Whatcom County has dozens of ways to celebrate Halloween, many before Oct. 31. Here are several of the advance ones; all are free unless otherwise noted.

Another list to be published next week will have Oct. 31 events. For an advance look at those and for all of the nightlife holiday events, go to bellinghamherald.com and click on the Halloween 2012 events link.

THURSDAY, OCT. 25

Scream Fair Halloween: Henry Jansen Building, Northwest Washington Fair & Event Center, Lynden, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Also open 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and Halloween. Features scary walk-though haunted houses with various themes. Tickets are $13, or $20 for a VIP pass to skip the line. Details: screamfair.com.

Teen Halloween crafts: Lynden Public Library, 216 Fourth St., 12:30 p.m. Teens invited to make scary Halloween crafts. Snacks provided. For grades 6-12.

Mask making: North Fork Community Library, 7506 Kendall Road, 3:30 p.m. Kids age 4 to 11 invited to hear a story and make a mask.

Halloween cards, crafts and treats: Everson McBeath Library, 104 Kirsch Drive, 3:30 p.m. Students in grades 6-12 invited to drop by to make ghoulish crafts; event will have goodies and music, too.

FRIDAY, OCT. 26

"Hellingham of the Dead": Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St., Bellingham, 8 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 p.m. on Halloween. "Hellingham of the Dead" is the survival story of a small town at the onset of a zombie apocalypse. Watch as the townsfolk fight to survive and avoid becoming zombies themselves, one at a time. Price: $8 students, $10 general, $15 on Halloween. Buy tickets at theupfront.com.

Creepy Cabaret: Bellingham High School, 2020 Cornwall Ave., 6:30 p.m. The school's choirs are putting on an evening of performances, desserts, silent auction and Halloween costumes and games. Fundraiser to help send the students to tour and perform in New York City. Tickets: $10. Details: 360-676-6575, ext. 7186.

SATURDAY, OCT. 27

Halloween open house: Old Bellingham Hardware Building, 10 a.m. to noon. Bring a pumpkin to paint, decorate cookies, participate in a costume parade and do crafts at event geared for kids 5 and under; older siblings welcome. Children and parents encouraged to wear costumes. Details: 407-341-4551.

Family activity day: Halloween escapades, Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher, 201 Prospect St., Bellingham, noon to 4 p.m. Hear ghost stories and freaky songs, eat popcorn and apple cider in the FIG, and enjoy face paint, crafts and Halloween games for kids. Cost: $3; free for museum members.

The Hub bike shop's second annual Bike-oh!-Ween Celebration: 5 p.m. Meet at The Hub, 9031/2 N. State St., Bellingham, for costume bike parade downtown, followed by a scavenger hunt and party.

Ferndale haunted house fundraiser: Vista Middle School, 6051 Vista Drive, 5 to 9 p.m. Lights will be on in haunted house from 5 to 6 p.m. for smaller children; after that be prepared to be scared. Cost: $3 per visit or $10 for family of four. Benefits parent-teacher- student organization. All welcome.

Halloween crafts: Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Paint a pumpkin, make a ceramic pendant or necklace, or decorate a trick-or-treat bag. $5 a child; adults free.

Scary movie night in the dark of the barn: Lummi Island Public Library, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Students in grades 6-12 welcome to come to the barn for a scary movie after the Beach School Halloween party. Wear a costume, get your photo taken, treats provided.

Halloween apocalypse: Blaine Public Library, 610 Third St., 6:15 to 9 p.m. Teen event includes food and games. Prizes for scariest and most creative costumes, along with game prizes.

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show:" Arntzen Hall 100, Western Washington University, shows at 9 p.m. and midnight. Audience interaction and costumes encouraged. Allowed props are rice, toast, newspapers, spray bottle with water, toilet paper and party supplies (noisemakers and hats). Movie is rated R. Cost: $3 general, $1 with WWU ID.

SUNDAY, OCT. 28

Early trick-or-treating: Ridgeway Complex, Western Washington University, 5 to 7 p.m. Annual Halloween on the Ridge with more than 150 costumed WWU students welcoming local trick-or-treaters. Small groups will be taken on tours through decorated hall lounges with candy in them. Themes are appropriate for children 4 to 12.

Punkin' Run Car Show: parking lot behind Hardware Sales, near Iowa/Ohio and James streets, Bellingham, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Halloween-theme collector car show to raise money for Project Santa Claus, which provides Christmas gifts to children in Whatcom County. Trophies and dash plaques for show cars. Free to view cars, $10 to enter car. Phone: 360-380-2733.

MONDAY, OCT. 29

Halloween pajama storytime: Blaine Public Library, 6:30 to 7 p.m. Halloween-theme stories and children's entertainment for ages 3 to 8. Wear your pajamas.

Information on these events comes from items organizers submitted to The Bellingham Herald online at calendar.belliinghamherald.com.