It's never too early to start thinking about Halloween. After all, it's only September and many of the haunted attractions in Charlotte and the surrounding area are already starting up. For details on Halloween events - including parties, haunted houses and seasonal activities - check out our big, growing list below. Not on the list? To get added, email anita.overcash@creativeloafing.com.

Ongoing Haunted Attractions
Amazing Maize Maze Approximately two and a half miles of pathways in an operating cornfield. The Amazing Maize Maze challenges folks to think strategically as they search clues that lead to the maze exit. Day maze and night (flashlight) maze tickets available. For more information, visit www.ruralhill.net/amazingmaizemaze.asp. $7-$15. Fridays-Sundays through Nov. 3. Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. 704-875-3113. www.ruralhill.net.

Camp Fear The multi-attraction event features a haunted trail, a maze, "Clown Chaos", an "Insane Asylum", a "Living dead Dollhouse," and a "Freak Show." $14-$18. Oct. 11-12; Oct. 18-19; Oct. 25-26; Oct. 31; Nov. 1-2. Camp Fear, 601 Princess Lane, Hiddenite. For more information, visit www.campfearnc.com.

Campground Massacre Haunted attraction with more than three acres of terror for brave visitors who dare to explore the campground. $20. Fridays-Sundays. Through Nov. 2. The Charlotte/Fort Mill KOA RV Park and Campground, 940 Gold Hill Road, Fort Mill. For more information, call 866-752-7437 or visit www.themassacre.com.

Ghost Tales in the Dark Tour Explore the plantation by candlelight and hear real ghost stories from staff and volunteers. RSVP is required. To register, call 704-875-2312. $15. Oct. 11, 8, 9 and 10 p.m.; Oct. 12, 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m.; Oct. 18, 8, 9 and 10 p.m.; Oct. 19, 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m. Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. www.lattaplantation.org.

The Haunted Mill One of the Charlotte-area's scariest haunted attractions with a special "mature"-themed shows offered. $10-$50. Oct. 11-13; Oct. 17-20; Oct. 24-31; Nov. 1-2. The Haunted Mill, 6325 Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont. For more information, call 704-829-6455 or visit www.thehauntedmillnc.com.

The Scarepark The Speedpark at Concord Mills has transformed into a haunted park including haunted mini-golf, a haunted hay ride, fun slide, spider web bungee, go-karts and more. Open every Friday and Saturday night from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Open every night starting Oct. 24 through Oct.31. $5-$25. The Speedpark, 8461 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord. 704-5278-464. www.speedpark.com.

Davidson Ghost Walk Walk around the city of Davidson and hear stories of the town's spooky history. $10 for adults, $5 for children. Every weekend in October. Walks begin at 7 p.m. Reservations recommended. 704-928-5454. www.ghostwalknc.com

Queen City Ghost Tours Explore the darker side of Charlotte on this tour around the city. Hear ghost stories about Charlotte's haunted past. $8-$15. Oct. 9-31. Times: 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., & 9 p.m. www.queencityghosttours.com

Don't know what you're doing for St. Patrick's Day yet? Check out our big ol' list of St. Patrick's Day events happening around the Q.C. Cheers!

Friday, March 15

St. Patrick's Day at RiRa Drink specials ($2 Bud/Bud Light, $3 pints of Heineken, $5 Jager bombs) and live music by Chip McGuire. March 15, 10:30 p.m. RiRa, 208 N. Tryon St. 704-333-5554. www.rira.com/charlotte/.

St. Patrick's Day Kick Off Celebration The party includes $3 beers, $5 wines, $5 "Shamrock Tito" martinis and a menu with $5 bar bites. Free admission. March 15, 5 p.m.-12 a.m. AZN Azian Cuisine, 4620 Piedmont Row Drive. 980-819-9189. www.aznrestaurant.com.

BLT Steak Irish Dinner St. Patrick's Day themed five-course dinner prepared by Chef Ben Miles and paired with whiskey flights. The Irish Dinner will be held in BLT Steak Charlotte's private dining room. $75 per person (plus tax and gratuity) for dinner; Irish Whiskey pairings available for an additional $25. For more information on the Irish Dinner and to make reservations, call 704-972-4380 or visit e2hospitality.com/blt-steak-charlotte. BLT Steak Charlotte, 110 N. College St.

