So how many Caitlyn Jenner and Donald Trump costumes are we going to see this year? With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, Madison has a lot of events going on this weekend, including:

Friday, Oct. 30

• DMBA Trick or Treat (free): If the kiddos didn’t get enough trick-or-treating at State Street businesses on Wednesday, they can head to Middleton and do it all over again from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at dozens of locations.
• Hilldale-o-Ween (free): This is a week-long celebration. On Friday, enjoy a performance by Ken Lonquist, a laser light show and candy from participating businesses.
• Adult Swim Monster Mashup ($12.75 advance/$15 day-of): The Madison Children’s Museum is adding a Halloween theme to its popular Adult Swim event, including a giant pinata and squash decorating.
• A Freakin’ Halloweekend ($10): The High Noon Saloon hosts this two-day event in which local bands dress up as their favorite “mega-bands.” Examples include Beat of Burden as the Rolling Stones on Friday and the Scars as the Cars on Saturday. Shows start at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31

• Halloween Parade (free): Starting at 2:30 p.m. at Library Mall, follow the parade to the Cardinal Bar for a party that supports Primates Incorporated.
• Halloween Bash (free): This was previously known as the Halloween Block Party Bash. Mike Schneider will be performing at the Essen Haus and The Lower Fifth and Northern Pines Band will both perform at Come Back In.
• Halloween Bash ($8): Badger Bowl’s party runs from 9:15 p.m. – 1:15 a.m. and features a performance by Cherry Pie and a costume contest.
• 80s Halloween Party (free): If you don’t want to head downtown, you can go to Twist Bar & Grill from 6:30-9 p.m. to enjoy specials on appetizers and drinks and take part in a costume contest.
• Freakfest ($10 advance/$15 at the gates): Madison’s official Halloween party takes place from 7 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. on State Street. This year’s headliners are Modern Mod and Racing Pulses. The people-watching alone is worth the price of admission. If you want to save a few bucks, head to the bars early, before the gates on State Street are erected.
• 80s vs. 90s Halloween Costume Ball ($5): The almost-monthly 80s vs. 90s party is always popular, but the Halloween version is always really popular. Dress up as a TV/movie character or music icon to participate in the costume contest. Doors open at 9, and I recommend arriving soon after.

It’s time again to put on your costumes–some sexy, some creative, some half-assed–drink, party and riot–oh wait, we don’t do that anymore in Madison. Yep, I’m talking about Halloween, and for the first time since 2008, it’s on a Friday. Here’s a rundown of Halloween events going on in Madison this week:

Sunday, Oct. 26

• Halloween at the Zoo (suggested donation of $2): An evolution of the former “Tunnel of Terror.” Bring the family to Vilas Zoo from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and enjoy trick-or-treating, a costume contest, an activity tent and the Klement’s Racing Sausages. Friends of the Zoo may enter at 9 a.m.
• Haunted Hustle ($50.98-$98.45): As mentioned in a previous blog post, Madison’s got a LOT of themed races. The half-marathon and marathon begin at 9 a.m. and 8 a.m., respectively, with the route located in Middleton. It can’t be easy to run in a costume!

Wednesday, Oct. 29

• Family Halloween (free): Three days before downtown turns into a big party scene, kids rule State Street and the Capitol Square from 3-6 p.m. Activities include hay rides, a corn maze and trick-0r-treating at participating businesses.

Thursday, Oct. 30

• The Lube Trick or Treat (free): Quaker Steak & Lube is hosting a costume contest and a “scary-oke” singing contest, starting at 9 p.m. Food and drink specials, too.

Friday, Oct. 31

• DMBA Trick or Treat (free): If the kiddos didn’t get enough trick-or-treating at businesses on Wednesday, they can head to Middleton and do it all over again from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 44 local locations.
• A Freakin’ Halloweekend ($8): The High Noon Saloon hosts this two-day event in which local bands dress up as their favorite “mega-bands.” Examples include The Shirley Manson family as Garbage on Friday and Blink One Eighty Boo as Blink-182 on Saturday. Shows start at 8 p.m.
• Halloween Block Party Bash (free): A DJ will be performing at the Up North, Mike Schneider at the Essen Haus and The Lower Fifth at Come Back In. Plus, the requisite costume contest runs from 6-9 p.m.
• Halloween Bash ($8): Badger Bowl’s party run from 9:15 p.m. – 1:15 a.m. and features a performance by the Charm School Rejects and a costume contest. Prizes include a 40″ LED flat screen TV.

Saturday, Nov. 1

• Beakers and Broomsticks ($8): If for some reason you want to play with some bugs, heading to the Madison Children’s Museum starting at 9:30 a.m. UW Insect Ambassadors will be on hand, and Ken Lonnquist will be performing as well.
• Freakfest ($8 advance/$12 at the gates): Madison’s official Halloween party takes place from 7 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. on State Street. This year’s headliners are Atmosphere and the American Authors. The people-watching alone is worth the price of admission. If you want to save a few bucks, head to the bars early, before the gates on State Street are erected.
• 80s vs. 90s Halloween Costume Ball ($5): The almost-monthly 80s vs. 90s party is always popular, but the Halloween version is always really popular. Dress up as a TV/movie character or music icon to participate in the costume contest. Doors open at 9, and I recommend arriving soon after.