Hallowe'en is upon us, bringing with it the usual terrifying traditions. If you're not easily amused by loud noises or shocking cinematic sequels, then you'll be interested to know that there's a decent amount of fun on offer in Dublin over the next week and a half. Follow our guide, and you'll find some genuine frights and thrills . . .

Horrorthon 2009 at the Irish Film Institute

Until October 26

THE mere mention of Joe Dante's 1984 classic Gremlins is enough to get me excited. So, you can imagine how I felt when the IFI announced this year's Horrorthon listings, featuring Gizmo and his freakishly gruesome buddies. Now in its 12th year, Horrorthon guarantees audiences a genuinely frightening cinematic experience.

According to festival director Ed King, this year’s programme is “packed full of new films giving Horrorthon-goers more sneak previews of the goriest movies we could bear to watch”.

Kicking things off on the Thursday evening is Jennifer's Body, starring Megan Fox as a demonically-possessed killer in a mini-skirt. However, it will be the likes of George A Romero's Day of the Dead and The Undying that attract the masses. Apparently, the latter involves corpses falling in love. Enough said.

A full range of festival passes are available for Horrorthon 2009. Visit www.ifi.ie for more or call 01 679 3477.

Poe Show at Bewleys Cafe Theatre

Until October 31

BASED on the work of American writer Edgar Allan Poe, this Gothic miscellany — described by reviewers as a “feast of gore and suspense” — returns to the Bewley's Cafe Theatre to mark the 200th anniversary of Poe's birth. Well, that, and to give the family and kids an intelligent and musically wrapped fright this Hallowe’en.

Expect dramatised performances of the likes of The Tell-Tale Heart and The Raven (you may recall the latter received The Simpsons treatment several years ago during a memorable Hallowe’en special). “Never more, never more . . .” Visit www.bewleyscafetheatre.com for more information or call 086 878 4001

Hidden Dublin Walking Tours: Hallowe’en Special

Thursday Oct 29-Saturday Oct 31

APPARENTLY the only company in Ireland brave enough to bring us to the Hellfire Club on the scariest night of the year, Hidden Dublin Walking Tours are offering a special treat this Hallowe’en with some spooky trips, complete with “dark tales” and, erm, EMF detectors.

With Saturday night's tour (with a luxury coach trip to the Dublin Mountains) booked out, those looking for a truly haunting experience should act now to avoid disappointment. Tickets priced €29. Book online now at www.hiddendublinwalks.com

Samhain Haunted Forest and Fireworks

Sunday October 25

AT Marlay Park, this includes a walk through a “haunted forest” followed by what promises to be a magnificent fireworks display which all the family can enjoy. Fancy dress optional. Event takes place between 5pm and 9pm and is free. Visit www.dlrevents.ie

Hallowe’en Fantazia at Tripod

Friday October 30

THOSE in the mood for some spooky house and electronica can head out to Hallowe’en Fantazia at Tripod the night before. British producer and DJ Danny Howells will be making a special appearance and punters are expected to don their finest and scariest costumes before hitting what should be one sweaty dancefloor. Tickets priced €15 are available now from ticketmaster. Visit www.pod.ie

Phantom Hallowe’en Ball 2009 at the Academy

Saturday October 31

THIS one is definitely for the cool kids. With live music courtesy of The Basics, Dinosaur Pile-Up and local indie-electronic four-piece Codes, you can't go wrong with the annual Phantom Hallowe’en Ball — especially when there are also prizes for best costume. So, follow the “dress to distress” theme and use a little imagination. Before you know it, you'll be the envy of all those indie-loving hipsters.

Tickets priced €20 from ticketmaster. Visit www.phantomfm.com for more information

Fright Night Bus: Visiting the City of the Dead

Running until Saturday Oct 31

A VICTORIAN Gravedigger and Dublin's most haunted graveyard await you and your friends should you choose to board this seriously spooky ghost bus. Expect some disturbing stories and graveside frights on this one . . . hey, remember that scene from the end of Carrie? Visit www.irishcitytours.com for more or call 01 605 7705

The Ballymun Otherworld Hallowe’en Festival 2009

Saturday October 31

FOR ONE night only, Ballymun will be known as ‘Hallowmun', a “freaky, crazy town where anything can happen on Hallowe’en night”. The town will open its gates at 6pm next Saturday and will feature entertainment for all the family, including music tents, a circus performance workshop and a poetry graveyard. The evening will also culminate in a fireworks display.

Visit www.otherworldfestival.com

Hallowfest 2009

Running until November 1

SOME of these events are part of Hallowfest 2009, an annual Hallowe’en festival for those looking for family fun over the month of October. We're talking decoration-making workshops, fancydress family discos, table quizzes, treasure hunts, a full-moon walk in the Dublin Mountains and much more.

Visit www.hallowfest.ie for the entire Hallowfest 2009 schedule of events.

- Chris Wasser