By Lori Bartlett
Special to the Daily Press

CITYWIDE — Being the final weekend before Halloween, the Westside and Hollywood are putting their spook on, unveiling an array of creepy themed activities and amusing alternatives to keep kids of all ages in the spirit of things. From haunted houses to frightening films to costume contests, the excuses to skip the scary season are slim.

Here are a few options to get All Hallow’s Eve up and running.

HALLOWEEN AT THE MOVIES

Haunted houses and theme park Halloween fests can be too intense for some. For those who prefer to get their frights from film, the Aero and Egyptian theatres offer a mixed bag of treats.

The Aero Theatre is hosting a dusk-till-dawn vampire-filled horror film fest on Saturday. The fright-filled event features six twisted tales.

The films draw first blood tonight with a return to the ‘80s for the Corey-filled (both Haim and Feldman) flick “The Lost Boys” at 7:30 p.m. The ‘Boys’ are followed by a rare screening of the 1973 swashbuckling adventure “Captain Kronos, Vampire Hunter.”

Saturday night’s horror marathon opens with a classic for any fan of the undead, George A. Romero’s 1968 masterpiece “Night of the Living Dead.” Goosebumps will surely emerge during this tale of citizens fighting for their lives against a ravage pack of flesh eating zombies.

The twisted, darkly funny “Re-Animator” follows with gory “House by the Cemetery” and “Castle of Blood (La Danza Macabra)” not far behind.

The story of a grief-stricken father who seeks revenge for his son’s death is the basis for the next flick, 1989’s “Pumpkinhead.”

The series closes with an outlandish Italian fright film “Burial Ground.”

Snacks, coffee and classic horror trailers will be featured between the films. For the true horror troopers who make it all night, free breakfast will also be included.

Tickets are $12 for the general public, $10 for seniors and students and $9 for members. For more information, call 323-466-3456 or go to http://www.americancinematheque.com.

On Tuesday, Halloween day, the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood is screening the classic ghost-napping tale “Ghostbusters” with a special treat for the pre-show entertainment. Ray Parker Jr., the writer and singer of the super catchy theme song, will do an introduction and sing-along to get the crowd into the ghost-busting spirit. Parker Jr. will also be signing his new album, “I’m Free,” after the show. For more information, call 323-466-3456 or go to http://www.americancinematheque.com.

SUPER SWEET FAMILY FUN

The Santa Monica Playhouse offers a fun way for families to get into the Halloween spirit with a sugary sweet tale on stage this weekend.

“Absolutely Halloween” is the story of a young girl named Candy who learns some surprising lessons about life, love, laughter and sugar from an intriguing array of characters. The show requests audience participation as Candy and her friends try to save Halloween.

This weekend, come in costume and get two-for-one tickets for any future family theatre show.

“Absolutely Halloween” will play on Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. There will be complimentary face-painting by Playhouse theatre artists before each performance. Tickets are $10.50 for children (12 and under) and $12.50 for adults.

For ticket reservations, call (310) 394-9779 ext. 2.

A CARNAVAL OF EVENTS

Haunted houses, games, and a huge costume contest are just some of the events featured at the 17th annual Halloween Carnaval in West Hollywood. The weekend and Halloween night will be filled with special events.

Hold onto your pants, or they may just get scared off of you, as you enter the haunted house at the West Hollywood Park tonight, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $1 per person.

Bring the kids out on Saturday for the Halloween Youth Carnival, which features typical festivities such as rides, game booths, treats and a costume contest. Guests are encouraged to dress in costume for the event. Admission is $2 and the Carnival is held at the West Hollywood Park from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The Carnaval is capped by the Halloween Costume Carnaval on the Boulevard event on Oct. 31, from 6 p.m. till midnight. The event features three stages of live entertainment, with musical acts Climax, Nina Sky and Jody Watley.

The Queen of the Carnaval this year is actress and comedian Kathy Griffin. Actor Leslie Jordan will serve as mayor of the event.

On Santa Monica Boulevard, there will be plenty of sights to see and cash to win, as there are three prize packages up for grabs in the costume contest. The first place winner receives $1,000 cash and gifts, second prize nabs $500 and gifts, and third place gets $250 and gifts.

For more information on any of these events, contact the West Hollywood Special Events Division at (323) 848-6503.

MORE FOR THE BOYS AND GIRLS

Games, art, tricks and treats will be a part of the Halloween festival hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica.

Today’s event features a moon bounce, joust, rides, game booths, arts and crafts, music and more. From 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. families can share in the Halloween spirit at the club. Tickets are $.25 each, with most booths and games charging from one to three tickets.

For more information, call (310) 393-9629.

HANG WITH HALLOWEEN PALS>

On Halloween day, the Police Activities League hosts the 15th annual PALloween Carnival. The Barker Hanger, at 3021 Airport Avenue, will be transformed into a bevy of Halloween amusements with games, a fun house, picture booth and costume contest for more than 6,500 guests.

“Each year, the Santa Monica Police Activities League creates a wonderful environment where the kids can be excited and enjoy the fun of Halloween,” says Patty Loggins-Tazi, director at Santa Monica Police Activities League. “We look forward to another successfully spooky event for the kids, and adults, at Barker Hangar.”

The event starts at 5 p.m., with the costume contest starting at 6 p.m. Admission is free, with most activities costing $1 or less. Families can enjoy the festivities until 9 p.m.

For more information, call (310) 458-8988.