Haunted happenings around E. Iowa

Since we’re already being besieged by Black Friday and holiday deals online and in stores, let’s take a moment — or a month — to celebrate spooks, specters, goblins, ghouls and things that go bump in the night or on the dance floor.

Here’s a look at just some of the heaping helping of Halloween tricks and treats in the area. Don’t see your event? Just go online and add it to the list at hooplanow.com

For Iowa City’s activity guide, go to icgov.org/news/halloween-guide-iowa-city-activities

Hauntings

Haunted Prague: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 19, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids and 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 25, Meeting Room A, Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St.; free. Join Michele Patrick, author of “Haunted Prague: Stories of Spirits, Sorcerers, and the Supernatural,” for a journey through magical Prague, with a special focus on the history, mysteries and legends of the Jewish Quarter and its people since the 10th century. ncsml.org/ and icgov.org/news/halloween-guide-iowa-city-activities

Garrison’s Haunted: 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29, Main Street, Garrison; $10. With Food Truck Fridays and indoor waiting; fundraiser for Garrison Fire Department. garrisonshaunted.com/

Tunnel of Terror haunted car wash: 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29, Tommy’s Express Car Wash, 4420 Westdale Pkwy. SW and 4035 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids; $20 per vehicle. tommys-express.com/tunnel-of-terror

A Haunting On Lincoln Avenue: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 22, Mathias Ham Historic Site, 2241 Lincoln Ave., Dubuque. Guided tours by two of the Ham daughters, Sarah and Macy, every half-hour; $7.50 adults, $4 youths, free under age 3. Evening tours at 7 and 8 p.m., $10 adults, $7 youths, registration encouraged. rivermuseum.com/events

Circle of Ash: 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, Saturday to Oct. 29, Linn County Fairgrounds, 201 Central City Rd., Central City. Traditional indoor haunted house, walk-through fun house maze, haunted forest; $25, $45 fast pass, $60 VIP; circleofash.com/

Scream Acres: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday to Oct. 29, Bloomsbury Farm, 3260 69th St., Atkins. Haunted Cornfield, Slaughterhouse, Sinister Silo 3D, Cell Block Z; $36.95 online, $43.95 gate. Also, Beer Garden for ages 21 and up. bloomsburyfarm.ticketspice.com/2022-scream-acres

Midwest Haunted Rails: To Oct. 29, 405 E. Threshers Rd., Mount Pleasant; $15, free ages 4 and under. Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday; 6 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Family-friendly event. oldthreshers.org/midwest-haunted-rails/

Thrashers House of Terror: To Oct. 29, 405 E. Threshers Rd., Mount Pleasant; $10 or $20 fast pass. Hours: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; kids under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. thrashershouseofterror.com/

Recreation

Frightening Fridays Films: “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed,” 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 14, “Coco,” 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 28, outdoor stage, NewBo City Market Yard, 1100 Third S. SE, Cedar Rapids. Bring seating; free admission; snacks available for purchase, no outside food or beverages allowed. the-district.org/things-to-do

“Coco” free screening: Oct. 14, Mercer Park, 1317 Dover St., Iowa City. 6 p.m. activities, 7 p.m. movie; rain site, Mercer Park Scanlon Gym. icgov.org/news/halloween-guide-iowa-city-activities

Dark Harvest Halloween Parade: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 22, NewBo/Czech Village District, Cedar Rapids. Featuring more than 60 floats and entries; awards ceremony 8:15 p.m., NewBo City Market main stage. Route: Ninth Avenue and Third Street SE to 16th Avenue and C Street SW. Spectators asked to wear costumes. the-district.org/things-to-do

Creepy Kid Zone: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 22, NewBo City Market, 1100 Third S. SE, Cedar Rapids; family costume contest 5 to 5:30 p.m.

Orchids are a Scream Show & Sale: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23, Elks Lodge No. 251, 801 33rd Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids; free admission. Halloween-themed show with hundreds of blooming orchids, orchid-related crafts and collectibles, four regional vendors. easterniowaorchidsociety.org/calendar

Spooky Hayrack Night: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 26, Ushers Ferry Historic Village, 5925 Seminole Valley Trl. NE, Cedar Rapids; $6 Cedar Rapids residents, $7 non-residents, free ages 5 and under. Final fall hayrack night takes a Halloween twist. Event features a hayrack ride, children’s craft, s’mores and cocoa around the bonfire, and an after-dark tour with one of the village’s mysterious residents. Hear some of the rarely told stories and history of Ushers Ferry and Linn County.

