TREATS FOR CHILDREN

With ghosts, goblins and witches lurking just around the corner, Westsiders will find a variety of safe ways to celebrate Halloween this week.

In Hollywood, Halloween festivities begin today with a “Halloween Haunt Organ Concert,” featuring ghoulish sounds and spirited music. Organist Christoph Bull will play some haunting melodies including J.S. Bach’s “Prelude and Fugue in E-Flat” and Marcel Dupre’s “Prelude in B.” The free concert begins at 3 p.m. at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament.

At the Westside Pavilion, more than 3,000 children and parents are expected to participate in this year’s Halloween carnival and costume pageant. The carnival, including clowns, game booths and a visit by Mr. Pumpkin, will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Pre-registration is required for the costume pageant.

And for children who want to use their creativity, the Culver City Department of Human Services’ recreation division will sponsor an afternoon of pumpkin carving at the following city parks: Blair Hills, Culver City, La Ballona, Linwood Howe, Blanco, El Marino, Lindberg, Veteran’s and Culver West. The fun starts at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, and admission is free.

In Santa Monica, the Children’s Book & Music Center will hold its traditional Halloween party. Storyteller Connie Cazoert will tell spooky tales with plenty of ghosts, goblins and witches. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. Thursday at the center.

For those looking for something a little more scary, the Westside Family YMCA will present its sixth annual haunted manor at the Brentwood Youth House, 731 S. Bundy Drive. It will be open Wednesday and Thursday at 6 p.m., and admission is $3.

The Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Department will present its annual Spooktacular Halloween Carnival. It will include a puppet show with Bobbo & Kooki, a costume parade and pony rides. Activities begin at 5 p.m. at La Cienega Park in Beverly Hills. Admission is $1. Free parking is available at the La Cienega Tennis Center.