4 Extraordinary Halloween Events

Halloween is more than a week away, but the fun has begun with pumpkins, yard decorations and costume prep. In addition to the Friday trick-or-treat bonanza this year, consider these other options for Halloween fun.

1. Portrait Innovations at Promenade on Providence is offering parents with children dressed in costume free portraits during the Trick ‘r Treat event taking place at the shopping center on Fri., October 24. Photo opportunities will be from 4 to 6 p.m., and parents receive three free high-resolution portraits on a CD of each child.

2. On Sat., Oct. 25, participating comic book shops will be handing out FREE comics to anyone who comes to their stores in celebration of Halloween ComicFest. There are 19 free comics available to choose from that are great for readers of all ages with titles that include, Scooby Doo and Batman Team Up, Marvel Secret Wars, My Little Pony, Afterlife with Archie, Angry Birds, Plants vs Zombies, and more!

3. Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium is celebrating Halloween by hosting a family-friendly “Spookfest” during the weekends of Oct. 25 and 31. Gguests can see David Cochran, displays curator at Sea Life Charlotte-Concord, and his aquarist staff carve pumpkins from inside the aquarium’s 120,000-gallon ocean tank at 12:30 p.m.?each weekend day. Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium is hosting Autism Awareness Nights Oct. 22 and 29 from 3 to 8 p.m. in partnership with the Charlotte chapter of Autism Speaks. During Autism Awareness Nights, Sea Life Charlotte-Concord will adjust its music and lighting to create a sensory-friendly experience for families. Regular admission will be discounted at $10.50 per person and Sea Life Charlotte-Concord will make a donation in support of Autism Speaks.

4. If you live in the Lake Norman area, join in the Town of Davidson’s Halloween March Fri., Oct. 24 and be sure to buy a cookie at the Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Bakesale. The group is collecting baked good donations (pre-packaged and labeled) Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Davidson College Presbyterian Church at The Congregation House.

And to excite the little ones without scaring them, check out these not-so-scary book suggestions from the Charlotte Mecklenburg LIbrary.