ duo TRPMSTR and DJ SR-71 from San Diego. Must be 17 and older to get in, and there's a bar for those 21 and older. General admission is $18-$35, $32-$50 for VIP passes at ticketmaster.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, to 1:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1. (adk907.com/upcoming)

Halloween Party with High Lonesome Sound and Hot Dish — Nothing says Halloween like ... bluegrass? Why not? Hit up the Tap Root and make sure your costume includes some dancing shoes. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, Tap Root, 3300 Spenard Road.

Haunted houses and trails

Fright Night — This year the Fright Night Haunted House is celebrating 29 years of scaring Alaska. Organizers say the haunted house has "actually become more of a haunted hostel this year." Prepare for zombies, Ouija boards, crystal balls, a doll house, Elm Street, CSI, clowns and the signature scare, chain saw alley. This is an all-ages event. 6-9 p.m. weekdays; 6-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 6-9 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1 at the Northway Mall. $10 regular; $15 for 3D scares.

Gateway to Darkness — The Valley's premier haunted house is back, and scarier than ever. Teens and adults can expect a frightful experience (it's not recommended for younger kids). 7-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and Oct. 29-Nov. 1; 6-9 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 1241 W. Melanie Ave., Wasilla. $15 per person, no refunds. (hauntak.com.)

Haunted Trails — Anchorage Parks and Recreation is getting spooky at Goose Lake. The annual Trick or Treat Trail will have carnival games, crafts and trick-or-treating. This is not a scary trail and is suitable for youth ages 3 and up. Parks and Recreation will follow up with a "thrilling, screaming, bone-chilling walk in the woods" — the Spooky Haunted Trail, suitable for ages 8 and older. Come dressed to impress in your costume. Trick or Treat Trail from 4:30-6:30 p.m. $6 per person. Spooky Trail, 6:45-8:30 p.m. $8 per person. 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, Goose Lake Park, $6-$8. (343-4495, muni.org/parks)

Halloween Nature Walk — Families with children are invited to visit a series of fun and educational Halloween-themed stations set up along the Rodak Nature Trail (3/4 mile round-trip). Start any time between 2-2:30 p.m. to allow enough time to visit all six stations at your own pace. Costumes are welcome, but dress warmly for the outdoors. 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Road. Free; $5 parking for non-members. (694-2108, ernc.org)

Reindeer Farm fall fun — Visit the hay maze and take a spooky walk (kid-friendly haunted house) at the reindeer farm. There will also be tractor-pulled wagon rides, pony rides, corn box, face painting, pony hoppers and food. Sven, Kristoff and Anna from "Frozen" will be around for a meet-and-greet. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Reindeer Farm, The Butte. $10. (745-4000, reindeerfarm.com)

Night at the Museum — Trick or treat with historical and Halloween characters, visit the Haunted Historical Whitney Section House and take a tour through the spooky train. Great for families. 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry, Wasilla. $5 per person. (376-1211, museumofalaska.org)

Ghostly theater

The Rocky Horror Freak Show — Brad, Janet and Frank N. Furter and company have joined the circus in this retelling of "Rocky Horror" at Mad Myrna's. Synesthesia Artist Collective has set the cult classic at a carnival freak show, and there are surprises as well as old favorites in store. 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 8. $32.75 at centertix.com (21 and over; 18-21 if accompanied by parent). At Mad Myrna's, 530 E. Fifth Ave.

'Bell, Book and Candle' — This Anchorage Community Theatre production tells the story of Gillian, a witch who casts a love spell over an unattached publisher and must then decide whether to stay a witch or stay with the mortal. This Anchorage Community Theatre production is directed by David Flavin and runs through Nov. 2. 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 23-25 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. Anchorage Community Theatre, 1133 E. 70th Ave. $12-$16 with discounts for seniors, military and students. (centertix.net, actalaska.org)

'Shadow Hour' — In the creepy traditions of "The Twilight Zone" and "Night Gallery," TBA Theatre presents a collection of medieval tales come to bone-chilling life. Recommended for ages 10 and older or those who can handle a good scare. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 25, 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, and 7 and 10 p.m. Halloween night, Oct. 31, Alaska Pacific University Grant Hall Theater, 4101 University Drive. $6-$11. (tbatheatre.org)

'Frankenweenie' — This Tim Burton short film will be free to all the families downtown for the Anchorage Downtown Partnership's Trick-or-Treat Street event. 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, The Alaska Experience Theatre, free. (alaskaexperiencetheatre.com)

'Jeepers Creepers Gleeful Halloween Sing Off' — Boris the vampire and his Tomb Tones go head to head with the witch Mother May Eye and her Pitch Witches in the Halloween sing-off of the century. TBA Theatre company will present this Halloween musical, which is suitable for all ages. 3 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, and 4:30 p.m. Halloween, Oct. 31, Grant Hall Theater, 4101 University Drive. $6-$11. (tbatheatre.org)

