“Scare-o-lina Skies” – Madness and Mayhem in the Night Sky. A special, extra-scary version of Morehead Planetarium’s popular star show “Carolina Skies.” Fri, Oct 26, and Sat, Oct 27 at 8pm. Standard planetarium admissions apply. Suitable for ages 12 & up. A tamer version for younger children will be presented Sunday, Oct 28 at 4:30pm. For more info, visit www.moreheadplanetarium.org.

“Spirits of Hillsborough” Guided Tour - Discover more about Hillsborough’s ghostly sightings. Sponsored by the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough. Oct 26-28, 7, 7:30, 8 & 8:30pm. Info: 732-7741, www.historichillsborough.org.

Pumpkin Fest - Elaborately carved jack-o-lanterns on display throughout the Village; carved by Pumpkin Specialist Steve Mann & the Fearrington gardeners & culinary staff. Mon, Oct 29-Wed, Oct 31. Fearrington Village, 2000 Fearrington Village Center, Pittsboro, 919-542-4000, www.fearringtonvillage.com.

Pipe Screams - Various area organists present spooky music to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. Tue, Oct 30 at 7:30pm. Donations accepted and appreciated. University United Methodist Church, 150 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, 929-7191.

Pirate/Zombie Day - Prizes for the best art, snacks & boos for all (no pun intended). Wed, Oct 31. UNC Campus: Bull’s Head Bookshop, Daniels Building, 207 South Rd, Chapel Hill, 962-5060, store.unc.edu.

Pagan Spook Festival – Complete over-stimulation on the visual & auditory levels: Slides in the alley, videos in the bargain bin, projections in the venue, live music. Explore the Spook Pagan element at Nightlight on Tue, Oct 30. The madness starts at 9:30pm.

HALLOW-ENO - Hayrides, storytelling, treats, face painting, balloon sculptures, performances by the Young People’s Performing Co & a Haunted Mill. Wed, Oct 31, 6-9pm. Free; Haunted Mill $2, Info: 471-1623, beth.highley@durhamnc.gov. West Point on the Eno, 5101 N Roxboro Rd, Durham, 620-8154.

Halloween Bash @ Blend – 3 Dollar Hostage and more music TBA, plus DJs and costume party. Wed, Oct 31 at Blend, 157 E Rosemary St, Chapel Hill, 338-2746, www.blendchapelhill.com.

The MF Show – Martina & Frank Russo of MF Gallery, NYC present a visual onslaught of pulp-monster art that is guaranteed to delight and horrify! On display through Nov 6 at Wootini, Carr Mill Mall, Carrboro, Ste A-7.

Just for Kids

Halloween Toddler Time – Get ready for Halloween with some fun, not-so-spooky kids’ stories! Thu, Oct 25, 4pm at the Carrboro Branch Library. All toddlers are invited to this free program. For more info, call 969-3006.

Weaver St Market Costume Contest – Fri, Oct 26, 5:30-7:30pm. Join us for a creepy, kooky evening of scary stories, ghosts & ghouls, and food & fun under the stars. Spooky music, scary puppets and great seasonal tales. Free cookies and cider. Costume Contest Rules: Enter in 1 category only: 0-5 year-olds or 6-10 year-olds. Costumes will be judged on most original, funniest and scariest.  All participants must register by 6:45. Winners announced at 7. For more info, call 929-0010 ext 115.

Historic Hillsborough Halloween - Ages 4-10. Go on a ghost hunt, hear ghost stories & decorate pumpkins; bring a flashlight. Historic Hillsborough Commission. Fri, Oct 26, 6:30-8:30pm. Burwell School Historic Site, 319 N Churton St, Hillsborough, 732-7451, www.burwellschool.org. Free!

Halloween Preschool Story Time – The Carrboro Branch Library will host a special Halloween story time event on Sat, Oct 27 at 10:30am. All preschoolers are invited to come and wear their costumes! For more info, call the library at 969-3006.

Halloween Harvest Festival - Pony/horse rides, hay maze, barnyard animals, games, pumpkins, music & bonfire. Spence’s Farm, 6407 Mill House Rd, Chapel Hill. Sat, Oct 27, 3-7pm. $7 for Children’s Scholarship Fund, 968-8581.

Trick-or-Treating in Chapel Hill - Town Hall has confirmed that the official day for trick-or-treating in Chapel Hill this year is Wednesday, October 31, 2007.

Carrboro Halloween Carnival - Oct 31 from 6-8:30pm at the Carrboro Town Commons. Ghosts and goblins of all ages come out for lots of free games and fun!  Best costumes awarded with prize ribbons; activities include a cake walk, howling at the moon, games, prizes, and much more. Plus, witness the magic of Merlin’s Owl.
For more info, call 918-7364.