The creepy, spooky, sugary Halloween holiday is nearly upon us, and there are plenty of activities to do this weekend to get yourself and the family into the “ghostly” spirit.

One of the most obvious options is to spend a little quality time with gourds and sharp knives — under the appropriate adult supervision, of course. Carving Jack-o-lanterns around this time of year has become a popular activity for all ages, young and old, and some of the creations people pull off are quite impressive.

But if you’ve already taken the time to carve a few eyes and a crooked smile into a pumpkin, then you may want to consider taking the kids trick-or-treating in downtown Marquette today.

Each year, the Marquette Downtown Development Authority and businesses in the downtown district offer up some goodies to the little ones going door-to-door. This year, the downtown event will go from 4 to 6 p.m. today, and the DDA said participating locations will have orange “Welcome Trick or Treaters” signs in their windows.

Rescheduled because of weather, the DDA and the Marquette Arts and Culture Center on Sunday will present the annual Halloween Spectacle event on the 600 block of West Bluff Street, near Harlow Park.

Touted as “an alchemy of pageantry, music, theater and dance,” the Halloween Spectacle will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

Readers are encouraged to bring a blanket, grab a seat on the grassy hillside and enjoy this free night of unique performances and acts.

Folks involved with Negaunee’s Vista Theater will present “A Very Vista Halloween Cabaret” at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Ore Dock Brewery in Marquette, while a free kids Halloween party will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at River Rock Lanes and Banquet Center in Ishpeming.

Also, Michigamme Township will host its Children’s Halloween Party at 1:30 p.m. today, followed by costume judging at 2 p.m.

Whatever you decide to do this weekend or on Halloween, now is as good a time as any to remind you to be safe. As always, there will be a lot of pedestrians walking around, and we hope everyone will enjoy the Halloween activities, but in a safe and responsible manner.