Your guide to 2016 Halloween events in Southcentral Alaska

School's in session, snow is on the mountains, leaves are rattling over the pavement and you can guess what's on the horizon — Halloween. That means there are events for just about every taste and age group coming up over the next couple weeks. Here are the highlights.

Families and kids

Trick or Treat Town — For the past 24 years, Trick or Treat Town has given families a warm, indoor place to go knocking for candy. In addition to the treats, there are activity stations, live performances and a complimentary coat check so little ninjas and ghosties can show off their costumes. 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21; noon-4 p.m. or 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, Alaska Communications Garage, 600 Telephone Ave. $7 per person advance, $10 door; all guests, including infants in strollers, must have a ticket to enter. (907-301-4740, trickortreattown.org)

Alaska Railroad Kid's Halloween Train — The Alaska Railroad has their Halloween party train, but this Saturday, Oct. 22, will be the first departure of their new kid-friendly version. The Alaska Railroad Kid's Halloween Train will have a magician, crafts, balloon animals, Halloween-themed bingo, a raffle and coloring contest on a two-and-a-half-hour trip from Anchorage to Indian and back. Departures, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Anchorage Historic Depot, 411 W. First Ave. $34-$59. (800-544-0552, alaskarailroad.com)

Baby Loves Disco and Halloween Dance Party — You and your kiddos can get your groove on as DJ Spencer Lee spins some tunes at this all-ages event recommended for families with children ages 10 and younger. There will be costumes and prizes. Tickets available online and at the Bear Tooth box office. Ticket price: $15 individual; $12.50 each when you buy a family four pack. Doors, 10:30 a.m.; dance party, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 23, at Bear Tooth Theatrepub, (1230 W. 27th Ave.). Children 12 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Non-walking babies get in free. RSVP at the Facebook event page. (facebook.com; search for "Baby Loves Disco Alaska")

October Bikefest — The House of Harley-Davidson is promising a special trick-or-treat event for kids and adults, as well as the Miss Harley-Davidson Alaska Chili Cook-Off and a Bavarian outfit contest. Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, House of Harley-Davidson, 4773 Spenard Road. (harleyalaska.com; 907-248-5300)

[Related: Halloween pumpkin carving tips from Anchorage master food sculptor]

Trick or Treat Street — Downtown will be decked out for Halloween fun, and families can trick or treat from business to business. There will also be the Skinny Raven Frightening 4K (starts at 11 a.m.), haunted Anchorage fire truck, cookie decorating at Hotel Captain Cook, horse wagon hayrides, zombie flash mob and more. Go online for more information, to see a full list of activities, and download a copy of the event map. Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, along Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Avenues between C and L Streets. (anchoragedowntown.org)

Haunted Halloween Fun Night —  The Student Union at UAA will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland, with student clubs setting up games and activities for families. This event is open to everyone in the community, and they are welcome to come in costumes for fun and trick-or-treating. 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 29, UAA Student Union, 2921 Spirit Way. $10-$30, ticket bundle discounts offered. (907-252-5345, jkwannamaker@alaska.edu)

Trunk or Treat Halloween Festival — This event will have free hot dogs, hot chocolate and activities for children, who can bring their favorite Halloween bags to collect treats. 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 29, The Salvation Army Anchorage Community Center, 1701 C Street. (907-375-3583 or 907-375-3587)

The Witch & Her Owl — Why are owls associated with Halloween? Find out all about owls from volunteer Ginamaria Smith, who will bring her education bird, a great-horned owl, to visit. Costumes encouraged. 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Road. Free program; $5 parking for nonmembers. All ages program. (ernc.org)

Trunk or Treat — This event at Anchorage Lutheran Church will feature age-appropriate ghost stories for kids needing to warm up a bit inside. Free. All welcome. 5:30-8 p.m. Oct. 31, 1420 N St. (907-272-5323, anchoragelutheran.org)

Mall-o-ween: Say Boo to Hunger — This indoor Halloween event at the Dimond Center benefits local charities. Cost: $5 (donated to Red Cross of Alaska) or two cans of food (donated to Food Bank of Alaska). 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 31, Dimond Center Mall, 800 E. Dimond Blvd. Register online at eventbrite.com to avoid lines the day of the event. (907-929-7108, infodesk@dimondcenter.com, bit.ly/2e1yeiQ)

