As October winds down, Halloween is approaching quickly. In the throes of midterms, it may be a struggle to plan ahead for this Friday’s festivities. You may be asking yourself, “What is there to do in Azusa for Halloween?” Whether you’re looking to stay at APU or go off-campus for the 31st, here are a few ways to ensure that your night is full of fun.
Costumes:
Shopping for a costume can often be time-consuming and expensive. Why not mix it up this year? After all, it’s OK to get spooked out on Halloween, but you don’t want the scariness coming from your credit card bill. For this round of fall fun, get thrifty and shop secondhand. Many nearby stores like Valley Thrift and Salvation Army carry gently used costume pieces and props that won’t break the bank.
Freshman communication studies major Emily Elledge hopes to attend a costume party, but hasn’t yet decided on a specific look for the night.
“I’m thinking either a fairy, Minnie Mouse, a baseball player or referee,” Elledge said. “Those are my top choices.”
If you don’t want to be just another black cat or generic ghost on Halloween, try thinking outside the box and design your own ensemble. An article published by The Huffington Post offers a collection of 25 creative, cost-effective costumes. Grab some jeans, a red-and-white striped shirt and a beanie to be “Where’s Waldo?” Or transform yourself into a jellyfish using an umbrella and some colorful streamers and clothing.
Keep in mind that not all costumes must be instantly recognizable, and they may carry other meanings. Pun-lovers everywhere can appreciate clever costumes. One easy idea is to darken the skin around one eye and dress in all green. Voila! You’re a black-eyed pea.
If you’re looking for further inspiration, try searching for “DIY Halloween Costumes” on Pinterest. You’ll find an array of cost-effective getups and Halloween makeup tutorials ranging from sweet to spooky.
APU Events:
APU is buzzing with excitement for the Switchfoot and Gungor concert Halloween night at 7. The two bands will be performing at the Felix Event Center as part of their “Fading West” tour. Tickets can be purchased inside Cougar Dome for $15, and the doors to the concert open at 6 p.m.
Sophomore social work major Vienna Barnett, a longtime Switchfoot fan, expressed her excitement for the show.
“I think it’s so cool that a big name like Switchfoot is coming to our Felix [Event Center] at APU,” Barnett said.
In addition, Adams Hall will welcome APU faculty and staff to bring their children for trick-or-treating in the all-female dorm on Halloween night.
Events Off-Campus:
The APU men’s basketball team is playing UCLA for an exhibition game in the Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles at 7:30 p.m., which some Smith Hall residents and resident advisors are planning to attend, according to Smith RD Scott Kolmer.
Looking to grab some food before you head out for Halloween night? From 5 p.m. until closing, Chipotle will be charging only $3 for burritos, bowls, salads or tacos for customers who come dressed up to any of its locations. The discount is part of the “Boorito” event, in which Chipotle will donate up to $1 million in sales to the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation, a nonprofit seeking sustainability and providing nutrition education.
If you’re willing to spend a little more, Universal Studios puts on “Halloween Horror Nights,” which its website describes as “the most terrifying 360 degree Halloween event in Los Angeles.” The experience includes mazes and scare zones inspired by popular TV shows and horror movies, including “The Walking Dead” and “The Purge: Anarchy.” Tickets for Friday’s event cost $72 online or $77 at the gate, with Halloween hours spanning 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park is hosting its annual “Knott’s Scary Farm,” evoking a variety of nightmarish imagery in areas like “Special Ops: Infected,” “Ghost Town” and “Fright Lane with Skeleton Key.” The park offers different ticket prices for various levels of access to haunted shows, rides and scare zones. Halloween hours are 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., with tickets starting at $39.
Keep in mind that Halloween doesn’t mandate going to a large-scale production or event. Elledge advised not to overthink Halloween, and that keeping things simple is best. She explained that to her, the holiday signifies a time to “eat lots of candy, dress up and just enjoy time with your friends.”
In the end, remember that limited funds don’t mean limited fun. Your Halloween experience is subject only to your imagination.