The spooky season is underway, and Vancouverites are always looking for a good scare or two. Pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and the annual Halloween Ghost Train in Stanley Park are some of the city’s regular attractions. But this Halloween, trick-or-treat yourselves to a scare with an artful spin. Here are some noteworthy events that will haunt you via music, interactive storytelling, theatre, and other creative frights.

Judge Dee’s Chinatown Haunted House

Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall Street)

When: Through next Saturday (October 31), 7 to 10 p.m.

What: Inspired by gruesome stories of Judge Dee, a famous detective in Tang Dynasty China, Seven Tyrant Theatre’s performers will spook visitors as they make their way through this terrifying haunted house for adults.

The Lost Souls of Gastown

Where: Meet at Cathedral Square, across from Holy Rosary Cathedral at the intersection of Dunsmuir and Richards streets

When: Through next Saturday (October 31), starting at 7, 8, and 9 p.m. Continues to November 14 with an 8 p.m. start.

What: A gothic theatre adventure that emphasizes atmosphere rather than cheap frights. Guests follow a bobbing lantern through the dark alleyways of Gastown while they’re told disturbing stories of our city’s past.

Dracula

Where: Metro Theatre (1370 Southwest Marine Drive)

When: Through Saturday (October 24) at 8 p.m.; matinee performance on Saturday at 4 p.m.

What: The Royal Canadian Theatre Company presents John L. Balderson and Hamilton Deane’s 1927 Broadway hit, with a contemporary steampunk twist that will thrill and chill audiences.

Halloween Monster Match

Where: The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau Street)

When: Next Saturday (October 31) at 7:30 p.m.

What: The Vancouver TheatreSports League’s improv maestros put on two shows with music, dancing, drinks, and a costume parade that will provide the audience with a scary-funny Halloween evening.

Alien Contagion: Rise of the Zombie Syndrome

Where: A secret location revealed by email after ticket purchase

When: Through next Sunday (November 1); shows every 30 minutes from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

What: An immersive and spine-tingling theatrical adventure in which audience members solve clues, overcome challenges, and save the world while running away from zombies and aliens.

A Halloween Spectacular

Where: Orpheum (601 Smithe Street)

When: Next Friday and Saturday (October 30 and 31) at 8 p.m.

What: The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of conductor John Morris, serves up musical thrills and chills that range from haunting concert-hall classics (Claire de Lune; Symphonie Fantastique) to favourite film and theatre scores (hello, ET and Harry Potter).

Fright Nights

Where: Playland (at East Hastings Street and Windermere Street)

When: Through next Sunday (November 1); doors at 7 p.m.

What: Dubbed Vancouver’s premier Halloween attraction, Fright Nights features seven haunted houses and 15 rides. Guests will also see physical stunts performed by two comedians, the Monsters of Schlock.

Peter n’ Chris: The Mystery of the Hungry Heart Motel

Where: Anvil Centre Theatre (777 Columbia Street, New Westminster)

When: Next Friday and Saturday (October 30 and 31) at 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday (October 31 and November 1) matinees at 2 p.m.

What: A murder-mystery thriller performed by two award-winning comedians and Fringe favourites.

Halloween Fun

Where: Burnaby Village Museum (6501 Deer Lake Avenue)

When: Tuesday to Friday (October 27 to 30); various times

What: Explore the historic attraction with a scary twist that features a haunted village, tours through mysterious buildings, and a family-friendly carnival at the carousel pavilion.