There’s pumpkins out on porches, overpriced bulk candy in grocery stores, little demons and fairy princesses running about all over town, and women dressed as nurses, maids, schoolgirls, and any other outfit they can get away with! This, my friends, is the month of Halloween.

Over the years, Halloween has become one of the most widely spread holidays in the world. It’s no wonder why either; who doesn’t want an excuse to dress like an idiot and receive a pillowcase full of free candy from strangers?

Many cities go through a lot of work to get into the Halloween spirit. Organizations and local businesses put on events for children and adults alike. San Diego is no exception, it host events such as its “Haunted Hotel”, “Haunted Trails” in Balboa Park, and “Scream Zone” at the Del Mar Scaregrounds, but there are many other things to do around town you may have never known about.

According to “America’s Most Haunted” on the Travel Channel, San Diego’s own Whaley House is number one on the list of places. Since 1960, the Whaley House has been sighted in many other publications and television shows for its ghostly attractions.

Another spooky spot to hit up this year is the Mira Mesa Monster Manor, located in the Target parking lot off of Mira Mesa Blvd. Proudly put together by the Mira Mesa Theater Guild, This event has afternoon shows for a younger audience, while providing a more horrifying tour for the adults in the evening.

If you’re not one for the jumpy atmosphere of a haunted house, take a look at some of San Diego’s Ghost Tours. Tour in a limo, a ghost carriage, or even travel with Ghost Hunters into Old Town or take a walking tour through the Gaslamp Quarter with Paranormalist guides. The Birch North Park Theatre will be hosting a Pink Floyd Laser Light Show on Oct. 12 at 8PM. Also going on all month long is the Sledgehammer Theater production of “Seven Crimes: A Celebration of Murder, Mayhem and Mutilation” at the Tenth Ave. Theater downtown.

Lastly, for those looking for something a little more comedic on Halloween, David Sedaris, author of such books as “Me Talk Pretty One Day”, “Naked”, and “Dress your Family in Corduroy and Denim” returns to the Copley Symphony Hall to dish out more obscene and irreverent stories. He even invites all attendees to come in costume.

Just keep in mind this Halloween that whatever you do choose to participate in to be safe and respectful. After all, this holiday is most widely celebrated by young children.