13 spooky things to do from now until Oct. 31

By Dylyn Rose

Halloween is a happening time. It kicks off the end-of-the-year holidays with candy, costumes and camaraderie.

Could you ask for more? Maybe for a few more days to magically appear before Oct. 31, so that the season lasts longer.

We may not be able to make that happen, but we do have plenty of spooks and scares for your calendar — so use these ideas wisely!
 

DIY mask fashion show

Grab the guys and ghouls and engage in a craft night, followed by strutting your stuff!

The mission: Grab plain masks from the craft or Halloween store and put your own spin on them with paint, glitter, feathers or studs. The possibilities are endless. And, don’t forget the fake blood!

Once you’re done decorating, gather together, put on a great jam and show them off (go scare people)!

Drag and milkshakes

 When: 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 26
 Where: Baby’s, 2147 N. Talbott St.
 Cost: $5, plus food and tips

Five queens come out to perform twice in this two-hour, all-ages Halloween drag extravaganza happening at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 26.

Because Baby’s is a restaurant, there’s a purchasing minimum in addition to the $5 entry tickets. There are plenty of good eats to choose from, including burgers, milkshakes, mac and cheese, salads and more.

And remember, bring dollar bills to tip the performers!

Free Jack-O scaries

 When: 8 p.m. Oct. 27
 Where: Kan-Kan Cinema, 1258 Windsor St.
 Cost: Free

This B-movie, starting at 8 p.m. on Oct. 27, is totally free to attend at the Kan-Kan Cinema, as part of their A/V Club.

“Jack-O” tells the story of grave robbers who unwittingly awaken two evil spirits, including a warlock hanged for murder nearly 100 years earlier. Wear a pumpkin on your head if you want, but definitely don’t bring your kids to this one.

Ghost! Ghouls! Spirits! Oh my!: Haunted Indy

Indianapolis was founded in 1821 — that means a lot of people have lived and died here. Did you know our city has a rich haunted history?

If you’re feeling extra spook-tacular, a haunted tour of the 10 “Most Haunted” Locations in Indianapolis will be the cure you need. From theaters, cemeteries and bars to mansions and murder mysteries, there are plenty of places to scream into.

Howl-o-ween is for all: An egg hunt for man’s best friend

 2:15 p.m. Oct. 25
 Broad Ripple Park, Shelter #2, 1550 Broad Ripple Ave.
 $7

Does your pooch also love Halloween? We have good news: your best furry friend can join in on the celebration with a dog egg hunt in Broad Ripple on Oct 25. Don’t forget your costumes!

Get scared the old-fashioned way

Are you a true believer in a quality jump scare? Do you love being chased by a man in a mask or enjoy seeing a theatrical electrocution?

With options on thrill, theme and location, there is an Indy haunted house for everyone in Indy, even the kiddos. From Indy Scream Park, Necropolis, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, there are many scares to be had.

Feeling witchy?

Maybe they’re not green and boily — at least not most of the time — but if you’re looking for a bewitching time, you may look no further than the Black Hats Society based out of Irvington.

With several events each October (and throughout the year), this group of charitable brujas loves to give back to the community. Catch them at one of the many events happening during the Irvington Halloween Festival.

Ready to see green?

 7-9 p.m. Oct. 22-23
 Garfield Park Conservatory, 2505 Conservatory Drive
 $5

Garfield Park is a fan favorite year-round, thanks to its robust amount of green space, walking paths, gardens and conservatory.

Join in on the fun this year of visiting the Haunted Conservatory 7-9 p.m. Oct. 22-23. Enjoy decorations, scary music and ghouls while walking through the building. If you have little ones, there’s a less-scary version 5:30-7 p.m.

A guaranteed wicked time: Irvington Halloween Ball

 8-11 p.m. Oct. 18
 Irvington Lodge, 5515 E Washington St.
 $48.70-54

If dancing, spooky evenings, a (likely) haunted lodge and a town with many tales sound like your ideal date night, look no further than the Ivington Halloween Ball 8-11 p.m. Oct. 18.

The theme this year is “Wicked,” so be sure to go all out, dress to impress and channel your inner Elphaba or Glinda.

Day party with kids

 Noon-5:30 p.m. Oct. 25
 Craig Park, 10 E. Smith Valley Road
 Free

Looking for something spooky-ooky to do with the kiddos? The Halloween Festival on October 25 at Craig Park may be the spot for you. With a parade, food trucks, live music, a kid zone and even sips for adults, this daytime festival is a great way to get into the spirit.

Halloween Hoe Down

 8 p.m. Oct. 31
 Duke’s Indy, 2352 S. West St.
 $15+

There are cowgirls and cowboys in heaven and hell. Here on earth, they can line dance in costume at this very special 21+ Boot Scoot USA party, kicking off at 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at Duke’s Indy. Tickets start at $15 plus fees.

Back to the Basics

If all else fails, go back to the basics of Halloween: friends, candy and scares. Stage a spooky bestie photoshoot, throw a jack-o-lantern decorating party, craft a spooky playlist or host a dance-off with friends. My personal favorite is watching a creepy film in the backyard, complete with inflatable pools (no water, add blankets) for comfort.

No matter where your Halloween season takes you, revel in friendship, small scares and cozy vibes.

Dylyn Rose is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach them at daggercollectiveindy@gmail.com.