Best bets for this weekend’s entertainment

Cash prize costume party

There is a $3,000 first prize in the Reaper’s Revenge Costume Contest and Halloween Party on Friday at Montage Mountain Lodge, from 6 p.m. to midnight. Giving a charismatic performance increases the odds of winning. There is a $20 cover charge for the 21-plus event. 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton. Tickets and information: montagemountainresorts.com/events/halloween.

Creekside Gardens

On Friday, Creekside Gardens, 4 Village Lane, Tunkhannock, will show off its decorated grounds under the lights until 8 p.m. The Lupo Rosso food truck and Nimble Hill Winery and Brewery will open at 4 p.m. Pumpkin carving workshops aimed at ages 12 and up require tickets. Go to creeksidegardens.com.

‘Thriller’ dance

On Saturday, join dancers around the world in a simultaneous dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” The local version takes place at the Scranton Cultural Center, with a registration fee of $20. Proceeds benefit SCC. It will be held outside the 420 N. Washington Ave. landmark with practice beginning at 5 p.m. and the official dance at 6. Registration ends Friday at 5 p.m. Costumes encouraged, but not required. Go to ThrillScranton.com for registration and information on learning the dance. It will be broadcast and recorded on social media. A family-friendly Halloween party starts inside at 6:30. Those tickets are $12.50 per person and benefit the SCC Youth Theatre Program.

Comedian Charlie Berens

Comedian Charlie Berens brings his “Good Old Fashioned Tour” to the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, 71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, on Saturday at 7 p.m. He has a combined social media following of 9 million for his observations about Mid-Western life and his bluegrass music. He hosts the “Cripescast Podcast.” Tickets begin at $29.50 at the box office or kirbycenter.org.

Haunted hike

Take a free haunted hike in eastern Luzerne County to reveal the true creatures of the night, Sunday, from 5 to 9 p.m., organized by the Wilkes-Barre Area Community Gardens. Hikers will listen to critters scurrying, see the sky from a mountaintop and hear stories of local cryptids and a ghost. The distance of about a mile includes frequent stops. The gathering location will be given during an online meeting. It is about a half hour drive from both Public Square in Wilkes-Barre and downtown Scranton. Information on the Facebook page for A Haunted Halloween Hike – at Night and GrandmaWeavresGarden@gmail.com.

Originally Published: October 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.