Halloween took over daytime TV this year as America’s favorite morning time talk show hosts went all out to celebrate the spooky season. From Jennifer Hudson’s disco-inspired transformation to Sherri Shepherd’s four costume changes and Tamron Hall’s hilarious tribute to reality dating shows, each star brought their own unique twist to October 31.
Jennifer Hudson channeled her inner 70s diva for Halloween.
Source: Warner Bros. TV / Getty
Jennifer Hudsontook a time travel machine back to the 70s during The Jennifer Hudson Show’s annual Halloween special, which aired on Oct. 31. Keeping with tradition, the EGOT winner, 44, transformed into a 70s diva for this year’s soulful celebration, complete with original Soul Train dancers, a guest appearance from Megan Thee Stallion, and a groovy dance portal Spirit Tunnel.
Hudson’s dazzling costume was incredible: a glittering lilac metallic trench coat with hot pink feathers, bold earrings, stunning makeup, completed with voluminous hair. Underneath the coat, she rocked a glistening silver suit, paired with a crystal embroidered top. Her crew also embraced the theme with vintage-inspired bell-bottoms and bright retro flair.
Adding to the fun, Megan Thee Stallion, 30, stopped by the show to talk about all things “Hottieween.” The Grammy-winning rapper stunned in a cheetah-print dress and matching choker, bringing fierce festive energy to the stage. She and Hudson chatted about her latest track “Lover Girl,” her journey into a love-filled era, her bond with Queen Latifah — including a memorable Coachella moment — and her dream of stepping into acting.
Megan also gave fans a glimpse of her tequila brand, Chicas Divertidas, which will hit shelves soon.
Hit the flip to see more costumes from Sherri Shepherd and Tamron Hall.
Sherri Shepherd made four dazzling costume changes for her Halloween takeover special.
Source: SHERRI/ Photos courtesy of LDM PR
Over on SHERRI, host Sherri Shepherdmade not one but four costume changes for her Halloween takeover episode. She opened the show as Morticia Addams, inspired by Catherine Zeta-Jones’ portrayal of Wednesday. Created with seamstress Ana Toval, the gown featured five yards of black stretch velvet, hand-beaded lace trim, and a semi–sweetheart neckline. Sherri completed the look with a 40-inch jet-black wig, pale complexion, and dark, dramatic makeup—embodying Morticia flawlessly.
Next, she channeled Steve Urkel from Family Matters, complete with vintage ’90s Lee jeans, striped polo, and suspenders, while joined by Reginald Vel Johnson and Jo Marie Payton, who portrayed The Winslows on the hit ‘90s sitcom.
Source: SHERRI/ Photos courtesy of LDM PR
She then turned up the heat as a Love Island bombshell, rocking an asymmetrical one-piece swimsuit, mesh sarong, and sun-kissed curls.
Source: SHERRI/ Photos courtesy of LDM PR
Finally, she ended the show in complete vintage fantasy as Jeannie from the 1965 show I Dream of Jeannie, wearing a custom Todd Fisher New York design: a velvet vest, pink chiffon pants, and a pleated bra top, paired with color-matched Sergio Rossi heels and a perfectly sculpted high bun.
Source: SHERRI/ Photos courtesy of LDM PR
Tamron Hall paid homage to some of America’s iconic dating shows.
Tamron Hall, meanwhile, declared that “nothing is scarier than a first date.” The two-time Emmy winner leaned into that theme by parodying iconic dating shows from across the decades, and dressing up as their male hosts.
In The Tamron Hall Show’s Oct. 31 episode, she spoofed The Dating Game, Love Connection, and Flavor of Love with an array of fake facial hair and nostalgic flair.
“I didn’t know facial hair was so problematic. Believe it or not, it was easier being a pregnant Cardi B,” Hall joked to PEOPLE. “We were ripping mustaches and goatees off! It took me back to my waxing days!”
As “Reggie Romance” from The Spooky Dating Game, Hall sported a bouncy afro and ’70s flower power vibes. Then, as “Lenny Lovebird” from Love Potion Connection, she embodied 1983 in a pumpkin-colored suit and thick mustache, channeling Love Connection’s iconic host Chuck Woolery.
Later, she faced off against musical guest Kwamé Holland, who appeared as himself opposite Hall dressed as his ’90s alter ego. And for her grand finale, “T-Flav” of Flavor of Fright, Hall donned Flavor Flav’s signature clock and hosted a cake-decorating contest, joined by none other than reality TV icon Tiffany Pollard, who famously appeared on Flavor of Love in the early 2000s.
This Halloween, these powerhouse hosts proved that no one brings creativity, humor, and star power to a spooky season quite like daytime TV’s leading ladies.
If you’re heading outdoors Friday to take part in any Halloween events like trick or treating, make sure to bundle up as the windy and chilly conditions expected across the D.C. region.
If you’re heading outdoors Friday night to take part in any Halloween events à la trick or treating, make sure to bundle up as windy and chilly conditions are in store across the D.C. region.
Friday’s high temperatures are expected to only get into the low 60s as wind gusts of up to 50 mph have the potential to make it feel a bit bone-chilling.
Wind advisories are expected to remain in effect for much of the day for residents in central Maryland and parts of Virginia west of the District, according to the National Weather Service.
While winds are expected to die down by sunset, around 6 p.m., the teeth-chattering conditions won’t necessarily be dying along with it.
“Temperatures will fall out of the 50s into the 40s tonight for the trick or treaters,” said 7New First Alert Senior Meteorologist Eileen Whelan.
So, stay safe, watch out for spooky skeletons and make sure to score some hot chocolate to keep those bones warm.
FORECAST
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy, windy Highs: 58-64 Winds: West 15-25, Gusts 30-40 mph Windy weather will round out the month. High temperatures will climb into the low 60s with westerly winds gusting well over 30 mph for many hours during the afternoon. Wind Advisories are in effect from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. for counties in our north and western zones (including cities such as Frederick, Hagerstown, Martinsburg, Cumberland, and Petersburg) for gusts up to 50 mph. Keep this in mind if you have inflatable Halloween decorations. The wind will ease toward sunset, but it will still be breezy and cool for Trick-Or-Treat time with feels-like temperatures in the 40s.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Mainly clear Lows: 38-47 Winds: Southwest 5-10 mph Clear skies are likely overnight will cool temperatures. Low temperatures will fall into the 30s in the Shenandoah Valley with temperatures in the 40s for the rest of the area.
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy Highs: 60-65 Winds: Northwest 5-15+ mph November starts off dry and seasonable. After a cool morning, temperatures will warm nicely into the low and mid 60s with much lighter winds compared to Friday. Overall, really nice weather is in store for your Saturday plans. Sunset is at 6:07 p.m. We ‘fall back’ Sunday morning at 2 a.m., so you may want to turn your clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday night. We will gain one hour of sleep overnight.
SUNDAY: Partly cloudy Highs: 61-66 Winds: Light & Variable The sun will rise at 6:38 a.m., so early rises will enjoy brighter skies an hour earlier in the day. Beautiful fall weather is in store with seasonably mild afternoon highs in the 60s. With the return to Standard Time, get ready for the sun to set just after 5 p.m. We will continue to see earlier sunsets through the Winter Solstice on December 21st.
CURRENT CONDITIONS
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A California Highway Patrol cruiser. (File photo courtesy of OnScene.TV)
Halloween revelers who risk driving while intoxicated in San Diego County could face scary consequences, the California Highway Patrol warned Thursday.
In an annual effort to keep intoxicated motorists and other traffic scofflaws off local freeways and unincorporated roadways during the holiday, the CHP will conduct a 12-hour “maximum enforcement” operation beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, the state agency advised.
All available officers will be on duty over the period, according to the CHP.
“This Halloween, we’re asking everyone to do their part before the festivities begin,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said, “arrange a sober ride, and help us keep California’s roads safe for everyone who uses them.”
Over the comparable period last year, roughly 500 traffic accidents, two of them fatal, occurred in the CHP’s jurisdictions statewide, with nearly 100 caused by DUI suspects, and 120 drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
“Whether it’s Halloween or any night of the year, the decision to drive sober can save a life,” Duryee said. “Together, we can make our roads safer and prevent tragedies before they happen.”