Spooky Swim: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 28, Bender Pool, 940 14th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids; free. Participants will receive a bag of treats as they leave.

Special Populations Halloween Dance: 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 28, Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th St. NW, Cedar Rapids; $5 at the door. People of all ages and abilities welcome to attend. Prizes for best costumes.

Day of the Dead: 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 28, NewBo City Market, NewBo City Market, 1100 Third S. SE, Cedar Rapids. During this holiday, originating in Mexico, families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drinks, stories, and remembrance. the-district.org/things-to-do

Parties

After Halloween Parade Party, 6 p.m. door, 8 p.m. music Oct. 22, Chrome Horse Saloon, 1201 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids. Featuring Alisabeth Von Presley and Unbalanced; $10 advance, $15 door, chromehorsesaloon.com/

Halloween Spooktacular Shindig: 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 28, El Kahir Shrine, 905 Tower Terrace Rd., Hiawatha; $10; 21 and over event. Slap & Tickle playing from 8 to 11 p.m.; costume contest for individuals and groups; 50/50 drawing, must be present to win. elkahir.org/

Cedar Rapids Haunted Halloween Ball: Oct. 29, DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, 350 First Ave. NE. Featuring headliners, The Schmidt Brothers. Tickets and details TBA at https://www.facebook.com/CRHauntedHalloweenBall/

Halloween Drag Brunch and Costume Contest: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 30, ChopHouse Downtown, 411 First St. SE, Cedar Rapids; $25, table reservations required at chophousebrunch.com/

Music

Orchestra Iowa presents “Jurassic Park” in Concert: 7:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 28 and 29, Paramount Theatre, 123 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. Watch the classic movie while the orchestra performs John Williams’ epic score live; $18 to $59, artsiowa.com/tickets/concerts/jurassic-park/

Big Halloween Weekend Bash: Chrome Horse Saloon, 1201 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids. Oct. 28, Crazy Delicious; Oct. 29, ViceBox; cash prizes for best costumes both nights. chromehorsesaloon.com/

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Cedar Rapids: 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Oct. 29, NewBo City Market, 1100 Third St. SE. Local burlesque troupe Knights of the Round Pasties will lead the preshow activities, including the audience-judged costume contest. Every guest will receive a prop bag, and NewBo Beer and Wine will offer drink specials; no outside food or drink allowed. Also, anyone 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets: $20 single, $40 two-person table, $120 six-person table, the-district.org/things-to-do

Iowa City: 11:30 p.m. Oct. 29, Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St. Prop bags provided — no outside movie props permitted. Presented by the Englert and Comics in Action. Tickets: $22 advance, $25 day of show, englert.org/events/

Theater

Blithe Spirit: From Brooklyn Community Theatre, Oct. 28 to 30. Set in Kent, England, during the 1940s, this comedy focuses on novelist Charles Condomine, who is remarried, but haunted by the ghost of his late first wife, Elvira. Charles’ current wife, Ruth, is accidentally killed, passes over and joins Elvira, and the two blithe spirits haunt Charles into perpetuity. Where: Brooklyn Opera House, 105 Jackson St., Brooklyn, Iowa. When: Oct. 28 to 30; 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $25 adults, $15 students, brooklynoperahouse.com/events

Ghost Light: from Riverside Theatre, Oct. 31. Don your All Hallows’ Eve best and huddle around the ghost light in the theater for six tales of terror written and performed by local talent; also costume contest. Where: Riverside Theatre, 119 E. College St., Iowa City. When: 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 31. Tickets: $25 general admission, $12.50 for members, riversidetheatre.org/special-events/

Ghost-Writer: From Crooked Path Theatre, Oct. 22 and 23. Award-winning playwright Michael Hollinger tells the story of a celebrated novelist, Franklin Woolsey, who dies mid-sentence, but his secretary Myra continues to take dictation. Attacked by skeptics, the press and Woolsey’s jealous widow, Myra sets out to prove she is more than just an artful forger. Is she trying to steal Woolsey’s legacy or might she truly possess a gift the world can’t understand? Where: Second floor, Prairie Lights Books and Cafe, 15 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City. When: 7 p.m. Oct. 22 and 23. Tickets: $10, email reservations to hello@crookedpaththeatre.com

