How to spend your Halloween weekend

Because this Halloween falls on Wednesday  night, many of Baltimore’s Halloween-themed events are coming up this weekend.

First let’s talk about what Hopkins has planned.

On Thurday, the JHU Film Society is showing Shaun of the Dead in 35mm. As a love-story with zombies, it’s particularly appropriate for the season.

On Saturday night, you can get swept up in the spirit  of Halloween by going to the Arellano Theater in Levering for the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Beyond Homewood, there are some other fun events to check out.

On Saturday, there is the Howl-O-Ween Costume Competition and Baltimore Dog Festival. If you like pets, this is definitely the place to go. There will be dogs in costume competing with their owners for prizes.

Also animal related is Baltimore National Aquarium’s Hallowmarine. This event will feature creepy-crawly animals and a costume parade.

Then there is the 2012 Halloween Lantern Parade and Festival and its subsequent after-party. Come by to see Patterson Park lit up for the fall season.

The parade will have live music, food and hayrides.

The after-party will be a wild affair of dancing, costumes, and drinks called “Lantinis.”

The next day, Sunday, has some more laid-back options.

If you’re heading to Riverside Park, look out for the South Baltimore Halloween Bash. This might be a good place to grab something to eat, as restaurants from the Federal Hill area will provide some of the pot-luck lunch options.

You could also use this weekend to take advantage of the various ghost tours in Mount Vernon, Fell’s Point, and Federal Hill.

But Halloween night proper is still the main event.

You might want to start next weekend off extra early, with some fun on Wednesday night.

As you may know, Fell’s Point is the place to be on this particular evening.

The streets are crowded with costumed revelers. It’s a great place to show off your own outfit or take a look at other people’s creative ensembles.

The bars of Fell’s Point are renowned, especially on Halloween. You can explore the local watering holes while dressed in your best costume.

But Fell’s Point is still fun for those of you under 21. People fill the streets and there’s always a place to hang out with your friends and get snacks or dessert.