As trick-or-treaters hit Portland streets tonight, they are getting guidance from officials about staying safe. The advice from the Portland Bureau of Transportation ahead of tonight’s trick-or-treating experience is to brightly light costumes.
Dylan Rivera with PBOT says it will make a huge difference.
“Pedestrians wearing reflective clothing can be seen from up to 500 feet away,” Rivera said. “(Compare that) with just 55 feet of those in dark clothing and without reflective gear.”
“500 feet, that’s like two Downtown Portland city blocks,” Rivera continued.
Ways to light up costumes include adding glow sticks, blinky accessories, and reflective tape.
He also says being more aware of your surroundings is encouraged tonight.
“It’s really important to keep yourself and your neighbors safe by using extra caution,” Rivera said. “Look out for not just the folks in the streets, but those who are on the sidewalks who are approaching the street.”
In a survey, nearly two-thirds of consumers said food and grocery costs will affect their holiday shopping this year. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O’Grady gives shopping strategies to help consumers save.
Americans are set to spend a record $13.1 billion on Halloween expenses this year—$1.5 billion more than last year. About $2 billion of that is expected to be spent on adult costumes. But while you’ll probably still spot plenty of ghost, vampire, and cat costumes at this year’s Halloween parties, you may also find yourself bobbing for apples alongside some very niche and obscure pop culture references—like “Chicken Jockey” or the “nothing beats a Jet2 holiday” meme.
“With the rise of fan cultures and more direct engagement through social media, costumes have become more character-driven,” pop culture historian and author Roy Shwartz says. According to Google Trend’s Frightgeist analysis, this year’s top costume ideas were inspired by KPop Demon Hunters, with characters from Hamilton, Wicked, and Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax making the top 10. And expect to see plenty of Labubus.
Dressing as a celebrity or a pop culture character is nothing new of course, but when you’re trying to go viral on social media, the stakes are raised. “Today we get to see the best viral videos come to life, or the latest TikTok dances,” says Peter Coyle, owner of Halloween experiential venue Halloween House in New Jersey. “Social media has also influenced how costumes are made, with more emphasis on photo ops,” Schwartz told Inc. “So they’ve become more detailed, with greater realism or with more striking special effects.”
“Creativity is nurtured more in today’s society, and now you can show it to tens of thousands and more due to social media,” Coyle says.
An Inc.com Featured Presentation
While some costumes go viral for their uncanny resemblance to the original, others go viral for their ingenuity and specificity.
Remember the “Alexander, come back to sleep” and “Let it grow” trends, popular earlier this year on social? Probably not, unless you’re chronically online. But those are both costumes.
For slightly less obscure cultural costume ideas, consider dressing as a New York rat reacting to the city’s Rat Tzar, or a “performative male” sporting a matcha latte and feminist literature in their back pocket.
Despite many Halloween revelers looking to become viral hits, others want to fit in with their community, embracing hyper-niche costumes nodding to specific cultural moments. An internet trend known as “Gay Halloween” takes niche to an extreme. The idea is for only a handful of people to understand your reference.
“Folks in the LGBTQ community, especially those who are Millennials and Gen-Z, use Halloween as an opportunity to put on a costume that reflects a viral meme, TikTok challenge, or an of-the-moment television character,” Robert Conner told Inc.
The Washington, D.C.-based public relations manager is throwing a Gay Halloween party with his boyfriend. There, if you’re lucky to snag an invite, you might run into someone dressed in a trench coat and ballet flats accompanied by a curly-haired girlfriend, a reference to the now infamous “trench coat buttoned to the top” Lilly-Rose Depp meme, or a costume that somehow evokes the viral “nothing beats a Jet2 holiday” meme.
“Halloween gives lots of people an excuse to express a deeper part of themselves that they may not show on an everyday basis,” Coyle says. “On Halloween, you can dare to be different.”
Just make sure that being different doesn’t involve guts and gore. Coyle notes that scary is out: “Killers aren’t cool. Doing the ‘floss’ dance while dressed up like someone from Fortnite is cool. Being clever and lighthearted is much cooler than just doing creepy stuff.”
new video loaded: A Haunted Tour of the Met Museum
Zachary Small, culture reporter, takes us on a tour of his four favorite spooky artworks at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. You’re in for a scare: they include a decapitation platter and a sculpture of a rumored cannibal.
By Zachary Small, Edward Vega, David Seekamp and Joey Sendaydiego
October 31, 2025
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Zachary Small, Edward Vega, David Seekamp and Joey Sendaydiego
This Halloween, Houston’s food scene is serving up the frights and bites, from haunted pop-up bars and cocktail-filled costume parties to family-friendly treats and trick-or-treat style dining. Check out our 2025 Halloween Food and Drink Guide to dig into the bites, drinks and spooky happenings this haunted holiday.
Friday–Saturday
4721 North Main
Jane and the Lion Bakehouse debuts dinner service with cozy, seasonal three-course suppers served Thursday through Saturday at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Expect locally sourced ingredients, rotating chalkboard menus and chef Jane Wild’s signature no-shortcuts style. Soft launch seatings kick off on Halloween night, with regular service in November. Reservations required.
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
9724 Hillcroft
Houston’s iconic New York Deli & Coffee Shop is throwing a party to celebrate five decades of bagels, schmears and community love. The free family-friendly bash will feature 50=cent wood-fired pizza slices, deli favorites, cookie decorating, tie-dye and face painting stations, merch giveaways and a live DJ spinning tunes all afternoon.
Fall Katy Sip & Stroll at The ARK by Norris Event Center
Saturday, 6 to 9 p.m.
21402 Merchants
As the sun sets, hit the 30th annual Katy Sip N Stroll for its Let’s Glow event, featuring a glow-up theme with vibrant colors, sparkling sips and an after-hours ambiance. Fun includes a body paint bar, live music and dancing, electric parade, and tasty bites from Katy’s hottest spots. Tickets are all-inclusive and are $5 more at the door (if available). All food and beverage tastings are included in ticket price. Must be 21+ to attend.
Folks can honor Día de los Muertos with a lively night of food, drinks and tradition at URBE. Enjoy vibrant street food from chefs Hugo and Ruben Ortega, interactive stations, four specialty cocktails featuring Maestro Dobel, 1800 and 400 Conejos spirits, plus calavera folkloric dancers, mariachis, a live DJ, face painting, festive décor, a photo booth and prizes for the best costumes. Tickets are $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
If you’re reading this while holding a bag of mini Snickers and wondering what to wear tonight, congratulations—you’re officially behind the eight ball. Which, honestly, could BE your costume. Just wear black, slap a white paper “8” on your chest, and call it performance art. You’re welcome.
Because yes, for most neighborhoods in America, trick-or-treating goes down tonight. And while the planners have had their outfits hanging on a closet door since Labor Day, the rest of us are scouring Amazon for next-day delivery and considering whether we can pull off “guy who forgot Halloween was today.”
Fortunately, the National Retail Federation (NRF) has dropped their annual list of Top Halloween Costumes for 2025—and it’s basically a cheat sheet for what everyone else is wearing. So if you want to blend in, we’ve got you. If you want to stand out, we’ve got a few last-minute, Big Jim-approved curveballs too.
Top 10 Costumes for Kids: The “Tiny Terror” Power Rankings
Spider-Man – Still your friendly neighborhood spider-kid. Miles Morales and Peter Parker remain undefeated because spandex and sugar rushes just go together.
Princess – Eternal classic. If your daughter says “I’m a princess,” don’t overthink it. You can literally put her in any sparkly dress and she’s royalty. Bonus points if Dad shows up as the carriage Uber driver.
Witch – Easy, timeless, and perfect for when you realize you’ve run out of face paint and creativity. A broom and attitude go a long way.
Ghost – Simple, spooky, and laundry-dependent. (Pro tip: Cut holes in the bottom of an old sheet and tell everyone you’re a ghost that gave up halfway through haunting season.)
