OXFORD – As it gets closer to the Oct. 31, Oxford begins to celebrate the popular holiday. There are many different family events which will offer candy, fun, and excitement for Halloween.

First, Oxford Community Art Center brings Howl at the Moon: A Spooky Family Arts Night on Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 5-8 p.m. The event brings Halloween and autumn-themed “activities and fun.”

The very next day brings Trick or Treat, Oxford Parks and Recreation-style. This is a community trick-or-treat event hosted in the Uptown Parks from 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27. Attendees are encouraged to dress up.

The celebrations will start with a Pumpkin Carving Contest at 5 p.m. The pumpkins contestants bring should already be carved and prizes will go to the Most Original Design, Funniest, and Scariest pumpkins. Prizes will be awarded at 6 p.m.

There will be a Pet Costume Contest at 6 p.m., and pets will be judged in three categories (cutest, scariest, and most original.) The contest will begin promptly at 6 p.m., so the OPRD asks partcipants to arrive early to register pets.

At 7 p.m. the festivities will continue with the Lions Club Halloween Parade. OPRD urges everyone to come “dressed up and ready for a fun and exciting twist on trick-or-treating!” There will be candy, prizes, and gifts.

Entertainment throughout the festival will be provided by the Cincinnati Circus from 5:30-6:30 p.m., including a magician and fireeater.

Also on Thursday, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. is Pumpkin Pride: Fall Community Celebration hosted at McGuffey Hall room 121. This is a social event for the LGBTQ+ community (faculty, staff, student, and community members all welcome) to “come together and enjoy traditional fall food and celebrate Halloween in a fun, safe environment.”

OCAC is hosting a Halloween square dance at the center on Friday, Oct. 28, from 7:30-10 p.m. It costs $5 at the door and costumes are encouraged.

On Saturday, Oct. 29, Oxford Lane Library will be showing “The Wolf Man” during Classic Monster Movie Night, from 2-4 p.m. After the movie there will be KidsSkate Halloween at Goggin Ice Center. The cost is $6.50 with free skate rentals and lasts from 4-7 p.m.

To finish off the celebration is the neighborhood beggar’s night on Monday, Oct. 31, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.