Top 5 Scary Halloween Festivals in the U.S. 2009

All across the United States, there are unique and exciting Halloween festivities that fit anyone's tastes. Whether you're looking for a trick or treat, the following is a list of the top 5 Halloween festivals you won't want to miss.

1. Bastrop, Texas
4th Annual Halloween Festival- October 31, 5-9 PM.
Taking place in the historic main street in downtown Bastrop, the 4th Annual Halloween Festival will take place for great family fun. There will be costume contests, pumpkin carving contests, the Need For Speed Haunted House, a hayride sponsored by by the local Fire Department, trick-or-treating, games, giant slide and more. Highlights will also be a Lip Sync Contest and the Live Wax Museum. Admission is free to the public. Please visit, www.bastropdba.com for full details.

2. West Hollywood, California
22nd Annual West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnival- October 31, 6PM-Midnight.
It has been coined the "biggest Halloween party in the world." This year, organizers are expecting half a million party-goers for 2009. Every year West Hollywood puts on a party for hard-core Halloween-goers. when Santa Monica Boulevard is closed down and taken over by the ghosts and goblins. This year, there will be a Halloween parade, numerous bands and events, and a $1000 costume contest. For more information, go to www.visitwesthollywood.com

3. Salem, Massachusetts
Salem Haunted Happenings- October 1-October 31, event times vary daily.
Everyone's heard about the Salem witch trials and the infamous tales of torture. Salem, Massachusetts has solidified itself in history for being a place where evil once existed. Every year they uphold their historic legacy with their month-long Salem Haunted Happenings. There will be over 140 events, venues, attractions, and businesses celebrating this haunted holiday. Highlights include Cry Innocent, History Alive!, Salem Witch Museum, and Spiritways. This will be a great family event that includes tours, haunted houses, psychic fairs, parties, children's events, and Halloween balls. For more details, check out www.hauntedhappenings.org.

4. New York City, New York
New York's Village Halloween Parade- October 31, 7 PM
The 36th Annual New York Village Halloween Parade brings together people of different cultures, characteristics, and creativity. This event was even named in the popular book 100 Things to Do Before You Die. Highlights of the parade include bands performing, stilt walkers, break dancers, jugglers, giant masks and puppets, street performers, and over 60,000 participants in Halloween garb. This event will take place in New York's Greenwich Village, on 6th Avenue South of Spring Street and above Canal Street. For more information, go to www.halloween-nyc.com.

5. Washington, D.C.
The Annual Halloween High Heel Drag Race
This is probably one of the most unique Halloween festivals in the nation. On the Tuesday before Halloween each year, hordes of drag queens dolled up in their most vibrant and colorful costumes strut their stuff down 17th Street in Dupont Circle. The winner of the 2 mile footrace is a silver slipper trophy. Not only is this a great Halloween experience, its a testament to the spirit of acceptance and liberation.