Patch Picks: Halloween Party Time and So Much More!

It's not all about the candy, Patch readers.

All right, well some of Halloween is about the candy. And trust me, there will be plenty of the sweet stuff. 

So far, we've brought you info on how to get the , , groovy Halloween resources, and spooky local .

Related: Enter Patch's Halloween Photo Contest to Win a Free Trip to Los Angeles

Are we done yet?

Not by a long shot.

Patch is going trick or treating and you are invited. After we get our fill of yummy, gooey, and sticky goodness, we are going to explore some upcoming unique events that puts a spin on traditional Halloween fare.

Strap yourselves in. It's gonna be a scary (and fun) ride!

Trick or Treating (all trick or treating events noted are FREE )!

Uptown Gig Harbor Trick or Treating (Gig Harbor)

Why here: Take the wee ones to trick or treat at Gig Harbor's Uptown Mall. Arts and crafts, candy, and a costume contest for kids under 12. 

When: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 31, Gig Harbor

Why here: The annual event invites all trick-or-treaters to the historic waterfront district of Gig Harbor. The local businesses will be passing out candy, and there will be plenty of entertainment, including the singing pumpkins, fire engines and Harbor Wild Watch's "spooky" touch tank.

When: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 31, Gig Harbor

Stadium District Street of Sweets (Tacoma)

Why here: This historic neighborhood in Tacoma's North end plays host to trick or treating fun throughout the stores in the district.

When: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 31, Tacoma

Proctor Treats (Tacoma)

Why here: This long time crowd pleaser creates a lively trick or treating atmosphere in this great district.

When: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 31, Tacoma

Street of Treats (Sumner)

Why here: Historic downtown Sumner is a pedestrian only walk on Halloween evening for trick or treating fun for the kids.

When: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Oct. 31, Sumner

Zombies!

Zombie Survival Training (Tacoma)

Why here: If zombies attacked, would you know what to do? Could you survive? Learn how to battle zombies in this rip roaring game provided by Tacoma Tactical. Click above to see website for more details on the events and costs.

When: 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Oct. 29-30, Tacoma

Cowboys, Aliens, and More!

Cowboys and Aliens Haunt The Lakewood Elks (Lakewood)  

Why here: Cowboys and aliens? Sure, and a whole lot more, as the the Lakewood Elks hosts a Halloween bash, dinner, and dancing for the adult crowd. See the link above for dinner and dance costs.

When: 5 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., Oct. 29, Lakewood

Bows and Arrows!

Halloween Archery Fun Shoot (Puyallup)

Why here: Break out your bows and arrows and head to Puyallup to test your skills on the archery range for a Halloween shoot. You can earn candy prizes for your skills! See link for costs for admission and food.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 29, Puyallup

Movie Stars!

Tacoma Youth Symphony and Tacoma Young Artists Concert, A Night at the Movies Costume Concert (Tacoma)

Why here: These great performance groups will be playing movie themes. Come dressed as your favorite movie character and enjoy the show! Note: Please see the link above for location details and ticketing. Cash only is accepted at the ticket office on the day of the show.

When: 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. showings, Oct. 30, Tacoma

Spooky Stories and more!

Pierce County Libraries (Varying Locations)

Why here: The Fireside Story League offers spooky story telling. This free, no registration event shares spooky stories for the whole family to enjoy. Costumes encouraged!

When: 2 p.m., Oct. 30, Bonney Lake

Why here: The University Place Library is offering Halloween crafts all day long! Drop by during business hours for this free family event.

When: 10 a.m., Oct. 31, University Place

Have a fun and safe Halloween everyone!