Every year, McKinney’s historic downtown district hosts a variety of Halloween-themed activities that could give students a night worth remembering. This year, the events are being held on Friday, Oct. 30, beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing until around 10 p.m.

The first two hours are spent with a variety of fun activities based on the streets, such as interactions with various costumed apparitions and interactive games to play. The streets will be blocked off during the night, so there is no threat or danger in the activities.

“We wanted to start the night more kid-friendly, and give the families something to look forward to,” activities associate Lauren Trouss said. “The first few hours will be very kid-oriented, and just casual things for people to enjoy.”

The costume contest begins at 6 p.m., and features a variety of age-based categories, as well as “Star Wars,” “Pet” and “Be Green” groups of competition.

“I’m excited to head out to the district and dress up for Star Wars,” senior Austin Wyatt said. “I actually get rewarded for my fandom now.”

Rewards for the costume contest rise up to $250 for the first place trophy in each category.

Aside from regular downtown activities, a ghost hunt will be ongoing since Oct. 12 until Halloween, where anyone participating will be tasked with finding 20 ghosts hidden around downtown McKinney. The first to mark all twenty on the maps found on the McKinney website will be given $100 for a shopping spree on the square.

At 9 p.m., the district’s Performing Arts Center will begin showing The Rocky Horror Picture Show, an adult-oriented production based on the cult-classic movie of the same name. Tickets cost $10, and prop kits cost an additional $10, needed to participate in any of the audience-inclusive portions of the production.

“The play is amazing, and one I would recommend,” senior Mykenzie Rogers said. “It’s not exactly kid-friendly, but it’s fun if you’re looking for something new.”

The show will end at 11 p.m., when the square’s main festivities will shut down, marking an end to another year of a town’s renowned spooky showcase.