Superhero (generic) – Translation: “Mom couldn’t find the right cape.” Still works.
Batman – The Bat signal is apparently visible from every Target in America.
Superman – Because tights and a cape are the kid equivalent of feeling invincible.
Wednesday Addams – Still reigning as the queen of deadpan. One smirk, one braid, and you’ve nailed it.
KPop Demon Hunters – A newcomer cracking the Top 10, based on the movie of the same name. If your kid is wearing bright colors, wielding a glowing prop sword, and singing about demons—just smile and nod. They’re “on trend.”
Vampire – Always in style. Just maybe skip the fake blood if your kid’s costume doubles as their church outfit.
Top 10 Costumes for Adults: The “Trick-or-Tequila” List
Witch – It’s basically the yoga pants of Halloween costumes.
Vampire – You get to wear black, look mysterious, and justify your resting “I’m over this” face.
Pirate – Because “arrrr” sounds cooler than “I didn’t do laundry.”
Cat or Batman (tie) – Someone at the NRF really phoned this one in. But hey, “Catwoman” solves both. Add ears and confidence issues—you’re golden.
Superman – Still flying high. (Although at most adult parties, it’s more “Superman who forgot his cape in the Uber.”)
Ghost – Cheap, easy, and good for introverts who want to say hi without being seen.
The Addams Family – A whole group costume that says “We coordinated,” which means one person did all the work and the rest just showed up.
Zombie – Makeup optional if you’ve got a toddler.
Princess – You laugh, but grown women are reclaiming their tiaras. And good for them.
Star Wars – Because you can’t go wrong with a galaxy far, far away. Just maybe skip the lightsaber duel in your neighbor’s driveway.
Top 10 Pet Costumes: Because Why Should Humans Have All the Humiliation?
Pumpkin – Classic, round, and adorable.
Hot Dog – The world’s most literal pun. Also, we’ve reached the point where costume manufacturers should have to specify food hot dog vs. weird sexy hot dog.
Bumble Bee – Because nothing says “sting of regret” like dressing your dog in yellow stripes.
Ghost/Superhero (tie) – Either way, they’ll look confused and mildly betrayed.
Bat – Bonus points if you call them “Bark Knight.”
Dog – Yes, this is real. If your dog goes as a dog, you’ve officially achieved the “I’m not doing this” costume level.
Witch – Works best if your pet already has a naturally judgmental expression.
Spider – Always hilarious, always ends with your pet trying to bite off one of its fake legs.
Batman – Because even your pug can fight crime. Slowly.
Cat – If your cat dresses as a cat, congratulations—you own an anarchist.
Fun fact: One in six people believe their pets enjoy dressing up for Halloween. Which is fascinating, because one in six people are also very wrong.
Big Jim’s Last-Minute Costume Hacks
If all else fails, go conceptual. That’s where the comedy lives.
“Behind the Eight Ball” – Wear black, tape a paper “8” on your shirt, and carry a small bottle of regret.
“404 Costume Not Found” – Write it on a plain T-shirt and look annoyed.
“Freudian Slip” – Label yourself “Mommy Issues.” Works best if you’re wearing an actual slip (or bravery).
“Ghosted” – Carry your phone, stare at it sadly, and tell people, “She never texted back.”
“Michigan Construction Zone” – Reflective vest, orange cones, and move really slow. Terrifyingly accurate.
The Final Bite of Candy Corn
Whether you’re rocking a $200 costume or wrapping yourself in aluminum foil to become “leftover burrito,” Halloween isn’t about perfection—it’s about participation. Grab a pillowcase, throw on whatever costume makes you laugh (or at least won’t get you arrested), and enjoy the one night a year when adults, kids, and dogs all get to act equally ridiculous.
Just remember: if your “sexy vampire” outfit makes you cold, your “lazy ghost” costume’s slipping off, and your “Batdog” refuses to walk, congratulations—you’re doing Halloween exactly right.
Jim O’Brien is the Host of “Big Jim’s House” Morning Show at 94.7 WCSX in Detroit. Jim spent eight years in the U.S. Naval Submarine Service, has appeared on Shark Tank (Man Medals Season 5 Ep. 2), raised over two million dollars for local charities and is responsible for Glenn Frey Drive and Bob Seger Blvd in the Motor City. Jim’s relationship with Classic Rock includes considering Bob Seger, Phil Collen from Def Leppard, Wally Palmer of the Romantics and many others good friends. Jim writes about ‘80s movies, cars, weird food trends and “as seen on TikTok” content.
When KC Neufeld announced on her Denver neighborhood’s Facebook page that her family would be handing out ramen and packs of macaroni and cheese in addition to candy this Halloween, she wasn’t expecting much of a response.The mother of twin 4-year-olds was just hoping to make a small difference in her working-class neighborhood as food aid funding for tens of millions of vulnerable Americans is expected to end Friday due to the government shutdown.Video above: Before the Candy, Think Safety: Halloween Tips Every Parent Should KnowWithin two days, nearly 3,000 people had reacted to Neufeld’s post, some thanking her and others announcing they would follow suit.”This post blew up way more than I ever anticipated and I’m severely unprepared,” said Neufeld, 33, explaining that she is heading back to the store to get more food despite her family hitting their grocery budget for the week.”I wish I could just buy out this whole aisle of Costco,” she added. “I can’t. But I’ll do what I can.”Neufeld is one of many people across the U.S. preparing to give out shelf-stable foods to trick-or-treaters this year to help fill the void left by looming cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which helps about one in eight Americans buy groceries. A flurry of widely shared posts have popped up over the last several days as many people look for ways to help offset the surge in need. Some posts suggest foods to give out while others show recently acquired stocks of cheese sticks, mini cereals, canned soup or even diapers ready for trick-or-treaters. Video below: Homemade Halloween treats to be given to childrenPosts are often followed by a string of comments from people announcing similar plans, along with plenty of reminders not to forget the candy.Emily Archambault, 29, and her sister-in-law Taylor Martin, 29, in La Porte, Indiana, will be putting out pasta and sauce, peanut butter and jelly, cereal and other foods, along with diapers and wipes on Halloween. They’re also collecting donations from members of their church.Their plan is to set everything out on a table away from where they’re giving out candy, so families can take what they need without worrying about judgement.”It kind of takes a little bit of pressure off of the parents,” said Martin. “You’re out and about trick or treating and it’s there and your kids probably won’t even notice you’re taking it.”Archambault said she relied on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC, after her son’s medical complications forced her to stop working temporarily. Losing that assistance would have meant turning to food pantries. And while she said there are great ones in her area, she expects them to be overrun.”We have to band together,” she said. “I am grateful to have received benefits, and I am even more grateful to be able to give back now.”Erika Dutka, who depends on SNAP to feed herself and her three children in Archbald, Pennsylvania, went to a “trunk or treat” Sunday with people giving out candy from the trunks of cars. She said she was relieved to get packs of ramen, oatmeal, juice, pretzels and fruit snacks in addition to sweet treats.The 36-year-old — who works two jobs and goes to school full-time — said the food means she’ll have plenty of school snacks for her children the rest of the week and can save her last $100 of SNAP funds.”It buys me more time,” she said. “Maybe things will change. Maybe it’ll get turned back on.” Neufeld, the Denver mom stockpiling shelf-stable items for trick-or-treaters, said she relied on a food bank at her college to get through school. She said most people would never have known she was really struggling. And now, with SNAP drying up, she wants people to remember not to assume anything about others.”You truly don’t know what other people are going through,” she said. “So even if they don’t ‘look like they need help,’ it’s still important to just give when you can because it can make a huge difference.”
When KC Neufeld announced on her Denver neighborhood’s Facebook page that her family would be handing out ramen and packs of macaroni and cheese in addition to candy this Halloween, she wasn’t expecting much of a response.
The mother of twin 4-year-olds was just hoping to make a small difference in her working-class neighborhood as food aid funding for tens of millions of vulnerable Americans is expected to end Friday due to the government shutdown.
Video above: Before the Candy, Think Safety: Halloween Tips Every Parent Should Know
Within two days, nearly 3,000 people had reacted to Neufeld’s post, some thanking her and others announcing they would follow suit.
