Hauntaquarium
For the kids that dream of swashbuckling on the high seas, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium offers a landlubber-friendly alternative with this pirate-themed party. To get into the Halloween spirit, the event features a protected trick-or-treat trail, Jolly Roger-themed crafts and appearances by costumed scuba divers in the aquarium’s shark exhibit. Also catch magicians, face painters and a dance party. $12, Oct. 20 & 21 and 27 & 28, 6-9 p.m., 2000 Sycamore St., greaterclevelandaquarium.com
ArtNeo Underground
After the art galleries at 78th Street Studios close for Third Friday open houses, ArtNeo sends their guests Underground or to the basement, rather. Come dressed in in costumes that harken back to the Kokoon Arts Club, a 20th-century Cleveland artists group known for their extravagant parties and for being early champions of avant-garde art in the city. Set to an appropriate soundtrack of spectral music, the party also has a cash bar and light eats. $8 advance, $10 at the door, Oct. 20, 9 p.m.- 1 a.m., 1305 W. 80th St., Suite 16, artneo.org
Art-ober Fest
With the cold weather slowly making its way into Cleveland, BayArts offers a fest that keeps you nice and cozy. Head to the BayArts campus to snuggle up around bonfires and take in live music by rockabilly band Haywire. Chow down on dishes such as curried pumpkin and vegetable shooters, meatloaf with root vegetables and mini cheesecake. Free, Oct. 20, 7-11 p.m., 28795 Lake Road, Bay Village, bayarts.net
Spooky Pooch Parade
Puppies get even cuter by donning costumes for this annual tradition. In its 10th year, the Spooky Pooch Parade’s route takes dogs and their owners dressed in their best Halloween attire down Detroit Avenue through downtown Lakewood. The event also features a pre-parade fest featuring entertainment and games, as well as vendors and rescue groups. After the parade, stick around to find out which dog is Spookiest Pooch and Best in Show. Free, Oct. 21, 12:30-3:30 p.m., 15450 Detroit Ave., lakewoodalive.org
Waitress
Serving up the same whimsical charm that earned this musical four Tony Award nominations in its original Broadway run, Waitress kicks off its national tour with a three-week run in Cleveland. Based on the Adrienne Shelley movie of the same name, the production gained national attention for its all-female creative team, including original music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. The musical follows a waitress who is looking for a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. The show has already branched out from its new home in Playhouse Square, casting Harper Schmid of Norton and Meredith Wakefield of Aurora, both 5, for the role of Lulu, the waitress’ daughter. $29-$109, Through Nov. 5, Tuesday-Sunday, Visit website for times, 1615 Euclid Ave., playhousesquare.org