This Boston Circus Guild Halloween spectacular is not for the kiddies, it’s a macabre and tasteless night of circus, music and gore. And I have a pair of tickets to give away for Halloween Night, 10/31! Email johnny@eventsinsider.com to win. Oberon Theatre Cambridge, MA, Thu 10/31–Fri 11/1.more

Secrets & Motion combines dance, light, and photography to create a performance riddled with contemplative thought, and a little humor. Email editor@eventsinsider.com to win tickets! Boston, MA, Fri 11/1–Sat 11/2.more

The Regent Theatre will commemorate the 75th anniversary with a live theatre event recreating one of the most famous radio plays ever produced, War of the Worlds. We have two pairs of tickets to give away! Contact editor@eventsinsider.com. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington, MA, Thu 10/31.more

Silent films are rejuvenated with live music. Two of the greatest films – Vampyr and The Phantom of the Opera.The Andrew Alden ensemble brings together a fascinating collaboration of rock music and contemporary classical composition. We have two pairs of tickets to give away! Contact editor@eventsinsider.com. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington, MA, Sat 11/2.more

The Andrew Alden Ensemble are at it again! Can they bring these spooky silent films to life with intense music? You have to go to find out! We have two pairs of tickets to give away! Contact editor@eventsinsider.com. Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington, MA, Sun 11/3.more

Led by moderator Tom Ashbrook of NPR’s On Point, this conference will give you some idea about how regional thinkers are creating innovations. Boston, MA, Wed 10/30.more

An open studios is a nice fall walk around a neighborhood, meeting artists in their homes and private studios. This one’s spread all across Roslindale, and they’ll have live music! 11am-5pm. See website for map Roslindale, MA, Sat 11/2–Sun 11/3.more

Look out below! And start Halloween off early (10/31 at 12:30) and watch real physicists (dressed as wizards) drop pumpkins off high buildings for for fun and knowledge. Metcalf Science Center (SCI) Plaza Boston, MA, Thu 10/31.more

This open studio is in an old rum distilery – how cool? Artists share an open space that allows visitors to view lots of art all at once. What a great opportunity to explore a new neighborhood with friends and check out awesome art while you’re there! 12-6pm. Various locations Boston, MA, Sat 11/2–Sun 11/3.more

The Day of the Dead is wonderful, and you’ll find dioramas and kids activities here. Lots of fun traditional activities including sugar skull decorating and mask making. Peabody Museum Cambridge, MA, Sat 11/2.more

As if building robots weren’t enough, MIT now leads an international contest to build biological systems. (Are they going to fight to the death in a public arena?) Go and see what they’ve ‘cooked up’. MIT Cambridge, MA, Fri 11/1–Mon 11/4.more

Newton artists also open their doors this weekend to potential buyers and the casually curious. Check out some mansions while you’re walking! 11am-5pm. Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Ave, Newton, MA, Sat 11/2–Sun 11/3.more

This open studios is also in a single location. With a wide range of mediums from glass sculpture to wood working along with more traditional paintings, there is something for everyone! Bring friends and explore something new. Waltham, MA, Sat 11/2–Sun 11/3.more

DUPLICATE Most of the Boston Public Libraries are holding Halloween events. Check your favorite library to find out what they’re doing. Boston Public Library Boston, MA, Thu 10/31.more

Do you believe that all houses could be haunted? Apparantley they do! Unless you’re frightened of tour guides, this doesn’t seem very scary. Longfellow House Cambridge, MA, Wed 10/30.more

Come in your costume for a Halloween party at the library, with activities and treats. Then join in a parade around Hyde Square to local businesses. Connolly Branch of the Boston Public Library Jamaica Plain, MA, Thu 10/31.more

It’s a bad old movie that fans like to dress up and mock and re-enact live on stage while the film plays. 10/31 at 10pm and 11/1 & 11/2 at 11:30pm. AMC Boston Common Boston, MA, Fri 11/1–Sat 11/2.more

GoreFest – ImprovBoston is visited by the ghosts of Gorefest past in this one night only musical cabaret spectacular. Celebrate Halloween with a laugh inducing, skin crawling, and stomach turning evening of musical mayhem. 730pm. Cambridge, MA, Thu 10/31.more

Let someone else clean up your kid’s mess as they carve pumpkins in a public park. 6-8pm. Mattapan, MA, Wed 10/30.more

What’s better than pumpkin carving? Free pumpkin carving and cider in front of the Children’s Museum along with some friendly competition 12-4pm. Boston Children’s Museum HarborWalk Boston, MA, Thu 10/31.more

You’ve heard of maypole dancing — a tradition that ‘brings’ the Spring. Well now it’s time to put the sun away for the winter with ‘pumpkin carols.’ 5-6:30pm. Somerville Community Growing Center Somerville, MA, Thu 10/31.more

A tour that’s not just for kids!!! Hear stories of murders, hangings, and (hopefully) historically accurate stories. 6pm. State House, front steps Boston, MA, Thu 10/31.more

And this one’s a 14-mile route in costume in Jamaica Plain. Rain date: next day. Come in a costume that won’t snag in your bicycle! Meet at the Green Street subway station on the MBTA Orange Line. 7:30pm. Green Street T Station Boston, MA, Thu 10/31.more

Best for kids 4 and up. They’ll work to solve a pumpkin patch mystery and fight zombies! Shoot nerf weapons at people pretending to be zombies so you are prepared when the real ones arrive. Burlington, MA, Thu 10/31.more

Come take a Halloween swing lesson (that will include Michael Jackson’s Thriller dance turned into a line dance), and then dance! 7:30pm. The Crosby Whistle Stop Charlestown, MA, Fri 11/1.more

