A&E

2011 Halloween haunted attractions and events guide

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Photo: Mona Shield Payne

This October there is no shortage of fun family events to celebrate the season and Halloween. Choose from a plethora of haunted houses, spooky attractions and fall festivals. Check back soon for a guide to the adult side of Halloween with our Halloween Club Events Guide.

Ongoing events:

Fright Dome at Circus Circus: The Adventuredome transforms into five acres of haunting Halloween fun, with spooky surprises spread throughout the amusement park. Two of the five haunted houses inside are Halloween-themed, so be on the lookout for a chainsaw-wielding Michael Myers.

Bonnie Screams: Every year Bonnie Springs at Red Rock Canyon gets spooky with Bonnie Screams. Travel the Trail Of Doom, Steven Best’s nightly magic show, a saloon for guest over 21 and the BBQ Pit.

Asylum and Hotel Fear at The Craig Road Promenade: The Asylum is celebrating its 13th season. Hold on to your bodily fluids as this dual attraction is guaranteed to scare everything out of you. Ranked by Haunt World as one of the Top 13 Haunts in the Nation, The Asylum and Hotel Fear feature an intertwined storyline between the two attractions. On Halloween night from 4 until 5:30 p.m., younger children can enjoy a special lights on edition with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House.

Blood Village: Blood Village in the Henderson Pavilion brings terror to Las Vegas with scary creatures waiting to feast on your fear. It offers two haunted attractions plus The Boneyard, an above ground graveyard just like in old New Orleans. The attraction features the Last Ride, a ride inside a wooden coffin that simulates all your worst fears.

Trilogy of Terrors: Celebrating 20 years of scaring the citizens of Las Vegas, Freakling Brothers presents Nevada’s first R- Rated attraction. This set of haunted houses focuses on claustrophobic horror, taboo situations and horrific themes. The Trilogy of Terror includes The Gates of Hell, Castle Vampyre and Circus of Horrors. No one under 14 allowed without a parent or guardian at the Gates of Hell but the other attractions are for ages 9 and up.

Madame Tussauds "After Dark": The wax museum’s "After Dark" edition invites guests to investigate paranormal activity lurking in the corridors of the haunted attraction.

Third Annual “OktoberFrightFest” at Fremont Street Experience: Fremont Street Experience is hosting the third annual OktoberFrightFest, combining Oktoberfest and Halloween for a month-long street party. The Viva Vision light and sound shows will be themed to “Time Warp” and “Monster Mash.” Throughout the month, Frank & The Steins, Alice and Ozzy’s Frightmare and Vampire Rising perform on the outdoor stages. Check here for the full schedule of events.

Haunted Reef: For one special night, Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef turns into the Haunted Reef where the attraction is decorated with spooky jack-o-lanterns in addition to the always intimidating sharks and Komodo dragon with their razor sharp teeth.

The 13th Floor Experience at Circus Circus: Guests board a haunted elevator to the 13th Floor of the hotel. A headless bellman guides a tour through scary hallways where ghosts and goblins of all kinds lurk menacingly.

Sanctum of Souls haunted attraction: Check out Las Vegas' newest Halloween attraction featuring three haunted houses, a food vendor area plus a retail outlet with costumes and accessories.

The Haunted Harvest at Springs Preserve: The Haunted Harvest gives the entire family a spooky good time. The Springs Preserve is hosting this annual Halloween event filled with carnival games, live entertainment, a haunted maze and a scary Scavenger Scarecrow Contest.

Zombie Precinct- Screamont East: Zombie Precinct: Screamont East is set to infiltrate the Fremont East Entertainment District. This attraction will be a visual mind freak as it features terrifying (and a few sexy) zombies, freaks and other demented creatures including an execution room, psych ward and morgue. Other activities will include the Wicked West Film Fest, magicians, side show acts, vendors and even the actual full size Charles Manson Prison Bus featured in the movie Helter Skelter.

Friday, October 7:

October First Friday: Join local artists and musicians in downtown Las Vegas for the October First Friday where galleries will be open in the evening for you to peruse local masterpieces and mingle with the artists. The International Academy of Design & Technology (IADT) Las Vegas takes the main stage at the anniversary First Friday event. Five bands will be performing, with special guest performances by Slow to Surface and Vince Casas and Theory of Flight. Students enrolled in IADT’s audio production program will provide hands on support in all aspects of the night’s production – from sound and lighting to stage management. The concerts run until midnight. The nine year anniversary event will feature a pumpkin art installation at the Casino Center Hub where the first 100 families to arrive between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. can receive a free pumpkin.

