When the region’s biggest Halloween celebration launched last year, the success was scary.

“The sequel should be even better,” said Ric Cavender, East End Main Street program director. “HallowEast was a big hit last year, bringing together people in the community and raising funds to support our efforts year-round.”

A Murder Mystery featuring the No Pants Players kicks off the event at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Charleston’s Woman’s Club. Tickets are $35.

The marquee event, a Costume Ball presented by Suddenlink, is scheduled for 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 30 at 1558 Washington St. East. Tickets are $25, and the event includes beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music from the Voodoo Katz, as well as DJ music provided by Electric 102.7.

“The location will offer a spooky, old warehouse setting,” Cavender said. “It’s going to be a quintessential Halloween event. You don’t want to miss it.”

More than 30 artists are displaying their ghoulish pieces for ArtMares 2 at Kanawha Players, 309 Beauregard St. An ArtMares reception is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 28, and admission is free. The art is available for purchase with part of the proceeds going to EEMS.

The HallowEast Blood Drive, presented by The Red Cross, will return to Moses Automotive, and Trick or Treat on the East End is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 28.

The Zombie Walk, a HallowEast first, is scheduled for Oct. 29 in the Warehouse District starting at Capitol Market and will end at the Mary Price Ratrie Greenspace with the Old Horror Movie Film Fest.

“We are very excited about the free film fest,” Cavender said. “We’ll be showing the classic versions of ‘Night of the Living Dead’ and ‘House on Haunted Hill.’ We invite people to bring blankets and chairs and enjoy this unique atmosphere. Zombie walks are becoming more and more popular across the country. We hope people will come with masks and make-up and turn it into a HallowEast tradition.”

For information about participating in the Zombie Walk, visit East End Main Street’s Facebook fan page.

The HallowEast “Marketing Monster” is Mark Wolfe Design. Suddenlink and Electric 102.7 are “Phatasmagorical Premier Media Partners,” while C&H Taxi and K.D. Lett Photography are “Paranormal Partners of Advertising.”

HallowEast guides will be available at various Charleston businesses starting next week. Until then, visit www.HallowEast.com for all event details and tune into Electric 102.7 every Friday for exciting updates. The site includes online ticket sales, as well. (more…)