Halloween's right around the corner - here are a few festivities planned between now and Saturday.

Friday

Historic Halloween Haunt:
Trick-or-treat and learn about area history in historic downtown Gainesville. Stories, refreshments and palm readings start at the Matheson Museum at 5 p.m. Two tours depart at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The first is for children. Refreshments and candy provided. Cost $5
Matheson Museum, 513 E. University Ave. (378-2280).

Trunk or Treat:
6 p.m. - Celebration United Methodist Church, 9501 S.W. Archer Road (367-8006).

Dracuween Kids Party:
A Halloween party put on by the Dance Alive National Ballet with punch, cookies and a costume contest. Tickets $15 per person.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, 6 p.m.
Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, UF campus (371-2986).

Dance Alive Presents Dracula:
7 p.m. - Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, UF campus (371-2986).

Dracula Halloween Costume Ball:
Join Count Dracula in his castle, dance to Halloween songs and dine on Halloween-inspired foods, tickets are $35
9 p.m. - Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, UF campus (371-2986).

The Matheson Museum presents Histories & Mysteries:
Trick-or-treat and learn about the past in Gainesville's historic downtown. The event will feature refreshments, personal palm readings and a professional spooky storyteller. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. at the Matheson Museum. Tickets are availible at the door and cost $2 for children 12 and under, $5 for everyone else.

Hilltop Animal Hospital presents the 4th Annual Pet Halloween Costume Party:
Animals dressed up in costumes will be judged on a variety of categories, including cutest, scariest and most creative. Food, drinks and door prizes will be provided. The event starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. at the Hilltop Animal Hospital on Highway 441, right across the street from Santa Fe Ford.

Saturday

Boo at the Zoo:
Santa Fe College’s teaching zoo will be decorated for Halloween, and zookeepers will be handing out more than 92,000 pieces of candy at 12 candy stations around the zoo. Bring one canned good per visitor for admission and a bag for candy, canned goods for local food banks.
3 to 7:30 p.m. - Santa Fe Teaching Zoo, 3000 N.W. 83rd St. (395-5601).

Halloween Hauntings at Haile Horse Pasture:
Haunted trail walk, games, treats and prizes. Admission is free.
4 - 8 p.m. - Haile Horse Pasture, enter at West Gate (338-0606 or 538-3067)

The Rock Jam Fam Night:
Rides, games for kids, and family activities. There will be food and candy.
6 - 9 p.m. - The Rock of Gainesville, 9818 S.W. 24th Ave. (331-7625).

Skate Station Funworks Halloween Carnival Night:
Carnival games and a costume contest. Admission $8.
6 - 11 p.m., Skate Station Funworks, 1311 N.W. 76th Blvd. (332-0555).

Marion County Sheriff's Office 5th Annual Halloween Party:
This event will include several games, Sheriff’s Office and Marion County Fire Rescue displays. Hotdogs, chips and drinks will also be served free of charge. A live DJ will provide the entertainment and gift bags and candy will be provided to the trick-or-treaters that attend.
The party will last from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the South Marion District and the Southwest/HWY 200 Offices. The South Marion District Office is located at 8230 SE 165th Mulberry Lane, The Villages. Contact 671-3841 for more information. The Southwest/HWY 200 District is located at 9048 SW SR 200, Ocala. Contact 402-6060 for more information.

Church on the Way presents Halloweenival:
Church on the Way in Lake City will be holding their annual Halloweenival from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The church is located on South Highway 441 in front of Columbia High School. The event is free and open to the public.

Northwest Baptist Church Fall Festival:
Northwest Baptist Church is holding their annual Fall Festival from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The festivities will include carnival style booths, food, candy, inflatable games, ponies, clowns, a cake walk, a chili cookoff, and more. The Northwest Baptist Church is located on NW 23rd. Avenue, in front of Buchholtz High School.

Matheson Museum presents "Things That Go Bump in the Night":
This event is an all-day workshop for writers who want to sharpen their prose and learn new literary techniques. Writers, including Mary Anna Evans and Faye Longchamp, will be on hand to offer suggestions. The event is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Matheson Museum. Tickets cost $90.

Wicked Creations presents Fright Night 2009:
This event will feature 10 themed areas featuring your favorite characters plus the Grim Reaper customized hearse. This event will start at 7 p.m. in Ocala. The home is located at 4280 N.E. 3rd Court. If you need directions, call Jessica at (352)816-1156.

Gainesville Church of God's Annual Fall Festival:
This event is FREE and will feature music, games and contests. Not to mention lots of candy, fun and prizes. The Gainesville Church of God is located at 7003 N.W. 39th Avenue.

Trick or Treat in a Safe Place:
Bring your kids to the Town of Tioga to trick or treat in a safe, well-lit neighborhood. There is plenty of parking available in the area and lots of good candy.

If you have suggestions please email the details to desk@wcjb.com

View Safe Trick Treat Spots in a larger map