Venice is home to crazy characters all year long, but October is especially fun for creative spirits. As we gather details from our usual haunts about Halloween parties and costume contests, here's a look at festive events leading up to the big night.

Now Through October 31 // Halloween Ice Creams @ Salt & Straw
From 'Dracula's Blood Pudding' made with ... gulp ... real blood pudding and chicken liver, to 'Essence of Ghost,' a smoky sherbet with a bitter bite, the Abbot Kinney scoop shop has a wicked assortment of October ice creams to try, if you dare.

Now Through October 31 // Best of The Westside Pumpkin Patches
Corn mazes, bouncy houses and live entertainment are a few of the attractions at these nearby pumpkin patches. 

October 7 // First Friday
Happening tonight on Abbot Kinney, food trucks rolling in for the October edition include Pinch Of Flavor Truck, The MacDaddy, Richeeze and The Tropic Truck. 

October 7-9 // Other Venice Film Festival 
Now in its 13th year, the Other Venice Film Festival (OVFF) will show independent films at Beyond Baroque October 7th to the 9th beginning with an opening party tonight. The nonprofit community event is dedicated to screening full-length, short and animated films showcasing the creativity and diversity of Venice. Opening night tickets are $30 each. General admission tickets, good for one screening, are $10 each. Purchase tickets here and view the schedule of screenings here.

October 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th // Front Porch Cinema @ Santa Monica Pier
Outdoor movie are playing every Friday now through the end of the month on the Santa Monica Pier. City of Gold is showing tonight. Next up—Star Wars: The Force Awakens. See the full lineup here. Movies start at 6 p.m. Bring your own low chairs or rent them on site. 

October 8th and 22nd // Artists & Fleas Venice
The Venice outpost of Artists & Fleas takes over the yard at Westminster Elementary on Abbot Kinney with dozens of booths from local artists and vendors. With the assortment of unique vintage clothes and accessories, you're sure to find inspiration for a Halloween ensemble. 

October 26 // All You Can Carry Pumpkin Run @ Santa Monica Farmers' Market
Take home as many pumpkins as you can manage to carry down pumpkin alley. It's $5 to participate and a fun excuse to wear your Halloween costume before the big night.

October 29 // Zombie Crawl
Hundreds of zombies thirsting for drink specials will creep their way through Downtown Santa Monica bars at the annual Zombie Crawl.  

October 29 // All Night Horrorthon @ Aero Theater
The 11th annual horror movie marathon returns to Santa Monica's Aero Theatre with an all '80s lineup including The Bob, Devil Fetus and Hell Night and more. Complimentary snacks and Monster energy drinks provided all night to help keep your eyes wide open.  All-night complimentary snacks included, plus Monster energy drinks to keep your eyes wide open.

October 31 // Halloween Parties
Stay tuned! We're rounding up details on all the Halloween parties hosted by your favorite Venice haunts.