Laying claim to Halloween as a signature annual event in many towns has become fashionable to elevate the fall touring months. But in America’s first destination, Provincetown, MA, ghouls and goblins by the thousands venture to the end of Cape Cod each year for the grand daddy of them all, in a foggy and eerie village where it all began.

Perhaps making Halloween that special commemoration comes naturally for a town where dressing up and donning costumes is a part of everyday life in America’s oldest continuous art colony. Provincetown’s uniqueness shows as it makes events to remember by casting a bewitching spell across the better part of two weeks, spanning from October 25 all the way to November 3.

« In a town as eclectic and progressive as Ptown – with ample excuses for costuming, dancing, and revelry year-round – Halloween requires stepping things up a notch, » said Provincetown Director of Tourism Anthony Fuccillo. « Costumes here don’t come pre-packaged from a store, but rather require months’ worth of creativity, preparation, calculated effort and flare. »

As in most places on Halloween, you’ll find trick-or-treaters roaming the neighborhoods, but in Ptown, you’ll also find the gaudiest of goblins and glitziest of ghouls roaming Commercial Street, where one might catch an impromptu performance of Michael Jackson’s « Thriller » or see a parody on some latest news event. Ptown is Halloween on steroids.

A ten-day celebration of the pumpkin features high stepping on dance floors and roaming fog-laced back alleys or a spooky cemetery. Head to one of the town’s famed clubs to dance until you’re dead (or undead), or measure your costume’s merit against Halloween’s best in contests that in some cases award cash prizes for best group, sexiest & scariest costumes.

Perhaps you’re looking for a bit more drama on your fright night? Ride your broom over to a local Mystery Dinner Theater event, « Murder Most Post-War. » The event will chill you to the bone.

Those with any wits left can also enjoy one of Ptown’s most traditional Halloween events, « Helltown on Winthrop. » Take a stroll down Winthrop Street if you dare and experience ghosts and ghouls and twisted souls waiting for you behind every fence and corner. Beware and keep your eyes open and your senses about you…one false step, one quick shift of your gaze and you may be dragged down to the underworld in Ghosttown, a world famous haunted attraction. And don’t forget that Town Hall opens up to the Beaux Arts Ball on November 2nd, featuring Taylor Dayne and music to die for.

Finally, Ptown aficionados won’t want to forget Spooky Bear Weekend, running from Friday, Nov. 1 to Sun., Nov. 3, with nary a moment in between to catch your breath enough to scream. Friday features a meet & greet, Rocky Horrow Picture Show screening and ‘Saints & Sinner Party.’ Saturday starts civilized with Afternoon Tea followed by a special Spooky Tea Dance and then a costume contest that’s sure to be a roaring good time. Ursamen finish the weekend out in style on Sunday with a farewell brunch.

It’s easy to see why Ptown is the pinnacle of destinations to celebrate Halloween in style, while providing all the scares, laughs, screams and smiles anyone could possibly covet. In a town known for its every-day flare for the dramatic, the fun, the glamorous and the silly…a visit for ten days of Halloween celebration is almost the equivalent of a month’s visit any other time of year. So let down your hair, put on your witch’s hat and make plans to come see us in Ptown for the most fun, frightening and unforgettable Halloween you can imagine in a place about to celebrate 400 years of revelry.