By Janelle Hanson, communications specialist, University Marketing & Communications

Across the state, haunted houses and corn mazes are packed with customers looking for a good scare. Don’t forget to check out what the University of Utah can offer in way of Halloween activities — some specifically for families.

Take a break from the ghosts, witches and ghouls on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 1-4 p.m., and join the Fort Douglas Cemetery Tour for trip back in history. Listen to real stories of interesting citizens, their former lives and how they found their way to such a captivating place. Their history will be told by actors in costume and suitable for all ages.

Jim Duignan, retired history teacher and current Fort Douglas Museum docent, has been volunteering with the Fort Douglas Museum for several years.

“My favorite part of telling the history of the people buried here is discovering how they ended up in Utah. No offense to Utah, but it was the middle of nowhere, so for someone to end up all the way out here, they must have a good story,” Duignan said.

The volunteers, dressed in uniform and period costume, “represent a range of people from Col. Patrick E. Connor, who established Camp Douglas in 1862 (which became Fort Douglas in 1878), to German POWs from WWII, to nurses and wives of soldiers,” he said. “We have nine German soldiers buried near each other in the cemetery.”

Here are some other Halloween events happening across campus:

ODYSSEY DANCE THEATRE’S THRILLER
Now through Monday, Oct. 30, 2017 | Various times
Kingsbury Hall[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Thriller is a Halloween Spectacular – it includes all your favorite Halloween characters such as Frankenstein, The Curse of the Mummy and Jason.

$35.50-$55.50 with no refunds or exchanges.

Children under 6 not permitted and student tickets must be done in person at the box office with valid ID.[/bs_col][/bs_row]

FAMILY FRIGHTFEST
Wednesday, Oct 25, 2017 | 4-6 p.m.
Union Ballroom[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Bring your children to our annual Family Frightfest for a fun and family-friendly Halloween celebration.

Activities include:

• Pony rides
• Trick-or-Treating
• Polaroid photo booth
• Lots more spooky fun activities for kids[/bs_col][/bs_row]
  

GARDEN AFTER DARK
Thursday, Oct. 26-Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 | 6-9 p.m.
Red Butte Garden[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]A family-friendly Halloween tradition at the Garden with indoor and outdoor activities, and décor throughout the Garden. This year we are Adventures in Wonderland with Bill the Lizard’s Flower Garden, an Audience with the Queen of Hearts and a Mad Hatter tea party.

Garden members get half off the $12 admission rate. There’s also a KSL deal for a promotional admission rate.

Costumes and fun for all ages.[/bs_col][/bs_row]

UTAH PHILHARMONIA HALLOWEEN: THE HAUNTED ORCHESTRA XVI
Thursday, Oct. 26-Friday, Oct. 27, 2017 | 7:30 p.m.
Libby Gardner Concert Hall[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]The power of the force will be strong at this Utah Philharmonia Concert as the orchestra plays music by the legendary composer John Williams. Other works that will get the audience in a Halloween mood are by Paul Dukas, Igor Stravinsky and more.

• General: $12.50
• Student: $6.50
• Arts Pass
• U faculty, staff, senior: $6.50

No refunds or exchanges.[/bs_col][/bs_row]

CRIMSON NIGHTS: NIGHTMARE ON U STREET
Friday, Oct 27, 2017 | 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Union[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Face your fears at Nightmare On U Street: the Halloween-themed Crimson Nights from Union Programming Council.

Costumes are encouraged–but please remember that cultures are not costumes.

Activities:

• Haunted hallway
• Tarrot card reading
• Laser tag
• Miniature golf
• Kim’s Creatures
• Giant inflatables
• Mocktail bar
• Free food and more

Crimson Nights is an alcohol-free and substance-free event. Free with your UCard and $5 with other college ID.[/bs_col][/bs_row]

FORT DOUGLAS CEMETERY TOUR
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 | 1-4 p.m.
Fort Douglas Post Cemetery – 431 South Chipeta Way Salt Lake City[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Come visit some of our more interesting citizens who are now resting in the old Fort Douglas Cemetery. Listen to real stories of their former lives and how they found their way to such a captivating place. History will be told by actors in costume and will be suitable for all ages. Bring the family.

Admission is free.[/bs_col]
[/bs_row]

OFFICERS HOLLOW
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 | 12-3 p.m.
Officers Circle in Fort Douglas[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]The University of Utah’s College of Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work Student Association, Residential Halls Association, and Lowell Bennion Community Service Center, as well as the Salt Lake Community College Social Work Association, are proud to present Officers Hollow trick-or-treat around Officers Circle.

This carnival-style event is free and open to all children and families. Kids can trick-or-treat at Officers Circle homes, play games, have their faces painted, visit the Fort Douglas Museum and enjoy other fun activities.

Officers Hollow activities are wheelchair accessible and staffed by University of Utah student volunteers.

Nearby parking is available – look for signage and see the map here.[/bs_col]
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SAFEU: GET THE 411 ON ALL THINGS 911
Monday, Oct. 30, 2017 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Marriott Library Plaza[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″][/bs_col][bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]Stop by for free donuts and hot drinks and learn about campus safety escorts, bystander intervention training, the new campus safety website, safeu.utah.edu, and more. Representatives of the University Department of Public Safety, the Center for Student Wellness, the Women’s Resource Center, the Office for Inclusive Excellence and the Presidential Task Force on Campus Safety will be on hand to visit with students and share information.

Please stop by.[/bs_col][/bs_row]