If you've felt like there was a drought of things to do for Halloween over the past couple of years, get ready. The River Region is being hit by a tsunami of costume contests, candy giveaways, music, food, frights, fall festivals and much, much more for kids and adults.

Oct. 15 — Halloween Lock-In: If you’re going to be locked up overnight, the place should come with trampolines. That’s what’s happening on Oct. 15 for ages 11-17 at Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park, 6644 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery. It starts at 11:30 p.m., and pick up is at 7 a.m. Tickets cost $25 for RJ members. Tickets for non-members cost $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Admission includes a slice of pizza and a refillable fountain drink. Wear costumes, but no capes are allowed and all costumes must be family-friendly. Each jumper gets a free pair of jumping socks. All jumpers must sign a waiver. https://rockinjump.com/montgomery/

Oct. 15 — Pumpkin Run & Lots O’ Fun: There’s a 5K and Fun Run with extra activities like Pumpkin Patch Pet Adoption, a Smooch a Pooch “kissing” booth and more in Cloverdale Bottom Park, 3100 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery, from 7-11 a.m. This is an event by Alabama State Games.

Oct. 15 — Halloween Costume Party Cruise: The Harriott II Riverboat will be holding a floating Halloween party for grownups from 8-11:30 p.m. It’s billed as the hottest party on the Alabama River, presented by KcDaKing Entertainment. The costume contest is geared toward women. There’s a $100 prize for the sexiest female costume. Guys can come in costume also, or dress in Halloween theme. The cruise sets sail at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $42. Table reservations are separate: $50 for four-seater, $75 for an eight-seater. For more info or to make reservations call 334-224-3636.

Oct. 21 — Halloween Costume Party: The EDC Event Center, 3758 Norman Bridge Road, Montgomery, is hosting a costume party at 7 p.m. Dress to impress because prizes go to the best costumes and runner-ups. Food and drinks provided. There’s a $10 entry fee.

Oct. 21 and 22 — Halloween Roaring ‘20s Murder Mystery Event at The Fitz: From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. both nights. The Fitzgerald Museum is partnering with the Southern Ghost Girls to bring back their murder-mystery dinner event at the one-time home of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, 919 Felder Ave., Montgomery. Play your part while mingling with the guests. Can you catch the killer? Tickets cost $80 for each night and include beverages and hors d'oeuvres. For a separate fee of $45, the Ghost Girls will lead a Halloween Ghost Hunt/Paranormal Investigation at the Fitz each night at 10 p.m. Links to purchase tickets available at https://www.thefitzgeraldmuseum.org/events/2022/10/21/ghost-girls-murder-mystery-and-ghost-hunt. Learn more at www.southernghostgirls.com

Oct. 22 — Oktoberfest: From 2-6 p.m., Messiah Lutheran Church will host an Oktoberfest celebration at 6670 Vaughn Road. Free admission, and open to the public. It will feature music by the John Bull Trio. There will be German and American food, plus pet adoptions, a used book sale, a treasure room, a beer garden, arts and crafts, community marketplace, raffles, children’s play area and vendors.

Oct. 22 — Rocktoberfest 2022: The Sanctuary is holding an all-ages night of music and food starting at 6 p.m. at The Sanctuary, 432 S. Goldthwaite St., Montgomery. Live music from Pleasant Valley, Venusville, Mara Nagra, Towering Above, and The 12 Hour. Sponsored by Common Bond Brewers, it will feature M.C. Seth Spotloe, a costume contest and more, plus a food truck by Funky Forte. Tickets are $10.

Oct. 22 — Cosplay Contest: GTSouth Geek & Gaming Tavern, 2015 Cong. W.L. Dickinson Drive, Montgomery, is bringing back its annual Cosplay Contest. Come dressed as your favorite character from comics, anime, video games, or whatever. DJ Henngod will be there on the 1s and 2s. This is for ages 21 and older.

Oct. 23 — Halloween Hootenanny: There’s a huge night of Halloween fun and music ahead Oct. 23 from 8 p.m. until midnight at The Sanctuary, 432 N. Goldthwaite St. Featuring DJ Clemanzo kicking out the spooky soundtrack for the evening. There are four bands: Grasping at Pieces, Pleasant Valley, The Chodes, and Abusements. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. It’s $10 to get in. Costumes are encouraged. Masks and other safety protocols will be required.

