A favorite holiday for many students is Halloween, filled with costumes, candy and creativity. There is a lot to do near NC State. Whether it’s a scary movie screening or a costume contest, this article is a student’s guide to all the spookiest and fun-filled events close to campus.
NCSU Libraries Halloween HorrorFest
NCSU Libraries is hosting Halloween HorrorFest, an event featuring three North Carolina-based horror films along with workshops. The event was created by Jesse Lopez and Marian Fragola from NCSU Libraries.
Adam Hart, a lecturer in the film studies program, is presenting the event along with student collaborators. These students come from Hart’s horror movie class and include Zachary Smith, Sophie Kenny and De’Ja Hughes.
Hart said they chose North Carolina-based films because many people do not realize North Carolina has such a rich history of filmmaking.
“It’s really fascinating to see horror movies and how filmmakers use the setting of North Carolina to strike fear into the hearts of their audiences,” Hart said. “It’s interesting when you live in a place how scary a landscape can be. Something shot in the woods of North Carolina, something very familiar, made into something terrifying. There’s a different kind of connection you have to the film.”
The final movie screening will be Wednesday featuring “The Descent” at 9 p.m. in D.H. Hill Library.
In addition, there will be two special effects makeup workshops Wednesday with Gregory Hewett, who has worked on many productions such as “The Walking Dead.”
“He will be showing us how to do the horror special effects makeup,” Hart said. “You get a kit and all the stuff you work on you’ll take home with you. It’s really an amazing opportunity, but because of that there is a limited number of people who can sign up.”
“We want students to have fun,” Hart said. “But, hopefully in the back of their mind there is some realization about how North Carolina landscape and culture can be used to terrify. Just about what scares us and what’s designed to scare us.”
Students can register for workshops and learn more information through the NCSU Libraries website.
Survive Raleigh
Survive Raleigh is a game that takes place on NC State’s campus, happening Saturday, where humans and zombies battle it out with the winner being the last person to remain human.
There are various checkpoints people will have to run to throughout campus and the goal is to not get tagged by the zombies, or NC State’s Parkour Club.
Deshawn Utley, organizer of the event, talked about the importance of planning in order to win the game.
“It’s definitely not slow-paced, a lot of strategic thinking is needed,” Utley said. “You need to study the map and figure out your plans of action, any misstep or flaw in the plan could lead you not to win the game.”
Utley said that his favorite part is the horror feel of the game and the adrenaline rush of having to make quick decisions.
Interested students just have to show up with both a black and white T-shirt and a readiness to run.
More information is available on the Facebook page called “Survive Raleigh VIII” which has rules and general information.
Rocky Horror Picture Show – The Rialto
The Rocky Horror Picture show is a cult classic with a viewing and live action performance at The Rialto Theatre every other week. However, the most exciting show of the year is the Halloween show that is taking place Friday.
Byran Wendeln, who plays the criminologist or the narrator, has been a member of the cast since 1991. Wendeln said he loves how much the audience has evolved since he’s been attending the shows in regards to the jokes and general participation. Wendeln said people who have never been to a show should be warned that there is often a lot going on.
“This show is a circus,” Wendeln said. “There are many things going on in many places. There’s a movie on a screen, cast on the stage and people shouting lines in the audience.”
Wendeln said that if people are okay with that sensory input they should come out to the show.
In addition, many people may have heard about the props audience members throw, which they sell for a few dollars at the theater.
Wendeln also talked about the excitement of the Halloween show in particular.
“What’s great about the Halloween show is that there will be a lot of people and a costume contest prior to the show with cash prizes, it’s a good venue to show off your costume creativity,” Wendeln said.
Tickets will go on sale the day of the show starting at noon for $6 plus tax, and they accept cash and credit cards, but not debit cards.
Attending the Rialto’s “Rocky Horror Picture Show” always provides an exciting and entertaining experience for the audience members, and is a great way to do something fun and festive for Halloween.
Glenwood South Monster Bar Crawl
Bar crawls are very popular in Raleigh, and Friday’s Monster Bar Crawl is the perfect event for Halloween.
Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume to win a costume contest and get prizes. The first place winner gets a $200 gift card, second gets a $100 gift card, and third gets a $50 gift card.
The tickets are $15 if purchased in advance and get participants complimentary drinks from the Raleigh Beer Garden, Alchemy and The Cornerstone Tavern along with other drink specials. Other participating venues include the Hibernian Irish Pub and Xoco Mexican Bar & Grill.
This event allows people to flaunt their best costumes all along Glenwood South, and in addition to Halloween fun, a portion of the proceeds go to the Saint Saviour’s Center.
Whether students are more interested in tricks or treats, there is something for everyone to do this Halloween near NC State.
A group of people wait outside of the Rialto for the Rocky Horror Picture Show on Friday, Oct. 30. There are traditions associated with the showing and some attendees dress up for the occasion.