“This post blew up way more than I ever anticipated and I’m severely unprepared,” said Neufeld, 33, explaining that she is heading back to the store to get more food despite her family hitting their grocery budget for the week.
“I wish I could just buy out this whole aisle of Costco,” she added. “I can’t. But I’ll do what I can.”
Neufeld is one of many people across the U.S. preparing to give out shelf-stable foods to trick-or-treaters this year to help fill the void left by looming cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which helps about one in eight Americans buy groceries.
A flurry of widely shared posts have popped up over the last several days as many people look for ways to help offset the surge in need. Some posts suggest foods to give out while others show recently acquired stocks of cheese sticks, mini cereals, canned soup or even diapers ready for trick-or-treaters.
Video below: Homemade Halloween treats to be given to children
Posts are often followed by a string of comments from people announcing similar plans, along with plenty of reminders not to forget the candy.
Emily Archambault, 29, and her sister-in-law Taylor Martin, 29, in La Porte, Indiana, will be putting out pasta and sauce, peanut butter and jelly, cereal and other foods, along with diapers and wipes on Halloween. They’re also collecting donations from members of their church.
Their plan is to set everything out on a table away from where they’re giving out candy, so families can take what they need without worrying about judgement.
“It kind of takes a little bit of pressure off of the parents,” said Martin. “You’re out and about trick or treating and it’s there and your kids probably won’t even notice you’re taking it.”
Archambault said she relied on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC, after her son’s medical complications forced her to stop working temporarily. Losing that assistance would have meant turning to food pantries. And while she said there are great ones in her area, she expects them to be overrun.
“We have to band together,” she said. “I am grateful to have received benefits, and I am even more grateful to be able to give back now.”
Erika Dutka, who depends on SNAP to feed herself and her three children in Archbald, Pennsylvania, went to a “trunk or treat” Sunday with people giving out candy from the trunks of cars. She said she was relieved to get packs of ramen, oatmeal, juice, pretzels and fruit snacks in addition to sweet treats.
The 36-year-old — who works two jobs and goes to school full-time — said the food means she’ll have plenty of school snacks for her children the rest of the week and can save her last $100 of SNAP funds.
“It buys me more time,” she said. “Maybe things will change. Maybe it’ll get turned back on.”
Neufeld, the Denver mom stockpiling shelf-stable items for trick-or-treaters, said she relied on a food bank at her college to get through school. She said most people would never have known she was really struggling. And now, with SNAP drying up, she wants people to remember not to assume anything about others.
“You truly don’t know what other people are going through,” she said. “So even if they don’t ‘look like they need help,’ it’s still important to just give when you can because it can make a huge difference.”
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump hosted star athletes, princesses, dinosaurs and at least one Trump impersonator at the White House’s annual Halloween event Thursday.
Hours after the president returned from a dayslong trip to Asia, the first couple — sans costumes — spent just under an hour handing out full-size chocolate bars to a line of trick-or-treaters, including military and law enforcement families, foster and adoptive families, and the children of Trump administration staffers.
“It’s a long line,” Mr. Trump shouted to the press at one point, according to a pool reporter. “It’s almost as big as the ballroom.”
The Air Force Band played a combination of spooky tunes and pop hits, including instrumental versions of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive” and Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.”
The president and first lady hand out candy to a trick-or-treater seemingly dressed up like Mr. Trump on Oct. 30, 2025.
JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images
President Trump high-fives his doppelgänger.
Jacquelyn Martin / AP
President Trump balances a piece of candy atop a trick-or-treater seemingly dressed as electronic DJ Mashmallo, reenacting a viral moment from the White House’s 2019 Halloween party.
Alex Brandon / AP
A group of trick-or-treaters come dressed as the president’s favorite fast-food joint.
Jacquelyn Martin / AP
The first lady comforts a young trick-or-treater.
Alex Brandon / AP
The president hands out candy to a visitor.
Alex Brandon / AP
Mr. Trump signs a golf ball for a trick-or-treater dressed up as a pro golfer.
JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images
The president greets Winnie-the-Pooh and retired NFL great Tom Brady.
Alex Wong / Getty Images
The Trumps hand out candy to White House adviser Stephen Miller, his wife, Katie Miller (dressed as a skeleton), and their children.
Jacquelyn Martin / AP
President Trump greets White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, her husband, Nicholas Riccio, and their son, Niko.
Jacquelyn Martin / AP
Alex Brandon / AP
The president marvels at one costume.
JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images
Alex Wong / Getty Images
The Trumps hand out candy to a family dressed as characters from “Sesame Street.”
I know you’ve seen it. The glowing eyes. The gangly frame that should not be able to stand, propped up by rods unseen in the dark.
It is Skelly, the Home Depot skeleton—the most fashionable Home Depot product of probably the past decade. If you live in America, this skeleton presides over a yard near you. And newly this year, a smaller, 6.5-foot “Ultra Skelly” is outfitted with motion sensors and motors to make life truly weird—and also act as a strange alarm system against package thieves and hungry opossums.
Anyway, it’s usually well north of $200. But because Halloween is pretty much already happening, Skelly and its entire skeleton brood of giant cat and dog are all 75 percent off.
Which, finally, is a price I’m willing to pay. I have secretly coveted this skeleton and its kin, the comically grim watchmen of American October. But I, like my father before me and his father before him, am a cheapskate about all things but food and drink, and will talk myself out of anything that’s not (a) edible, (b) potable, or (c) verifiably “a deal.”
Well, here I am, world. This is a deal. Ultra Skelly is $70. The sitting Skelly dog is $63, not $249. The 5-foot-long Skelly cat is a mere $50. Beware the Skelly cat, my friend! The eyes that light, the claws that do nothing in particular!
Availability is, let’s say, scarce. Skelly is already out of stock for delivery from The Home Depot, at least in my zip code: Just the dog and cat can speed their way through the night to join you before Halloween.
Halloween can mean a lot of things to a lot of different people. An excuse to dress up in an absurd costume. An occasion to binge-watch horror movies. An opportunity, regardless of your age, to restock on candy.
Unfortunately, that last thing might be a little bit more difficult this year, if a new report about Halloween candy is any indication. A new analysis from the Century Foundation and the Groundwork Collaborative estimates that candy prices are increasing by 10.8% this year, when compared to 2024 numbers. The numbers are even worse for certain chocolate candy, with Hershey variety packs increasing by over 22%, and Tootsie Rolls and Tootsie Pops by more than 32%.
There are a number of reasons for this increase, including the Trump administration’s tariffs and the rising threat of global warming. The impact on chocolate, in particular, can also be traced to a years-long ongoing cocoa shortage in West Africa, after the location’s crops were impacted by climate change.
“Our food system is really global,” Alex Villacis, a food economist at the Ohio State University, told The Guardian. “Something that is happening in west Africa will ultimately have an impact on your front porch this Halloween season.”
This price increase can amount to packs of Halloween candy costing a few dollars more than they did in previous years — something that might not be apparent at first, especially given the rising prices of… practically everything over the course of this year. But it still might have an impact here and there on families, and those simply eager to get candy, throughout Halloween weekend. Honestly, it maybe already has, given the number of local trunk-or-treat events that have seemed to be happening every weekend in October.
An ode to “Full Bars”…
If this increase is already impacting the fun-size variety packs of candy, it’s pretty safe to assume that it is impacting one of the biggest indulgences of Halloween: full-size candy bars. Are they already available year-round? Yes. But as a kid, nothing beat the joy of being gifted a normal-sized Reese’s Cup or Snickers while out trick-or-treating. It felt luxurious and precious, particularly when compared to the piles of smaller candy in your stash. Even as an adult, occasionally treating myself to a full-size bar of Hershey’s chocolate is something that I cherish, especially around the Halloween season.
The 2012 Halloween episode of Bob’s Burgers, “Full Bars”, encapsulates this joy like few pieces of media have been able to. After the Belcher kids are given permission to trick-or-treat on their own for the first time, they make a pilgrimage to a nearby rich neighborhood where nearly every house gives out full-size candy bars. Hijinks obviously ensue, but the euphoria of being gifted such large quantities of candy makes it all worth it for them.
