Fall is in the air and spooky season is officially upon us. The more the weather cools off, the more decorations are popping up on every corner and jack o'lanterns are scattered throughout the city. Arguably the best part of this season is the Halloween-themed events to look forward to.

For the Family 

Looking for something sweet? Check out these Trunk or Treat events near you!

The 5th annual Auxvasse Halloween Spooktacular Trunk or Treat will be Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. on Main Street. If you’re hungry, Buchanan’s Pub & Grub will be offering free hot dogs and chili.

Arthur Hills Golf Course Trunk or Treat Oct. 26 will start at 3 p.m. and go until 6 p.m. at 10717 Audrain Rd. 929, Mexico, MO. 65265. Visit the decorated golf carts lining the alley that will be passing out candy and grab a bite at Gosling’s Food Truck. Don’t forget to stop by the pavilion for a “spooky dance party” and Halloween games.

Community Trunk or Treat by Genesis Church in Mexico Square from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. features games, candy and fun. 

Candy not quite your bag? Fall festivities are still in full swing.

Fall Family Fun Fest hosted by First Church of God Jefferson City MO is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1614 Southwest Blvd, Jefferson City, MO. 65109. This event is free and advertises games, prizes, inflatable attractions food and certainly lots of candy. 

Boo-Bash Obstacle Dash at the Mexico Area Family YMCA will be Nov. 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kennen Center. This event is for kids ages 2 to 12-years-old and features a glow-in-the-dark obstacle course. Boo-Bash will be free for YMCA members. Tickets are available at $5 per kid for non-members.

7th Annual Moonlight Event at Hickory Ridge Orchard Oct. 26 will be 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $5 per person and free to children under 2-years-old. Costumes are encouraged and so are flashlights for the corn maze. There will also be Halloween movies, two s'mores pits, games, face paint and more. 

Moonlight Madness hosted by the Mexico Village Square Association will be Thursday, Oct. 24, with Trick or Treating at participating businesses from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. along with kids games at the courthouse. Check out sales and special promotions until 8 p.m. Participating businesses will  include: Kate’s Hallmark Shop, The Sparkly Pig, The Cookie Club, The Coke Plant, Merle Norman, Serendipity Closet, Elly’s Closet, Melody’s Quality Jewlry, Ty-Land, Jim Stubblefield Furniture, Merchandise in Motion, Cassie and Frances Photography, Audrain County Title Company, and The Old Pharmacy Ceramics Shoppe.

For the Big Kids

Halloween Karaoke hosted at Buchanan’s Pub and Grub, 1300 north main St. Auxvasse, MO., 65231

Banner Painting Workshop at the Painted Heifer is Saturday Oct. 26, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Stephanie Paden at the Painted Heifer will lead a class on how to paint your own fall themed banner. The class cost $40 and to register, you can message Paden through facebook or call 636-667-7922.

Dead Factory Haunted House at 2100 E Liberty St. prides itself in being the “#2 must-see haunted house in Missouri” and its right here in Mexico. The haunted house is open every Friday and Saturday every weekend in October and the first weekend of November from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are available for $25 at 6 p.m.; children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.