Check out our gigantic list of parties happening in Charlotte for the annual CIAA basketball tournament. This list will be continually updated, so keep checking back for more events. (Want to be listed? Please e-mail anita.overcash@creativeloafing.com.)

Tuesday, Feb. 26
Tuesday Night Jazz: Tournament Kickoff Jazz Diva Events and CBS Radio presents a night of contemporary jazz performed by Eric Darius. For tickets, visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4913734111. $25. Tues., Feb. 26, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Label, 900 N.C. Music Factory Blvd.www.labelcharlotte.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 27
Night Parties:

Kitchapalooza: The Tournament Edition 2013 Weekly party, Pop Life presents this party with two buildings, one alley and five DJs. Dress code enforced. 25 and up suggested. For VIP tables, call Tami at 980-322-9859 or email at tami@republicofcharlotte.com. For more information, visit www.thesolkitchen.com. Wed., Feb. 27, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Held at Phoenix and RE:Public at District 300, corner of 6th Street & N. College Street.

CI 2013 Kickoff Party CIAA kickoff party with music from DJ Base at Dream Nightclub. The kitchen will be open and parking is free. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.clt2013.eventbrite.com. Wed., Feb. 27, 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Dream Nightclub, 11329 E. Independence Blvd., Matthews. 704-246-8816. www.dreamnc.com.

CIAA Bowling Party Mixer The party features bowling, line dancing, a bowling tournament, old-school games and more. For more information, call 704-596-4736. $20 in advance. Wed., Feb. 27, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. AMF University Lanes, 5900 N. Tryon St. 704-596-4736. www.amf.com/universitylanesnc.

We Are Hair Affair In conjunction with Friends of Education, and the TOJ Foundation, Da Lucky Spot Barbershop is hosting this hair show that will showcase the latest in precision cuts, techniques and hairstyles, and unite local barbers for a cause - to bridge the financial gap for aspiring barbers. $15. Wed., Feb. 27, 8 p.m. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalarts.org.

Thursday, Feb. 28
Day Parties:
Digital Divas & Flash Back Production Present: The Ultimate Alumni Day Party Featuring DJ Drake from
Power 92 & 105 F.M. in Richmond, VA. For tickets, VIP seating or more information, visit, www.digitaldivasevents.com or call 704-942-4518. Consider the $30 Combo pack with tickets to both Thursday events (Alumni Day Party & Throwback Thursday featuring BBD & SWV). $5-$10. Thurs., Feb. 28, 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oasis Party @ The Tent, 514 N. College St.

Tip-Off Party WPEG presents this day party hosted by Mr. Incognito and QCB. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://tip-offdayparty.eventbrite.com/. Thurs., Feb. 28, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Suite, 210 E. Trade St.

Night Parties:
Digital Divas & Friends Presents "Throwback Thursdays - The 90's to Now Edition" Featuring performances by BBD & SWV, two groups that dominated the air waves in the '90s. Hosted by Ronnie Devoe. VIP Cabana's available (they seat eight people and include bottle service, couches and more). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.digitaldivasevents.com or email digitaldivasinc@gmail.com or call 704-942-4518. Thurs., Feb. 28. Oasis Party @ The Tent, 514 College St.

3rd Annual All-Tournament Alumni Mixer Celebrating the continued growth of the HBCU family. An upscale vibe with live jazz band (Charlotte's own, Shableek & Uncommon Live Jazz) and DJ (Rob Stacks). Special appearance by CIAA commissioner Jacquie Carpenter and other celebrity alumni guests. Portion of proceeds benefit the CIAA Scholarship Fund. Presented by TMB Marketing Firm. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://alltournamentmixer.eventbrite.com. $25 in advance. Thurs., Feb. 28, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Kalu, 505 E. 6th St. 704-910-4877. www.kalunc.com.

Champions CIAA 2013 The ultimate HUBC alumni bash, featuring music by Atlanta's DJ Hollywood. Presented by Winston Salem State University National Alumni Association. For more information, visit http://wssunaaciaa2013.eventbrite.com. $20 in advance. Thurs., Feb. 28, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Marriott City Center, 100 W. Trade St., Charlotte. 800-359-3204. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cltcc-charlotte-marriott-city-center/.

