While fall break has drawn to a wistful close, Drury and the Springfield community have plenty of opportunities left for students to take a break from studying by getting into the Halloween spirit.

Sticking around campus for the holiday

There are several Halloween events that take place on campus, like Halloween in the Halls. It is an annual tradition in which children from the Midtown area trick-or-treat in Drury dorms that have been decorated by the residents.

But this year, Halloween in the Halls is getting revamped. While in the past it has been a community-focused event, Drury plans to turn the focus inward.

“We had negative feedback (about Halloween in the Halls). Students are putting in weeks of work only to have 10 or 15 kids show up,” explained Alexis Guth, the Director of Residence Life. “Students wanted something for them to do on Halloween, so we had to figure out how to throw an event for students but let them help plan it as well.”

Part of this year’s fun will still be about decorating the dorms. On Halloween night, each dorm hall will be open for a different time for students to trick-or-treat and vote for their favorite door. Sunderland Hall will be open from 7 to 8 p.m., Wallace from 8 to 9 p.m. and Smith Hall from 9 to 10 p.m.

The Halloween dorm event is open to all residential students. Students are allowed to deck out their dorm room doors however they like, and apartment residents are encouraged to participate as well.

Some student organizations host their own Halloween parties. Yearly staples include the French Club’s murder mystery dinner and the Humanities House’s Day of the Dead celebration.

Erica Cervantes is the vice president of the French Club and a Humanities House resident. Cervantes said about the murder mystery party: “Each character has its own booklets, and the night is in different stages. You introduce your character and get comfortable with it.”

The French Club dinner is on Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Humanities House. The Day of the Dead celebration will be on Thursday, Nov. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Humanities House, and will feature the movie “Coco,” as well as nachos and sugar cookies.

A never-answered question: Is Drury haunted?

Not all Drury traditions are so lighthearted. Drury’s campus is known for its history of ghost stories and creepy encounters. Rumors circulate about Smith Hall and Clara Thompson Hall having otherworldly activity, such as doors slamming and strange voices.

“It’s kind of fun to gear into that kind of myth,” Guth laughed, “as long as no one’s getting so scared that it’s affecting their living situation.”

Springfield-area Halloween festivities

If Drury spooks and celebrations are not enough for you, there are plenty of Halloween-related activities in Springfield.

Haunted houses nearby

One of the most popular things to do around Halloween is to visit the Hotel of Terror and the Dungeons of Doom. Located downtown, these haunted houses have been a Springfield staple since 1978. Admission for the Hotel of Terror is $15, while the Dungeons of Doom is $17. Both houses are open seven days a week until Nov. 3, with extended hours on weekends and Halloween night.

“The biggest Halloween night party in Springfield”

There are less creepy ways to celebrate Halloween in the community. On Oct. 31 at 7 p.m., Club Rodeo will host what they are calling “the biggest Halloween night party in Springfield.” There will be a costume contest with the chance to win cash prizes, as well as a dance floor and holiday drink specials. The event is open to anyone 18 years or older. The best part? It is free for those who show up before 8 p.m.

Hell on Heels

Also taking place on Oct. 27, starting at 10:45 p.m., is Martha’s Vineyard’s annual Hell on Heels pageant. If you have never been to a drag show before, Halloween night is a better time than ever.

“It’s a 25-year tradition with only one category: talent. The most outlandish, scary or gross talent usually wins. We have had all kinds of winners, everything from self-mutilation to cannibalism. The kings and queens usually go all out!” said Devion Mornett, manager of the event.

Halloween on C-Street

One of the most exciting events in Midtown is Thriller on C-Street. This free performance is inspired by Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance. You can view the kid-friendly matinee performance at 4 p.m. on Saturday. At 7 p.m. the Dr. Deadalous Traveling Zombie Show will be the precursor to the feature performance.

Following directly after is the 92.9 The Beat’s Killer Thriller After Party at Savoy Ballroom from 8 to 10 p.m. The $5 entry fee gets you access to a cash bar with drink specials, free snacks from Harter House, a “spooky selfie room” and a moonwalk contest.

Got candy calories already?

Of course, the party scene is not for everyone. Springfield City Utilities is hosting its annual Halloween Hustle 5k and 10k on Saturday, Oct. 27. Runners are encouraged to don their Halloween costumes as they race through historic Midtown. Cost to participate in the 5k is $30, while the 10k is $35. All of the proceeds benefit Harmony House, a domestic abuse shelter.

Free Springfield Symphony concert

Finally, if you love the fine arts, there is a late-night Spooky Symphony on Monday, Oct. 29 at 11 p.m. This free concert performed by the Springfield Symphony will take place at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts on Missouri State’s campus. Costumes are encouraged!

Most importantly, stay safe

Whatever you end up doing this Halloween, remember to stay safe. Guth suggests to have a heightened awareness of your surroundings on Halloween night.

“Halloween can bring out the danger in surroundings, so it’s important to go to events where you feel comfortable and safe,” she said.

Drury Security can be reached at all hours at (417) 873-7400. They are on call to provide escorts both on- and off- campus.

Written by Delilah Gadd and Maclen Johnson.