John Waters: “False Negative,” a Halloweeners Celebration: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30, Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City. This filthy world has certainly changed and so has John Waters’ spoken word show. His new 70- monologue gets a “Halloweener” holiday spin that will give fans of the artistically infected a really scary booster shot. Tickets: $20 to $49.50, englert.org/events/

KGTT Radio Studio: From Giving Tree Theater, Oct. 14 to 23. 1940s radio-style fun with mystery thriller “Sorry, Wrong Number” and ghost thriller “The Hitch-Hiker. Where: Giving Tree Theater, 752 10th St., Marion. When: Oct. 14 to 23. Tickets: $23, givingtreetheater.com/shop/shows/2

Monstersongs: From Run of the Mill Productions, to Oct. 16. Written by Rob Rokicki, “Monstersongs” follows the journey of a child who opens a portal into the psyches of often misunderstood creatures. The show flips the switch on the monster narrative, inviting audience members to explore the humanity that binds everyone together. Where: The Artifactory, 120 N. Dubuque St., Iowa City. When: To Sunday, Oct. 16; 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $16, romtheatre.org/tickets/

Misery: From Theatre Cedar Rapids, Oct. 14 to 30. Based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel, acclaimed romance novelist Paul Sheldon, battered in a wintry car crash, finds himself incapacitated in the secluded home of Annie Wilkes, a seemingly kind nurse. Then the nightmarish begins. Where: Grandon Studio at Theatre Cedar Rapids, 102 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids. When: Oct. 14 to 29; 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $27 adults, $15 youths/students, TCR Box Office, (319) 366-8591 or theatrecr.org/event/misery/2022-10-14

Terror in Transylvania Murder Mystery: 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 15, Granger House Victorian Museum, 970 10th St., Marion; $20. Participants who choose a character online are invited to dress like that character; grangerhouse.org/events

Trick or Tease: From Bawdy Bawdy Ha Ha, Oct. 29. Featuring a Halloween boolesque spooktacular, including an audience costume contest. Where: The James Theater, 213 N. Gilbert St., Iowa City. When: 8 p.m. Oct. 29; doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets: $25 general admission, $40 VIP, thejamesic.com/events

The Weir: From Riverside Theatre, Iowa City, Oct. 14 to 30. On a blustery night at a small rural bar in Ireland, tall tales give way to something deeper. Content warning: Contains adult language and mature themes. Where: Riverside Theatre, 119 E. College St., Iowa City. When: Oct. 14 to 30; 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $15 to $35, riversidetheatre.org/the-weir. COVID protocols: Masks required in all spaces; 50 percent seating on Thursdays.

Kids & Families

Halloween Carnival: Oct. 21, Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, 220 S Gilbert St., Iowa City. Sensory-friendly activities 4 to 5 p.m., carnival 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; free. With carnival games, garden party, craft and STEAM activities, food and drink available for purchase. icgov.org/news/halloween-guide-iowa-city-activities

Halloween Story Time: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 27, Ely Public Library, 1595 Dows St., Ely; free. Stories, crafts and treats. ely.lib.ia.us/

Swisher: 4 p.m. Oct. 30, downtown. Soup supper 4 to 6 p.m. upstairs at Swisher Legion, trunk-to-treat follows at 6 p.m.; nonperishable food donations collected for VA Food Pantry. swisherstrong.com/copy-of-swisher-farmers-market-1

Halloweekend: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Oct. 28, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30, Iowa Children’s Museum, inside Coral Ridge Mall, 1451 Coral Ridge Ave., Coralville; $10. Check out spooky science experiments, creepy cardboard creations, and other not-scary Halloween fun; costumes encouraged. Also, rotating Halloween activities throughout the week including pumpkin bowling, bucket toss, and pumpkin cup stacking. theicm.org/event/halloweekend/

Halloween Kids’ Brunch: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 30, Chrome Horse Saloon, 1201 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids; $5. Special kids-only buffet with the normal brunch; also face painting, decorations, arts and crafts table. facebook.com/chsnewbo/events

