Halloween 2011 in Houston

2801 Polk St, Houston, TX 77003 (map)

This 60-year-old East End behemoth is the biggest costume shop around, boasting more than 57,000 rentals for when you want to go big, as well as classics such as witches and devils. You're sure to find whatever the topical costume is this year (our money's on Charlie Sheen). You can also browse the store’s massive collection online, order it and be done.

1222 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006 (map)

Erotic Cabaret survives year-round by selling sexy lingerie. So when Halloween rolls around, you can count on the Montrose boutique for sexy versions of what's usually the most least-arousing looks--there are sexy Eskimos, sexy leprechauns and even a sexy “Clockwork Orange”-themed costume. Believe it.

1512 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006 (map)

If you have time on your hands, dig around this fellow Westheimer shop to come up with some unique gems. There’s your typical slutty selection, but patient shoppers can cull together a creative costume from its wigs, wedding dresses and fur coats.

2225 N Sam Houston Pkwy W, Houston, TX 77043 (map)

Up your fear factor five-fold at ScreamWorld, a nationally recognized haunted house that features five distinct spooky thrills, from the Haunted Hotel, whose guests feature high-tech animatronic monsters, to the Maze of Maniacs, which, as you’d guess, promises a surprise at every turn. Need more? Horror flicks, palm readers, and roaming costumed characters will also entertain. Recommended for thrill-seekers 12 and up, the attraction is open Thursdays through Sundays until Halloween, with tickets $25, $20 on Sunday Family Nights.

18777 Hwy 290, Houston, TX 77065 (map)

Five unique thrills not enough for you? The Phobia Haunted House, running now until Halloween, keeps them coming, with eight haunts at one location that truly tap into some classic fears. There’s a trippy clown attraction, a claustrophobic's nightmare, a darkened haunt for those afraid of the dark, and, of course, zombies. Pick and choose at your discretion. Tickets range from $13 for one house to $50 for all of them. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

1500 McKinney Dr, Houston, TX 77002 (map)

Need to dial your thrill factor back a notch? Discovery Green’s free “Scream on the Green” is the child’s play of Halloween events, and we mean that in the best way possible. On Oct. 29 from 6pm to 10pm, revelers of all ages can participate in costume contests, listen to live music, watch “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” get their fortunes told, and have their faces painted. When it gets dark, the DJ comes out for a dance party. Don't worry about requesting "Monster Mash"--it's a given.