CIAA Old School Skate Party Earthquake Productions presents this CIAA skate party hosted by Fly Ty and featuring DJ Stacey Blackman. For more information, call 704-821-7465 or visit www.ciaastepshows.com or http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5035459194/es2003/?rank=19. $20 in advance. Thurs., Feb. 28, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Kate's Skating Rink, 14500 Independence Blvd., Indian Trail. 704-821-7465. www.katesskating.com.

Dana Dane Performing Live Hip-hop artist Dana Dane performs live at Dream Nightclub. The kitchen will be open and parking is free. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.clt2013.eventbrite.com. Thurs., Feb. 28, 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Dream Nightclub, 11329 E. Independence Blvd., Matthews. 704-246-8816. www.dreamnc.com.

3rd Annual Charlotte Black Film Festival The CBFF will feature three days of screenings, workshops, lectures and panel discussions, networking functions, and an awards ceremony for works by African-American filmmakers. Thurs., Feb. 28-Sat. March 2. For more information on scheduled events and ticket prices, visit www.charlotteblackfilmfestival.com.

It's hard to believe 2013 is right around the corner. Hopefully we'll bypass the Mayans' predictions of a catastrophic demise, which will give us plenty of cause to celebrate. (Woo hoo! Yay for life!) Check out Creative Loafing's compilation of New Year's Eve parties and make your plans now. Cheers!

(To have your New Year's Eve party listed, email anita.overcash@creativeloafing.com.)

Uptown
First Night Charlotte WBTV's family-friendly, alcohol-free community celebration of the New Year features activities for children, music (Dynamo, Fireman Jim and DJ Drex's Dance Party) and more. 12 p.m.-11:45 p.m. For more information, visit www.charlottecentercity.org.

New Year's Eve with Widespread Panic Live performance by Widespread Panic. Doors open at 7 p.m. $65 and up. 9 p.m. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St., Charlotte. 704-688-9000. www.timewarnercablearena.com.

John Tosco's 3rd Annual New Year's Eve Variety Show Host John Tosco (founder of Tosco Music Party) returns to the McGlohon Theater with another family-friendly variety show in the spirit of The Ed Sullivan Show. This New Year's Eve celebration will feature comedy, dance, music and other entertainment. $20.12. 8 p.m.-10 p.m. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St., Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalarts.org.

The Grand New Year's Eve at 5Church Celebrate New Year's Eve by tantalizing your tastebuds at 5 Church. Chef Jamie Lynch has prepared a lavish menu for the occasion. First seating at 5:30 p.m. ($85) includes a four-course menu (with choices for each course) and a glass of champagne. Second seating at 9 p.m. ($150) includes a four-course menu (with choices for each course), a premium beverage package, post-dinner dancing with DJ Edward Shouse, a live countdown of the ball drop, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. A portion of proceeds will benefit Levine Children's Hospital. $85-$150. 5 Church, 127 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-919-1322. www.5church.com.

Diamonds In the Sky New Years Eve Bash The all-inclusive party features beer, wine and liquor drinks, a buffet with a carving station that includes seasoned steak, rosemary chicken, pasta entrees, and more. In addition, there will also be a photo booth, champagne toasts and a guest DJ. Dixie's Tavern, 301 E. 7th St., Charlotte. 704-374-1700. www.dixiescharlotte.com.

New Year's Eve Celebration at The Westin Two ballrooms, two themes, and two DJs. The "Venetian" ballroom features Top 40 and pop; The "La Rumba" ballroom features Salsa and Merengue. Upgrade to VIP for hors d'oeuvres, champagne fountain, and exclusive V.I.P lounge. 9 p.m. The Westin Charlotte, 601 S. College St., Charlotte. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.nyecharlottenc.com.

New Year's Eve Happy Endings The New Year's Eve party featuring Ciroc Boyz's DJ Quicksilva (DMV) with DJ Shaun Nyce. $20 -$35 (singles); $35-$70 (couples). 9 p.m. Re:Public, 314 N. College St., Charlotte. 704-375-0733. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bluegoosenc.com/nyecharlotte/ or www.thesolkitchen.com..

Roaring in 2013 The '20s themed party includes three top-shelf drinks (courtesy of Carolina Nightlife), a champagne toast at midnight, party favors and a DJ. $25 and up. Prohibition, 200 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-358-4244. www.prohibitionclt.com.

