The spookiest time of year is just around the corner! Why wait three more weeks to celebrate when you can immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit all month long?Chicago is kicking off its annual Chicagoween events, allowing Chicagoans to celebrate ghosts, goblins and, of course, indulge in more candy than your dentist cares to think about throughout the entire month of October. Local parks, streets and plazas are transformed into a haunted oasis filled with activities for all to enjoy.

Festivities include mask-making contests, a seasonal farmers market, spooky arts ‘n’ crafts, hayrides and more. During the final days before Halloween, Daley Plaza transforms into “Franken Plaza” with aerial shows, pumpkin decorating, Trick or Treating and orange fountains. Be sure to come dressed to impress and ready to take home the prize for the best carved pumpkin. Oh, and did we mention all of this is free?

You’re never too old to celebrate Halloween (despite what your neighbors say when you show up at their door asking for candy), so hit up some Chicagoween events and indulge your inner child, now through the end of the month.