Halloween hotspots

As Halloween nears, ghosts and ghouls get ready to spread bone-chilling fear. Witches and devils will soon roam the streets, causing mischief and haunting for treats. Skeletons and vampires again will rise to the smell of soul cakes and blood-red apple pies. Bonfires, Jack-o’-lanterns and spooky pranks, pirates’ victims emerging from the sea back onto their planks. Children play dress-up and knock door-to-door, “Happy Halloweening” for treating, more horror and lore.

Laguna will honor the history of old Samhain’s day, brought to us by the Celts 2,000 years ago, which marked the end of summer and a long winter stay. Locals will open the gates to the spirits of past, invite them to mingle and have a blast. They’ll throw parties, host contests and offer great deals, shake up cocktail potions and slice up tasty meals. So check out the list to follow this rhyme, and go celebrate on the town and carve out a great time.

A group of businesses between Thalia Street and Bluebird Canyon in Laguna’s new Hip District, will hold Laguna’s HIPest Halloween from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday where they will offer special discounts and gifts in celebration of the holiday.

The Rooftop Lounge, 1287 S. Coast Hwy., in La Casa del Camino, will provide a free appetizer for every one bought.

K’ya Bistro Bar, also in the hotel, will give a free Small Plate Card valued at $10 with proof of receipt of purchase from any HIP District store dated Oct. 30. For more information, call (949) 376-9718

Laguna Beach Books, 1200 S. Coast Hwy., will offer a mysterious free gift with any purchase. For more information, call (949) 494-4779

SOHO By the Sea, 1277 S. Coast Hwy., will take half off Brazilian blowouts and color hair treatments from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Limited space available; call (949) 376-6003 to reserve an appointment.

Chocolate Soldier, 1200 S. Coast Hwy., Suite 103-B, will hold a costume contest at 2:30 p.m., where a goody bag will be awarded to the scariest and funniest costume. For more information, call (949) 494-4462

Artist Eye Gallery, 1294-A S. Coast Hwy., will provide complimentary refreshments to anyone who checks out Dick Marconi’s Color Infusion Art exhibit that day. For more information, call (949) 497-5898

Studio Arts Gallery, 1200 S. Coast Hwy, will hand out Halloween toys to children 10 and younger. For more information, call (949) 376-1619

The Old Pottery Place, 1200 S. Coast Hwy., will hold a Best Pet Dressed Contest from 1 to 3 p.m., where a complimentary photo will be given by White Blossoms of Laguna and the Bark & Sniff Boutique will supply treats. For more information, visit https://www.theoldpotteryplace.com. Bark & Sniff, 1330 S. Coast Hwy., will also hold a clearance sale from noon to 6 p.m. and will take photos and hand out doggie cookies to shoppers and their costumed pets. For more information, call (949) 715-3647

Laguna Nursery, 1370 S. Coast Hwy., will be decorating pumpkins from noon to 3 p.m., where the “best pumpkin” will win $200. For more information, call (949) 494-5200.

Tootsies, 1200 S. Coast Hwy., will offer a free gift with footwear purchase while supplies last. For more information, call (949) 715-5140

Trash Pretty, 1103 S. Coast Hwy, will host a pumpkin-carving contest from 3 to 6 p.m., where the winner will receive a $25 gift certificate for vintage goodies at the store. The first 10 people to sign up will receive a free pumpkin. Refreshments will also be served. Carvers should bring their own supplies. For more information, visit https://www.trashprettyshop.com.

Laguna Coffee Co., 1050 S. Coast Hwy., will offer a special Pumpkin latte for $2.50.

Businesses, restaurants and groups outside of the Hip District will also feature equally cool Halloween events and specials.

Hennessey’s Tavern, 213 Ocean Ave., will feature ‘80s cover band Glameltoe from 9 p.m. to close Saturday. Special Halloween Jell-O shooters will also be served for $3.

The White House, 340 S. Coast Hwy., will host a Halloween Night Fashion Party and from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday to Sunday, to feature festive cocktails, music and a costume contest and show at midnight. An array of prizes will be up for grabs, including a free breast augmentation from Ocean Cosmetic Surgery, discounts on liposuction from Final Inches, fine dining at White House, cosmetic grade make-up over from the Skin Care Clinic and designer clothing from Satisfy My Soul. For more information, call (949) 494-8088

Royal Hawaiian, 331 N. Coast Hwy., will rock the holiday from 9:30 p.m. to close with a performance by ‘80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack and a Halloween Costume Contest. For more information, call (949) 494-8001

Hi De Ho Comics, 350 Broadway St., will sponsor a watermelon carving contest Saturday, where the grand prize winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to the store. Kids younger than 12 who enter will also receive a free comic and goody bag. Judging will begin at 6:30 p.m., so all entries must be dropped off before then. The store will also host a book signing with the “world’s fastest cartoonist,” Sergio Aragones from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call (949) 376-4446 or visit https://www.hidehocomics.com.

El Morro Elementary School, 8681 N. Coast Hwy., will hold its annual Halloween Boo Blast from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. today, where kids and parents can enjoy treats for all of their senses from games to food to a Haunted House.

Soka University, 1 University Drive in Aliso Viejo, will host a Halloween Fair from 5 to 10 p.m. and annual Haunted House from 7 to 10 p.m. today and Saturday. The fair will feature games, food booths and student performances suitable for all ages. Performances will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The Haunted House will once again be on the first floor crypt of the SUA Recreation Center and the entrancing fee will be $5 at the doomsday door. The suggested age for this dark journey with moving monsters is 10 years old and older. Proceeds will benefit the student clubs at Soka and a local charity of their selection. For more information, call (949) 480-4081.