Candy, costumes and decorations have crept their way into stores with the appearance of October, the spookiest of months. Not sure what to do this year? Here are a few suggestions:

An old standby in the Santa Clarita Valley, Lombardi Ranch is family-owned, and offers the residents of the SCV a place to go and buy their Halloween pumpkins and fresh produce, from a local source. On weekends, the ranch transforms into what more closely resembles a country fair, with bands, petting zoos, train rides, food and more.

Lombardi Ranch will host a Craft Fair on October 10 and 11 featuring various Halloween and non-Halloween vendors, along with Lombardi’s usual forms of entertainment – train and wagon rides, classic outdoor food and more.

For more information, a full list of events, and hours of operation visit http://www.lombardiranch.com or call (661) 296-8697.

The Santa Clarita Runners Club is hosting its inaugural Monster Dash, a 5k run /walk on October 31 at 8am at Lombardi Ranch. Runners are allowed and encouraged to run in costume. Proceeds from the race benefit City of Hope Hospital. After the race, family members and friends will be allowed to enjoy the various attractions Lombardi Ranch has to offer, such as Scarecrow Alley, the petting zoo, face painting and more. The race is limited to 500 participants due to parking restrictions, so registering early and carpooling the day of the event is advised.

For more information or to register for the race visit: http://www.scrunners.org.

William S. Hart Ranch & Museum is the site of this year’s Pumpkin Festival on October 24 from 11am-3pm. The festival will feature a pumpkin carving contest, a bug show and a presentation by the Placerita Nature Center on the creatures of the night. Admission is free.

For more information visit: http://www.hartmuseum.org/ or call (661) 254-4584.

Halloween Performances and Haunted Houses

Canyon Theatre Guild will be presenting Phantom, a musical based on the book, “The Phantom of the Opera,” through October 31. Show times will vary. It may not be appropriate for younger children.

For more information or to reserve tickets visit: http://www.canyontheatre.org or call (661) 799-2702.

Six Flags Magic Mountain will hold its annual Fright Fest from October 3 to the 31. The park will be transformed into a Halloween styled playground, featuring haunted houses, special performances and shows. A special kid-friendly trick or treat area will also be set up for families in mind. No young children are recommended to remain in the park after nightfall, even with adult supervision.

For more information, ticket prices, and hours of operation visit: http://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/ or call (661) 255-4100.

Six Flags Magic Mountain offers limited tickets to Private Fright Fest Night

on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 6-11 p.m. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley. The $75 ticket includes parking, entrance into the Park, Fright Fest mazes, dinner (choice of three items), and dessert (choice of two items). A limited number of tickets are available for the evening. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.scvboysandgirlsclub.org/frightfest.htm or through the Boys & Girls Club (661-254-3063).

The Santa Clarita Historical Society is hosting its third annual Heritage Haunt, at Heritage Junction on October 17, 23-24 and 30-31 from 7 -10pm. The haunt will feature two mazes, two haunted areas, a haunted hayride, a spooky fun house and more.

The SCV Sheriff’s Station will host its annual Haunted Jailhouse & Halloween Carnival on Sunday, October 25 from 11am to 4pm. A $1 donation is requested to enter. The event will include Jailhouse tour, game booths, food, clowns, Moonbounce and more. Costumes will be judged for various age groups throughout the day.

There are two haunted jailhouses, one for adults and older kids and one for younger kids. There will be a magic show; come in costume for judging with trophies! For more info visit: http://scvhaunt.com/ or call 661-254-1275.

Put your candy bags down and head to Mojito for a trick-or-treat post-party on Halloween, October 31, beginning at 10 p.m. While the hours (open at 5 p.m.) and family-friendly features will be business-as-usual, at 10 p.m. the party really gets rolling with live Latin party music, specialty drinks and big prizes for costumed customers. The restaurant will award hundreds of dollars in Mojito gift certificates to winning costumes. Management requests tasteful attire. Reservations are highly recommended. Call (661) 254-2018; www.mojitocuisine.com.

Halloween Supply & Costume Stores:

Name: Party America

Sells: Party supplies, Halloween costumes, decorations

Located: 27029 McBean Pkwy, Santa Clarita

Phone: (661) 259-2392

Name: Party City

Sells: Party supplies, Halloween costumes, decorations

Located: 25670 The Old Rd, Stevenson Ranch

Phone: (661) 254-0810

Name: Halloween Express

Sells: Costumes, costume accessories, plus-sized costumes, masks

Located: 19201 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita

Phone: (661) 298-1374

Name: A Chorus Line Dancewear & Costumes

Sells: Costumes, costume accessories,

Rents: Costumes

Located: 23300 Cinema Dr # 101 Valencia

Phone: (661) 253-0300

Michaels Arts & Crafts

Sells: Decorations, craft supplies

Located: 25686 The Old Road, Valencia

Phone: (661) 255-7132