Treat the animals
PHOTO BY Alex Hult - Rikki’s Refuge

Wear a Halloween costume and trick or treat with the animals at the Halloween Open House at Rikki’s Refuge Animal Sanctuary. Rikki’s Refuge is a no-kill sanctuary for domestic/farm animals and wildlife supported solely by donations and volunteers. Refuge tours happen every half hour, and visitors can treat critters ranging from mysterious black cats to mischievous pygmy goats. Halloween refreshments, treats, raffles, children’s Halloween craft corner, and face painting are all part of the fun. The event is outdoors so please dress for the weather and critters. 10910 Barr Lane, Rapidan (Orange County). 540-854-0870, ext. 2.

Haunted Staunton
PHOTO courtesy of the Shenandoah Valley Paranormal Society

The Shenandoah Valley Paranormal Society invites thrill-seekers to explore the eerie side of Staunton on a 90-minute walking tour. Two different tours offer ghostly tales and historic facts from the city’s past showcasing the Ghostly Newtown (meet at Coffee on the Corner at the corner of S. Market St. and E. Beverly St.) and the Haunted Wharf (meet at the basement entrance of the Jolly Rodger Haggle Shop
located behind the Wharf parking lot just off of W. Johnson Street). Reservations are recommended. 540-448-2743.

Dress the part
PHOTO BY Just Jennifer - Flickr

Ghosts and ghouls of all ages (with an accompanying adult) are invited to find out what lurks beyond the meeting room doors at Northside Library. Watch a movie about three witches haunting Salem. Come in costume if you dare. Enjoy candy treats and apple cider. Registration is recommended, but not required. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.

Get crafty
PHOTO BY Jackie - Flickr

Peace Lutheran Church invites folks to bring their holiday gift list and browse the homemade wares of various crafters at their fall Craft Show. There is also a bake sale with lots of assorted goodies, including cookies, cakes, pies, rolls, and breads. Lunch will be served. 1510 Broad Crossing Rd. at Hollymead Rd. 978-4357.

Charlotte’s Web
PHOTO BY George Bannister- Flickr

Old Michie Theatre presents a live performance of the beloved children’s classic Charlotte’s Web, featuring the not-so-scary spider, Charlotte, and the lovable pig, Wilbur . This adaptation remains close to author E.B. White’s tale and is performed by local youth withunique, animal-inspired costumes and simple staging that convey the story in an accessible and graceful manner. 221 Water St. 977-3690.

Don’t lose your head
PHOTO courtesy Ghost Pine Studio

Scottsville, a town known for its ghosts, offers up a new ghoulish experience this year with a Haunted Trail Walk. With nine acres of Haunted Trails echoing with the voices of the dead, vampires, and scary scenarios of all kinds, thrill seekers are challenged to keep your head and try—just try!—to make it out unscathed. Choose your trail: a 250-yard, kid-friendly walk with treats along the way, or a flashlight-lit guided walk with spooky scenarios for kids over 13 and adults. 1035 Dobby Creek Rd.: Rt. 20 South into Scottsville, left onto Rt. 6 East/East Main St., right onto Rt. 645/Beals Lane, left onto Dobby Creek Rd. 434-286-4933.

Probably putting an end to fears that Albemarle County would close three of its elementary schools in favor of building one giant elementary, Superintendent Pamela Moran issued a press release Thursday night saying that the cost to fix and expand Red Hill Elementary, located in North Garden; B.F. Yancey Elementary, located in Esmont;  and Scottsville Elementary School is actually less than the cost of building the proposed new super-school— and that the annual operating cost savings won’t outweigh the hassles. Her board has the final say September 29.

Get crafty with nature
PHOTO BY Liz West - Flickr

Kids ages 5 and up can join Nicol Butters for winter craft day making seasonal nature crafts out of natural materials at Ivy Creek Natural Area. Meet in the Education Center. Earlysville Rd. 973-7772.

PHOTO courtesy Crozet Music Festival

The annual Crozet Music Festival brings together the best in regional and local music for a weekend of eclectic entertainment with the beauty of autumn in the Blue Ridge in the background. The event features more than 45 exceptional music acts along with local food, beer, and wine vendors and festivities for the whole family. Performers include Chick Tragic and the Roosters, Rogan Brothers, Trees on Fire, 6 Day Bender, Paul Curreri and Devon Sproule, and many more. Proceeds benefit the Western Albemarle Rescue Squad and other local nonprofits. Discounts for advance ticket purchases and weekend pass. Visit the website for the music schedule and other details. Misty Mountain Camp Resort, 56 Misty Mountain Rd., Crozet.

