Now that it’s October, people really want to get into the Halloween spirit. With the holiday right around the corner everyone is getting hyped. It is not the most hectic holiday, but it’s one of the most exciting. There is much to think about, and even more to do during the month. From costumes to haunted houses, trick-or-treating, or let’s not forget everyone’s favorite, scary movies.

Every year the first thing on anyone’s mind the moment October starts is, “What am I dressing up as this year?” Excellent question. There are a variety of choices, and we’ve even got an article to help if you can’t decide.

This year some teens might channel their favorite actors or actresses from hit movies or shows as costumes like Black Panther, the Incredibles, or characters from Riverdale. As for kids, there will probably be classics like superheroes, princesses, Harry Potters, clowns, and Disney characters. That’s not to say people don’t step outside basic, though. There are bound to be some cereal boxes or hot dogs out there.

People also tend to spend a lot of time going to haunted houses. Illinois dominates with haunted houses in the Chicagoland Area. There are new additions every year; more scary rooms, animations, actors, etc. Some of the best, though not always suited for teens, include the Statesville Haunted Prison in Crest Hill, the Basement of the Dead in Aurora, the 13th Floor Haunted House in Melrose Park, and Six Flag’s Fright Fest which allows guests to thrill themselves with rides and creepy characters.  The more terrifying, the better.

Trick-or-Treating is also a highlight. It’s a rite of passage for most kids if they celebrate Halloween and it’s a tradition that lots of folks value. However as you age and enter the realm that is being a teenager, some people outgrow it or say “I’m too old for trick-or-treating” which is truly a false statement. One can never be “too old” to dress up, eat a bunch of sugary candy, and have fun. If you do not celebrate it, then just simply eat the candy.

One of the best parts of the month is scary movies. Several television networks host month-long marathons of horror films. 2018 marks the anniversary of AMC’s ‘FearFest’ in which they show a multitude of the most iconic scary movies of all time. This year’s event is going to last 18 days and will feature as much as 80 films, including some of the most known franchises like Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the Exorcist.

Speaking of classics, there is a new Halloween premiering soon as well. This new adaptation is directed by David Gordon Green and once again depicts Michael Myers returning to Haddonfield. He manages to escape his institution after forty years to attack his sister, Laurie, who had survived his last vicious attack.

If you are the type of person that loves being scared out of your mind, hit up some haunted houses. If you like to yell at stupid actors who get themselves killed, get comfy on your couch and watch some horror films. If you want to dress up, get crafty and make your own funky costume or go out with your friends. There is something out there for everyone during this spooky season!