Spooktacular family-friendly events slated for late October
Creeping in more and more are the nippy temps of a Southwest Montana fall… But before winter can fully grace us with its presence, the fourth quarter holidays kick off with an area favorite — Halloween! Here’s a look at some spooky fun events you can enjoy with family and friends through All Hallows’ Eve.
Saturday, October 21st will bring the Family Grossology Halloween Party back to the Museum of the Rockies from 2–5pm. Start your Halloween celebrations early with the area’s “grossest” annual tradition! Come in costume to see disgusting science, make some icky crafts, and check out what your scabs look like on the big screen. Spooky stories and goody bags make this the perfect family costume party for all “mad scientists”! This event is included with museum admission.
Anderson School’s 2017 Haunted House: Carnival of Terrors will be ready to thrill in its 25th year of scares, Friday and Saturday, October 27th and 28th. Those more easily frightened may attend the “lights on” version from 5:30–7pm. The lights go out from 7–10pm for the brave. Admission is $5 and $7, respectively. Fast Pass tickets are also available for $12. While you wait, event hosts will provide lots of treats, food and drinks! All funds raised benefit Anderson’s 8th grade class trip to Washington, D.C. Advance tickets are available through the official Facebook page. The Haunted House is located just 5 miles south of Huffine off Cottonwood Road at the Anderson Little Red Schoolhouse.
Belgrade High School’s National Honor Society will host its 2nd Annual Haunted House & Carnival on Friday and Saturday, October 27th and 28th. The haunted house opens at 8pm on Friday. Then, bring the kids for some carnival games beginning at 3pm Saturday. Stick around for haunted house “lights on” hours from 4–7pm, before returning to the regular dark mode from 7:30–11:30pm. Come and have some scary fun and support Gallatin Valley Food Bank! Donations are encouraged, and cash will also be accepted in lieu of canned goods.
Gallatin History Museum partners with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office for No Tricks, Just Treats on Saturday, October 28th from 11am–3pm. Activities will include Halloween crafts, obstacle courses, treasure hunt, photo booth, and costume contest! The free, family-friendly event is intended to promote safety and fun interactions with local law enforcement officers. This fun-filled day takes place at the Gallatin History Museum, which served as the County Jail from 1911–1982. It’s located at 317 W Main St. in Downtown Bozeman.
Gather the family and hit Main for an evening of traditional Downtown Trick or Treating on Tuesday, October 31st from 4–6pm. Parents: let your kids enjoy the brisk outdoors for a little Halloween fun and safely gather goodies at over 150 businesses! Hot drinks will be available outside the Downtown Visitor’s Center at 8 E Main St. This is open to the public and will go on rain, snow, or shine.
Also on Oct. 31st, the annual Malloween Trick or Treat event takes over Gallatin Valley Mall from 5–7pm. Forget the thermal underwear and winter jacket! Children can enjoy a safe and warm indoor trick-or-treating. Kids of all ages are invited to attend this event. Simply visit the entrance of participating retailers throughout the mall for a great selection of candy and fun costumes. Free family photos will take place in Macy’s court!
Finally, the Livingston Film Series will present a free Halloween Double Feature & Zombie Costume Contest on Oct. 31st at the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts. Created by two amateur filmmakers with Down syndrome, recent cult smash Spring Break Zombie Massacre kicks things off at 6pm. The costume contest will follow the first film, including a $50 prize for first place! A screening of Undead or Alive, starring James Denton and Chris Kattan, follows at 7pm.
There’s more than just family fun on the calendar! Plenty of adult-oriented, Halloween-themed events are also happening throughout the area this October. Flip through this issue of The BoZone for further details. •