Halloween storytelling — The Storytellers' Guild of Anchorage will present an evening of scary stories. 7-8:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, Anchorage Community Theatre, 1133 E. 70th Ave. $5 or five cans of food for Food Bank of Alaska. (345-9658, storytellersguildofanchorage.org)

'Schoolhouse Rock Live' — Academic subjects are given a fun twist with songs like "Conjunction Junction," "I'm Just a Bill," "Interplanet Janet" or "Three is a Magic Number." After the show, join the fun at the Halloween party, where kids can trick-or-treat in the lobby. 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, $22.25-$29. (centertix.net)

Family fun

Trick or Treat Street — Trick-or-treat from business to business in downtown Anchorage in a safe and friendly environment. Activities throughout downtown include face painting, balloon art, Halloween cookie decorating at the Hotel Captain Cook, costume contests, spooky (and fun) Halloween photo opportunities, a tour through the (now haunted) Visit Anchorage Log Cabin, horse-drawn hay rides and more. Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Visit the website and download a map of participating businesses. (anchoragedowntown.org)

Frightening 4-K — This fun out-and-back course will allow you to see all the costumes downtown. Compete in either the team or individual costume contest. All activities are based on the Fourth Avenue side of the Hotel Captain Cook. There'll be treats at every kilometer along the route. Water and sports drinks available at the finish. No pets allowed. 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, downtown Anchorage. $35 for individuals through Thursday; $40 after Thursday. Teams of three: $30 or $35 per person. After you run, hit businesses downtown with the kids for Trick or Treat Street. (skinnyraven.com/races/frightening-4k)

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Trick or Treat Town — There's a lot to be said for trick-or-treating indoors — those little ghosts and goblins won't have to wear snow clothes over their costumes, for one. 5:30 or 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, and 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Alaska Communications garage. Entertainment and food available. Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/TrickorTreatTown. Proceeds benefit Boys and Girls Clubs Alaska youth development programs. $7 per person in advance and $10 at the door. (279-0700, trickortreattown.org)

Owl-O-Ween — Bird TLC will give a demonstration with live owls and other birds in celebration of Halloween at the Heritage Museum at Wells Fargo. This is a free event in Midtown with refreshments, goodies and things to do for kids and adults. 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Alaska Heritage Museum at Wells Fargo. Free. (265-2834, birdtlc.net)

Neighborhood Halloween Carnival — This carnival will have lots of games and prizes (bring donations of canned food for extra game tickets). Most of the children will be between the ages of 3 and 10. 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, First Christian Church, free admission. 4 game tickets for $1 or 25 tickets for $5. (272-0615)

The Witch and Her Owl — Why are owls associated with Halloween? Find out all about owls from volunteer Ginamaria Smith, who will bring her live great horned owl. Kids are welcome to wear costumes. Free; $5 parking for non-members. 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Road. Free; $5 parking for non-members. (694-2108, ernc.org)

Tinker Time: Pumpkin Parts — Preschoolers can play with a colorful jack-o-lantern and get in the pumpkin guts for lots of slimy fun. Drop-ins are welcome. 10 a.m.-noon Monday, Oct. 27, Alaska Museum of Science & Nature, 201 N. Bragaw St. $5 per preschooler with accompanying adult. (274-2400, alaskamuseum.org)

Haunted Pumpkin Smash — Take the family out for face-painting, bobbing for apples and costume contests. The Pumpkin Smash is a free event that will also include — you guessed it — the opportunity to smash some pumpkins. Sponsors will be giving out concert tickets, auto starts and gift certificates to local restaurants. 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at the Northway Mall (344-4045)

Trick-or-treat in the Northway Mall — Kids and families visit stores and community booths for treats in a warm indoor environment. 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31, 3101 Penland Parkway.

Halloween Hollow — Raven Hall at the Alaska State Fair grounds will have a carnival atmosphere with 35 games and activities for children up to 14 years of age. All are encouraged to wear their costumes. Visit the concession stand for food and drinks while the kids participate in the festivities. Pets are not allowed. Benefits the Mat-Su Special Santa. 3-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, Mile 40, Glenn Highway. $5 or one unwrapped toy. (alaskastatefair.org)

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Trunk or treat

Trunk or Treat — The whole community is welcome to a trick-or-treat event in the parking lot at ChangePoint. Located off Raspberry Road, just east of Minnesota Drive. 7-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, ChangePoint. (changepointalaska.com/calendar/details/trunk-or-treat-2)

Trunk or Treat — Kids can pick treats out from car trunks full of candy, goodies, and scary decorations. There will also be hot dogs and hot chocolate. 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, Anchorage Lutheran Church, 1420 N St. (272-5323, anchoragelutheran.org)

'Trunk R Treat' — Victory Worship Center hosts an outdoor event where kids will trick-or-treat from car trunk to car trunk. Donations of candy, refreshments, prizes, small toys and materials for making carnival games, booths and signs are welcome. 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, 3740 DeBarr Road. Donations needed by Oct. 26. (341-9923 or 720-7269)

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