There's something spooky on the wind, and no, it doesn't have anything to do with local, state or national government. We're talking, of course, about Halloween -- that favorite, fun holiday of ghosts, ghouls and goblins, and prime-time opportunity for little superheroes to save the day, for junior princesses to smooch a frog and for kids of all ages to hit the street on the quest for a good scare.

And candy. Halloween is also great for candy.

With the beautiful, boo-tiful holiday fewer than two weeks away, we are happy to once again present our listings of Pueblo and the surrounding area's most spooky haunted happenings, trick-or-treat events, open houses and family friendly bashes. Because in a world that's, frankly, frightening, we could all use a good-natured, silly scare.

Happy Halloween, haunters!

Pumpkin patch and giant corn maze

VINELAND -- A pumpkin patch and 10-acre corn maze with 4.25 miles of paths are open to the public this Halloween season. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at Pantaleo Farms, 39651 South Road.

Admission to the farm, hayrides, nightly bonfire, nightly costume contests and Spookley the Square Pumpkin theater are free.

Other festivities, including inflatables, pony rides, a petting zoo and face painting, as well as food, come with fees. Admission to the corn maze costs $10 for adults; $8 for senior citizens, military (with ID card) and children 3 to 11 years old; and is free for children younger than 3.

To reach the farm, take U.S. 50 (Business) east, turn right on 36th Lane, then left on South Road. Parking will be provided on 40th Lane.

For more information, visit Pantaleo Farms (The Great Pumpkin Patch) on Facebook or call 948-4556.

Haunted Rides

The Haunted Rides at City Park are slated to return this weekend. Visitors are invited to wear their Halloween costumes and join Pueblo Parks and Recreation for a safe, enjoyable trick-or-treating event for all ages. A haunted train ride will pass by eerie Horseshoe Lake, with its wandering ghosts and goblins.

Each ride will present the kids with treats and maybe a trick or two. Tickets cost 25 cents; adults, the train and the carousel require two tickets while all others are one ticket.

Event hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Rides at City Park, 3425 Nuckolls Ave. For more information, visit pueblo.us/rides or call 553-2790.

Train of Terror

The Union Depot, in conjunction with Pueblo Steel Football, has scheduled its 17th annual Train of Terror. Event times are 7-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Oct. 27-28; and 7-10 p.m. Oct. 29-31.

The theme for this year's scare is "Train of Horror Movies," with 250 feet and five terrifying train cars to stroll through. Those brave enough to enter will encounter Annabelle and the Crooked Man; experience possessed demons on the loose in "The Conjuring"; pass through the Train of Dolls; stroll through the infirmary while "care providers" look for their next victim; continue toward "The Ring" flatbed (complete with its infamous well); and finish the journey in the Shadow Train of hidden people.

Cost is $5 per person at the train entrance, located behind the depot at 132 W. B St. For more information, call 544-0020.

Frankentrain

The Pueblo Railway Museum will be running the "Frankentrain" from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 21 and 28. The cost to ride the train is $4 or $10 for three rides.

The museum is located at 201 W. B St., and the Frankentrain will be near the large black steam locomotive at the Pueblo Union Depot, 132 W. B St. For more information, call 544-1773.

American Legion events

The American Legion Post 2 will host a trunk or treat from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 27 at the post, 701 W. Ninth St. Festivities will include face painting and free hot dogs for all kids who come in costume.

In addition, the post will host a Halloween party and costume contest from 6 p.m. to midnight Oct. 28. Live entertainment will be provided by Richard Baca and Sierra Gold. The bash is open to the public and will include a buffet-style dinner.

Tickets cost $10 in advance and include a free CD. They may be purchased by stopping by the post from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or in the lounge after 3 p.m. For more information, call 544-8245.

Sugar Skulls and Marigolds

Health Solutions' second annual Sugar Skulls and Marigolds fundraiser has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 27. The evening, which will support the Opioid Treatment Center and Medication Assisted Recovery Center, will take place at Pueblo Community College's Fortino Ballroom, 900 W. Orman Ave.

The evening includes all-you-can-eat Mexican food, margaritas, sangria, a photo booth, face painting and live music by Perla Tropical Mariachi. Tickets cost $75 per person and must be purchased in advance.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit health.solutions/sugarskulls or call 423-1196.

Haunted Lab

The Colorado State University-Pueblo Medical Society will host its Haunted Lab Oct. 27 and 28 in the university Life Sciences Building, 2200 Bonforte Blvd. Hours are 7 p.m. to midnight both days.

This year's theme is "Haunted Circus." Admission costs $7 in advance (tickets may be purchased in Room 210 of the Life Sciences Building) or $8 at the door. Students with an ID may enter for $5. Advanced-ticket sales will end on Oct. 26.