Halloween Hollow — There will be 35 games to choose from, all indoors, at this trick-or-treat carnival, and concessions available including hot dogs, nachos, drinks and more. $5 per person or one new, unwrapped toy (no stuffed animals). 3-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, Raven Hall, Alaska State Fair grounds, Palmer, 2075 Glenn Highway. (see alaskastatefair.org/site/halloween-hallow or call 907-631-0649)

Haunted trails and houses

Haunted and Enchanted Trails at Goose Lake Park — Costumes are encouraged and there will be music, live magic, food trucks and warming barrels to get cozy around at this year's Haunted and Enchanted Trails at Goose Lake Park. Pick your path: The Enchanted Trail is lighthearted fun for the young, from 4-6:30 p.m. The Haunted Trail is not for the faint of heart; prepare for the thrills and frights that come out at night from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27. Register by calling. $5. (on.adn.com/2ecumk0; 907-343-4354)

A Fright Night Haunted House —  Nearly 10,000 square feet in the Northway Mall will become a Haunted House maze, complete with a clown room, "Nightmare on Elm Street"-themed chamber and the all-new zombie house. It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk through. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 28-29 and Oct. 31, 6-11 p.m.; Sunday-Wednesday, 6-9 p.m.; Thursday and Oct. 30, 6-10 p.m. Northway Mall. $15. (easttbirds@hotmail.com)

Performing arts

Pulse Dance Company's 'Haunted Burlesque' — Join the ladies of Pulse in the company's annual burlesque fundraiser, set in a haunted mansion and featuring succubi, vampires, vixens, asylum patients, witches and more. 8 p.m. Fridays and 8 and 10 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 28-29, Koot's, 2435 Spenard Road. 21 and over. (koots.com)

'The Rocky Horror Show' — "The Rocky Horror Show" is the timeless tale of a newly engaged couple that happens across the home of a mad transvestite scientist unveiling his new creation, a sort of Frankenstein-style monster in the form of an artificially made, fully grown, physically perfect muscle man named Rocky Horror. 21 and over. 7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through Nov. 12, Mad Myrna's, 530 E. Fifth Ave. $32.75. (alaskapac.centertix.net)

Iñupiat Halloween — Join Aku-Matu (the performance name of Alaska artist Allison Warden) to celebrate Halloween like she does in her village. This sober event includes an aġġi (Iñupiaq traditional dance), a costume party at 9:30 p.m. and an Aku-Matu concert from 10 p.m. to midnight Friday, Oct. 28. Entry included with tickets to Conceal | Reveal at the Anchorage Museum. Ages 21 and older. (anchoragemuseum.org).

'The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow' — Watch Washington Irving's classic ghost story of Ichabod Crane and the small township terrorized by the ghost of the headless horseman. Recommended for ages 10 and older, or those who can handle a good scare. 7 p.m. Oct. 28-Nov. 5 and 10 p.m. Oct. 31, APU Grant Hall, 4101 University Drive. $6-$11. (tbatheatre.org)

'Halloween in Nightmare Hollow' — With witches, vampires, mummies, zombie pirates, mad scientists and even a ghost, this Halloween musical is a treat for the whole family. Trick or treat from the cast after the show. 1 and 3 p.m. Oct. 29, 3 p.m. Oct. 30 and 4:30 p.m. Oct. 31, APU Grant Hall, 4101 University Drive. $6-$11. (play@tbatheatre.org or visit tbatheatre.org)

Parties

Conceal | Reveal — The Anchorage Museum is kicking off their major fall exhibition "Camouflage: In Plain Sight" with (appropriately enough) a costume party. Explore being seen and unseen with live music, art activities and a secret speakeasy. Enhance your attire with supplies in the museum's Art Lab. Artist James Temte will facilitate a tour of objects that inspire his creative practice. 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, Oct. 28, Anchorage Museum. 40 Below members and those with VIP tickets get a free drink and access to a VIP lounge. $20-$25; $15 extra for VIP. 21 years and older. (anchoragemuseum.org)

AkS4Life Halloween Costume Party — The local chapter of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life team, AkS4life, is kicking off the new relay season with a costume party upstairs at the Anchorage Hard Rock Cafe. Best costumes win prizes; everyone has a chance to win a door prize. All proceeds support ACS. Enjoy free food as DJ Reymi plays some hardcore Halloween hits. 7:30-11:59 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, 415 E St. $35 advance, $45 door. Go online for tickets. (907-227-4515, kevin@powelldesign.net, aks4life.brownbagtickets.com)