Congregation Beth Israel Preschool invites community members to share music from around the world in a celebration of diversity. All proceeds from the Family Concert and Dance Culturefest benefit the CBI Preschool Scholarship Fund and teacher enrichment. Congregation Beth Israel Preschool, 301 E. Jefferson St. 295-6382.

Engine 24
PHOTO courtesy ERVFC

East Rivanna Volunteer Fire Company opens its doors for a fun-filled community day. Adults can find information about becoming a volunteer fire fighter, and children can enjoy face painting, a visit from the Tumble Bus, pumpkin coloring, and more. 3501 Steamer Dr., Keswick. 293-6722.

A taste of India
PHOTO BY  Antkriz - Flickr

India Association of Charlottesville invites you to bring the family for an entertaining evening of learning about the rich Indian culture. Taste delicious Indian foods provided by vendors followed by a cultural show including dances and songs from different parts of India, all performed by local community members. The event will take place rain or shine. Hollymead Elementary School, 2775 Powell Creek Dr.

Haunts
PHOTO Alan Bruce - Flickr

The Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society invites adventurous history buffs for a guided tour of historic Charlottesville during the 15th annual Spirit Walk. Visit all the best haunts of the past and hear stories told by living ghosts in period dress whom you encounter along the way. The cast of nearly 50 characters portray actual historical characters from Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and environs, ranging from the early 18th century to the mid-20th century. Reservations are required for this popular nighttime tour, and early registration is highly recommended. Tours leave every 15 minutes from the Maplewood Cemetery on Lexington Avenue and end at the Historical Society’s headquarters in the McIntire Building located at 200 Second St. 296-1492.

Fan Mountain Observatory
PHOTO courtesy of UVA Astronomy

Twice a year, the public has an opportunity to observe stars and planets through the powerful telescopes at UVA’s Fan Mountain Observing Station. Tonight, join a team of astronomers from the university for tours of the facilities, a heavenly talk, and views that are out of this world (weather permitting). Reservations are required. To obtain free tickets (up to six), send a self-addressed stamped envelope with the number of tickets you are requesting to Fan Mountain Public Night, P.O. Box 400325, Charlottesville, VA 22904. Route 29 south 14 miles to left on Fan Mountain Rd. 243-1885.

If ping pong is your game, the Charlottesville Table Tennis Club offers a great opportunity to meet and play table tennis against people from all over the area in the Charlottesville Open Table Tennis Championship. They welcome all levels of skill, and spectators, too. Snacks, drinks, and prizes are available. Brackets will be determined based on the number of participants. Reservations are required. Piedmont YMCA, 422 Westfield Rd. 973-7552.

PHOTO courtesy of Spinal Health & Wellness

Parents who are looking for simple ways to go green are invited to a one-hour Happy Green Baby class at ACAC’s downtown center. The workshop focuses on how to surround a baby with a safe and healthy environment void of synthetic chemicals and harmful toxins. Parents can learn simple ways to go green through using cloth diapers and making homemade organic baby food. There is also a brief overview on wisely choosing products that come in contact with a baby’s mouth and precious skin, such as non-toxic bottles, baby skincare, and baby sun care. This class is part of ACAC’s pre-natal and post-natal seminar series, and it’s open to the general public. 111 Monticello Ave. 566-0126.

Charlottesville Municipal Band
PHOTO courtesy of CMB

Charlottesville Municipal Band performs a fall concert of British Band Classics at the Martin Luther King Center at Charlottesville High School. The band will be joined by the Albemarle Pipes and Drums who will perform in front of the entrance to the theater beginning at 3pm.

Speak!

The United Nations comes to Charlottesville at Speak! Language Center’s first annual Family Culture Fest. Kids (and parents) can collect stamps in their Speak! Passport as they travel to a variety of different countries and cultures. Participants can make tortillas and sip horchata in Mexico, create origami animals in Japan and pottery in Turkey, play games in Germany and Russia, and more. Ideal for 4-10 year-olds, but all are welcome. 313 2nd St. S.E., Suite 109 (Back of the Glass Building - entrance faces Garrett St.). 245-8255.