We’re rapidly nearing the end of spooky season and the season’s crowning jewel: Halloween itself. UT will be holding several events this week to celebrate the holiday. Here are some of the spookiest celebrations to look out for.
Pride Center Halloween Party
The Pride Center will be hosting its annual Halloween party this Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. The event will include snacks, crafts and more. A costume contest will be held during the party, so dressing up for the occasion is encouraged.
Día de los Muertos celebration
Students in UT’s second-year Spanish program will be decorating Hodges Library in celebration of the Mexican tradition Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. The ancient holiday, which dates back to the Aztecs, exists to celebrate, rather than mourn, deceased loved ones. Nowadays, the tradition is celebrated throughout Mexico, South America and the United States.
The first floor of Hodges will be adorned with Day of the Dead altars, which serve as shrines to remember deceased loved ones, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Halloween. Event attendees will also have the opportunity to sample pan de muerto, a sweet bread baked specifically for the Day of the Dead and adorned with bone-esque figures on the crust.
Additionally, Día de los Muertos actually takes place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, and the Spanish Club will be screening the animated film “Coco” at 7 p.m. on Friday in Fred Brown Amphitheater. The movie tells the journey of a young musician’s journey through the Land of the Dead. The event is free, and free refreshments will also be available.
Halloween Photo Booth
The UT Office of Communications and Marketing has organized a Halloween photo booth to celebrate enthusiastic students and their All Hallow’s Eve costumes. The booth will be set up in the Student Union, room 262B, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Halloween, and a professional photographer will be on site to capture Vols’ spooky outfits. Students’ photos will be sent to them, as well as possibly posted on university social media.
Halloqueen Drag Show
This event is the annual Halloween night drag show from Sexual Empowerment and Awareness at Tennessee (SEAT), the student organization that coordinates UT’s Sex Week. The show, which features student performers, will take place in Cox Auditorium in Alumni Memorial Building at 8 p.m. Admission is $2, and SEAT asks that audience members bring at least $1 to tip the performers.
“Are You Scared?” recital
UT faculty members and guest performers will collaborate on the evening of Halloween for a piano recital. The performance will take place at 8 p.m. in Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall in the Natalie Haslam Music Center, and the night will feature a variety of spooky yet exciting music. Audience members are encouraged to attend in costumes.
Make a GBO pumpkin
This activity doesn’t necessarily have to take place on campus, but it does involve UT students. Students from the College of Architecture and Design created several templates for pumpkin carving ideas, all centered around UT symbols and themes. If you’re still looking to carve a last minute jack-o-lantern design, these simple yet spirited designs are a great way to get in the Halloween spirit while simultaneously supporting the Vols. The templates are available here.