It has already been weird trying to get into the fall spirit this year, especially when it basically still felt like summer outside until midway through October. As I’ve begrudgingly gotten dressed in shorts and without a cute fall jacket, a part of me has hoped that that temperature change would wake some people up to the reality of global warming (especially caused by AI). Unfortunately, maybe this impact on Halloween candy will be another wake-up call, too.
Jenna Anderson is the host of the Go Read Some Comics YouTube channel, as well as one of the hosts of the Phase Hero podcast. She has been writing professionally since 2017, but has been loving pop culture (and especially superhero comics) for her entire life. You can usually find her drinking a large iced coffee from Dunkin and talking about comics, female characters, and Taylor Swift at any given opportunity.
By choreographing dazzling lights and upbeat music, this Halloween display gets kids dancing instead of scaring them.
PEARLAND, Texas — Halloween in the Southern Trails neighborhood comes with a new kind of treat this year. Dentist Jeremy Chance has transformed his home into a high-tech spectacle of synchronized lights and upbeat music, illuminating the community’s spooky season and spreading big smiles all around.
Halloween is tomorrow, and many Northeast Ohio families are planning their candy runs.
To help you choose the best night, we’ve pulled the official trick-or-treat times for Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday in key cities across the region.
Whether you’re in the suburbs or right in Cleveland, these schedules will help you plan family costumes, candy stock-up runs and neighborhood visits.
Be sure to check your local city or township site just in case times change, and don’t forget to keep those porch lights on!
From classic movies with live music to new tunes from Vampire Weekend and a Grateful Dead Celtic band, there’s a lot to see and hear this weekend in the Bay Area.
Here’s a partial rundown.
Classical picks: Hitchcock + orchestra; New Century
This week’s events light up the classical music scene with an iconic film score, a symphony at the opera, and a tribute to the seasons.
Halloween-appropriate: Scary enough? It has to be, when the San Francisco Symphony’s “Film with Live Orchestra” series presents Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo,” featuring composer Bernard Herrmann’s brilliantly spooky score. With the film on the big screen, conductor Conner Gray Covington will lead the orchestra in a live performance of the spine-tingling music. Come early to see the Symphony’s latest Art Installation, “Dia de los Muertos,” for a pre-show treat.
Symphony at the Opera: Since the start of fall, San Francisco Opera has brought dazzling productions to the stage; now, with “Parsifal” up and running and “The Monkey King” still to come, the company is presenting a concert conducted by company Music Director Eun Sun Kim. This one-night-only event features mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack singing works by Manuel de Falla; Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony completes the 90-minute program.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1; War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco; $29-$250; sfopera.com.
New Century, new “Seasons”: The New Century Chamber Orchestra starts the fall season with Vivaldi’s beloved “Four Seasons,” along with works by Dvorak and Bulgarian composer Dobrinka Tabakova; conducted by company music director Daniel Hope, four performances are on the schedule.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at First Church UCC, Berkeley; 7:30 Oct. 31 at Empress Theatre, Vallejo; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at Herbst Theatre, San Francisco; and 2 p.m. Nov. 2 at Osher Marin JCC, San Rafael; tickets $35-up; ncco.org.
— Georgia Rowe, Correspondent
More movies and music
Fans of classic silent films can catch two of them — “Phantom of the Opera” and “Nosferatu” — at Grace Cathedral this weekend. But the real star of the events won’t be on the screen but seated at Grace Cathedral’s famed 7,500-pipe Aeolian-Skinner organ, which has been a key facet of the church since it was installed in 1934. The organ will be played by musician Dorothy Papadakos, who started out as a jazz pianist in her native Reno and has evolved into a world-renowned organ player, thanks in part to her long stint as organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York as well as her Grammy-winning stint with the Paul Winter Consort (their live album “Silver Solstice” remains a New Age/ambient classic).
Papadakos is, among other things, considered a talented improviser, which will come in hand in these gigs. She’ll accompany the 1925 silent version of “Phantom of the Opera” starring Lon Chaney, at 8 p.m. Oct. 30, and the 1922 version of “Nosferatu” — a film that was once ordered destroyed because it was deemed to be an unauthorized adaptation (read: ripoff) of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” — at 8 p.m. Oct. 31. The church — which is a San Francisco landmark and always worth a visit — is at Taylor and California streets in San Francisco. Tickets are $34.50-$44.50; go to www.sfjazz.org.
— Bay City News Foundation
Cool shows, great album
In late October of last year, Vampire Weekend performed two memorable sold-out shows — an evening gig, followed the very next day by a matinee performance — at the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York City. The shows included many longtime Vampire Weekend fan favorites, of course, such as “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa,” “A-Punk” and “Oxford Comma.”
Yet, the NYC-born indie-pop act — led by vocalist-lyricist-guitarist Ezra Koenig — also performed a wonderful assortment of cover songs during those two shows. The list includes a number of Big Apple-appropriate tunes, such as the easily recognizable “Seinfeld Theme,” the Frank Sinatra favorite “Theme From New York, New York,” the Ramones’ blistering “Blitzkrieg Bop” and Billy Joel’s classic “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant,” the latter of which was reportedly performed with a candlelit table and waiter in a tux on the Garden stage.
Other cuts to make the Vampire Weekend setlist were The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside,” Talking Heads’ “Burning Down the House,” The Surfaris’ “Wipe Out,” Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights” and Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back in Town.”
Now all VW fans can experience the shows thanks to “Weekend at the Garden,” a limited edition double-LP recorded during that epic NYC stand. The offering, which includes portions of the two performances rather than the complete shows, is part of the band’s Frog on the Bass Drum vinyl series.
The Shaker Theater is showing the original 1968 “Night of the Living Dead” in a warehouse with a haunted maze in October 2025 in Oakland. (Shaker Theater)
Pop-up theater brings scares to Bay Area
This Halloween, you can see a scary movie in your local AMC theater. Or you can watch one as perhaps it was meant to be watched: In a dark warehouse full of horrific decor, where it feels like zombies could break down the door any minute.
The Shaker Theater is a new underground pop-up cinema in a residential part of northern Oakland. For its inaugural run, it’s been playing George Romero’s 1968 “Night of the Living Dead” during October, with final runs up until Halloween evening. It’s the uncensored, 96-minute original preserved on real celluloid. There will be popcorn and soda and, for more fun, before the movie the theater is playing clips from its “deep archives of rare and bizarre material.” Think Halloween safety films, forgotten trailers and classic monster-movie moments.
To get into the screening, visitors must first navigate a “Corridor of Horror” designed by local artist Rob Vertigo. Picture a classic haunted house, but turned into spooky-maze form. Did your group just lose a member? It’s probably nothing to worry about, they’re no doubt right behind you …. Wait, that’s not Chad! (Screams.)
Details: Preshow begins at 6:30 p.m. and movie starts at 8 p.m.; 950 54th St., Oakland; $18 online or $20 at the door; instagram.com/shakertheater.
— John Metcalfe, Staff
Freebie of the week
We tend to think of great film experiences as those that expose us to brilliant camerawork, incisive dialogue, or a poignant or hilarious reflection on the world at large. But let’s not forget the joys that await us at the other end of the spectrum. There is nothing quite like experiencing a truly terrible film with a room full of gleefully derisive bad-movie fans. There’s a reason why “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” spawned three sequels and too many spoofs and homages to count, and it wasn’t John K. Culley’s nuanced cinematography. Halloween, it seems, is a favorite time to indulge in bad-movie bliss, probably because violent mutant vegetables and irritable aliens fit most comfortably in the horror genre.
