Halloween is just around the corner, and Western Wake offers lots of options for having fun — or a good scare — to celebrate.

Apex

Goblin Groove Family Dance
Saturday, Oct. 26, 7-9:30 p.m., $5/Couple or $2/Additional Child
Halle Cultural Arts Center

Celebrate Halloween “just a little early” this year with music from the 80’s, 90’s and NOW! There will be your spooky favorites, costume contests, cool games, dance contests and freaky Halloween tricks and treats. This is a parent/child dance, youth and teens must be accompanied by an adult. Halloween costumes are strongly encouraged but not required. Spooky punch and snacks are provided. apexnc.org

Cary

Pumpkin Flotilla
Friday, Oct. 25, 4-7 p.m., Free
Fred G. Bond Metro Park, Boathouse

Dress in your favorite costume and bring your carved pumpkin from 4-5:30 p.m. and watch the pumpkins set sail across Bond Lake at twilight (6:30 p.m.). Enjoy food trucks, live music, face-painting, and discounted boat rentals prior to the flotilla. Float space is limited and is on a first-come basis. For more information, call the Bond Park Boathouse at (919) 469-4100.

Herbert’s Haunted House
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25-26, 7-9 p.m., $3 per person
Herbert C. Young Community Center

The 6th Annual Herbert’s Haunted House features more scares, thrills and screams than ever! Take a spooky walk through the Cary Teen Council’s House of Horrors and experience all the spooks that Cary’s teens have dreamed up for you. All ages welcome, but parental discretion is advised. For more information, call the Herb Young Community Center at (919) 460-4965.

Zombiepalooza
Friday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m., Free
The Cary Theater

Organize Before They Rise with a zombie-themed block party outdoors in downtown Cary. Professional and hobbyist filmmakers have created one-to-five minute zombie films to be shown on the outdoor screen. Dress as a favorite zombie or horror film character, with prizes for best films and costumes. For more information, call The Cary Theater at (919) 462-2051.

Cary’s Great Pumpkin Carve
Saturday, Oct. 26, 2-8 p.m., Free
Downtown Park

Stop by the pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin, or bring your own, and then carve it in the park. Pumpkins can be lit for display and submitted for Cary’s Favorite Pumpkin. Stay for family-friendly Halloween specials shown outdoors, including “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!” Pumpkins will be for sale; all other activities are free. For more information, call the Cultural Arts Department at (919) 469-4061. Instruction is appropriate for ages 13+ and is $5, including a pumpkin to carve. townofcary.org

Schedule:

• Pumpkin Patch and Carving Stations, 2-6 p.m.
• 3-D Pumpkin Carving Instructional, 2:45 and 4:15 p.m.
• Family-Friendly Halloween TV Programs, 6:45-7:45 p.m.

Halloween Mall Crawl
Saturday, Oct. 26, 4-5:30 p.m., Free
Cary Towne Center

Calling all goblins, ghosts, princesses, superheroes, and everything in between! Dress in your best Halloween costume and head to the mall for an afternoon of trick-or-treating and magic.

Fuquay-Varina

Trick or Treat in Downtown
Friday, Oct. 25, 2-5 p.m., Free
This annual Halloween event is sponsored by the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association and participating downtown businesses. Families are invited to dress up their ghosts and goblins and visit the merchants that display the sign, “Trick or Treat Here!” fuquay-varinadowntown.com

Holly Springs

Holly Fest
Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Free
Jefferson L. Sugg Farm Park at Bass Lake

This annual, family-friendly event celebrates Holly Springs and all the people, places and services that the community has to offer. Featuring local artists, businesses, food vendors, children’s activities, and local entertainment, this free event is a Holly Springs tradition. hollyspringsnc.us

Morrisville

Fall Festival
Thursday, Oct. 24, 4-8 p.m., Free
Park West Village

Come out for trick-or-treating and hayrides, then spread out your blankets and chairs on the green space in front of Stone Theatre Park West 14 for an outdoor screening of a popular kids Halloween movie. parkwestvillage.net 

Spooktacular Trail Walk
Saturday, Oct. 26, 4-7 p.m., Free
Morrisville Community Park

Collect goodies from costumed characters on the paved Hatcher Creek Trail at Morrisville Community Park. This event is free, but be sure to bring money for food trucks! This event is intended for children through age 12. Also, in partnership with the Town of Morrisville Police and Fire Departments, there will be a Trunk or Treat, where local businesses and community organizations decorate a police car or fire truck. townofmorrisville.org