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Halloween's here, and we round up the best places to go for a good stiff spook or -- if you're slightly older -- a good stiff drink.

Where to get your gear

You needn't always deal with Wal-Mart's sparse selection.

Our pick: Hokus Pokus Costumes. There are two locations, one in West Ashley and one in Mt Pleasant Towne Centre. 556-6607.

But there's tons more listed on Google. I suggest calling before going to make sure it's still there, if you've never been there before.

Ongoing events

Boone Hall Halloween: Celebrating through November 1st; scarecrow corn maze, pumpkin patch, two haunted houses, and a haunted hayride. Boo!

Haunted Trail of Terror at Blackbeard’s Cove: October 23 to November 1; $10; Voted Best Scare 2007; 971-1223.

Frankenstein: The Modern Promethes: October 15to November 1 at Memminger Auditorium; 7:30 shows; tickets $10-29; 577-7183

The Guides

TheDigitel: Get our event coverage (below) and we connect you with other folk's guides. Those are, well, below this one.

Charleston City Paper: Lots and lots of events, overwhelmingly so.

The Post and Courier: Not as many events, but solid blurbs on them.

The big day: October 31

Vickery's Wicked Little Halloween Party: If you're looking to get a little wicked this Hallow's Eve, then head over to Vickery's 16th Annual Wicked Little Halloween party kicking off at 7 p.m.

Hallowing at Wild Wings Cafe: Promises to be Hallo-Wing at the Wing is sure to be a Spooktacular Time! Charleston: A Dark Knight in Gotham, Tokyo Joe; Mt. Pleasant: Jack's Revenge, Plane Jane; North Charleston: Carnival of Carnage, Hot Sauce.

Critical Mass bike ride: Show your bicycle pride while wearing a costume and pedaling around town. 5 p.m. at Cannon Park, downtown.

Dark Water Masquerade at Aquarium: A black tie and masked affair. Canceled.

Saints & Sinners costume party at aloft hotel: Hosted by B92 and Sean Mack; overnight packages and costume prizes. $10. Starts at 8 p.m.

Club Trio Freaky Friday Halloween Bash: $500 costume contest; cost $10 at the door; 139 Calhoun Street 956-5333; with DJ AKFool -- it is time to get down.

Haunted Hollywood at Social: Light up the red carpet dressed as a past or present silver screen star. 577-5665. 188 East Bay Street.

Tropical Rockspital: “Way cooler than your elementary school's fall carnival.” Double-decker Halloween rockshow/carnival/ festival/apocalypse party at 89 Columbus Street. And of course it wouldn't be a Halloween show unless the bands are playing as someone else. The party starts earlier in theday and there will be an intermission at 5:30 p.m. for Critical Mass. Potluck-style food to follow intermission, so bring tasty bites. There will also, reportedly, be hayrides.

Halloween Party at Upper Deck Tavern: Don a costume for another night at this bare essentials bar on King Street. $1 Sppoky Punch, $2 margaritas and $1 jello shots.

Ted's Butcherblock does 'Trick or Treat: Mystery Wines in honor of Halloween!' Their usual wine tasting, but done in a special "Trick or Treat" way. $5. 5 to 7 p.m.

Kudu Coffee's Halloween Birthday Bash: The cornerstone coffee shop turns three this year and is celebrating Halloween with food, drinks, prizes for the best costume, and music by DJ Kurfu. 6 to 9 p.m.

There's a lot going on, so if we've missed it, please do let us know.