To celebrate the ghoulish Halloween season, some departments at the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ are hosting various community events leading up to Oct. 31.

For outdoor lovers, the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Arboretum on Friday will host its second-annual Spooktacular. The overnight event will feature a Trail of Horror throughout the Arboretum’s nature paths and boardwalk, an outdoor screening of the movie Sinister, photo booth, ghost stories by the fire, camping and other activities.

β€œThis is a chance for students and the community to engage with the Arboretum in a fun and social setting,” said Jacques Werleigh, program assistant at the ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Arboretum that’s known for its nature trails and community garden. β€œYou just have to have fun – no volunteering or research is necessary.”

About 100 people are expected to attend Spooktacular, Werleigh said. Costumes are encouraged, and those who plan on staying overnight should bring camping supplies and food. Festivities will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, students, faculty and staff also can get in the Halloween spirit by attending one of numerous themed, group-exercise classes and events at the Recreation and Wellness Center. Here’s what’s coming:

  • Spooktacular Spin Rides: Costumes and black and orange attire are encouraged at group spin classes Oct. 27 at 4:15 p.m., Oct. 29 at 12:30 p.m., and Oct. 31 at 4:15 p.m.
  • Halloween Knight Climb: Participants can climb the 40-foot rock wall in the dark while donning headlamps and a costume at 7 p.m. Oct. 28. There also will be a costume contest.
  • Petrifying Pilates: A Halloween-themed Pilates class at 8:15 p.m. Oct. 31.

    • To top off the holiday, those on campus at 10 a.m. on Halloween can witness a longstanding university tradition: About 120 ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ Creative School students up to 5 years old will trick-or-treat through Millican Hall and the Housing and Residence Life offices. The annual event has been held since at least 1998, said Creative School associate director Kim Campese.

    β€œThe Millican Hall and Housing staff thoroughly enjoy dressing up and seeing the littlest Knights in their costumes,” Campese said.