From painting pumpkins and watching themed movies, to dressing up in costume and belting out classic Halloween tunes, there’s no shortage of events set to usher in spooky season on Brock’s campus.

The variety of events on offer — hosted by the University, Brock University Students’ Union and Graduate Students’ Association — are meant to encourage a fun and safe Halloween for all.

In addition to events happening in the lead-up to Oct. 31, Halloween night will mark the return of the University’s popular Trick or Eat event, which will see students going door to door in local neighbourhoods collecting food donations for Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold.

“It’s a nostalgic moment for students. They get to put on their costumes and prepare for trick-or-treating, only the end goal is non-perishable food items rather than candy,” says Jenna Moorhead, Community Experience Co-ordinator with Student Life and Success. “They have fun visiting with residents and collecting donations for a worthy cause that supports the community they call home throughout the year.”

Several educational campaigns are also taking place this month focusing on appropriate costumes, healthy relationships, and responsible drinking and substance use.

In addition to resources shared through social media and email in the week leading up to Halloween, Brock’s Off-Campus and Neighbourhood Relations team, in partnership with Niagara Regional Police Service and bylaw staff from St. Catharines and Thorold, went door to door in high-density student neighbourhoods on Thursday, Oct. 24 to promote safe and responsible celebrations as part of the Don’t Put the Bad in Badger campaign. The group provided students with materials that encourage appropriate behaviour and educate students about possible fines that can be incurred if municipal bylaws are violated.

The Don’t Put the Bad in Badger campaign will continue with pop-up initiatives on campus in the lead-up to Halloween.

“The campaign is a friendly reminder that responsible celebrations — including those on Halloween and throughout the year — mean keeping neighbours and communities in consideration,” says Syerra Jasmin, Co-ordinator, Off-Campus Living.

This year’s Halloween events include:

Friday, Oct. 25

• Spooky Shapes Game Jam from 5 to 10 p.m. in TH 269. This event continues on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 28

• Paint It Your Way canvas and tote bag painting at 7:30 p.m. at Isaac’s.

Tuesday, Oct. 29

• Cookies and Consent from 3 to 4 p.m. in TH 253.
• Pumpkin Painting and Decorating from 6 to 8 p.m. in Market Hall.

Wednesday, Oct. 30

• Halloween Movie Night and Mocktails, featuring Coco, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the International Centre’s Global Commons (GLB 104).
• Free ‘Ice Scream’ from 7 to 9 p.m. in Union Station.

Thursday, Oct. 31

• Art Therapy: Halloween Pumpkin Painting from noon to 3 p.m. in MC-C300.
• Halloween Escape Room from noon to 3 p.m. at BreakOut Niagara.
• The Boo Bash information fair from 1 to 3 p.m. in Market Hall.
• Halloween Karaoke Night from 8 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. at Isaac’s.