In just a matter of days, the night air will be thick with the screeches of sugar-hyped kids and freshmen high-tailing it down Monmouth Avenue. Even now, jack-o-lanterns perch on porches, where they’ll sit until mid-November. It’s Halloween, y’all. The big question is, how do we celebrate Hallows’ Eve here at WOU?

Consider this your exclusive guide to all the tricks and treats WOU has to offer this year. From movie marathons to a Haunted House, there’s a lot going on if you know where to look. And if WOU’s haunted carrying-ons aren’t enough for you, we’ve got the skinny on what’s happening around Monmouth and Independence. Strap on a costume, grab a candy bucket, and get to haunting.

Safe Halls Trick-or-Treating

Do you live in the campus community and looking for a safe place to take your kids trick-or-treating? Safe Halls takes place in the residence halls from 6 to 9 p.m. It’s all-ages inclusive and open to both WOU students and community members! Be sure to park in parking lots H or J if you’re coming from off-campus.

Like Halloweens past, you’ll have the chance to partake in trick-or-treating. Residents can even trawl the halls of the residence halls to build a glorified sugar bomb-of-a-candy cache or stay in your room to deal out the goods, trick-or-treating isn’t just a perennial American classic: it’s a WOU tradition.

Be sure to stock up on candy to give out if you plan on staying home. You’ll be everyone’s best friend if full-size bars make an appearance (for the record, that doesn’t just apply to Halloween. Any time is a good time for a big ol’ king size). If you’re part of the trick-or-treating hordes, get familiar with all the residence halls on campus. You’re going to be climbing up and down your fair share of stairs. Dress up. Get into the spirit of things. And no, don’t just go as a “college student”. That’s taking the easy way out.

Of course, there will be other events to check out in each of the residence halls, each suitable for the whole family. For example, Ackerman Hall will feature pumpkin bowling and face painting, while Arbor Park dares challengers to take on a spider web maze, and Landers-Barnum has a cookie decorating station planned. Heritage even has an obstacle course.

Other Campus Events

WOU students can also take part in a handful of events scattered around campus, all sponsored by different clubs and orgs. The best part? There’s a little something for everyone. Well, unless you’re not a big Halloween fan. These events are all happening throughout the week so don’t worry about trying to squeeze in everything on Halloween proper.

Monday, Oct. 30

Trivia Fantastica

Trivia Fantastica returns. From 7 to 9 p.m., test your wits with Halloween-themed trivia. Compete with a team of four-to-six horror-minded friends for a chance to win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place. As always, Trivia Fantastica will be hosted over at the Willamette Room.

Tuesday, Oct. 31

ASL Scary Movie Night

From 4 to 6 p.m., join the ASL club for Scary Movie Night. Participants are encouraged to come in costume and to bring snacks to share. Find Scary Movie Night at RWEC room 101. This event’s open for everyone, so you don’t have to be an ASL club member to join in.

Scary ’90s Movie Marathon

Just in case you haven’t had enough horror films for the night, come on down for SAB’s Scary ’90s Movie Marathon. Enjoy two movies over at the Pacific Room: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, starting at 7 p.m., and Scream, starting at 8:30 p.m. Bring a friend, kick back, and enjoy the screams. This event runs until 10 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 2

Haunted House

Think you’re brave? Test your mettle with WOU’s own Haunted House. Hosted by SAB and part of Homecoming festivities, there’s no telling what you’ll come face to face with. The first 20 students to enter the house will receive a free Homecoming t-shirt. The Haunted House will be open from 8 to 11 p.m.

What’s Happening Around Town?

Tuesday, Oct. 31

Halloween Spooktacular! Downtown Trick or Treat: Independence

While more of a family-oriented event, Independence’s own Halloween Spooktacular offers plenty of fun for locals. Starting at 4 p.m. on Halloween proper, Halloween Spooktacular allows participants to visit local businesses for all kinds of treats. If you have kids, definitely something to check out.

Edited to add more information on Safe Hall activities.