Saturday, October 8:

Fall and Halloween Craft and Gift Spooktacular: Check out crafts and gift items such as jewelry, purses, Scentsy, linens, sportswear, candles, wallets and more at the Fiesta Henderson.

Friday, October 14:

Ward 2 free movie in the park: Enjoy a free showing of PG-rated Ghostbusters II, sponsored by community partner Slidin’ Thru. Bring chairs and blankets and join Ward 2 Councilman Steve Wolfson for a movie under the stars.

Fall Festival & Craft Expo: The two-day Fall Festival & Craft Expo at Community Lutheran Church features over 40 vendors with items such as jewelry, clothing, mosaic glass, art work, holiday gifts, crafts and more. Throughout both days there will be food, refreshments, raffles, a silent auction and a free concert.

Saturday, October 15:

Ward 2 Trunk or Treat Classic Car Show & Halloween Festival: The Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center hosts a Halloween Festival with costume parades, free games and activities, face painters, entertainment, community vendors and food vendors. To register a car for the car show, or to register as a vendor, email [email protected] or contact Councilman Steve Wolfson’s office at 229-2420.

Pumpkin Picassos: Painting is a safe alternative to carving pumpkins. Staff will assist children as they paint their own pumpkin masterpieces and then entertain them with holiday games. Bring a pumpkin and an old shirt for cover-up. The event is open to ages 4 through 12.

Thursday, October 20:

Pumpkin Carving at Mountain Crest: Mountain Crest Neighborhood Services Center will supply carving kits and provide clean up services. The first 20 people to pre-register can get a free pumpkin and everyone can feel free to bring their own. Please call 702-455-1905 to register.

Halloween Luncheon and Murder Mystery: The Backstage Revue presents a crime scene to solve during the Anniversary of the Bate's Mansion Fire at Crooked Creek, a murder mystery event at Whitney Recreation Center. Tickets are $5, which includes lunch served during the show. Prizes will be awarded to the outstanding detective as well as the bumbling detective. To register, please call 702-455-7576.

Friday, October 21:

Halloween Movie & Munchies: Enjoy watching a Halloween-themed movie and making a snack at the Doolittle Community Center. Please call 702-229-6374 to register your child. The event is open to children ages 7-11.

Casper film showing: Join Councilman Steve Ross for a movie under the stars. Bring a blanket, chairs and a picnic for a free family event. Casper, a PG-rated movie, will be shown.

It's the Great Pumpkin Bob Price: Parents can drop their children off and enjoy an evening to themselves. Children will have fun doing a variety of activities that include a candy walk, games and crafts plus dinner is included. The registration deadline is October 19th and space is limited so register early. To register, please call 702-455-7600.

Scarecrow Festival: Communities In Schools of Nevada invites families for an evening of fall activities at the inaugural Scarecrow Festival at The Sports Center of Las Vegas. CIS has gathered seasonal favorites for children of all ages to participate in as parents mix and mingle and enjoy live entertainment while benefiting the organization that is part of the nation’s leading dropout prevention network. Guests can enjoy a full spread of delicious tastings prepared by diverse group of award-winning restaurants at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Live entertainment includes roving magicians, balloon artists plus My News 3’s Kim and Dana Wagner as emcees for the evening and Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub’s resident DJ Jason Lema spining music. Local businesses and organizations have designed one-of-a-kind scarecrows that will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Saturday, October 22:

Fall Fest and 5K at Goett Family Park: This autumn themed festival will include a 5K run, 1-mile fun walk and a fun filled family festival that will include a free pumpkin patch, bouncehouses, carnival games, raffle prizes, a costume contest, trick-or-treating for children, food and drinks. The race and walk begin at 9 a.m. and the Fall Festival will run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will take place at Goett Family Park located along Southern Highlands Parkway just south of Somerset Hills.

Pumpkin Smash at Clark County Shooting Range: Shoot at paper pumpkin targets and real pumpkins that ooze green. Everyone gets a shot at a real pumpkin. The shooting range will provide paper targets, pumpkins and archery equipment or you can bring your own. There will also be vendors on site plus games and prizes. Participants must pre-register by contacting the shotgun center at 702-455-2007.

Pumpkin Carving at Helen Meyer: Parents can join their children, ages 3-12, for a pumpkin carving event which Includes a pumpkin and carving kit. Snacks will also be provided. Carving will take place outside, so please dress accordingly. Remember to register as space is limited. Call 702-455-7723 to register.

Fall Art Festival at The Village Lake Las Vegas: The Village Lake Las Vegas hosts a fall art festival where visitors can browse artwork from the vendors, shop at the unique boutiques within The Village and dine at one of the restaurants located along the cobblestone streets. Paintings, photography, wearable art, gourmet gifts, custom bath, body and home fragrances, jewelry and much more will be on display and available for purchase to kick off the holiday shopping season. In addition to the art, children’s activities will take place throughout the day.

