As cooler temperatures settle in and fall begins to take form, students are likely contemplating their own unique costumes for Halloween and anxiously anticipating all the activities the festive holiday has to offer.

Thankfully, this eerie holiday spirit can be expressed as early as this weekend with a wide range of activities. From spine-tingling trilogies to creepy haunted houses, these pre-nights of fright are sure to serve as the perfect precursor to the approaching holiday.

Horror film:

Those who were genuinely startled by the first two installments of the popular “Paranormal Activity” franchise should brace themselves for more sleepless nights with the anticipated release of “Paranormal Activity 3.” As a member of the increasingly appealing “found-footage” horror sub-genre, the original film — about an invisible demonic entity that terrorizes an unfortunate suburban couple — dutifully reinstated audiences’ fear of the dark.

Students wanting to get a head start on all the ghostly activities Halloween has to offer, should check out this series’ third chapter, which releases in theaters Friday, promising more pulse-pounding chills.

Haunted houses and events:

From ghoulish monsters to legendary horror icons, students can witness their deepest, darkest fears shockingly realized in some of the state’s haunted houses.

Those who crave gruesome, visceral thrills will appreciate Oklahoma City’s haunted warehouse “Pitch Black,” which opened Wednesday and runs through Oct. 31. The haunted warehouse is a chilling experience located at the Coca-Cola Bricktown Event Center, providing attendants with a single glow stick on their ominous voyage through. Those brave enough to venture through the building’s perilous corridors immersing themselves in this menacing, nightmarish undertaking will surely quench their thirst.

Students who prefer to engage in local affairs should participate in Norman’s “Party of the Damned” Halloween party at 9 p.m. Friday. Hosted and sponsored by The Hidden Castle and OU’s GLBTF members, this occasion will include live music, a DJ and an exclusive costume contest for prideful and creative participants.

So, if you were wondering how to sustain your holiday spirit and keep yourself entertained until Halloween, this weekend has plenty to offer in the way of thrills and excitement.

Laron Chapman is a film and media studies senior.