How to spend Halloween weekend in the Twin Cities

Want to branch out from costume contests and haunted hayrides?

• We found the spooky, the paranormal and just plain weird things to try this Halloween.

🎭 Live improv in the dark, a musical about history's most prolific murderess and a performance about an unsanctioned psychological experiment. Catch all of these shows and more at the Twin Cities Horror Festival this weekend. $15.

🔮 Visit the Twin Cities' top psychics and mediums at the Fall Festival Psychic Fair on Saturday, hosted by the Lake Harriet Spiritual Community. Get insight on life, contact loved ones from beyond the grave and learn more about your own psychic power. Free.

🥁 This is... Skalloween. Saturday's ska Halloween festival at Turf Club features bands Space Monkey Mafia, The Von Tramps, The Prizefighters and Runaway Ricochet. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required. $15.

👻 Who you gonna call? A live ghostbusting, or "spirit decontamination," is being held in Powderhorn on Halloween. Thanks to reader Brando for sending in the flyer. Disclaimer: We don't know who's hosting, but the QR code directs you to this awesome video.

💀 Celebrate Day of the Dead, an indigenous Mexican tradition which honors the memory of ancestors and departed loved ones, at Grito de los Ancestros / Cry of the Ancestors. East Lake Street will host a concert, festival and procession through South Minneapolis on Halloween. Free.

🎫 Spine-chilling … puppetry? The puppet collective Night Shade comes to the rooftop of the Bakken Museum Oct. 30-31 to call forth the spirits of Minneapolis. $24.

🔈 Ever heard of "The War of the Worlds"? The radio drama, which aired on Oct. 30, 1938, convinced listeners that an alien invasion was actually occurring. St. Paul's Historic Triune Masonic Temple is hosting a live performance of the show by Hometown Theatre Oct. 30-31. Masks required. $30.