Haunting hotspots for Halloween

Looking for spooks and scares? Thrills and chills?

There are plenty of opportunities to dress up, party down and get creeped out in South Orange County this Halloween.

In Laguna Beach, Oak and Brooks streets will both be closed for trick-or-treaters and other Halloween revelers on Halloween night, Monday.

Check out what else is going on around the city and neighboring areas this weekend:

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Boo Blast

El Morro Elementary School’s annual Halloween carnival is from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the school, 8681 N. Coast Hwy.

The theme this year is “Medieval Knights and Dragons.”

Attractions will include a Ferris wheel, haunted house, carnival games, cake walk, face painting and rock climbing wall.

At the food court, enjoy some tasty treats like homemade chili, pizza, baked goods, cotton candy and Hawaiian shaved ice.

There will also be a costume contest and silent auction. Admission is free. Ride and meal tickets are available.

For more information, visit elmorropta.wordpress.com/2011-boo-blast/.

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Musical Spooktacular

The Laguna Concert Band will put on a “Musical Spooktacular” at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Laguna Playhouse.

The show will feature guest artist Gary Gould, who will play a rarely heard instrument, the theremin. It makes an eerie sound and is played without any physical contact.

Gould will perform “Transylvanian Lullaby,” which is based on the theme from “Young Frankenstein.”

Music from the “Harry Potter” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” films will also be performed, according to a flier for the event.

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the box office or by calling (949) 497-2787. The Laguna Playhouse is at 606 Laguna Canyon Road.

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Moonlight Masquerade

The Laguna Playhouse will hold its third annual Moonlight Masquerade at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Tivoli Too.

The Halloween party doubles as a fundraiser for the Playhouse. The evening includes music by the All Stars Live band, drinks, a buffet dinner, costume contests, silent auction and tricks and treats, according to a news release.

“You’re guaranteed to be tricked, treated, spooked and frightfully entertained!” co-chairwomen Deborah Mayhew and Heidi Miller said in a statement.

For more information, contact Leslie Ann Mogul at lamogul@lagunaplayhouse.com or (949) 497-2787 ext. 217.

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Dead Man’s Party

The 24th annual Dead Man’s Party will be from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday at the White House Restaurant & Nightclub, 340 S. Coast Hwy.

For the first time, this costume ball is open to the public. The band Party Foul will perform.

Cost is $20, and the night is for the older-than-21 crowd only.

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Halloween Fair and Haunted House

The student clubs at Soka University of America are putting on the 10th annual Halloween Fair and Haunted House on Friday and Saturday.

The fair will be in front of the recreation center and is suited for younger children. It will feature games, activities and food. Admission is free. The fair begins at 5 p.m. both days.

The haunted house will be on the first floor of the recreation center, with an entrance fee of $5. The attraction is recommended for children 10 and older.

Soka University is at 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo.

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Boo Cruise

Hop on the third annual Boo Cruise from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. The event is hosted by Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching.

The 20-minute harbor cruises will be on decorated Halloween vessels at Dana Wharf, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

Children should dress in costume and everyone will get their picture taken and a goodie bag. Tickets are $3, with $1 from each going to children’s fishing group Friends of Rollo.

Last year, the event drew more than 500 attendees.

kelly.parker@latimes.com

Twitter: @KellyParkerTCN