Celebrating the spooky season

Whitworth University’s Halloween and Harvest Festival celebrations began early this year, with most of the events happening a full week before Halloween even hits.

On Friday, Oct 20, The Swing and Ballroom Dance Club will be hosting their annual Harvest Hoedown dance from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at HUB MPR. This “fun night of country swing” is free to attend, and no registration is required.

On Saturday, Oct 21, Whitworth will celebrate its two largest annual Halloween events: the Monster Mash and the McMillan (Mac) Haunted House. The Monster Mash is usually held in Warren Hall but will now be held in the “Sleepy Hollow” of Stewart due to Warren’s temporary closure. The Monster Mash is a chance for students to “dance the night away … in your best Halloween costume” from 8:00–11:00 p.m. The event is free and no registration is required.

On the other side of campus, perhaps Whitworth’s most iconic Halloween celebration will be taking place with likely a few more screams than the Monster Mash: The Mac Haunted House. This will take place from 8:00–11:00 p.m. at McMillan Hall and will feature “nine frightening sections of different haunting themes.” While the Mac Haunted House is free, registration is required by signing up at Stewart’s Monster Mash.

The annual Halloween dance and the Mac Haunted House are usually held over the weekend of fall break. This year the McMillan senator chose to host the Mac Haunted House a weekend early to allow more people to work in the House and attend it, said Eli Harris, senator for Stewart and The Village.

On Monday, Oct 23, Westminster Round will be hosting their annual Spooky Story Night from 5:00–7:00 p.m. in Westminster 113. Members and non-members are welcome to gather and read spooky stories together. This event is also free with no registration required.

On Tuesday, Oct 24, Generation Action is hosting their annual Sex in the Dark night from 8:00–10:00 p.m. Students are invited to gather in costume in the HUB MPR to hear from experts, ask anonymous questions about sex and munch on snacks. Again, this event is free with no registration required.

On Tuesday, Oct 31, the Artist Cooperative will be hosting an Art Co-op Halloween Party in the Lied Center for the Visual Arts. Costumes are encouraged, and individuals will gather to share candy and make “harvest-y crafts.” This event is free, registration not required.

Upcoming Whitworth October festivities

October at Whitworth University is setting the stage for a series of unforgettable events that promise more than just the allure of pumpkin spice lattes and the rustle of autumn leaves. From the haunting corridors of McMillan Hall to the dancing lights of the HUB MPR, there is something for every student this month.

Leading the charge is the iconic Ballard-McMillan (BMAC) Haunted House on Oct. 21. This is not your average scare fest. With its roots deep in Whitworth tradition, this haunted house is a tale of unity, creativity and Whitworth spirit, brought to life by the passionate BMAC community.

As the month unfolds, the Associated Students of Whitworth University have an ensemble of events. The Off-Campus Hangout offers a mix of social interactions, free food and surprises for off-campus students. And then there is the Gator Crawl, a leadership-driven event that merges community engagement with the fun of social dance, pajamas and prizes. Both of these will be held on Oct. 20.

The Monster Mash on Oct. 21 promises an electrifying night of dance, fun and Halloween spirit. But for those looking for a more serene setting, the Westminster Round Spooky Story Night on Oct. 23 is the place to be, with tales that will leave attendees spellbound.

Moving to more serious notes, the Sex in the Dark event on Oct. 24 serves as an educational platform, addressing topics from biology to sex education in the HUB MPR. The Right To Read: A Film for Educators on Oct. 26, presented by the Teachers of Tomorrow, spotlights the importance of education and awareness.

As October winds down, Whitworth has more in store. The Art Co-op Halloween Party on Oct. 31 at the Lied Center of the Visual Arts promises a blend of art and Halloween festivities. And looking ahead to November, events like Oliver Twist on Nov. 3 promises a mix of music, dance and social interactions.

Whitworth’s October is packed with events that cater to a range of interests, from the spooktacular to the educational. Whether it is the thrill of the BMAC Haunted House or the enlightening sessions of Generation Action, this month promises memories that will last a lifetime. So, mark your calendars and dive into the Whitworth magic!