Victorian Halloween

Rosemount Museum, 419 W. 14th St., will host a Victorian Halloween for children starting at 10 a.m. Oct. 28. The mansion will remain open until the candy runs out or until 2 p.m.

Visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the mansion at their own pace on a self-guided tour. Children will receive a trick-or-treat bag and may gather treats and prizes as they make their way through the mansion.

A lighted Halloween village will be on display, and a costume contest will be held. Prizes will be awarded in four age categories: 2-5; 6-12; 13-18 and adults 19 and above. Infants will not be judged.

The house capacity is limited, so there may be a wait. Reduced admission will be $3 for all guests ages 3 and older. Call 545-5290 for more information.

ZooBoo and BooBonus

The Shandy Clinic and The Pueblo Zoo, 3455 Nuckolls Ave., will host ZooBoo and a members-only BooBonus on Oct. 28. BooBonus is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon at the Creepatorium (aka World of Color); while ZooBoo hours will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Goblins, princesses and super heroes of all ages are encouraged to don their most creative costumes and join in the fun. Activities include treat stations, a scavenger hunt, spooky crafts and games, animal close encounters, explorer stations and story time.

Food will be available to purchase at the Safari Cafe, and the zoo will offer allergen-free treats as part of the Teal Pumpkin Project.

The price is $4 for kids ages 3 to 17, $12 for non-member adults and free for adult members. Full-face adult masks, heavy makeup, balloons and weapons or weapon-like items are prohibited.

Puebloween

A Southern Colorado family tradition returns to the Buell Children's Museum, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 28. Children may trick or treat through the Buell Children's Museum's "Art Detectives: The Great Masterpiece Mystery" exhibit and through the exhibits in the Helen T. White Gallery building, as well as create popcorn hands, lollipop ghosts, paper bag trees and more.

Kyle Groves and Mr. E will perform a kid-friendly magic show at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Magic Carpet Theater. The show is included with paid admission, but seating is limited. Also in store are special Halloween crafts for young artists.

All participants are invited to come in costume or to make one at the museum.

All Puebloween activities are included the admission, which costs $8 for adults or $6 for children, seniors 65 and older and military. Arts Center Members are free.

Halloween Scary Skate

Pueblo Parks and Recreation will host the Halloween Scary Skate from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Pueblo Ice Arena, 100 N. Grand Ave.

Participants may whirl and twirl through ghosts and goblins, enjoy candy and have fun during this family friendly event. There will also be a costume contest for the chance to win a birthday party package.

Cost is $2 per skater; for more information visit coolice.com or call 553-2730.

Natural Grocers

Natural Grocers, 101 W. 29th St., will host a free, family friendly Halloween event from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 28. The festivities will include non-GMO trick-or-treat stations; a "Make Your Own Spooky Snack Mix" activity featuring all-organic ingredients; and Halloween coloring pages.

For further information, contact Nutritional Health Coach Rosalie Glenn at 542-2411.

Dia de los Muertos

Adrian Comer Garden Chapel, George McCarthy Funeral Home, Imperial Funeral Home and Cemetery and TG McCarthy Funeral Home have teamed up to present an inaugural Dia de los Muertos Memorial Event. The celebration is slated for 2 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Imperial Memorial Gardens, 5450 Colorado 78.

Festivities will include: a public altar; folklorico dancers; mariachi; an altar competition; Mexican hot chocolate; and all-day food trucks, sugar skull decorating, paper marigold making, face painting and bounce house. A candlelight vigil will be held at 5:30 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

Family Fall Festival

Trinity Life Center, 36 Merritt Court, will host a family friendly fall festival from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28.

Festivities include free hot dogs, a bounce house, candy, mini-hayrides, carnival games with prizes and door prizes. Costumes are welcome but not required.

For more information, call 543-7000.

Halloween concert

First Presbyterian Church, 220 W. 10th Street, has scheduled a concert for 2:30 p.m. Oct. 29. Dubbed "Monsters and Magic," the concert will feature pianists Neal Figueroa and Sara Peaslee performing classical works and film music selected to thrill and chill. The program will include spooky works by Bach, Beethoven, Saint-Saens and more.

Costumes are welcome, as the recital will be followed by trick or treating around the church, games and snacks in the Fellowship Hall.

The concert is free and open to the public; however, the church will accept donations for its music and youth programs.

Costume party

Shanty's Under the Bridge, 1202 Socorro Place, will host a costume party from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 29. The event will include drink specials, food and a prize for best costume.

