Halloween lands on a Friday, making it perfect for the college student to enjoy sweets of all kinds, and not just candy. When you think of Halloween, you think of children trick-or-treating, candies, and scary or creepy stuff. Ghosts, witches, black cats, and goblins aside, the Bakersfield nightlife will be extremely active this year. Among the events, Bakersfield College will be holding its Open Mic Talent Night on Oct. 30. The Intervarsity Christian Fellowship USA will be hosting the BC event 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in BC’s Fireside room, adjacent to the cafeteria.

I, personally, love the holiday. I usually get in the mood with baking sweets and watching Halloween-themed or scary movies. One of my favorite movies, “Hocus Pocus”, will be shown on Oct. 24 at the Kern County Museum. My other favorites include the entire “Halloween” series, “Nightmare Before Christmas”, the entire “Saw” series, and “Casper.”

I will also enjoy the yearly Halloween ComicFest on Oct. 25. There will be three locations holding the event and the event includes a free comic book for attending. I will visit Leeters in the East Hills Mall at 3000 Mall View Road, Suite 1079.

The day of Halloween, I am most excited to attend the property-wide event at The Padre Hotel. The Halloween event will have a circus-theme, amply titled “Circus of Souls,” and will have plenty to see and do. There will be music in both the Prospect Lounge and the Brimstone room. There will be burlesque performances, tarot card readings, magic, a contortionist, and a freak show. The presale tickets run $30, while the price at the door will be $40.

Outside of the events of Halloween that interest me, I have compiled a few events that are reasonably priced to match the college student budget. If you have children or want to spend the holiday with family, there are numerous free events, both in the Bakersfield areas and around Kern County.

Remember, first and foremost, whatever you will be partaking in, stay sober or plan for a designated driver if you want to drink. Even one drink may impair your motor skills, and some of the biggest tragedies during Halloween are the alcohol-related accidents or deaths. If you know that you tend to drive after even one drink, save yourself the hassle and call a cab.

Altogether, Halloween doesn’t have to be just for the kiddies, BC students and adults alike can have a blast. Especially true is the all fun people can enjoy, especially with the holiday landing on a Friday.

Happy Halloween.