Zombie Pistol Party — The Alaska Gun School invites pistol shooters, ages 12 and older, to protect Alaska from the predation of zombies. They will be hosting a Zombie Pistol Party at Birchwood Recreation and Shooting Park Saturday, Oct. 22. Three squad start times are available: 8:30 and 11 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. There will be two scenarios for each squad: "hallway of horrors" and "zombie horde." Participation is open to any safe shooter and requires minimal equipment: a non-magnum pistol, three or more magazines, about 100 rounds of ammunition, and eye and ear protection. Go online for more rules. Registration for the match is recommended to reserve your slot and to ensure that they prepare enough exploding goop-filled zombie heads for competitors. Visit squareup.com/store/alaska-gun-school for more information. You can find a video about the event on Facebook by searching for "907Zombie."

Dia de los Muertos — All costumes are welcome at this Halloween Day of the Dead party, 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse, 610 W. Sixth Ave. (sharwood@humpys.com)

Nocturnal Halloween Massive — Organizers of this annual electronic dance party promise scripted live entertainment, "next-level" lighting design and theatrical stage decor at the Egan Center. Headlining this year is DJ The Gaslamp Killer, with supporting acts Tigon, Tony H and DammBro and dance performances from Dead Disco. Must be 17 to party, 21 to drink. 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. Tickets $35 in advance at ticketmaster.com or the Sullivan Arena box office; $40 at the door. (Search "Nocturnal Halloween Massive" on Facebook).

Halloween with Lez Zeppelin — Lez Zeppelin is back to rock your socks off for another Halloween bash, this year at the Sitzmark. Pair it up with the Halloween train or the hotel concert package and enjoy a weekend-long Halloween bash. The train package includes a one-night stay, tickets on the Alaska Railroad with appetizers provided by Alyeska Resort, tickets to the show on either Oct. 28 or Oct. 29 and a motor coach ride back to Anchorage the next morning. Check in at the Alaska Railroad Depot at 3:30 p.m. Or head down to the Hotel Alyeska. Call for reservations and concert package prices. (907-754-1111, alyeskaresort.com/hotel-specials-packages)

Cut Throat Freak Show at Koot's — Jeremy Kinison and his freak show troupe have appeared on "America's Got Talent," performing astonishing acts with nothing more than a chair, broken glass and a couple of swords. Not for the faint of stomach (seriously). Tickets are $20. 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 and 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, Koot's, 2435 Spenard Road. (koots.com/events/cut-throat-freak-show-2).

Animal Eyes Halloween Party — See Animal Eyes perform at Tap Root for a special one-night-only Halloween show. This will also be Sam Tenhoff's last gig with the band, so send him off with a bang. 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 3300 Spenard Road. $15 advance, $20 door. (taprootalaska.com)

STAR's 2016 Masquerade Ball — Standing Together Against Rape's 2016 Masquerade Ball is an evening of cocktails, dinner and auctions, with entertainment, dancing and merriment to follow. All funds raised will go to help STAR continue to provide services for victims of sexual assault/abuse and their families. Formal attire appreciated; masks encouraged. 6-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, Anchorage Hilton, 500 W. Third Ave. $150. (907-276-7279, pknape@staralaska.org)

Rogues and Wenches Halloween — Costumes would certainly not be out of place at a show featuring this band of pirates and balladeers for a special Halloween performance. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. at Tap Root. Tickets $7. (3300 Spenard Road, taprootalaska.com). Ages 21 and over.

Halloween swing dance party — Spend the evening with Anchorage Swing Dancers. Costume contest begins at 7 p.m. and there will be two categories: individual and couple/group. (Organizers ask to "keep costumes classy and dance appropriate"). Prizes vary. A $5 donation is suggested. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, 12100 Coffee and Communitas, 121000 Old Seward Highway. (facebook.com; search for "Anchorage Swing Dancers")

Metal Massacre at Koot's — Check out local metal bands Shifter, Part Time Super Heroes, Illuminance, Transitions, Delirium Tremors, Devil Witch, Distance Defined, City in Ashes and Old Hounds. Special performances by Cut Throat Freak Show and a live suspension show from Body Piercing Unlimited. Tickets are $5. 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, Koot's, 2435 Spenard Road. (koots.com/events/metal-massacre).

Monster Ball — All clowns are welcome at this party at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. There will also be a costume contest and prizes. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. Tickets $40 plus fees at brownpapertickets.com. 21 and over.