Twisted Chambers

If you are prepared to be scared, head over to El Centro del Quinto Sol, 609 E. Sixth St., between 6 and 8:30 p.m. Oct. 29 for Twisted Chambers. This annual haunted house is free to the public and is an offering of Pueblo Parks and Recreation.

Volunteers are still needed for the haunt. For more information, or to volunteer, call Jessica at 553-2949 or email jplascencia@pueblo.us. You may also visit pueblo.us/elcentro for details.

Pumpkin patch

The Colorado State University-Pueblo nursing program will host the Addams Family Pumpkin Patch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Technology Building, 2200 Bonforte Blvd. The patch will consist of a children's section and an adult's area.

Child-friendly festivities will include coloring, pumpkin decorations, movies, candy and light refreshments. Manikins in the kids' rooms will be dressed in Halloween costumes.

Adults may get face-to-face with the "Sim Family" (a slew of talking, breathing and interactive manikins), participate in a moulage (simulated wounds and injuries) station, and don a stethoscope to listen to vital heart and lung sounds. Light refreshments will be provided.

Healthy Halloween

The annual Healthy Halloween celebration is scheduled for 9:30-11:30 a.m. Oct. 31 at Praise Assembly of God, 2000 Troy Ave. Children up to 5 years old are encouraged to dress in costumes and bring their families for games, prizes and healthy snacks.

The event is free and open to the public.

Pueblo Regent Senior Living

Pueblo Regent Senior Living, 100 San Carlos Road, will host a Halloween party for residents, families, guests and other community adults from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Oct. 31 in the lobby. The party will promptly be followed by trick or treating and a safe house for children, from 3 to 5 p.m.

Doors of participating apartments will be clearly marked for trick or treaters.

PW Parks Bash

PUEBLO WEST -- The Pueblo West Parks and Recreation annual Halloween Bash has been scheduled for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 31 on ball field 1 at Lovell Park, 362 E. Hahn's Peak.

Designed to assure a safe and fun holiday for community children, the free family friendly party will include treats, carnival games and a costume contest starting promptly at 5 p.m.

Participants may vie for prizes, candy and toys that have been donated by area businesses and local organizations.

PCC Trick or Treat Street

Pueblo Community College, 900 W. Orman Ave., will host Trick or Treat Street from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 in the school's Fortino Ballroom.

The event provides a family friendly environment for trick or treating. PCC's Associated Student Government and campus clubs will have booths with candy and games.

Admission is free. Please note that costumes with weapons or provocative clothing are not permitted.

The ballroom is on the upper level of the Student Center, located at the corner of Orman and Harrison Street.

County High trunk or treat

Pueblo County High School will host its second annual trunk-or-treat event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 in the school's north parking lot (on the stadium side). Candy, crafts, games and concessions will be available, and family friendly costumes are preferred. The event is free, with the exception of concessions.

In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors.

Majestic Baptist trunk or treat

PUEBLO WEST -- Majestic Baptist Church, 494 E. Hemlock Drive, will host a trunk or treat from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Dress up and bring the whole family for fellowship and community with neighbors.

Majestic will have several decorated vehicles with candy and welcoming people. The church youth group will run obstacle course-type bounce houses and offer unique games with prizes. There will also be a drawing for a grand prize at the end of the evening.

Ghost ship

A ghost ship crewed by pirates is expected to make land between 6 and 9:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at 4037 North Drive in Northridge. The captain, crew and their spooky friends invite trick or treaters to stop by for what they call the "best display on the North Side."

The exhibit will be weather-dependent.

Halloween carnival and party

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3641 and auxiliary will host a free, family friendly Halloween carnival and party from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 31.

The festivities will include games, prizes and treats, and family-rated costumes are encouraged.

For more information, call Rita at 569-0536 or Shelley at 406-5247.

Charity haunted house

PUEBLO WEST -- A private haunted house has been scheduled for 6:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 31 at 971 N. Cimarron Drive. The event is intended to offer the community a safe and fun trick-or-treating experience.

It is free; however, donations will be collected to support a 10-year-old cancer patient. All donations will go directly to the local child's family.

This is a one-night-only haunting.

Yard of Terror

Antonioni Yard Service will host its annual Yard of Terror from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 31 at 2228 Prairie Ave. This one-night-only event is free to the public and will include candy for the kids.

Haunted path

A haunted path has been planned for 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 31 at 28 University Circle. Bravely complete the path and receive a treat; or early trick or treaters will be welcome. The event is open to all ages.

The path is free, but monetary donations will be accepted. Proceeds will be used to purchase Thanksgiving dinner baskets for Pueblo families in need.

-- Compiled by Regan Foster