Those of legal drinking age can "trick-or-treat" their way over to Players Nite Club, 112 W. College Ave., for the Halloween Exotic Costume Ball, which general manager Bill Rock said is in store for visitors from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Prizes will be given to those with the sexiest and scariest costumes, and there will also be a competition for the best-dressed couple.

Participants can win dinner for two at the Allen Street Grill, 100 W. College Ave., and even an overnight stay for two at the Hotel State College, 100 W. College Ave. There's also the chance to win 12 free passes to Players and $175 in cash prizes.

The Women's Resource Center will also have a table set up to encourage safe partying for Halloween.

Still walking the streets on All Hallow's Eve?

The Shandygaff Saloon, rear 212 E. College Ave., will host a frightening fest full of excitement starting at 9 p.m.

Games, prizes, giveaways and contests will greet guests throughout the course of the night. Those who come dressed for the best could win the "surprise" prize for best costume. Partiers can treat themselves to some "witch's brew" and other festive drinks.

Bargoers can also clad themselves in their favorite garments for a night at the Gingerbread Man, 130 Hiester St.

From 10 p.m. to midnight, attendees can sip on some festive drinks and do the "Monster Mash" to Boost, a local band, that will take the stage at 10:30 p.m.

There will be a costume party, and prizes will be awarded for the best dressed. Aside from the chance to win prizes, anyone who arrives in a costume will not have to pay a cover charge, manager Kevin Franklin said.

Also, various beer companies will give away free merchandise, including T-shirts and blinking-light accessories.

"It'll be a party," Franklin said.

If that's not enough for one night, the rest of the downtown area bars have their own frightening plans in store.

Tony's Big Easy, 129 1/2 S. Pugh St., will feature a "Tribute to Hollywood" costume party, and patrons are encouraged to dress as their favorite celebrity from any era. Allegheny Blue Bloods will also provide live entertainment -- in costume -- 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Zeno's, 100 W. College Ave., The Darkhorse Tavern, 128 E. College Ave. and The Saloon, 101 Hiester St., will offer ghoulishly entertaining atmospheres and all the normal specials for a Thursday night.

Not only will these bars be decked out Halloween style, but the employees will be as well. To celebrate the evening, the Darkhorse will feature live music, and the Saloon will host a costume party.