Although you’re encouraged to wear a costume to Harvard Square on Halloween, and several local businesses have Halloween themed events, not least the Brattle Theatre, it’s unclear whether there is an outdoor festival this year. Harvard Square Cambridge, MA, Thu 10/31.more

This is a spooky theatre event where they act out an old radio broadcast. I’ve been twice and, well, the acting is ‘local theatre’ but the concept is really unique and worth seeing. This year they are presenting ‘Nigh of the Living Dead’ and also a show with a DJ spending the night at a haunted house! Responsible Grace Church Somerville, MA, Fri 10/25–Sat 11/2.more

This Halloween celebration has cupcakes, a magic show, a tea party and a haunted house! The whole package! 3pm. Jamaica Plain, MA, Mon 10/28.more

If you want to not give candy to trick-or-treaters you can go to the Brattle to watch The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari or Night of the Living Dead. The Brattle Theatre Cambridge, MA, Tue 10/29–Wed 10/30.more

Park Rangers lead you on spirited house tours on the night before Halloween. To meet some really literate ghosts I imagine. 6-8pm. Longfellow House Cambridge, MA, Wed 10/30.more

Gretchen Ann Graham presents a new view of the MBTA with her photos. The opening reception is a great opportunity to sneak a peak while listening to sounds of The Hightone Ramblers. 11/1 7-10pm. Washington Street Art Center, 321D Washington Street, Somerville, MA, Fri 11/1.more

After you support this great cause and walk along the water, enjoy refreshments and contribute to the In Honor wall. 11/2 at 10am. DCR Mother’s Rest Area at Carson Beach South Boston, MA, Sat 11/2.more

And you thought the British liked tea! Here’s a demonstration of what happens in a country that’s made up entire ceremonies based on caffeine, um, I mean tea. Register in advance. Showa Boston Boston, MA, Sun 11/3.more

While this is not really an event — more like the zoo being open as usual — a baby gorilla is bound to be cute! 10:30am-2pm. Franklin Park Zoo, One Franklin Park Road Stoneham, MA, Sun 11/3.more

At first humans lived in tribes. Now we live globally. How does that work in the brain? This Harvard research tells all. Harvard Hall 102, Queensberry St; Cambridge, MA, Sun 11/3.more

Are you a writer? This conference must unlock your writer’s block. Or it might be just an excuse to procrastinate from finishing your manuscript! 10am-5pm. Blacksmith House Cambridge, MA, Sun 11/3.more

Director Robert Kline will attend this sreening for a Q&A about the legacy of former president John Kennedy. Brattle Theatre Cambridge, MA, Tue 11/5.more

Although I’m no big fan of indoor events, the Boston Film Festival draws several celebrities and directors, and comes with afterparties. This year, Andy Garcia, Vinessa Shaw and Angela sun will attend. Revere Hotel Boston, MA, Fri 10/25–Tue 10/29.more

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T) welcomes Seth Goldman, co-founder and TeaEO of Honest Tea and Harvard College alum, to discuss his new business book in comic format, Mission in a Bottle @ The Honest Guide to Doing Business Differently @ and Succeeding,. The Loeb Drama Center Cambridge, MA, Mon 10/28.more

Everyone has family drama. In this Scott Barsotti production, tempers flare between six sisters in charge of constantly stiring a pot. A play about gatherings, sacrifice and the dark art of obligation. Factory Theater Boston, MA, Thu 10/24–Sat 11/2.more

John Hodgman of ‘The Daily Show’ presents all new comedy and also apologizes for predicting that the world will end in 2012. 11/2 at 9:45pm. The Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St, Boston, MA, Sat 11/2.more

The Stoneham Theater gives there twist on this eerie classic of Jekyll and Hyde. This production is described as ‘a smart, tense, and suspenseful new take.’. Stoneham Theatre Stoneham, MA, Thu 10/24–Sun 11/10.more

Emerson is known for putting on great productions. Waiting for Godot with Samuel Beckett shouldn’t be any different. Emerson/Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Boston, MA, Thu 10/31–Sun 11/10.more

Wait, isn’t Zelda a videogame? Go see classical music performers get jiggy with the midi. 8pm. Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre Boston, MA, Sat 11/2.more

The director hopes to show that the ultimate triumph of the human spirit in face of the adversity is timeless. You’ll have to find out for yourself at the show! Stanford Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts. 527 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, Sat 11/2–Sun 11/17.more

When you really think about it… what makes a hit a hit? A special tune, or hook? Rob Kapilow explores why tunes like Over the Rainbow are as popular. NEC’s Jordan Hall Boston, MA, Sun 11/3.more

See the former Massachusetts governor and Harvard president re-enacted! And they’re doing it Nov 17 in a cemetery, too. First Parish Church Benefit Dorchester, MA, Sat 11/2.more

A modern Romeo & Juliet, a political drama told alongside contemporary pop music. This 90-minute version cuts the script down while leaving the remaining words unaltered, and sets the show to pop music. Club Cafe Boston, MA, Thu 10/24–Sat 11/2.more

When burnt-out local TV newscaster Charlie Duff suddenly begins offering a prayer at the end of his nightly broadcasts, he instantly becomes a popular and controversial figure to an expanding audience. Click for our review! Huntington Theatre Boston, MA, Tue 10/29–Sat 11/9.more

You think it’s spooky when your dumb buddies tell ghost stories? Hear them from the pros at MassMouth! And amateurs from the audience can tell their spooky stories too. 8-10pm. Puppet Showplace Theatre 32 Station Street Brookline, MA, Thu 10/31.more