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DECORAH — Luther College students, faculty and staff invite Decorah area community members to celebrate Halloween on campus this Thursday, Oct. 31. A variety of spooky events are planned to entertain and engage ghosts and goblins of all ages. All events are free and open to the public. Costumes are welcomed and encouraged. See the science of optical illusions Festivities begin at 6 p.m. on Oct. 31 with the Haunted Lab Weekend inside Valders Hall of Science. This annual hands-on event features eye-catching optical illusions and laser displays created by physics and chemistry students. Don't be afraid to interact with the demonstrations or ask the "science ghosts" questions. The Haunted Lab is a three-day event held on the lower level of the east wing inside Valders Hall of Science. Attendees are asked to enter through the southeast entrance on the lower level. The lab is open 6–8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31; 6–8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1; and 1–3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. Prize-winning organ improviser returns to CFL Guest organist Matthew Gender will improvise an accompanying score on the 49-stop Sipe pipe organ for the 1925 silent horror film The Phantom of the Opera at 8 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life. In 2023, Gender improvised a score for the showing of the 1920 silent film, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Gender is the director of worship arts at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minn., and has received prizes in the National Competition for Organ Improvisation (2016) and the University of Michigan Organ Improvisation Competition (2017). Watch a cult classic Other Halloween events at Luther include: • Attend trick-or-treating, 6–7:30 p.m. in Brandt Hall. Bring your children to Brandt Hall for trick-or-treating plus cookie decorating, crafts and games. • Watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show, 6 p.m. at the Valders Hall of Science, 206. Bring a friend and be ready to do the time warp. Released in 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has been called the biggest cult classic. Sponsored by the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Success • Enjoy a DIY caramel apple station, 8:45 a.m.–4:45 p.m. at the Luther College Book Shop. Browse the selection of reduced-price sweatshirts and other Halloween specials. Stay ahead of the curve! Subscribe to free newsletters for exclusive insights, local trends and analysis delivered straight to your inbox.

Support your local businesses

Haunted Labs, Horror Films: Luther College Invites Community to Halloween Events