Pumpkin decorations are in grocery stores, friends are texting about what their costumes will be and nighttime is getting longer — Halloweekend’s almost here! This Thursday-to-Sunday celebration — with Halloween sitting in the middle on Saturday — offers endless possibilities to enjoy the spooky season. But, like me, do you ever yearn for classic Halloween festivities that aren’t just dancing in packed frats? Straight from a Halloween enthusiast to you, here are the events you seek!

The Vampire Lestat drag show — Oct. 29

When researching events, I found this and felt like I stumbled upon gold; I absolutely adore “Interview with the Vampire” by Anne Rice! So if you’re a vampire lover, this event is perfect for you.

Dress up in bloody attire and attend this 21-plus show that also features a costume competition. There’ll be mysterious prizes for the best ensemble and live music by Pretty Frankenstein. Purchase tickets for $12 online and $15 at the door. Once the clock strikes 8 p.m., waltz into Thee Stork Club in Oakland to fulfill all your vampiric dreams.

7th Annual Halloween Hootenanny — Oct. 30

This tradition among the Berkeley community stirs up Halloween spirit from 3-7 p.m. at the Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” performers will appear, along with live bands, face painters, costume contests and more. Join this celebration to prepare for Halloween!

Berkeley Haunted Hike — Oct. 30 (and before)

Hikers, immerse yourselves in spooks this Halloween season! This is a semi-intensive hike chronicling Berkeley’s ghastly history, led by a paranormal investigator. After being told real ghost stories and shown paranormal evidence, you won’t see Berkeley the same way.

Three-hour hikes are discounted for students at $49. Reach out on the Haunted Bay’s website for a shorter custom tour. Sign up Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25 or, most importantly, Oct. 30! To begin this chilling experience, meet your group at 2630 Bancroft Way, right by Caffè Strada. Who knows what you’ll encounter?

924 Gilman shows — Oct. 30 and 31

This is my favorite spot for alternative music in Berkeley. Since its establishment in 1986, 924 Gilman has made a name for itself. Run by a nonprofit called the Alternative Music Foundation and supported by its strong community, the venue hosts events nearly every weekend. For these spooky bashes, dress up as extravagantly goth, wild and fun as you want and attend a Halloween rock show! Make sure to purchase a $5 annual membership either online or at the door. More information is available on 924 Gilman’s Instagram.

On Oct. 30, attend a show featuring bands from Febuary to Slinger. Taking place from 7-11 p.m., this is a great way to prepare for the chill of the Halloween season. At the door, tickets are $27 and online, they’re $23.

Oct. 31 is 924 Gilman’s Halloween spectacular. Presales online are $18, while at the door they’re $20. Celebrate with bands such as Spy, Violent Imagery, Rose Chamber and more. The fun begins at 6 p.m.

Halloween markets — Oct. 31 (and Oct. 23)

The quaint Fourth Street, which I adore for all its eclectic shops, is hosting a Halloween festival that makes one nostalgic for childhood fun. From 3-5 p.m. on Oct. 31, you can trick-or-treat at more than 80 local businesses’ booths set up between University Avenue and Virginia Street.

If you’re in the mood to do something before that, check out Fifth Street’s Halloween Market & Animal Welfare Fundraiser, taking place from 5-9 p.m. on Oct. 23 at Donkey & Goat Winery. Rock out at live concerts, enjoy treats from food vendors and spend hours at an art market!

“Frankenstein” — Oct. 31

Have you ever wanted to see an iconic Halloween movie on the big screen, with monsters ready to lurch out at you in your comfy seat? You’re in luck! At 3 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre Oakland, you can watch “Frankenstein” and get in the mood for harrowing frights as nighttime creeps closer.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” — Oct. 31

This is a cult classic Halloween celebration with iconic music, fabulous fashion and audiences screaming callback lines passed down from when the movie first premiered in 1975. Get excited as you watch live actors recreate this campy tale while everyone puts on their birthday hats and throws toilet paper. Make sure to go in as blind as you can; I did last year and loved it despite my initial confusion! I also attended a showing on Valentine’s Day, something I wholeheartedly recommend.

This year, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be showing at the UC Theatre on Oct. 31, starting at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m.

Jack London Square — Nov. 1

After Halloween’s festivities, Jack London Square will transform to celebrate Día de Los Muertos! This will feature live folklorico dancers, mariachi bands and chalk artists. The event takes place from 1-3 p.m. Head over to the plaza by Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar to indulge in these amusements.

At-home activities

If none of these outings struck your fancy or if you love staying inside, Halloween at home is just as chic. Spice up the night your way! Throw a costume party with friends or host a spooky marathon movie night with old classics such as “Psycho” and “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” or new hit releases such as “Obsession” and “Backrooms.” Maybe now’s the time to pick up a pumpkin and paint a scary rendition of Oski on it, or to buy a random skeleton decoration and hang it up to frighten your roommates. Just remember to enjoy Halloween, and happy haunting!