And so it is that this week delivers the opportunity to view one of the most glorious and beloved bad movies of all time, “Robot Monster.” The film, in case the clever title doesn’t make it obvious, is about an alien robot sent to destroy Earth but who defies its orders when it saves an imperiled woman from certain death. The 1953 film took four days and $20,000 to make, $4,000 of which was spent on incorporating 3D technology. One of the stars was cast because he already owned a gorilla suit and therefore didn’t need to be costumed. So, yeah, this was not an extravagant production. Yet, it grossed $1 million in its first year and has gone on to be a favorite among those who revel in the wonders of wretched filmmaking. If such a buffet of bad moviemaking – in 3D!! – is your thing, “Robot Monster” will screen at 6 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Internet Archive, 300 Funston Ave., San Francisco. The screening is free but if you feel like making a donation to the Internet Archive or co-presenter the Golden Gate Stereoscopic Society — both of which are dedicated to preserving humankind’s digital history — certainly no one would hold it against you.
When you think about it, Wake the Dead would be a tremendous name for a screeching-loud punk band or maybe a Goth band. But the real Wake the Dead is neither of those things. It is a collection of very talented Bay Area musicians merging two of their musical passions – Grateful Dead classics and Irish/Celtic music. The name is certainly appropriate, as it references the Dead as well as Irish wakes, which are known to be deeply heartfelt and celebratory affairs. The moniker also mirrors the title of the Dead’s 1973 album “Wake of the Flood,” the first recording the band released acting as its own label. Adding to the plays on words, the band’s annual gig at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley celebrates the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), the holiday widely observed in Mexico, in which family members and friends gather to honor loved ones who have passed away.
If all this is simply too much to ponder, just know that Wake the Dead will, per tradition, return to the Freight & Salvage on Nov. 1 to perform a Day of the Dead-themed show at which you are likely to hear high-energy Celtic takes on such Dead classics as “China Cat Sunflower” and “Eyes of the World.”
Details: The show begins at 8 p.m.; tickets are $26.50-$44; or you can livestream the show for $25; more information is at thefreight.org.
— Bay City News Foundation
Celebrating Día de los Muertos
The skeletons are dangling from the windows and looming merrily overhead the staircase in the festive lobby of Davies Hall, as the San Francisco Symphony gears up at 3 p.m. Nov. 1 to mount its 18th annual celebration of the Day of the Dead, the joyous Mexican tradition held to pay love and respect to ancestors who have passed on. The centerpiece of the festivities is a symphony concert, but multiple preconcert family-friendly activities are planned in the lobby and upper floors, including marigold flower making, offering-altar installations, a mariachi instrument petting zoo, sugar skull decorating and costumed dancers from Casa Círculo Cultural. The Symphony, conducted by Lina González-Granados, will perform traditional and contemporary Latin American music associated with the holiday, including Gabriela Ortiz’s “Kauyumari,” selections from Arturo Márquez’s “Espejos en la Arena,” the Intermezzo from Ricardo Castro’s “Atzimba” opera, Paul Desenne’s “Hipnosis Mariposa,” Jimmy Lopez’s “Loud,” Márquez’s popular Danzón No. 2 and Gabriela Lena Frank’s “The Mestizo Waltz.”
Details: Tickets, which are 50 percent off for those under 18, range from $27.50-$175; go to www.sfsymphony.org.
— Bay City News Foundation
An orchestral showcase
The San Francisco Opera takes a breather from its usual regimen of presenting full-fledged and lavish operatic productions to let Music Director Eun Sun Kim shine a solo spotlight on her instrumentalists in a single night concert of music by Ludwig van Beethoven and Manuel de Falla at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 in War Memorial Opera House. The program opens with “Siete Canciones Populares Españolas,” a set of songs inspired by de Falla’s home country of Spain, sung by mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack, and continues with the second orchestral suite from the same composer’s ballet “El Sombrero de Tres Picos” (“The Three-Cornered Hat”). Following the intermission, the concert will conclude with Beethoven’s mighty Fifth Symphony. Tickets, $29-$250, can be purchased through www.sfopera.com.
Zombie Taylor Swift, crawling out of a midnight-blue grave with skin so wrinkled not even Olay’s 47-step retinol pipeline could touch it, pausing only to grab a dusty ‘22’ hat (the one we all pretended she handed us at TheEras Tour, as if we were “chosen”). Maybe she even completes the look with the cursed Junior Jewels shirt — because nothing says undead nostalgia like high school spirit merch from the afterlife.
Your costume? Handled. Your accessory? Still pending. The real crisis isn’t: “What am I wearing?” It’s: “Which friendship bracelet will summon the most delightfully haunted jumpscare energy?” Which colours? Which lyrics? Which era of emotional damage is getting the Halloween treatment? There are literally more options than the number of times we’ve yelled “Bloody Mary!” into the bathroom mirror, summoning a cameo — so we narrowed it down to 50 frightfully perfect Swiftie bracelet ideas to level up your last-minute spooky slay.
Debut 🤠: Sweet Tea & Séances
“Planning my revenge,” but she’s doing it with a couture, blood-soaked dagger — serving slasher final-girl-prequel chic with a country soundtrack in the background.
“I’ll be 87, you’ll be 89,” which may currently be Taylor + Travis canon, but on your wrist, it’s also the eternal love story of two very wholesome ghost charms holding skeletal hands in the afterlife.
‘Should’ve said no,’ except now it’s less heartbreak and more warning label before the third-act body count — complete with a final-girl charm and red beads like legally cute fake blood.
‘Cold As You,’ but now it’s not a metaphor — it’s the literal chill creeping up your arm when you look down at your frost-blue, haunted-bracelet and realise it chose you.
Fearless ✨: The Curse of the Golden Dress
“She wears high heels, I wear sneakers” might be a bracelet-length nightmare, but the vibe is undeniable: full The Vampire Diariesdoppelgänger lore — Katherine Pierce stomping through town in seductive black stilettos while Elena Gilbert is still stuck on the cheer squad, wondering why her reflection is doing something she’s not.
‘Breathe’ basically writes its own horror adaptation — a spite-fuelled murder chase where every inhale is just confirmation you haven’t died yet.
‘Love Story,’ except the proposal isn’t romantic — it’s a fae-binding contract where “just say yes” is actually “just surrender your soul and never see daylight again.”
“This ain’t a fairytale,” but in The Little Mermaidsense, where Ursula didn’t just steal Ariel’s voice — she replaced her entirely, wearing her body like a trophy.
Speak Now 💜 Or Forever Be Possessed
“Don’t say yes, run away now,” except it’s not a wedding objection anymore — it’s the last panicked warning screamed by the final girl right before she watches her best friend get dragged off by the creepy, not-quite-human thing hiding in the shadows.
“Don’t you think I was too young?” now comes with a tiny diary charm — the kind that looks sweet until you realise every secret inside it is written in invisible ink… and only shows up when you bleed on the page.
‘Better Than Revenge’ except you’re not keying anyone’s car — you’ve gone full witch-vengeance arc with a bubbling cauldron, a curse you really shouldn’t Google, and beadwork powered by blood garnet (AKA the ultimate “I hex you in style” crystal).
‘Haunted’ …need we even elaborate? This is the ouija-board bracelet: tiny planchette charm, letters circled in beads like a spiral trap, and a vibe that says you’re not wearing the bracelet — it’s wearing you. Forever tethered, forever watched.
Red 🧣: ’22’ Victims Later
‘Red,’ obviously the official Halloween colour palette, so naturally she gets her own bracelet altar. This is where you pull out your deepest crimson beads, glittering charms, and tiny stitched hearts — not because it’s cute, but because the colour has officially ascended to final boss energy.
“I’ll follow you home,” spoken by 22-era Taylor, who definitely sounded romantic at the time, but, in hindsight, is giving pure stalker apparition in the hallway. This bracelet is full-on letterbox charm energy — magazine cut-out notes, “I know where you live” chic, camped in the hydrangeas like it’s performance art.
‘Holy Ground,’ except it’s not holy — it’s a devil’s tail cracking through the pavement while the choir screams in the distance. This one is a duo bracelet: angel charm for you, devil charm for the feral bestie. Together, you’re the unhinged biblical crossover nobody prayed for.
“In dreams, I meet you in warm conversation,” aka we are fully astral-dating our crushes because they are ghosting us in the human realm. (You’re not delusional, you’re just multi-plane romantic — huge difference.)
