HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS: Once the seasonal scary theme park attractions get going, you can start carving those pumpkins, or almost: Halloween is on its way. The ghoulish doings at Universal Studios Hollywood start on Friday, Sept. 20. Think maze-y dread-packed walks -- El Cucuy and "Evil Dead" and "The Walking Dead" and "Insidious" and a Black Sabbath maze are in there -- plus scare zones, the terror tram, and such. It's okay to feel chills while reading your computer. Sept. 20 through Nov. 2.
CALIFORNIA COASTAL CLEAN-UP DAY: It's called "the state's largest volunteer event" and with impressive reason: Some 65,000 people pulled up their sleeves and tidied the Golden State's beaches, lakes, and waterways in 2012. Can we see a bigger number this year? Find a shore needing some TLC near you. Date is Saturday, Sept. 21. Oh, and check this: Over 770,000 pounds of junk got cleared last year. What's that sound? Was that the coastline sighing in relief? Yeah, probably.
WORLD CARFREE DAY: Want a break from the driver's seat? That's what Sunday, Sept. 22 is all about. Studio City and Sherman Oaks will mark the day with events and discounts at various Ventura Boulevard businesses, while adventurers will set out on an itinerary arranged by the LA Tourism & Convention Board (in partnership with Beverly Hills and Santa Monica). The CicLAVia Heart of LA ride follows two weeks later, so why not practice your car-free-ness now?
SPIDER PAVILION OPENS: Arachno aficionados are a hearty lot, and they should be, given the fact that those who get the willies from our eight-legged friends tend to be, well, legion. But spiders are oh-so-helpful and oh-so-beautiful, too. Walk through this seasonal area and get up-close with a few webs and web-dwellers. It's at the Natural History Museum from Sept. 22 through Nov. 3.
MUSIC, MOVIES, TV: TARFEST returns to, yep, the mammothiest place in all the metropolis. Love tunes, painting, and love 'em for free? Be at the La Brea Tar Pits on Saturday, Sept. 21. Paul Dooley, the sweet dad in "Sixteen Candles," chats at Cinefamily up Fairfax -- nice -- on Sunday, Sept. 22, while TV costumes remain on display downtown at FIDM. You're not going to the Emmys? No sweat; see fashion from famous series here (and see it for free). It's open on Saturday, not Sunday, note.
