In case the sudden appearance of cheap bulk candy and pumpkin-spiced everything hasn’t clued you in, it’s almost Halloween! Thankfully, this year, All Hallows’ Eve falls on a Friday, meaning you’ll actually have an excuse to get your party on. And why stop at Friday? The entire weekend will be filled with fun events in Berkeley and the rest of the Bay Area. For some, Halloween will be a celebration of the end of midterms. And for the rest of us … well, let’s just think of it as a well deserved break.

If you haven’t made plans for Halloween yet, look no further than the Clog! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing night out or a crazy rave, we’ve got you covered. So hold onto your fake blood and witch hat, because it’s time to celebrate Halloweekend!

If you want something a little spooky…

Bowles Hall Haunted House: This annual Bowles event reminds us that we don’t have to leave campus to get a scare. This year’s haunted house will be open Thursday. In case you haven’t heard, Bowles will be undergoing some renovations very soon, so this may be your last chance to experience Berkeley’s own haunted “Hogwarts” in its original form! Best of all, it’s FREE! You can RSVP on Facebook now.

Scream Park California: Definitely not for the faint of heart, this event in the San Francisco Bay Area has enough scares to make you wish Halloween never happened. This year, the two haunted-house themes will be “Your Psychotic Episode” and “The Zodiac Killer.” There will also be live music, food and other entertainment.

Halloween Haunt at Great America: It’s mazes, scare zones and live shows galore. Great America is normally thrilling enough with the rides and attractions alone, so expect it to be especially exciting in the harvest season.

Alcatraz Island: For a truly unique and creepy Halloween experience, book tickets early for an Alcatraz night tour. With its long and violent history, this infamous former prison is a top destination for those looking for a truly haunting experience. There is a limited number of night-tour tickets, so you might have to be flexible in order to schedule your visit around Halloween.

If you want to get your costume on…

Trick-or-Treat on Solano Avenue: Who says college students are too old for trick-or-treating? Oh … everybody? Uh, let’s just ignore what everyone else thinks. Halloween is the perfect excuse to feel like a kid again. Plus, you’ll get some free candy out of it. Maybe hit up some of those Silicon Valley neighborhoods to get the good candy!

Dia de los Muertos in the Gourmet Ghetto: Berkeley’s own Day of the Dead celebration will be taking place Sunday in the Gourmet Ghetto, which is located six blocks north of the Downtown Berkeley BART. There will be free face painting and DIY projects, not to mention plenty of food vendors and a beer-and-wine garden.

If you want to kick back with a movie…

“Eyes Wide Shut” at the Pacific Film Archive: The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive is presenting a special Halloween screening of this classic thriller. In fact, this entire month has featured an ongoing program called the Films of Stanley Kubrick. Tickets are $5.50 for UC Berkeley students.

UA Berkeley 7: UA Berkeley 7 is hosting “Flashback Features”: $5 movies, including “Psycho” on Thursday. If you feel like something a little more contemporary, check out “Anabelle,” “Dracula Untold” or “Ouija.”

Horror movie night in your own apartment or dorm: A marathon movie night is the best way to chill and spend time with friends without spending any moolah at all. Pick out some horror classics and have a movie night with friends. Just don’t forget the popcorn — or a pillow to hide behind. And don’t scream too loud; it’ll freak out your resident assistant.

If you just want to party…

Frat parties, co-op parties, house parties: Throw on your best costume and throw caution to the wind, because this time of year, your fellow Bears are ready to dance (and drink) the night away.

DJs in the Bay Area: Check out this list of all the dances, club events and concerts in San Francisco for Halloween. Some pretty big acts are coming to the Bay, including Cash Cash at Ruby Skye, Skrillex at the Craneway Pavilion and, of course, the massive Spookfest in the Oracle Arena.

Image Source: Daniel Parks under Creative Commons