1989 🗽: The Synth Stalker Tapes
‘Blank Space’ gives us Taylor’s ultimate bewitching femme fatale — a playful reclamation of the media’s “serial heartbreak sorceress” caricature. So why not lean all the way in? Lipstick-print charms, velvet-red beads, and the energy of someone who doesn’t date men so much as glamor-spells them into accidental worship.
‘Out of the Woods’ needs no translation — the wolves in the music video already spilled the genre. We are honestly never really “out.” Wolf charms, moon tokens, and breadcrumb-trail beads make it the perfect supernatural location tracker for when the forest decides to come looking again.
“Band-aids don’t fix bullet holes,” so forget CPR — this is a battlefield confession bracelet. It pairs best with “I lived to tell it” survivor energy and charms sharp enough to metaphorically (or questionably) draw blood.
“Say you’ll remember me” from ‘Wildest Dreams’ is less a romantic plea and more a phantom SOS, the kind of haunt that doesn’t rattle walls but slips into your subconscious every night just to make sure its memory stays fed. Cue tiny ghost charms, translucent beads, and that soft “I linger in your REM cycle” aesthetic.
reputation 🐍: Burned At The Stake (And Came Back Louder)
“They’re burning all the witches even if you aren’t one” is peak Halloween-era Tay — and not the soft cottage-witch variety, the “throw water on me and see what happens” variety. Think: witch hat charms, black cats representing your eighth borrowed life, and tarot cards for good measure because you’re not hiding — you’re headlining the execution.
“Magician, illusionist” from ‘So It Goes…’ is basically the soft-launch trailer for ‘Mastermind’ years before Midnights existed — the precursor spell. This bracelet is white-bunny-charm coded: tricks up your sleeve, reality lightly bent, grin that says “I knew the trick before you saw the cards.”
‘Look What You Made Me Do’ is the spooky season anthem — Taylor literally claws herself out of a grave like a glamorous revenant, and then immediately switches into the same chaotic energy as Regina George stomping down a hallway on Halloween night. Peak undead slayage.
And because the music video goes full dystopian-horror with that underground robot squad bunker, there’s bonus bracelet potential: get your girl gang together, dip into the hot-pink-and-snake aesthetic, and brand yourselves as matching reconstructed glitch-dolls from the same experimental lab batch.
And how could we ever forget Karyn — the most iconic inflatable snake in pop history, slithering her way through every Reputation Tour concert like she owned the stadium (because she did). She’s got us taking crash courses at Hogwarts just to brush up on our Parseltongue. So grab your best snake charm, twist your letter beads into a serpentine pattern, or even TikTok yourself crafting a snake out of beads — you know that tutorial already exists somewhere between WitchTok and SwiftTok.
Lover 🦋: The Honeymoon Is A Blood Moon
“It’s all me, in my head,” or is it? The ultimate existential callout for anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re psychic or just accidentally tuning into another dimension.
‘Cruel Summer’ — have you ever noticed how every teen horror flick happens in July? I Know What You Did Last Summer says hi. Pair it with tiny sun charms, ominous sea urchins, and beads in shades of “sunkissed-but-sinister” orange, because this isn’t about seasonal fun — it’s about heatstroke, heartbreak, and the moment before the scream.
‘The Archer’ is what everyone’s going to guess when Swifties start playing Halloween Cluedo. Forget the butler — it was the glittering archer in the corner, loading a bow dipped in rose gold poison.
‘Death By A Thousand Cuts’ — but instead of emotional trauma, it’s actual trauma. Like, there’s a chalk outline and your bracelet’s got knife charms. Romantic in the most catastrophically codependent way possible.
folklore 🪵: Don’t Follow The ‘cardigan’
“She had a marvelous time ruining everything,” except now it’s sung through the POV of a seven-hundred-year-old poltergeist who treats legacy-haunting like Pinterest moodboarding. Think timeless but cursed — vintage charms, tarnished elegance, Victorian gloved-finger energy.
“I think I’ve seen this film before, and I didn’t like the ending,” isn’t you hate-watching a dusty VHS — it’s the spirit who’s already watched their own murder on repeat across lifetimes. Eternal spoilers, zero closure.
“I’m still on that trapeze,” is basically the teaser trailer for The Life of a Showgirl. An endless loop of curtain call → applause → reincarnation → same act again. A Groundhog Day circus performer whose spectacle is the curse. Cue tiny circus tents, acrobats, jesters’ hats — pastel vaudeville with teeth.
“I think your house is haunted / your dad is always mad” explains itself — you’ve had a monster under your bed since you were ‘Seven,’ and spoiler: it’s not Mike Wazowski, it is the trauma-fae that clocked your aura early and said, “yeah, I’ll haunt this one.”
evermore 🍂: Ghosts Of The ‘ivy’ Grove
‘willow’ finally embraced its destiny the minute fans held up those glowing yellow balloons at The Eras Tour — that wasn’t staging, that was literally a coven forming in real time. So yes, lantern charms, moon beads, and “meet me in the woods” witchcraft energy. Not a performance — a ritual.
“My mind turns your life into folklore” is code for “you are no longer a person, you are a mythic forest creature in my canon now.” Congratulations, you’ve been spiritually NPC’d into legend status.
‘no body, no crime’ is the charm set for when the sirens are wailing and the shovel is still warm in your hands while your partner-in-homicidal-girlhood is rehearsing her alibi in panic. Cue spiderweb charms, black widow bows, and pastel coffin beads with tiny engraved crosses — the cuter the crime, the cleaner the cover-up.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were still around” is a sweet tribute to Marjorie from Taylor until you realize that’s the exact line that sets off an EMF meter. This is Winchester Brothers territory now — floral cardigan, mediumship one second, ghost-hunting salt circles the next.
Midnights 🌌: The Mirror Witch
“Meet me at midnight” isn’t flirting — it’s a summoning timestamp. The Swiftie equivalent of spelling “midnight” on a ouija board and waiting for the planchette to twitch the moment the release party portal opens.
“I’m the monster on the hill,” says the self-aware creature who knows she’s getting an entire tribute bracelet — cue adorable-but-feral monster charms, stitched fangs, and that “lovable cryptid but make it sparkly” aura.
‘Snow on the Beach’ already sounds like a coastal haunting, but “weird but fucking beautiful” is basically the thesis statement for fae-coded starcrossing. This is a soft witchcraft glamour duet with sea-salt side effects and charms.
“I don’t start shit, but I can tell you how it ends” is not a clapback — that’s oracle energy. A tarot-reader final boss moment for the girlies who don’t hex… they just foresee the consequence you’re about to walk into.
The Tortured Poets 🪶 And Other Forbidden Summonings
‘Down Bad’ is less heartbreak and more crop-field séance, waiting for the mothership’s spotlight to pull you into the flying-saucer afterparty — not to “visit,” but to stay. Permanent abduction chic.
The Tortured Poets Department is a typewriter haunting — the keys rattle on their own, the ribbon bleeds like old memory ink, and the bracelet looks like dusty parchment brought back from the dead: typewriter charms, cracked quills, ghostly letters, clear quartz for amplification, obsidian for psychic lock-and-key.
‘My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys’ is the haunted nursery remix where the dolls are the ones dreaming their forever, and the teddy bears are the cowards sprinting toward the exit. The second devotion feels real. The dolls keep rocking in the corner like porcelain prophets of romance, waiting for the reunion they were promised — sugar-pink and bruise-purple beads, safety pin charms, and the soft threat of “you can run, but I’ll just reassemble you later.” Final-girl energy, but make it dollhouse possession (even Pretty Little Liars: ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’ didn’t go this hard).
‘Guilty as Sin?’ is motel-Bible confession-core — you’re clinging to the rosary charm while pretending that definitely isn’t a dead body in the other shadowy corner. Catholicism, but make it crime scene noir.
The Life of a Showgirl ❤️🔥: The Show Must Never End
The Life of a Showgirl seems all rhinestones and red carpets until there’s that one fan in the front row who died three tours ago but is still tethered to the venue like it’s their unfinished business residency. So yes — bouquet charms, blood-splatter beads, and little red flowers stitched into the bracelet like funeral petals.
