2007 Halloween Guide

Houston Haunted Houses promise screams of terror in both locations. Take a walk through the Haunted Maze and Sanitarium at their Elton location, or visit the Castle of Doom and Haunted Woods at the Gulf Freeway location. Open Thursdays through Sundays in October and nightly from October 29 to 31. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. $15-$85.

2225 N. Sam Houston Pkwy., 713-914-1313, www.screamworld.com

More than 30,000 Houstonians have visited this haunt annually since these creaky doors opened in 1989. Originally located in downtown, in 2001 ScreamWorld moved to a 4.5-acre facility comprised of three haunted houses and an outdoor maze. This year they added an outdoor cemetery. Besides high-tech animatronic monsters, expect to dodge racing cars, ankle-biters and cobwebs. Watch where you step.

The temple of terror opens nightly at 7:30 p.m. October 4 to 7, October 11 to 14, October 18 to 21, October 25 to 31 and November 2 to 3. General admission tickets are $22 per person to visit the five haunted attractions, and $30 for a VIP Fast Pass, with no waiting in line. A downloadable $3 discount coupon and advance tickets sales are available at www.screamworld.com.

ScreamWorld is not recommended for children under the age of 12.

Texas Renaissance Festival

www.texrenfest.com, 800-458-3435

Any event where you dress up is part of the Halloween season. Despite what Miss Pop Rocks might think of these followers, all who attend have a good time. Not only do toddlers like it, but even Holly from The Girls Next Door gets into it. The festival runs Saturdays and Sundays from October 6 through November 25. Tickets $10-$21.

Texas Seaport Museum

Pier 22, 22nd St. and Harborside Dr., Galveston, 409-763-1877

Galveston's a good place to look for real-life ghosts. It's been home to the allegedly cannibalistic Karankawa Indians and merciless pirates, including the famous Jean Lafitte, whose lavish and lawless den of thieves made the island's first European settlement. Galvestonians in the 19th century knew fires, epidemics of yellow fever and malaria, military occupation and bitter war, and, of course, storms. Um, there's bound to be some ghosts somewhere. One-hour narrated excursions go through October 31. They leave at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Thursday, October 25

The Roxy

5351 W. Alabama, 713-850-7699

Carmen of Carmen's Boutique and Video doesn't only sell sexy costumes, she's now hosting her own party, and any party she threw wouldn't be complete without a Carmen look-alike contest. There'll also be other costume contests and Latin and hip-hop music to shake to all night long.

Friday, October 26

Aztecas Margarita Bar and Grill

2207 Richmond, 713-526-1702,

www.aztecasbarandgrill.com

Costume contest with cash prizes and drink specials. Live music downstairs and spooky techno dance beats upstairs.

ComedySportz

901 Town & Country Blvd. 713-868-1444

www.comedysportzhouston.com

Catch the most treats for your Halloween dollar with the "Hysterical Horrors" show. In this special match, two teams of improv comedians will battle for points and laughs, while a wisecracking referee keeps things moving, all with a Halloween theme. Wear a legitimate costume and they'll let you in for half price. 8 p.m. October 26 and 27. $14; costumed patrons get in for $7.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

One Hermann Circle Dr., 713-639-4629, www.hmns.org

All museums seem hip to the idea of turning into party central when the sun sets. Come dressed in costume for an evening of music by the Fab Five, free food, cash bar and festivities. The ticket alone is worth the admission to The Dark Side of the Moon in the Burke Baker Planetarium. 8 p.m. to midnight. $13 members; $15 nonmembers.

Mezzanine Lounge & Sports Bar

2200 Southwest Fwy., 713-528-6399,

www.mezzaninelounge.com

All weekend long, this lounge will be scaring up the season. Today is Freaky Fiesta Friday with drink and food specials.

Onion Creek

3106 White Oak, 713-880-0706,

www.onioncreekcafe.com

Halloween bash with special performances. 7 p.m. Free.

Russian Bear Restaurant

1801 S. Dairy Ashford, 281-496-4018

Enjoy the scenery with belly dancers and a Russian show. Of course, the half-price Russian vodka should help to make everything look that much better.

Slainte Irish Pub

509 Main, 713-222-1033

This Halloween, drink like you're Irish. Costume contest, Jäger girls and prizes.

Saturday, October 27

6th Street Bar & Grill

2701 White Oak, 713-880-5999

This corner in the Heights is doing its best to become a party haven any day of the week, and Halloween is no exception. There will be drink specials, costume contests and a live DJ.

702 Lounge

702 W. Dallas, 713-654-8040, www.702houston.com

No cover, plenty of shot and drink specials and a DJ.

Aztecas Margarita Bar and Grill

2207 Richmond, 713-526-1702,

www.aztecasbarandgrill.com

Costume contest with cash prizes and drink specials. Live music downstairs and spooky techno dance beats upstairs.

Bohemeo's

708 Telephone Rd., 713-923-4277, www.halloweenfilmfest.org

The 4th Annual Houston Halloween Film Festival is a grassroots short-film festival and costume party. Like Dr. Frankenstein said, "It's alive! It's alive!" 7 p.m. to1 a.m. $15 entry includes food and drinks.

Byzantio Cafe Bar

403 W. Gray, 713-520-6896

Costume contest with cash prizes.

Cadillac Bar

1802 Shepherd, 713-862-2020