5 things to do in Westmoreland County: Oct. 22-24

Scary side of town

Explore the dark history of West Newton during “Nightmare in West Newton” guided walking tours at 6, 7:30 and 9 p.m. Friday.

Tours begin and end at Simeral Square and will feature chilling stories about Rebecca Greenawalt, John C. Plumer and more, all based on real ghost sightings and actual events. Beverages and snacks will be available, payable in cash only.

Tours are recommended for participants age 12 and older, with parental discretion advised.

Preregistration is required. For information, visit Nightmare in West Newton on Facebook.

Growing opportunities

An Oktoberfest to benefit Grow Westmoreland will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at All Saints Brewing Co., Route 119 and Roseytown Road, Hempfield.

The $50 ticket includes two drink tickets for All Saints beer, an Oktoberfest-themed buffet by Chef Palumbo’s Catering and desserts by Marcia’s Bakery. DJ Jaden Hamilton will provide music.

Grow Westmoreland connects area young people who are interested in careers in agriculture and skilled labor with training and employment opportunities.

To purchase Oktoberfest tickets, visit growwestmoreland.org.

Dance the night away

Jeannette Area Historical Society will host a dance featuring “Dancing Queen” from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday at American Legion Post 344, 109 S. Fifth St., Jeannette. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit the society museum at 415 Clay Ave., which houses memorabilia, photographs, artifacts and other material pertinent to the City of Jeannette, including glassware from factories that once operated locally.

Tickets at $25 each can be purchased at the door or by calling Donna at 724-483-3430.

Monster mash

A “Spook-Tacular Day at the Theatre” will offer two weekends of Halloween fun to audiences at Trafford Performing Arts Center, 235 Cavitt Ave.

The lighthearted, family-friendly musical will be performed at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and Oct. 30-31 and 7 p.m. Oct. 29.

Audience members are invited to come in costume and watch as Baroness Frankenstein opens her rented castle to a motley crew of monsters who are having a hard time fitting in with society. Antics ensue when the castle owner arrives for a surprise visit.

The monsters will be available for photos and autographs during post-show meet-and-greet sessions.

A ticket is $10 at thetheatrefactory.org.

Witchy invasion

The Ligonier Witches Bike Brigade will gather at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Ligonier Country Market grounds for its fifth annual pub crawl around the borough.

Organizers of the 21-and-older event say “please leave your husbands, boyfriends, significant others, children, pets and politics at home for this ladies-only gathering. Brooms and bikes are welcome.”

Shuttle buses will be available for participants who don’t want to walk or bike, with stops at the country market field, Gray Goose, Ligonier Diamond, Fat Daddy’s Place, Forks Inn and Piddler’s Pub.

Preregistration has closed, but a limited number of passes will be available for $40, cash or check only, at the market field from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds benefit Helping Hearts & Healing Tails Animal Rescue and the Beth Luther Homeless Pet Fund.

For information, visit Ligonier Witches Bike Brigade on Facebook.