‘Opalite’ is the crystal-coded showstopper — the infinity gauntlet of pretty. Soft, iridescent, man-made, and still absurdly enchanting, it’s the bead equivalent of stage lighting on skin. If anything is going to boost your aura stat sheet by +3, it’s this glimmering moon-glass shimmer.
“Something wicked this way comes”isn’t just a Broadway promo for Wicked: For Good — it’s the energy of stomping backstage in black leather boots, knowing you are the danger. That’s not a costume. That’s a soft threat disguised as choreography.
Instead of a revenge “hit list,” it’s a full-blown ‘Wi$h Li$t,’ the Halloween bucket list for dangerous women: curses you could cast, villains you might outdress, and charms that say “I don’t kill people — I manifest their downfall.”
‘The Fate of Ophelia’ — but not the tragic drowning ingénue. She’s gone full mermaid-core revenant, making her comeback in Act II, coughing up stage water like a glamorous, slightly bloated fish who refuses to stay dead. Think swimming-ring callbacks to the music video, mini pool-float charms, and a few crashing-wave beads — ocean haunt couture, but make it Broadway.
So, which spooky-fied friendship bracelet are you wearing — y’know, so the investigators can ID you when you inevitably become the most iconic final girl since “Easter-Egging the Zodiac Killer” became a Swiftie sport? Show off your cursed, cute creations on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook — we fully expect jump-scare level bragging rights. Bonus points if your bracelet can actually summon something.
Halloween can be difficult for children with allergies, who are often left out due to the distribution of risky treats. Once again this year, for the 9th edition of #MyTealPumpkin, parents, neighbors, friends, and businesses are invited to participate in large numbers so that every child can feel fully included in the celebration. Launched in the United States in 2014, the initiative now shines in about fifteen countries.
On October 31st, painting a pumpkin turquoise or displaying the visual on your door (available here) signals to families that non-food treats are available for children with allergies, ensuring a safe and inclusive Halloween.
“Food allergies represent a major and growing health issue in Quebec. When we know that up to 8% of young children in Quebec live with food allergies, and that this segment of the population has increased by 18%, I believe the #MyTealPumpkin initiative takes on its full meaning at Halloween. This activity provides us with a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness among young and old alike,” said Dominique Seigneur, Communications Director at Allergy Quebec, in a press release.
Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that can be fatal in just minutes. It is estimated that up to 75% of people allergic to peanuts will be accidentally exposed during their lifetime. In Canada, ten so-called “priority” allergens have been identified (peanuts, wheat, milk, mustard, tree nuts, eggs, fish and shellfish, sesame, soy, and sulfites) as they cause the majority of severe reactions. In total, more than 160 allergenic foods are listed in the country.
But it’s not only costumes that can be spooky. Sometimes the scary thing isn’t a bad choice by an employee but something that seems genuinely unexplainable. Here are nine true stories from spooky workplaces.
The grabby ghost
People and work strategist Robin Schooling shared:
One of my favorite no-call, no-show resignation stories:
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Manager: “What happened? We haven’t seen you in four days.”
Employee: “I was working Thursday night and saw a ghost in the kitchen. It grabbed my ankle. I can’t come back.”
(And thus… he left and never returned….)
The old hospital ghosts
An anonymous HR professional shared:
Our office is on the grounds of and built with recycled brick from an old hospital. Many times, while in the bathroom, you hear footsteps in front of the stalls that lead to the sink, and then the motion sensor paper towel dispenser goes off.
Many CCTV still shots of ghostly figures in the halls.
The cursed desk
HR consultant Stacy Dennis shared:
We had a desk that whoever sat at it would be fired. 🫣It was a cursed desk.
The Halloween prank that went south
Career adviser Chris Hogg shared:
I worked in an aerospace company (think engineers, think Dilbert) where every Halloween, people, if they so chose, dressed up in costumes. It was a long-standing tradition, and many, but not everybody, dressed up.
One year, an engineer dressed up as a gorilla, head to toe.
So there were about five of us standing around a coffee station, when the gorilla-guy, with only the costume head on, came up behind a secretary (in her 40s) and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around… and screamed… loud enough to be heard in the next county… grabbed her chest… threw her coffee in the air… and backed/crashed into a nearby filing cabinet.
Needless to say, the engineer ripped off the gorilla head, apologized profusely, while I imagine visions of him being hauled away and charged with manslaughter danced around in his head.
Later that day, he and I were talking, and he told me he would never, never, never-ever again put on a Halloween costume.
I’m pretty sure he never did.
The puppy ghost
HR consultant Katie Tanner shared:
Been in skilled nursing for a while.
Lots of stories of “people surrounding patients” during their final breaths, or patients “talking to walls” and then saying it was a loved one.
In one of the nursing homes, there is a “puppy” ghost that roams the halls barking and “licking the hands” of the patients. (I swear I heard it a few times when I was there.)
The movie theater ghost
Senior HR professional Tim Baker shared:
Years ago, before my HR days, I was the general manager of a large Cineplex Movie Theatre in the Greater Toronto Area. This is back in the day of “film projectors.” We had 14 cinemas in the building, so the projection booth was huge and divided into two sides—east and west. Needless to say, at 2 a.m. while closing down the projection booths, it was quite spooky—a long dark corridor with several projectors. And typically, only two of us were left in the building. Ghost stories were aplenty.
One night, I went up alone to close the west booth. I was shutting down a projector, and someone called me from the end of the corridor. I distinctly heard my name. It could only have been the other manager. When I walked in that direction, nobody was there. And then the other manager came walking toward me from the other direction. There is no way he could have run down the stairs, across half the building, and back up the other stairs in that time frame.
I felt the blood run from my face, and I felt cold. He asked what was wrong. I just said, “Let’s get out of here.” He knew what I meant, and we left. I didn’t tell him about it until the next day.
The laughing ghost
HR professional Stacie Racho-Ortiz shared:
My Tribe’s casino is built right next to the cemetery, and the guard shack is at the bottom of the hill. When the graveyard security would work in the guard shack, they would experience sounds, laughing, hearing steps next to the shack.
The stocking-stealing ghost
An anonymous HR professional shared:
I worked in a psychiatric hospital, and the HR offices were in the building that was the female ward. There was talk of if you were in the basement alone, one female would tug on your hair. I was watching security footage around Christmas time, and there were stockings that had been hung up on the wall for about three weeks. Twice, we saw those stockings, one by one, slide off the wall and halfway down the hallway 😬. People also saw a female figure in the attic window.
And for some people, perhaps the scariest chair of all (and for others, the best chair of all)
HR consultant Michelle Vernon shared:
We once had a pregnancy chair—whoever had it as their designated chair fell pregnant. 😊 Does that count as spooky?
Happy Halloween, everyone!
The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.
There will be no cliff divers entertaining guests at Casa Bonita on Halloween as the restaurant’s cast of performers initiates a three-day strike.
On Wednesday, the Actors’ Equity Association announced that Casa Bonita’s divers, magicians, roving actors and other unionized performers would picket outside the pink palace, at 6715 W. Colfax Ave. in Lakewood, following unsuccessful efforts to bargain their first contract. The strike is scheduled to take place on Oct. 30 through Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Casa Bonita serves thousands of diners each week and actors previously told The Denver Post there have been numerous incidents involving guests that had staff concerned for their safety.
The bargaining unit of 57 people has been engaged in negotiations since April, according to the Actors’ Equity Association, and last month, it filed an unfair labor practices charge after performers’ hours were cut to accommodate a Halloween pop-up event.
Now, the union says management failed to deliver responses to key proposals that would move toward a contract. A representative of Casa Bonita could not immediately be reached for comment.
“Casa management came to the table today offering an additional 11 cents over their last unfair wage offer, and very little for future layoff protections,” said lead negotiator Andrea Hoeschen, assistant executive director and general counsel for Actors’ Equity Association, in a statement. “Despite that insult, the negotiating team responded with major compromises to try to get a deal. And then Casa Bonita walked away from the table without responding.”
