Hella-ween

If you didn’t already know, Halloween is basically the most celebrated holiday in Sacramento. In fact, a quick search yielded more than 40 major Halloween events this week alone. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that October weather is often pleasant—or that Sacramentans love to dress up in costumes. But really, who cares? It just means this week is full of hella cool Halloween-themed events. Here are SN&R’s top 20 picks.

For the grown-ups

Professional Guild’s Hallowen Party

This huge party—for those 21 and over—is geared toward single professionals—though couples are also welcome. Attendees are encouraged to dress in a funny, sexy or lighthearted costume. Friday, October 26; 8 p.m.; $10-$20. Hilton Hotel Arden West, 2200 Harvard Street, (800) 838-3006; www.proguildsocial.com.

A Nightmare on Trash Street

Catch a screening of A Nightmare on Elm Street hosted by the Trash Film Orgy. The 18-and-over event also features a live stage show, horror shorts, drinks, costumes and games. Wednesday, October 31; 8 p.m.; $10 ($9 with a costume). Crest Theater, 1013 K Street; http://trashfilmorgy.com.

Zombie … Run

Run for your life in this high-concept variant of school-yard tag. Runners (age 15 or older) attempt to complete a 5k run featuring zombies and man-made obstacles. Preregistration is required. Saturday, October 27; 8 a.m.; $20-$40 for participants; $5 for spectators. Miller Park, 2790 Marina View Drive; www.sacramentozombierun.com.

Shannon McCabe’s Vampire Ball

This vampire-themed 21-and-over party features tons of music: an outdoor stage with bands including the New Pioneers, Restrayned and Vamp Le Stat, and an indoor stage with deejays David V, Bryan Hawk and Norman Stradley. Saturday, October 27; 8 p.m.; $20 in advance. Placer County Fair & Events Center, 800 All America City Boulevard in Roseville; www.shannonmccabe.com.

Masquerade Ball for the Fall

No Halloween costumes at this 21-and-over party; just high-class masquerade masks and “cocktail attire,” according to organizers. Hear live music and eat hors d’oeuvres. Proceeds go toward the Sacramento City College Outstanding Women Awards. Saturday, October 27; 9 p.m.; $50-$95. Antiquite Maison Privee, 2114 P Street; (916) 670-4035; www.gayetrimaya.com.

Exotic Halloween Ball

Presented by KZZO 100.5 FM, the Exotic Halloween Ball attempts to be the sexiest 21-and-over party of the year, with lap dances, Sizzling Sirens Burlesque shows and pole dancers. Pop music will be performed by Gavin Degraw and Pete Wentz & the Black Cards. Saturday, October 27; 8:30 p.m.; $34-$39. Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Boulevard; http://now100fm.cbslocal.com/2012-exotic-halloween-ball.

For the whole family

Midtown Trick-or-Treat & Pooch Parade

An annual tradition in Midtown, this event often sees upward of 100 costumed dogs roaming through the central city. Kids’ activities and trick-or-treating follows the pooch parade. Saturday, October 27; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; free. Marshall Park, 915 27th Street; www.exploremidtown.org/MidtownHalloween.

Trunk or Treat

A good opportunity for kids to get dressed up and go trick-or-treating, Trunk or Treat at the California Automobile Museum features trunks filled with candy, tours and a car-education center. Saturday, October 27; 1 to 4 p.m.; $8 for adults, free admission for kids. California Automobile Museum, 2200 Front Street; (916) 442-6802; www.calautomuseum.org.

Safe & Super Halloween: A Grimm Halloween

Kids can view decorations inspired by the Grimm brothers’ classic fairy tales, trick or treat at 17 candy stations and view puppet shows throughout the day. October 26-28, 5 to 9 p.m. daily, $10-$12. Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive; (916) 808-5233; www.fairytaletown.org.

Monster Mash

Knock down some pins, wear costumes, win prizes and hear the surf and retro rock of the Lava Pups, the Sneaky Tikis and the Rockabilly Love Cats. Sunday, October 28; 1 to 4 p.m.; free. 900 West Capitol Avenue in West Sacramento; (916) 371-4200; http://capbowl.businesscatalyst.com.

Boo at the Zoo

Geared for kids 10 and under, this event features trick-or-treating, games, a costume party and magic shows. The Spooky Train and Creepy Carousel cost extra. Tuesday, October 30, and Wednesday, October 31; 5 to 8 p.m.; $10-$12. Sacramento Zoo, 3930 West Land Park Drive; (916) 808-5888; www.saczoo.org/page.aspx?pid=360.

Wee Halloween

For kids ages 5 and under, Wee Halloween is an artistic alternative to trick-or-treating. Kids can dress in costumes, view art, create treat bags, and see live music, poetry and dance performances throughout the museum. Wednesday, October 31; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $15. Crocker Art Museum, 216 O Street; (916) 808-7000; www.crockerartmuseum.org.

Panteón de Sacramento

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with La Raza Galería Posada’s Panteon de Sacramento public-art installation. The annual exhibition features traditional Mexican altars honoring ancestors for Day of the Dead. Saturday, October 27; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, October 28; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; free. Parking lot at 2020 J Street, (916) 446-5133, www.lrgp.org.

Night of 1,000 Pumpkins

An annual tradition to line the street with 1,000 jack-o’-lanterns continues for the fourth year in Folsom. This bring-your-own jack-o’-lantern event also features trick-or-treating and screenings of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and Ghostbusters. Friday, October 26; 6 p.m.; free. Sutter Street in Folsom, www.1,000pumpkins.com.

Scary sites

Heartstoppers Haunted House

Located at an abandoned arcade and mini-golf course, this haunted attraction features four separate buildings titled: The Deadlands, Dr. Lash’s Slideshow, Steamghast Asylum and Hangtown Trail. October 25-28, and October 31; $15-$20. 2300 Mine Shaft Lane in Rancho Cordova; (916) 572-2733 www.scaredyou.com.

Haunted Stacks

This event at the Central Branch of the Sacramento Public Library will feature “re-enactor ghosts,” classic horror-film screenings and haunted tours of the Sacramento Room, according to a publicist. Friday, October 26; 7 to 9 p.m.; free. Sacramento Public Library, 828 I Street; (916) 264-2770; www.saclib.org.

The Haunt at Wright Hall

The UC Davis Department of Theatre & Dance has organized a performance-based haunted house and dance party at its headquarters on campus. It features seven stages and nightly costumed dances to end each evening. October 25-28, and October 30-31; 7:30 p.m. to midnight; $10-$15; 1 Shields Avenue, Wright Hall in Davis; (530) 752-5863; http://theatredance.ucdavis.edu.

Mansion After Dark

Mansion After Dark is a kid-friendly haunted house alternative held upstairs at Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park. It features dim lighting, scary music and fortune tellers. October 26-27, 6 to 9 p.m., $4-$8. 1526 H Street, (916) 323-5916, www.parks.ca.gov/governorsmansion.

The Haunted Fort

Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park turns into a family-friendly haunted house with actors portraying pioneers. Hear tales of historical deaths while taking tours of the fort. October 26-27, 6:30 to 9 p.m., $6-$8. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L Street; (916) 445-4422; www.parks.ca.gov/suttersfort.

Fright Planet—America’s Haunted Theme Park

Cal Expo turns into a haunted theme park during the month of October. Attractions include a blackout room, a 3-D theater, a distorted maze, rides and a haunted doll house. October 25 through November 2. $20-$40. Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Boulevard; (866) 666-1313; www.frightplanet.com.