Tuesday, Oct. 25:

LVBNM Safe Night: The Large Vision Business Network Mixer presents a Safe Night Halloween event with over 50 business exhibits plus face painting, a balloon artist, a cupcake eating contest, a chef's corner with food samples and a costume contest for those 12 and under. The first 300 children to arrive get a free trick-or-treat bag to collect treats. Please click here for your free admission ticket flyer.

Wednesday, October 26:

Spooktacular Bingo at Three Square: Join the Three Square staff for a spooktacular time with this month’s sponsor Victoria’s Secret. Come dressed in your best Halloween costume and get ready for the most festive bingo in town. There are several game packages to choose from that include all of your bingo cards, raffle tickets, food and drink. For more information or if you would like to RSVP, please contact Deb Diaz at 702-644-3663 ext 301 or [email protected].

Free Ward 1 Halloween party: Enjoy a community celebration with trick-or-treating, jump house, and more hosted by Anthem College and co-sponsored by the city of Las Vegas.

Trick or Treat Trail at Helen Meyer: A wrist band will be provided to each paid participant and it will include admission to the Trick & Treat Trail, games and rides. The event is open to ages 12 and under and parents must be present.

Chills & Thrills Safe Halloween Carnival: Enjoy a family event featuring carnival games, contests and a trick-or-treat town. The haunted house costs $2 per visit plus there will be food, carnival rides and kiddie korner for $1 each. Proceeds support the Teen & Leaders of the Future programs.

Pools & Ghouls at Desert Breeze: The Desert Breeze Aquatic Facility hosts its first ever Pools & Ghouls event featuring games, a family swim, a costume contest and a haunted maze. Hours for the not-so-scary haunted maze are from 5 until 6:30 p.m. and the fright-filled maze runs from 6:30 until 8 p.m. Regular admission fees apply: $3 for adults, $2 for children and $1 for seniors.

Halloween Spooktacular at Hollywood Rec Center: Enjoy games, face painting, a bouncehouse, tiny tot room and cupcake walk. Registration is required and parents must accompany children (ages 12 and under) the night of the event. Please call 702-455-0566 to register.

Thursday, October 27:

Mirabelli Halloween Carnival: Mirabelli Community Center presents a Halloween carnival featuring 20 carnival booths, a jump house and a cupcake walk. Refreshments will be available for sale. The $5 wristband includes unlimited visits to the carnival booths and there is a $2 charge to visit the haunted house.

Yappy Hour Howl-o-ween Spooktacular: The holiday edition of Yappy Hour kicks off with a Howl-o-ween Spooktacular. Sponsored by Sniffy and Company, the event will feature one-of-a-kind pet-friendly events and activities, including a doggie cakewalk and a variety of canine costume contests. A portion of the photo proceeds will be donated to the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. A number of additional local pet-rescue organizations will also be on-hand for the pooch spooktacular.

Howling Halloween Carnival & Haunted Hallway: Dress in costume and bring the family to enjoy games, drawings, the Crazy Costume Contest and Haunted Hallway at this annual community event. Trips down the Haunted Hallway cost $1 and the costume contest and carnival games are free.

Tots' Trick or Treat at Valley View Rec Center: Dress your little ones (ages 1 to 5) in their Halloween costumes and let them trick or treat in the safety of the rec center. Admission is free, but a donation of two canned food items to benefit the Henderson Salvation Army would be appreciated.

Spooky Spiderfest: Bring your pre-school aged ghost and goblins for a spooky good time featuring games, treats and themed activities. Parent, friend or grandparent participation is required and the event is open to children ages 2 to 5.

Saturday, October 29:

Safe HalloweenFest: Dress in costume and bring the family for trick-or-treating at community partner candy booths, plus carnival games, drawings and costume contests at this annual community event.

"Booling" Lanes at Santa Fe Bowling Center: This Halloween, families can enjoy "Booling" Lanes at Santa Fe Bowling Center. Children 12-years-old and younger are encouraged to show up in their costumes (all masks, and face paint that obstructs recognition, are not permitted in the casino area) for games and Halloween candy, which will be handed out by adult bowlers. A costume contest with prizes will be held at 7 p.m. Unlimited bowling is $8 per person for the duration of the event and there is no charge to trick-or-treat and participate in the costume contest.

Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza's 5th Annual Safe Halloween Hunt: Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza offers families a safe trick-or-treating destination with the 5th Annual Safe Halloween Hunt at the Montecito Marketplace in Centennial Hills. Families can embark on a spook-tacular adventure with the Halloween Hunt Adventure Map to help them gather all their goodies featuring a special treat from Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza. Children can enjoy a number of stops at neighboring businesses, each offering a tasty treat.