Oct. 27, 28, 29 & 30 — Fifth annual Jr. Dragster Halloween Spooktacular: The Halloween Spooktacular is dedicated to Jr. Dragster racing, family fun, and all things Halloween. It’s at the Capital City Motorsports Park, 2600 N. Belt Drive. The event includes the 10K Main Event, the Skull Bandits Golf Cart Race, the Big Daddy Ben Parents Race and family fun activities like the costume contest, pit and trailer decorating contest, trick-or-treating and several new surprise additions coming this year. For more info, contact Ben at 256-618-1848.

Oct. 28 — Creatures of the Night and Mann Museum Flashlight Tour Education Program: Go on an adventure in the dark, armed with just your senses and a flashlight. This is geared toward children aged 5-12, and their parents. There will be live animal presentations of creepy creatures, a flashlight tour of the museum, scavenger hunts, live animal presentations, discovery stations, craft time, and everyone leaves with a goody bag. This is from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Do not go to the zoo’s front gate. Instead, go to the museum at 325 East Vandiver Blvd. The fee to stay as long as you like for this three-hour event. Admission is $28 for a child ($20 for zoo members), $17 for an adult (zoo members are free). Register today at https://www.montgomeryzoo.com/. No tickets sold at the door. Facial coverings are required for ages 6 and older.

Oct. 28, 29-30 — Dracula: A Ballet to Die For: The Alabama Dance Theatre is resurrecting its ballet, based on the classic Bram Stoker vampire novel. It’s being performed at the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts, 251 Montgomery St., in downtown. Four dates are ahead: Oct. 28 at 7 p.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Oct. 29, and 2 p.m. on Oct. 30. It’s recommended for ages 7 and older. Tickets range from $20 to $30. Get tickets online at https://www.alabamadancetheatre.com/.

Oct. 28 — Angels and Demons Night: It’s a costume party with a theme. Come to GTSouth Geek & Gaming Tavern, 2015 Cong W.L. Dickinson Drive, on Oct. 28 dressed as your version of an angel or a demon. DJ Abuniverse will be there. Ages 21 and older.

Oct. 29 — Halloween Bash: Technically, Halloween is on the 31st, but since that’s a Monday GTSouth Geek & Gaming Tavern is having its Halloween Party on the Saturday before. Come in costume, ready to have fun. DJ Henngod will be dropping spooky hits at 2015 Cong W.L. Dickinson Drive. Ages 21 and older.

Oct. 29 — Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s do the time warp again! It’s just not Halloween if you haven’t watched this movie at least once. The Sanctuary, 432 S. Goldthwaite St., is holding its 8th screening of the 1975 campy musical horror film, hosted by Henri Élodie Fontenot. There’s a creepy castle, dancing, singing and more. It’s a fundraiser for the Jubilee Community Center (aka The Sanctuary). There’s a costume contest (come early to register). Drinks and concessions are available. Doors open at 7 .m., and the film starts at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $10, and are available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rocky-horror-picture-show-2022-tickets-427927040297. They’re $15 on the day of the show. They’re also selling Rocky Horror prop bags, with things to use at specific cue points in the movie.

Oct. 29 — Halloween Party with The Full Moon Band: DeJa Vu, 121 N. Burbank, is offering some Halloween fun for grownups on Oct. 29, 8 p.m. until midnight. They’ve got the Full Moon Band coming in for the first time. Be sure to come in costume that night, otherwise, there’s a $5 cover.

Oct. 29 — Harvest Jam: Get ready for a big night of music with the band Fents at The Shoppes at EastChase, 7274 Eastchase Parkway, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will also be craft beer tasting to benefit Child Protect (ticket required - $5 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harvest-jam-beer-tasting-tickets-428595640097). plus pop-up vendors, and other activities.

Oct. 30 — Cottage Hill Spooktacular: It’s getting spooky at Hilltop Public House, 3 N. Goldthwaite St. From 4:30—7 p.m., they’ll have an area in back with games and “Hocus Pocus” playing. There’s a costume contest and trick-or-treating.

