In the odd couple of years between trick-or-treating and legally being able to party, Halloween can be a tricky holiday to celebrate.

“Halloween’s really risky because a lot of people drink, and a lot of things can go wrong. Plus, plans never solidify until the last minute. I’d rather stay at home and pass out candy to neighborhood kids than risk getting busted by cops,” said Arts & Sciences junior Katelin Cook.

By the time you’re reading this, Thursday’s Vampire Masquerade at the Joslyn Castle has already taken place, but if you’re up for a deviously glamorous night and have the ID and cash to back it up ($20 cover), check out the Nomad Lounge’s (1013 Jones St.) Dead Sexy Halloween bash Friday night at 8 p.m.

There are also several alternative Halloween events going on this weekend.

For the culmination of their Film Screams series, Film Streams (1340 Webster St.) is screening “The Flaming Lips: Christmas on Mars” with original music as well as appearances by comedian Fred Armisen, actor Adam Goldberg and musician Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse. This one night only screening starts at 7 p.m. and runs only 82 minutes, the perfect start to a diversified Halloween night. If you prefer something a little more traditional, Evil Dead 2 shows at 4:30 and 9:30 p.m. Ticket prices for students are $6.

If live theater is more your thing, head over to the Shelterbelt Theatre (3225 California St.) for SHELTERSKELTER parts I and II.

“I’m going to SHELTERSKELTER because it’s going to be a fun, creepy time. I love gore and theater,” said Arts & Sciences senior Wesley Pourier.

This year commemorates the 13th anniversary of the series with 13 one-act plays spread over two nights. On the final performance, Oct. 31, both shows will be shown consecutively starting at 8 p.m. Ticket prices for students are $12 for each show, $10 for the second performance if you retain your program.

For some, Halloween is not complete without a visit to one of the area’s haunted houses. Mystery Manor (716 N. 18th St.) is not only close to Creighton but is haunted by four ghosts.

The building was built in 1887 and was once a brothel, and one of the madams Grace and her son were murdered there according to P.R.I.S.M. (Paranormal Research and Investigative Studies Midwest). This haunted house features a slaughterhouse, death row, clown alley and the pharaoh’s tomb. The manor opens at dusk through Oct. 31 and admission is $10.

Need more fright? Visit Scary Acres (17272 Giles Rd.) and either start your night there at 6:30 p.m. or make it your final stopping point by 12:30 a.m. This haunt has four attractions, so it’s worth the drive. Visit the Master’s Castle ($10), the House on the Hill ($9), the Dark Forest ($6) or the Stalks of Terror Maze ($5). To see all four haunts pay $25. One dollar discounts are available if you bring a canned food item.

This Halloween Arts & Sciences sophomore, Chelsea Mann, is participating in Trick or Treat for Cans through the American Red Cross with members of the campus Cortina Community.

“I just remember trick-or-treating when I was little and how frivolous it is. Trick or Treat for Cans is a really good way to give back to people who can’t afford food let alone candy, and I still get to dress up,” Mann said.