Pug-O-Rama: Southern Nevada Pug Rescue, a non-profit organization, celebrates 10 years of Pug-O-Rama at Silver Springs Recreation Center Amphitheater in Henderson. The Halloween-themed picnic will feature costume contests, prizes, unique pug items, a bake sale, retail booths and raffles. Pug owners are encouraged to dress up their pugs, pack a picnic, and enjoy a few hours socializing with other pug parents. Pug-O-Rama Picnic tickets are available now for $10 per person, $7 for children 7 years old and younger.

Charleston Heights Arts Center Halloween Dance: Dress in costume to “monster mash” at the annual Halloween-themed dance featuring the music of the Jerry Tiffe Band.

Nevada Day and Halloween party at the Old Mormon Fort: Enjoy a celebration of Nevada Day and Halloween all in one at the Old Mormon Fort. Events include games, raffles and a pumpkin decorating contest. There will be candy, activities and prizes for all the kids who are welcome to come into the park dressed in costume.

Birds With A Spooky Reputation: Lots of creatures give people the creeps around Halloween and some of them are birds. Find out why crows, ravens, barn owls, and turkey vultures have spooky reputations at this event at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. This event is open to children ages 6-12.

Tricks & Treats Plant Projects at Acacia Demonstration Gardens: Master Gardeners have a few tricks and treats up their sleeves as they introduce children to a few fun and festive plant projects as Halloween nears. The event is open to all ages.

Treat Streets at Tivoli Village: Tivoli Village will host a safe street trick-or-treat event, sponsored by Cox Communications. Cox Treat Streets at Tivoli Village features a variety of family friendly activities to celebrate the spooky holiday. Families with costumed children age 10 and under are welcome to roam the streets of Tivoli Village, trick-or-treat and enjoy an array of fun-filled activities.

Sunday, October 30:

Warm Springs Baptist Church Fall Festival: The Fall Festival is a place for all ages and stages. Guests can enjoy trunk or treating, music, face painting, raffles, food, free games and prizes.

Monster Mash at the Italian American Club: Come in costume to this open mic jam session where hopefully only the costumes, not the singing, will be terrifying.

Halloween at Sugar Factory: Sugar Factory will sweeten up Halloween for children fighting cancer, as the brand partners with the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation for the third annual year to hold a special “Trick or Treat” event on inside the flagship location inside Paris Las Vegas. NCCF children will trick-or-treat in costumes from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event is sponsored on behalf of the Davidovici family and held in honor of Linda Leff.

Titanic Haunted Tours: At the Titanic Haunted Tours, guests can have a one-in-a-kind experience onboard the decks of the passenger liner, detailing odd occurrences and unexplained stories. Since Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition has opened its doors, guests and employees have heard strange noises and witnessed odd sensations in the Exhibition’s galleries including The Grand Staircase and First Class Cabin. The hour-long Titanic Haunted Tour is included with ticket purchase and is available October 30 and 31.

Monday, October 31:

Halloween Carnival at Grace Valley Church: Enjoy a free Costume Carnival including games, prizes, pie throwing, popcorn, cotton candy, BBQ, a maze, face painting, and lots of candy.

The Las Vegas Halloween Parade: The Las Vegas Halloween Parade returns to Downtown Las Vegas. There will be a costume contest with the following categories being judged: scariest, best group costume, wildest, funniest, best float, best illuminated costume, best Las Vegas theme and the Las Vegas Halloween Parade showgirl icon. Registration for the Costume Contest takes place at Hoover Ave and 4th Street from 4 until 6 p.m. then the parade commences at 7 p.m. and winners will be announced at an after party. The majority of costume components must be homemade, no rented or professionally made costumes are allowed for the contest. Please keep the costumes fun and PG-rated as this is a family event. The second annual parade, sponsored by Las Vegas Weekly and Zappos, will start lining up at 6 p.m. and will take place along the downtown parade route on 4th Street, Northbound to the disband location at Ogden (one block North of Fremont Street).

Tots' Trick or Treat at Whitney Ranch Rec Center: Dress your little ones (ages 1 to 5) in their Halloween costumes and let them trick or treat safely in the rec center. Admission is free, but a donation of two canned food items to benefit the Henderson Salvation Army would be appreciated.

Town Scary: Trick or Treat through the streets of Town Square during Town Scary. The retailers and restaurants of Town Square will be passing out candy from 4 until 8 p.m. and there will be games and activities for children to enjoy throughout the shopping center.

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