Oct. 31 — CCOM presents Trunk or Treat: Fatt Macc, LL Lausane and LL Yoshii are hosting a Trunk or Treat in Montgomery at the Citi Trendz parking lot, on Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m. Lots of candy and treats to give away, plus a costume contest.

Oct. 31 — Montgomery County Sheriff's Office annual Halloween Spooktacular: Sheriff Derrick Cunningham is back with a huge team of volunteers for the annual drive-thru trick-or-treat event at Garrett Coliseum, 1555 Federal Drive. Drivers should enter at the rear of the coliseum off Coliseum Boulevard. If you or your organization would like to be a vendor or volunteer, call 334-832-2515.

Throughout October — Hay, Look At Us: Halloween brings out Pike Road’s artistic side, courtesy of the giant painted and decorated hay bales throughout the community. Drive around and see all the town’s amazing entries in the Hay, Look At Us hay bale decorating contest. Officials said they'll have 56 hay bale decorations this year, with a theme of celebrating 25 years of Pike Road. Winners will be announced on Oct. 24.

Oct. 15, 16, 22 & 23 — Pumpkin Festival: There are lots of kids' activities, vendors, food and more at 5 p.m. at SweetCreek Farm Market, 85 Meriwether Road, Pike Road. It’s a pumpkin-size family fun event.

Oct. 17 — Farm-City Festival: This is from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Pike Road Agriculture, Recreation and Performing Arts Park off Trotman Road in Pike Road. It'll feature Cowboy Bruce's 'Wild West Show, a petting zoo, pony rides and free food.

Oct. 9 — Jeepers Creepers Car Show: Jeep and other vehicle enthusiasts will be giving everyone a treat with a car show in downtown Prattville at the Creekwalk near Heritage Park from 1-4 p.m. There will be live music and giveaways. There’s no cost to enter your vehicle or to just attend. No prizes, just fun. If you’d like to bring your vehicle to the show, make arrangements with the Special Events Office by Oct. 8. https://www.prattvilleal.gov/special-events/creekside-car-show.html

Oct. 15 — Fall Farmers Market: The Prattville Farmers Market returns with a one-day celebration of fall crops from 8 a.m. until noon at The Grove on Doster Road, across from the Gillespie Senior Center and Pratt Park. Guests can shop for local produce, baked goods, honey, fall crafts and more. There will be games, giveaways, and pumpkins.

Oct. 19 — Adult Senior Fall Play Day: Seniors need some fall fun also. The Senior Adult Masters Games Committee is hosting a free fun field day at the Vestavia Hills Community Center on Oct. 19, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.. Grab a friend and join the fun by participating in the games of your choice. Games offered are dominoes, corn hole, shuffleboard, nerf-ball, Frisbee throw, basketball free throw, pickleball and table tennis. The Parks and Recreation Department is providing transportation, lunch and snacks. Reserve a spot today by calling 334-595-0800. Registration deadline is Oct. 12.

Oct. 20 — Pumpkin Decorating Class: The Prattauga Art Guild is hosting a free pumpkin decorating class on Oct. 20, 4-7 p.m. outside the Creative Arts Center, 342 S. Chestnut St., Prattville. Pumpkins and art supplies will be provided while supplies last. These decorated pumpkins will be added to Prattville’s Parade of Pumpkins.

Oct. 21-31 — Fourth annual Parade of Pumpkins: Downtown Prattville is going to be transformed with festive storefronts, seasonal displays, and lots and lots of decorated and carved pumpkins. Carve, decorate or paint a pumpkin, then bring it to downtown Prattville. You can simply place it along the parade route, or leave it in a designated pumpkin drop-off area beginning Oct. 20. The city has lights, so you don’t need to include that. No candles. Enter your pumpkin in the “Best Pumpkin” Contest for a chance to win $100 cash sponsored by Julianne Hansen Fine Art & Pottery and more. During the Parade of Pumpkins, the city is partnering with AICC to host a food drive. Drop-off locations for non-perishable items and toiletries are inside the front entrance of City Hall.

Oct. 25 — Storytime Costume Parade: Bring your little costumed children to the Autauga Prattville Public Library, 254 Doster St., Prattville, at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 25. Caregivers are welcome to bring candy to share with friends. Please bring individually wrapped, nut-free candy to the library by Oct. 11.

