As far as holidays go, Halloween is one of the hardest to feel like you’re doing right. There are no family obligations (unless you have kids), which opens up a lot of possibilities. But possibilities can be paralyzing. Without firm plans it’s all too easy to end up home alone at 9 p.m. in your old Jack Sparrow costume, texting frantically in search of the party you didn’t get invited to.

Avoid this lonely pirate fate by checking out our guide to the best Halloween events happening in and around Seattle this month. From haunted houses to corn mazes and beyond, lock in your plans and make the most of the spookiest time of year.

Nightmare at Beaver Lake
This combination haunted house and haunted park will terrify visitors as they traverse a spooky half-mile forest trail. The milder family version runs from 7-7:45 p.m. followed by the “full scare” from 8-11 p.m. All proceeds benefit local charities. Times and prices vary; Sammamish, Beaver Lake Park, 2656 244th Ave. SE; nightmareatbeaverlake.com 

Wild Waves Fright Fest
Wild Waves and Enchanted Village in Federal Way transform like werewolves every year into a series of spooky attractions, including the Chamber of Souls haunted house, Camp Whispering Pines haunted trail, and the Booville childrens’ area. Go for the scares or the conventional thrills of their rollercoasters, open during the festivities. Times and prices vary. Federal Way, Wild Waves, 36201 Enchanted Parkway S.; 253.661.8000; wildwaves.com 

Carpinito Brothers Corn Maze
This Kent corn maze/pumpkin patch offers a challenge to attendees to locate all 12 checkpoints within its massive maze. They also have hayrides, a produce stand and farmyard fun that includes duck races and a goat walk. Now through October 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; prices vary; Kent, Carpinito Brothers Farm, 1148 Central Ave.; 253.854.5692; carpinito.com 

Bainbridge Gardens’ 24th Annual Pumpkin Walk
Walk the nature trail and take in the 300-plus carved and illuminated pumpkins that light the path through Bainbridge Gardens. October 13-14, 6-8 p.m.; free, Bainbridge Island, Bainbridge Gardens, 9415 Miller Road NE; 206.842.5888; bainbridgegardens.com 

Georgetown Morgue Haunted House
The shockingly developed mythology of this haunted house promises a descent into a grisly subterranean world of murder, dismemberment and live cremation. Not for the faint of heart. Times and prices vary; Georgetown, 5000 E Marginal Way S.; 206.762.2067; seattlehaunts.com 

Remlinger Farms Fall Harvest Pumpkin Festival
Grab your obligatory pumpkin in Remlinger Farms’ “U-Pick” fields and check out attractions like a steam train ride, pony trail rides, a mini Ferris wheel and more. Times vary; $19.95 admission; Carnation, Remlinger Farms, 32610 NE 32nd St.; 425.333.4135; remlingerfarms.com 

Thomas Family Farm Halloween
In addition to standard fare like a corn maze and pumpkin patch, this Snohomish farm offers nightly zombie paintball, in which participants defend their hay wagon as it runs a gauntlet filled with attacking zombies. Times and prices vary; Snohomish, Thomas Family Farm, 9010 Marsh Road; thomasfamilyfarm.com 

Into The Basement: An Immersive Horror Experience
Part puzzle room, part haunted house, the atmosphere of exploring Seattle’s real abandoned underground streets lends unparalleled authenticity to this chilling game. Times vary; $22.50; Pioneer Square, J&M Café, 201 1st Ave. S.; intothebasement.com 

Campfire: Improvised Ghost Stories
For the lighter side of the season, this improv session takes audience suggestions and experiences to fuel both scary stories and comedic bits, performed by the troupe Improv Anonymous. Times and prices vary; Downtown, Unexpected Productions’ Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley; 206.587.2414; unexpectedproductions.org 

Cobweb Chronicles: A Burlesque
Seattle burlesque troupe the Devil’s Advocates put on this narrative show, which also includes a costume contest and raffle. October 6-8, 8 p.m.; prices vary; Belltown, Rendezvous, 2322 2nd Ave.; 206.441.5823; therendezvous.rocks 

Monster Mash Dash 5K
Shoreline sponsors this 5K along its stretch of the Interurban Trail, encouraging costumes and prizes for the best dressed. October 7, 9 a.m.; $10; Shoreline, Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave. N.; 206.801.2600; shorelinewa.gov 

Keep Fremont Freaky Pop-Up
Fremont keeps it weird with this event that seeks to help residents prepare for Halloween by highlighting the costuming resources native to the neighborhood along with makeup tips, face painting and a costume contest for those who need no instruction. October 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; free; Fremont, Fremont Sunday Market, 3401 Evanston Ave. N.; fremontmarket.com 

Seattle Chocolate Haunted Factory Tour
Let’s be honest, Halloween is about the candy. So take your Halloween celebration straight to the source with this haunted house inside the Seattle Chocolate factory. Get all the frights of the holiday without having to risk the horror of neighbors who give out “fun size” treats. Times and prices vary; Tukwila, Seattle Chocolates, 1180 Andover Park W.; 425.264.2705; experiencechocolate.co 

Halloween Pub Crawl
Begin in Downtown Seattle and work your way south to Pioneer Square during this 14-hour drinking marathon that makes stops at Kell’s, Blarney Stone, Fado and many other bars. With wristbands available at all stops along the way, it’s easy to drop in and drop out as you please. October 21, 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.; prices and locations vary; Eventbrite.com 

Hilloween
Capitol Hill’s annual kid-friendly celebration features a kiddie carnival, costume parade and trick-or-treating along Broadway, Pike and Pine. October 28, noon to 6 p.m.; free; Capitol Hill, specific locations vary; caphilloween.com 

Fall Harvest Festival at Bob’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Farm
Bob’s Farm is known for its sweet corn, but the country store that accompanies their 10 acre corn maze sells all kinds of seasonal vegetables and even offers bottling of local honey. Times and prices vary; Snohomish, Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm, 10917 Elliott Road; 360.668.2506; bobscorn.com