Staying in town for the upcoming unofficial holiday and looking for something to do on Halloween weekend? There are plenty of bootastic happenings hosted by local venues and businesses going on to satisfy your urge for a scary good time.Johnson City is host to many extravagant Halloween festivities this year.

If you want somewhere to go besides the same ole-run-of-the-mill party at your friend’s house then there’s no need to go further than across the street from campus. Starting Friday, Oct. 30, there is a plethora of activities going on in the region.

Poor Richard’s next to campus is hosting a huge Halloween contest for a cash prize with Goodspeed taking the stage starting at 10 p.m. Friday. There is an $8 cover and you must be 18 or older to enter.

Simultaneously at 10 p.m. on the 30th, O’Mainnin’s Pub (Bristol) is hosting an event called Custard Pie (Must be 21 to get in) and Second Level (downtown JC) is throwing a Beats and Freaks celebration for those 18 and older.

At 10:30 p.m. on Friday there is an 80z Enuff party being thrown at Capone’s down the block for those lovers of 80’s tunes and dress, though you have to be 21 to celebrate.

The main festivities begin on the actual day of Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31.

For those underage, activities get underway beginning at 9 p.m.

New Beginnings is hosting a Nightmare on Roan Street party and the Scary-oke Contest Finals are taking place at Fanatics Sports Club.

For those 21 and up, Electric 94.9’s Boo Bash ’09 is being held at the Electric Cowboy on Roan Street, beginning at 10 p.m.

Meanwhile the Johnson City Stir Fry is having the Mystique IV Halloween Party at the same time.

The Z-Rock Halloween Bash at Capone’s begins at 8 p.m.

At the same time in Bristol, O’Mainnin’s Pub is hosting an Irish Halloween Party. And at 10 p.m. Halo-Ween with the Jones Boys is going on at Halo (Johnson City, downtown, next to Capone’s).

On the same street, the popular Johnson City music venue, The Hideaway, is hosting an all-ages early show at 6 p.m. featuring Ringworm, the Carrier, Fingers Crossed and Faded. The night show begins at 11 p.m. with Skeleton Pecker and TBA (to be announced). The cover will be $5-$10 for each.

Kingsport is also a hub of Halloween excitement on Saturday. Kingsport Grocery Company in downtown Kingsport is throwing a Raise A Dead Guy Halloween celebration beginning at 7 p.m. with live music.

Also, across the street, the Bus Pit is having their own party, with guest Spank, which starts at 10 p.m.

And the 14th Annual Halloween Bash at the Hog Wild Saloon across town is set to begin at 9 p.m.

If you’re not itching for a party on the scariest night of the year, you can get your frights at the Haunted Forest in Elizabethton or Jonesborough. There is also the corn maze at Fender’s Farm in Jonesborough.

If you need a child-friendly atmosphere to enjoy Halloween, then go to downtown Jonesborough to trick or treat from all the area vendors.

No matter what you decide to do, there are plenty of options to occupy you for the coming weekend.

Be safe, smart and most importantly have the happiest of Halloweens.

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