It's the time of year when spirited ghosts and goblins creep out of the woodwork. The following is a lineup of some fun and festive ways to enjoy the season. If you have a ghostly gathering or a don't-miss trick-or-treat opportunity you'd like us to know about, give us a call at 679-1441. Happy Halloween!

NOW THROUGH OCT. 31

Chamber of Chills and Haunted House at the Antioch Fairgrounds. Big kids and adults will be impressed by the theatrical staging and special effects. The smaller ghouls will get to take rides on a spooky train and careen down a slide on Pirate Island. Wednesday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.; Friday from 6 to 10 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Tickets are $7 per person.

OCT. 19

Laurel Elementary's Pumpkin Patch/Haunted House event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. in the school cafeteria on Laurel Road in Oakley. Games, a bake sale and photo booth are just a few of the spooktacular events in store. Straw Hat Pizza will be selling pizza and drinks.

OCT. 20

Halloween Festival, sponsored by Redmen and Pocahontas, 1403 Main St. in Oakley, will feature games, a haunted house, movies and prizes from 6 to 10 p.m. Proceeds go toward Alzheimer's research. Tickets are 50 cents each.

Holiday Harvest Hoedown and Craft Faire, sponsored by Byron United Methodist Church, 14671 Byron Highway, promises fun for the whole family, with chili and other goodies, a craft sale, entertainment, kids activities and line dancing from 4 to 7 p.m. No tickets are required, but bring cash for crafts, food and drinks.

OCT. 26, 27 and 28

The Oakley Girl Scouts invite you into their Haunted House, 936 Carpenter Lane in Oakley, from 7 to 10 p.m. A $1 donation is requested.

OCT. 27

Hometown Halloween on Oak Street in Brentwood runs from 5 to 8 p.m., rain or shine. Bring your kids to a safe Halloween and visit over 70 local businesses in downtown. The Brentwood Police Safety Zone will be on hand, featuring Stranger/Danger, how to be visible and safe while trick-or-treating, identifying contaminated candy, face painting and more.

Halloween on Hollow Hills takes place at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, 5175 Somersville Road in Antioch, from 1 to 4 p.m. Have a frighteningly good time at this annual event. Games, crafts, scavenger hunts and more will give you the chance to explore the history of these hills and meet some of the park's creepiest critters. Parent participation is required. For more information, call 757-2620.

The Kaleidoscope Kids Klub Halloween Costume Party, at the Byron United Methodist Church, 14671 Byron Highway, welcomes children of all ages from 3 to 6 p.m. No scary costumes, please. Call 634-4552 for reservations.

The Haunted Carnival, held at Oak Meadow Park in Brentwood and sponsored by Special Kids Foundation, runs from noon to 4 p.m. and features games, fun and food. Admission is $3 per child; face painting costs $1.

OCT. 29

Trick or Treat Party at Eskaton Senior Lodge in Brentwood starts at 6 p.m. and is open to children 10 and under. The free event will include trick-or-treating at resident's doors, plus snacks and games.

OCT. 31

Safe Trick-or-Treat at Sand Creek Crossing Shopping Center in Brentwood, Sand Creek Road and Highway 4 Bypass, runs from 2 to 6 p.m. Visit stores, restaurants and services for free Halloween goodies.

Trick-or-Trunk, sponsored by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, invites you to come join the community and businesses for a safe Halloween. Dress up your car and line up to hand out candy to young and old alike. Call 381-0359 for location and times, or visit www.chamberofchills.net.

Delta Family YMCA Trick-or-Trunk on O'Hara Avenue in Oakley runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Roam the Y parking lot with hungry trick-or-treaters looking for goodies. Those interested in volunteering their time and vehicle may call 625-9333 before Oct. 26.