Oct. 28 — Far-Out, Scooby Doo! Fall Festival: It’s going to be a groovy, fun-filled night at the Autauga Prattville Public Library, 254 Doster St., Prattville.

Oct. 22 — Seventh annual Halloween Carnival: Realty Connection is having its annual Halloween Carnival on Oct. 22, starting at 3 p.m. at Lanark in Millbrook, 3050 Lanark Road. It’s all free for everyone. Dress the kids up in costumes and bring them to play games, win prizes and have fun. They’ll have the Balloon Guy, a double inflatable slide, cotton candy, popcorn, homemade goodies, costume prizes, a movie at dark and a hike through the woods. Be sure to bring your flashlights.

Oct. 29 — Boo Festival: The city is holding its 13th annual Boo Festival 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Village Green Park. It's a free, fun family event with a farmers market, pumpkin patch, hayride, bike-or-treat, hay mountain, food trucks, DJ, contests, candy, games and more.

Oct. 7 — Haunted Fields: Here’s your chance to see “live” zombies, killer clowns and other monsters, and then shoot them with paintballs. No, the monsters don’t shoot back. It’s all happening every Friday and Saturday evening in October, starting on Oct. 7, at Paintball on 111, 8449 Holtville Road, Wetumpka. A hayride with paintball guns costs $15 (7 p.m. until the line slows down), target shooting for $10, and a kids harvest festival for ages 2 and up (6-8 p.m.) costs $10.

Oct. 15 — A Villains Ball: Villains never get invited to a ball, so they’re holding their own. Starting at 6 p.m., it’s an evening of wicked fun at The Party Palace, 1032A US 231, Wetumpka. The Villains “Unfortunate Souls” Ball is for all ages — it’s villains and the princesses they love to torment. There’s food, a Halloween costume contest, character meet and greets, and photo opportunities. Children younger than 2 are admitted free, but everyone else must have a ticket for entrance. Tickets cost $30, and are available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-villains-ball-tickets-408214459437, This will not be a “scary” event. The villains have made a vow to be on their best behavior (whatever that may be).

Oct. 16 — Family Fun Fest 2022 Fall Edition: There’s a whole lot of fun for all ages ahead at The Ranch, 2705 Williams Road in Wetumpka. From 1-7 p.m. they have live performances, bingo, spade tournaments, food, inflatables, face painting, door prizes and more. Stay until the end, because in the last hour they’ll be giving away a car (car raffle tickets $10)! Tents, coolers and lawn chairs are welcome ($10 cooler fee). Adults are $20, children $10, and kids 3 and younger are admitted free. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-fun-fest-2022-fall-edition-tickets-418371479357

Oct. 21-31 — Scarecrow Row: Main Street Wetumpka is presenting the second annual Scarecrow Row. Who can make the most unique scarecrows for this unique, fun contest. They’re searching for the area’s most creative and artistic works from residents, organizations, groups and businesses. The scarecrows will be displayed across downtown Wetumpka. Register your scarecrow online at https://mainstreetwetumpka.org/scarecrow-row-registration

Oct. 22 — Halloween Carnival: YMCA Camp Chandler, 1240 Jordan Dam Road, is holding a Halloween Carnival on Oct. 22 from 5-8 p.m. There will be carnival games, the little pumpkin playhouse, a cake walk and raffle, trick-or-treating, silent auction, haunted house, costume contest and more. Admission is $5 per child, $3 per adult. Kids 3 and younger admitted free. All proceeds go to the Camper Scholarship Fund. https://ymcamontgomery.org/camp/programs/halloween-carnival/

Oct. 27 — Coosa Candy Crawl: Downtown Wetumpka is going to be a treasure trove of treats from 5:30-7:30 p.m., courtesy of Main Street Wetumpka. Dress in your favorite Halloween costume and trick-or-treat through downtown businesses and table sponsors.

Oct. 29 — Wetumpka Fall Market: This will be from 8 a.m. until noon at the City of Wetumpka Farmers Market, 304 E. Coosa St.

Oct. 30 — First Responders Trunk or Treat: Coaches Corner Bar and Grill, 203 Orline Drive, Wetumpka, is hosting its third annual trunk-or-treat with local first responders. On top of all the candy, kids get a free hotdog while supplies last.

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com.