Plenty of haunts

in Modesto for

Halloween fun

By JASON CAMPEBLL   

209 Living

MODESTO – So you’ve got your costume picked out and you’re certain that it’s going to wow the crowd.

Now what do you do?

If you haven’t already found a suitable party to show off your duds, Modesto has a variety of places you can go to get in on the fun – whether it’s an adult gathering where the scary has been turned all the way up, or something that fun for the entire family.

Here are a few things worth checking out if you’re planning on being in the area:

*The Summoning: Halloween Street Party – If you’re an adult, this is the place to be on Halloween. Much like the city does with other major party holidays, Downtown Modesto is transformed into a horror Mecca for those wishing to get outside and show off their costumes with thousands of others from throughout the area.

Multiple themed bars are available – each one with its own creepy or spooky theme.

The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 29, and tickets – which are available for $10 or $20, are available by visiting www.halloweenmodesto.com.

*Higbee Horror Haunt – This place actually comes with a warning for those with heart conditions, asthma, a predisposition to seizure and claustrophobia. Those who are pregnant are also urged to skip it, as are children younger than 13.

And that’s because it’s absolutely terrifying.

The multiple rooms – each one themed – have actors to pull everything together, and people will jump out of the darkness to let you know that they’re there.

It’s not for everybody. But for those who are into the creepy scares, then this is the place for you.

Located at 2936 Veneman Avenue in Modesto, the fun is scheduled today, Oct. 15, with additional dates on Oct. 21 and 22 as well as Oct. 28. The fun runs from 7 to 10 p.m. and tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for children under 12.

*Deathworkz – It’s one thing when there are haunted houses that follow the sale old Halloween tropes. But this unique twist, which incorporates some Modesto history into its haunting story, has become a favorite of locals for the last several years.

And it holds it own when it comes to the level of scary.

With a four-day run that starts the weekend before Halloween, people mark their calendars to make sure they get to take part in the fright with a cast that continues to grow every year and become even more over the top.

Because of safety requirements, only two people can enter at a time this year. The fun kicks off on Friday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. and runs until midnight with “Blackout Night.” The following night is for thrill seekers only and open only to those 18 and older from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. On Sunday, Oct. 30, the attraction will hold its Torment Night – again, for 18 and older only – from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. And on Halloween, a special kiddy version will operate from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The adult version will resume on Monday from 7 to 10 p.m. For more information, or for ticket prices, visit www.deathworkz.com.

*Trunk or Treat – On Friday, Oct. 28, the 10th Street Plaza in Downtown Modesto will be overrun by classic cars and a festive family gathering that includes games for the kids, trick-or-treating and more. Located at 1010 10th Street, the event will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and is open to all ages.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.