Rich & Bennett's NYE Bash The party features beer, wine, liquor and champagne, hand-passes appetizers, a balloon drop, party favors, multiple DJs, and three-levels of space. General admission, V.I.P, private room and table service available. For more information, visit www.rockhouseevents.com. $55-$100. Phoenix, 300 N. College St., Charlotte. 704-375-8765. www.phoenixcharlotte.com.

Back To the Future Bash The venue features two levels with multiple dance floors, four bars, a heated patio and retro arcade. DJ Jody plays '80s and '90s retro dance mixes, from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Special celebrity guest MC will be hosting the countdown. Confetti blast and champagne toast at midnight. Table reservations and bottle service available. $15-$30. Roxbury Nightclub, 115 W. 5th St., Charlotte. 704-375-8090. www.roxburynightclub.com.

New Year's Eve at RiRa The New Years Eve party at the Irish Pub features live music by Crashbox. $10. 10 p.m. RiRa Irish Pub, 208 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-333-5554. www.rira.com.

A Night in Paris Six Figure Entertainment presents this NYE party with food, drinks and entertainment. $10 and up. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Vapiano, 201 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-332-2440. For more information or to purchase tickets and V.I.P/table packages, visit www.sixfigureentertainment.com.

Purgatory held its Danse Macabre Halloween Party at Amos' Southend on Oct. 13, 2012. (Photos by Jeaumane McIntosh)

Slideshow Purgatory: Danse Macabre, 10/13/12

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Purgatory: Danse Macabre, 10/13/12

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The 8th Annual White Trash Party was held at the Chop Shop on Aug. 25, 2012, featuring performances by Iron Cordoba, the Brown Liquor Pickers and DJ Mountin' Dewde. (Photos by Lindsey Nash)

Slideshow The Chop Shop, 8/26/12

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The Chop Shop, 8/26/12

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An old fashion cock fight and tent revival was held at the Common Market in Plaza Midwood on Aug. 22, 2012. The proceeds went to eight local dog rescues. (Photos by Lindsey Nash)

Slideshow Common Market, 8/22/12

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Common Market, 8/22/12

Click to View 25 slides

Fact: One of the more annoying consequences of staying out late dancing is the laryngitis that you experience the following morning from having to scream to communicate with friends, place your drink order, hit on that cutie cute guy or gal, etc., over the thumping music.

Luckily, the geniuses at Silent Disco have eradicated this problem for the booty shaking people of Charlotte with their concept, being hosted at The Pavilion (located at the EpiCentre) on Friday nights this month. Admittedly the concept is strange, but the brilliance is irrefutable.

Upon arrival, you receive a pair of nifty wireless headphones, through which the live DJ is pumping his or her music. The sound quality is impeccable and with the headphones on, there is no audible differentiation from being in a traditional nightclub. The beauty of this brainchild is that the once the headphones are muted or removed, you can actually carry on a conversation with others, understand people's names when they are introduced to you, and salvage your vocal chords from the typical beat down to the sound of backbeats.

The only real pitfall of Silent Disco is the newness of it all. Much of the crowd seemed hesitant to participate, or embarrassed to let loose. It is a wee bit awkward knowing that you look like a crazy hobo dancing to your own mental band, to the folks not wearing the headphones. Although initially "different," this method of party is spreading like wildfire internationally, and Charlotte will catch on in time. It sometimes takes us a little longer, but we'll get there. We're hip ... we like to dance.

If you are interested in sampling some Silent Disco action, and you should be, break out your glow sticks and hop over to the EpiCentre this Friday for the last installment of the summer. The DJ starts at 8 p.m. and goes until roughly 12:30 a.m. For more information, visit the Facebook page.

When I think "Kentucky Derby," three things come to mind: horses, hats and mint juleps. To be fair, I'm not at all acquainted with derby culture, but if I have an excuse to don an otherwise ludicrous head accessory and sip a supremely Southern drink (indulging some every-woman, Scarlett O'Hara/Kate Middleton impersonation fantasy,) why wouldn't I?

Derby Bar Crawl Day, happening this Saturday, May 5, 1 p.m.-8 p.m., provides a perfect, theme-oriented outlet for such a desire. Participants quench their thirst on exclusive drink deals as they crawl through the city, one bar at a time - Town Tavern, Connolly's, Dixie's Tavern, and more. Tickets are $30 and up. You must be 21 or over to participate - and dressed to the nines, of course.