Are you ready for Halloween?

Halloween in Huntington Beach includes annual favorites such as the mega- Trick or Treat in Downtown Huntington Beach for kids. The event offers plenty of excitement for adults, as well, as the streets of downtown (Main Street, 5th Street, Olive, Orange and Walnut) are invaded by body snatchers of the human kind after the kids' party wraps up, usually by 9 p.m. The downtown bars come alive with costume contests filled with sexy bar maiden costumes, devils, ghosts, bumble bees, poison ivy and everything imaginable.

Costume contests in downtown include the the kids' contest at the Trick or Treat event, a pet contest at that same event, and contests at Longboard Pub, Sharkeez, Hurricane's Blackbull Chophouse -- all the best attended bars and smaller ones, to boot!

Seacliff Village hosts an annual Trick or Treat event for kids, usually held on Halloween Day from 3 to 5 p.m. The mall merchants are stationed to hand out candy to children. There are a few activities included in the fun, often in front of Starbucks on the small plaza area.

Bella Terra mall carries the traditions established from the early years when it was called Huntington Beach Mall. Under the marketing direction of Pat Rogers at that time many festivals and events became traditions. Halloween is one. Trick or Treat at the mall is always festive.

New to the HB scene is an orchestrated Huntington Haunt Experience at Newland House museum. Past events have included Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead.) This year the HB Rotary is producing the tour and stages marriage of a doomed bride & groom (for ages 13 and older only).

If you manage to find your way around the town, look for additional fun along Pacific Coast Highway (both north & south) in places such as major hotels, Sunset Beach and Don the Beachcomber.

Not to be missed are individual events that are either new or repeat events such as the mall trick or treats, family haunted houses such as Earrywood Halloween Free Haunted House and in recent years the Newland House scares which have been in the works and are developing into bigger events in 2015.

The churches and community groups also provide great, safe experiences. Several noteworthy church-sponsored events include Trunk or Treat at Redeemer Church and Huntington Beach - Peter's Landing Calvary Chapel of the Harbour's annual Harvestival, which includes tons of fun and food for all ages.

Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Always call before going.