Grinning jack-o-lanterns, scary masks, bags full of candy: The spookiest holiday of the year is almost here, with lots of tricks and treats for boys and ghouls, as well as adults who are celebrating Halloween in greater numbers than ever before. Happy haunting!
FRIDAY, OCT. 27
“¢ Kicking off a weekend of haunting fun is the Halloween Carnival, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Standley Park & Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Drive. Food, arts and crafts, a fun jump and carnival games are capped by a costume contest, by age: non-walking tykes, 6 p.m.; walking to age 2, 6:15 p.m.; ages 3 to 4, 6:30 p.m.; 5- to 7-year-olds, 6:45 p.m.; ages 8 to 10, 7 p.m.; and 11- to 12-year-olds, 7:15 p.m. The carnival is free, except for food; don’t forget to bring a bag for candy and prizes. For information, call (858) 552-1652.
OCT. 27-29
“¢ The Birch Aquarium at Scripps, 2300 Expedition Way, will once again become the Haunted Birch Aquarium for three evenings, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 27-29, from 6 to 9 p.m. Spooky science, haunted maritime tales, trick or treating and carnival games will be part of the fun. Each evening will also have a costume contest, with prizes awarded for scariest, most creative and best marine-themed costumes. Admission is $11 for members, $15 general public. To RSVP, call (858) 534-7336.
SUNDAY, OCT. 29
“¢ Torrey Pines Elementary School, 8350 Cliffridge Ave., hosts its annual Fall Halloween Carnival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A haunted house, games and rides including pony rides, refreshments, an inflatable rock wall, entertainment and a costume contest for all ages offer fun for the whole family. Although admission to the carnival is free, games and attractions require tickets, which are available for purchase at the event. Funds raised go to support art, music and science programs at the school. For information, call (858) 453-2323.
TUESDAY, OCT. 31
“¢ Westfield UTC, 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, has partnered with the Salvation Army for “Scare Away Hunger.” On Halloween, from 5 to 7 p.m., anyone who brings at least one non-perishable food item to the Westfield UTC mall will be eligible for treats and goodies at the concierge center and from participating merchants, while supplies last. The family-friendly and safe trick-or-treating event will take place at all seven San Diego Westfield malls. For UTC information, call (858) 546-8858.
“¢ The First Baptist Church hosts “Treats in Trunks,” for preschoolers to sixth-graders, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church, 5055 Governor Drive. Trick or treating, a cake walk with prizes, carnival games and an appearance by Bailey the horse make for a fun, safe environment. For information, call (858) 457-2064 or visit www.firstbaptistsd.com.
“¢ Halloween and scary movies are a match made in “¦ well, probably not heaven. In the spirit of the holiday, the original “Phantom of the Opera” ” the 1925 silent film starring Lon Chaney ” will be screened at 7 p.m. in the Seuss Room at Geisel Library on the UCSD campus, 9500 Gilman Drive. The movie will be accompanied by live music from Scott Paulson’s Teeny-Tiny Pit Orchestra for Silent Films, with arias by a special guest, mezzo-soprano Kristin Behrmann. There will also be sections for audience participation with the “thunder sheet,” exotic wooden bird calls, harp, and coconut shells for horse-drawn carriage scenes. For info, call (858) 534-9074.
