The perfect date movie. “The Bride of Frankenstein” will be streamed at the Majestic on Friday, Oct. 27 with the proceeds going toward the Art & Culture Commission’s public art initiative. As always, Benicia will be awash with Halloween-centric events throughout the month of October. (Photo by Nick Sestanovich)

October is finally here, which means the days are going to become gradually cooler, pumpkins will continue to invade foods and blocks will be covered with decorations.

Benicia is certainly getting into the ghoulish spirit, as several Halloween events are planned for the month mostly through Benicia Main Street. Below is a short rundown of what people can expect for the next 30 days.

Scarecrow Contest

Benicia Main Street is holding its 10th annual Scarecrow Contest, which allows local businesses to get into the Halloween spirit. Establishments on First Street and beyond will display scarecrows they’ve designed, and people can vote on which ones they find the most creative. The contest begins today, with some businesses having put up their scarecrows at the end of September— much like Halloween itself. Voters can vote for their favorites online at BeniciaMainStreet.org or at the Benicia Certified Farmers Market on Thursdays. Voting ends on Sunday, Oct. 22 and the first, second and third place winners will be announced afterward. The scarecrows, however, can stay up until the end of the month.

Ghost Walk— Oct. 6, 7, 20 and 21

Participants can learn about Benicia’s paranormal past as they go on a downtown walking tour and step into the shoes of a ghost hunter. The tours begin at 8 p.m. and last approximately 2 hours. The tours are $25 per person, and good walking shoes and flashlights are recommended. To make a prepaid reservation, call 745-9791.

Zombie Brew Crawl— Oct. 14

Once again, downtown Benicia will become a magnet for zombies. What keeps bringing them back? Craft beers, of course. Benicia Main Street will host its 3rd annual Zombie Brew Crawl from 1 to 5 p.m., in which participants— many dressed as zombies— can go from business to business to sample craft brews poured by the businesses. Zombie costumes are encouraged, but not required to participate. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 the day of. Buyers will get a sampling glass, ID wristband and map of tasting locations upon ticket purchase. Participants must be 21 or older.

Haunted Depot— Oct. 20 to 31

Most of the time, the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot is just your ordinary building that happens to be the home of Benicia Main Street’s office but during certain hours in October, it will become the home of ghosts, goblins and other spooky creatures. Can you handle it? The hours are 6 to 9 p.m. on Fridays, noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

“Bride of Frankenstein” at the Majestic— Oct. 27

Following its successful screening of “Casablanca” at the Majestic in June, the Arts & Culture Commission will screen another cinematic classic to raise money for its public art initiative, which seeks to install more murals and public art around town. The Majestic will return to its roots as a movie theater as the projector displays 1935’s “The Bride of Frankenstein” starring Boris Karloff as the titular scientist’s monster creation who demands that a mate be created for him. After the movie is done, moviegoers can convene at Elviaritas Cantina across the street for an afterparty featuring music by deejay Phreshsound. Tickets for the movie and afterparty are $25 per person. The event will be limited to no more than 100 partygoers. For those who only want to go to the movie, tickets are $15 per person. Tickets can be purchased at EventBrite.com.

Halloween Costume Contest & Sidewalk Stroll— Oct. 28

Kids can get their Halloween candy early, as local businesses will be handing out candy to costumed children who come by. In addition, Benicia Main Street will be hosting its Cainine and Critter Costume Contest, in which dogs can don their most creative attire to win prizes for their owners. The costume will be held at the First Street Green at noon. The Sidewalk Stroll will begin at 10 a.m.

Keep reading the Herald for more information on these and other Halloween events.

Sharing is caring!