Halloween traditions never fall out of fashion at UNC Greensboro. Students are picking out their favorite treats and putting finishing touches on pumpkins and costumes. This year Spartans can enjoy hair-raising fun while fundraising for those in need.
The Residential Colleges got an early start with a “Pizza & Pumpkins” party on Thursday, October 17. Students sharpened their artistic skills and their carving knives in a spirited jack-o’-lantern competition along College Avenue.
Faculty and staff – among them, Lloyd International Honors College Dean Omar Ali – traded thinking caps for judges’ hats, awarding students from Strong Residential College the top prize for their “Nightmare Before Christmas”-themed pumpkin named “Jack.”
Each of the four Residential Colleges will hold their own individual event, including a dance, a haunted house to support a non-profit assisting with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and a “Spencers’ Coven” program centered around health and wellness.
Activities & Campus Events was not far behind, holding its own workshop for all UNCG students to decorate pumpkins at the EUC on Friday, October 18. Thanks to these, students can have decorations set for the rest of the spooky season.
There is still plenty of fun to close out October with thrills, chills…and perhaps the scariest of all, a heightened risk of cavities!
Halloween Candy Bags
October 23, Noon – 2 p.m.
Moran Fountain
The Theta Nu Xi sorority will be selling candy bags outside Moran Commons for fundraising, making sure students have sweets to go with their lunch at Fountain View Dining.
Stuffed Nightmares
October 24, 4 – 6 p.m.
School of Education Building, Room 307 (Makerspace)
Take a stuffed animal, rip its face off, and give it a new one with the Make Cool Stuff club! Bring your own stuffed animal, or $5 to use one of ours! $3 for every stuffed animal after the first!
TERRORFEST!
October 26, 6 – 9 p.m.
The Quad
For a third year, WUAG 103.1 FM and Carmichael Studios will present live bands from the Greensboro area with a screening of student short horror films.
Cannibal CoEdz Haunted House
October 26, 8 p.m. – midnight
Ashby Residential College
The Residential College is opening its haunted house to all UNCG students this year. It’s not just about the jump scares. It’s also about people who care. The proceeds from ticket sales will go to Hospitality House, a charity in the North Carolina High Country that is working to rebuild homes lost in Hurricane Helene. Tickets are $5 or $3 with a canned food donation, which will go to Spartan Open Pantry.
Whether to believe in ghost stories from the Chinese philosopher Mozi
October 28, 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Foust Building, Room 206
This lecture by Dr. Andrew Ruble is part of the Philosophy Department’s “Great Conversation Lecture Series” and is free and open to the public.
Second Chance Prom (Monster Mash)
October 28, 6 – 10 p.m.
EUC Cone Ballroom
The student club No Labels invites one and all for food, music, and a Halloween costume contest.
Pumpkin Smashing
October 29, 1 – 3 p.m.
Moran Fountain
In this event hosted by the Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, enjoy smashing some pumpkins to raise money for one of their philanthropic causes.
Trunk or Treat Social Fundraiser
October 29, 5 – 8 p.m.
Definition Church
The Deaf and Hearing College Connection invites the whole community to donate to Western North Carolina. Their event will consist of a Trunk or Treat and a social area with games and activities engaging for children and adults alike.
Día de Muertos Skull Painting
October 29, 5 – 8:30 p.m.
School of Education Building, Room 118
Learn about and celebrate the holiday and culture of the Day of the Dead with a collaborative skull painting event hosted by Corazon Folklórico, Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, and Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity.
Fear Box
October 30, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
EUC Commons
Face your fears! Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority will be testing participants to see if they know what is inside the box. Prizes will vary depending on the difficulty.
Spooky Baskets
October 30, noon – 3 p.m.
College Avenue
Ritmo Latino invites everyone to have a hauntingly good time at their fundraiser. Visitors can purchase themed baskets filled with treats and surprises. Don’t forget to wear your spookiest attire for a chance to win a special prize.
Spooktacular Support: Halloween with Academic Support Programs
October 31, 10 a.m. – Noon
EUC Commons
This fun-filled event is the perfect way for a student to celebrate Halloween while getting the academic assistance they need. They can stop by – preferably in costume – to grab a treat, learn about the resources available to help them succeed, and connect with the friendly staff.
Pumpkin Smash
October 31, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Outside Fountain View Dining Hall
For those who want to hold onto their pumpkins through the day of Halloween, Lambda Chi Alpha will lay out tarp in the grass in front of the Caf and allow people to donate money to smash pumpkins.
HHS Trick or Treat Trail
October 31, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
This annual tradition organized by the School of Health and Human Sciences is open to all students. Those who go to every HHS department listed on the map and have their HHS passport punch card completed will be eligible for special prizes. Costumes are encouraged. It culminates in a party at the HHS Advising Center in the Margaret C. Moore Building Room 422.
Cosplay Club Halloween Party
October 31, 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.
School of Education Building, Room 204
The Cosplay club celebrates a day full of wonderful costumes and cosplays.
Halloween Drive-In
October 31, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Moran Commons Esports Arena
Spartan Dining and Esports host a frightfully fun evening watching “Hotel Transylvania.” Enjoy your favorite Halloween snacks with friends.
Scaryaoke
October 31, 7:30 – 10 p.m.
Smith Campus Ministries Center
Join up with Wesley-Luther Campus Ministry for a Halloween-themed karaoke session.
Hallo Weekend
November 1, 12:30 – 2 p.m.
MHRA Building Room 3501
Didn’t get your fill trick-or-treating on October 31? Come hang with the English Club on All Saints’ Day! This week will feature guest star Dr. Amy Vines, who’ll be offering a sneak peek at her Spring course, “Books to Keep You Up at Night: Contemporary Horror Fiction.” Bring an excerpt from your favorite scary story to share. Costumes optional (but always appreciated, Halloween or not).
Piney Lake Fright Night
November 1, 6 – 11 p.m.
Piney Lake
It’s the fifth annual Fright Night to get spooked along the Haunted Trail! If scares aren’t your thing, there is also a Movie on the Lawn, giveaways, and hot chocolate. Shuttles will be provided every 30 minutes from the EUC on Sterling Street.
Theatrical Thrills
The College of Visual and Performing Arts puts on incredible concerts and performances each Halloween. This year, the School of Music will entertain audiences with their Collage show and the Organ Spooktacular. The School of Theatre will perform a stage adaptation of the hit horror story “Carrie.” The School of Art, in collaboration with Greensboro Project Space, has put together “The Death Show,” a free exhibit exploring the concept of death. Read more about all these events here.
Story by Janet Imrick, University Communications
Photography by David Lee Row, University Communications