Mad Scientist Fun Day: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 30, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, 350 E. Third St., Dubuque. For ages 12 and under. Science experiments, scavenger hunt, live animal programming, trick-or-treat around the museum; costumes encouraged. Cost: $14.95, in advance at rivermuseum.com/events

Super Hero Night: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30, Iowa Children’s Museum, inside Coral Ridge Mall, 1451 Coral Ridge Ave., Coralville; free. Sensory-friendly activities in a calmer environment. Costumes encouraged but not required. Treat stations throughout the museum will offer small non-food items to avoid allergy concerns. Also: not-too-spooky Halloween activities, including art projects, a Halloween Eye Spy search and pumpkin bowling. theicm.org/event/low-sensory-halloween-super-hero-night/

Kids’ Party: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 31, Hiawatha Public Library, 150 W. Willman St., Hiawatha; free. Kids and caregivers invited for not-so-chilling tales, songs, finger plays, and trick-or-treating. Costumes encouraged but not required. hiawathapubliclibrary.org/

Jack Splat! Iowa Children’s Museum off-site activity, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 5, at Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp, 415 E. Washington St., Iowa City; free. Don’t toss your jack-o'-lanterns in the garbage — let us toss them from up high instead, off the northwest corner of the parking ramp. Drop off your ghoulish gourd and set up your blanket or lawn chairs nearby to get the best view. Also: outdoor activities, jokes from Pete the Turtle, treats from New Pioneer Co-op, and activities at the Iowa City Public Library’s bookmobile. theicm.org/event/jack-splat-offsite-2/

Trick-or-Treat

Good Shepherd Trunk-or-Treat: 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 22, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2900 42nd St. NE, Cedar Rapids. With candy, crafts and games; costumes not required. goodshepherdcorridor.org/trunk-or-treat

Gloria Dei Trunk-or-Treat: 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 22, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 153 Cherry Hill Rd. NW, Cedar Rapids. Community event includes a movie at dusk. gloriadeicr.com/gloria-dei-calendar.html

Safe Halloween for Kids: 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 23, Ushers Ferry, 5925 Seminole Valley Trl. NE, Cedar Rapids. Includes trick-or-treating, games, costume contests; free, registration encouraged. cedar-rapids.org/residents/parks_and_recreation/special_events.php

Strictly Teal Trunk-or-Treat: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 28, Guthridge Park, 10th Avenue parking lot, Hiawatha. Non-food items for children and individuals with food allergies, special diets and those who prefer to stay away from the traditional sugar-filled treats. hiawatha-iowa.com/events/parks-recreation/strictly-teal-trunk-or-treat/2506

Pizza Ranch Trunk-or-Treat: 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 28, Pizza Ranch, 2450 Westdale Dr. SW, Cedar Rapids; kids in costume eat free. Also, kids with or without costumes can go vehicle to vehicle outdoors to collect treats. facebook.com/PizzaRanchCedarRapids/

Trick-or-Treat in the District: Oct. 29: 10 a.m. to noon in Czech Village, SW Cedar Rapids; 1 to 3 p.m. New Bohemia, SE Cedar Rapids. Visit the businesses to receive candy and goodies. the-district.org/things-to-do

Trunk-or-Treat: 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 29, Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, 500 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. Free popcorn and candy; vote on your decorated trunk; costumes welcome. facebook.com/events/643720950523800

Halloween Neighborhood Night: 4:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 29, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 3500 29th Ave., Marion; free. Featuring trunk-or-treat, outdoor photo booth, best costume prizes, free spaghetti dinner. Open to the public. lcrmarion.org/

Trunk-or-Treat: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Oct. 30, Gospel Light Baptist Church of Marion, 305 Second Ave., Marion; free. Kids up to age 12 are invited for candy, hot chocolate, doughnut wall, face painting, hayride, photo booth, gift card giveaways and more. gospellightmarion.com/trunkortreat

Trick-or-Treat at Marion City Hall: 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 31, Marion City Hall, 1225 Sixth Ave., Marion. Children invited to come in costume and collect candy and other treats from staff on both floors; also, explore a fire engine and meet firefighters on-site. cityofmarion.org/

Comments: (319) 368-8508; diana.nollen@thegazette.com