NoDaWEEN to be full of fright and fun Saturday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In just one week, the neighborhood of NoDa will change from the arts district it typically is into a haunted, horrifying event.

NoDaWEEN is an annual event hosted by the NoDa Neighborhood and Business Association the Saturday before Halloween.

The event is a community fundraiser that is in its fourth year and is continuing to grow.

This year NoDaWEEN will showcase four major events – KiDaWEEN, a Freaky 5K, NoDaWEEN Party and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," as well as several business-run events around the neighborhood.

Each year at NoDaWEEN a minimum of 20 percent of proceeds are donated to a select charity. This year proceeds from the event will go to Running Works.

Running Works uses the money raised from events to aid in the resume building and job interview process, assist with obtaining jobs, as well as to purchase clothes, shoes and transportation passes.

KiDaWEEN will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 27 in between Jack Beagle's and the Solstice Tavern. This event is a free family-friendly event with interactive Halloween-themed activities like face painting, costume contests, inflatable games, pumpkin painting, balloon pop art, a Walkway of Terror, spider ring toss and eyecatch paddle toss.

The first 100 children will receive a treat bag filled with candy.

The Freaky 5K is a 5K fun run that will take place at 6 p.m.

Costumes for the race are optional; however, giant French fries, "ZZ Topless" girls, Teletubbies and Superman are sure to make an appearance. Entry is $35 until Oct.25. Entry the on the event day is $40.

Entry to the Freaky 5K includes a free beer from a local craft brewery, a T-shirt, goodie bag and more.

There will be a NoDaWEEN Party from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. that night at Heist Brewery. The event will feature Birdsong, Noda Brewing Company as well as Heist Brewery selling pints of beer festival style under tents with a DJ spinning tunes, local vendors, a pumpkin carving display and a killer ambiance courtesy of extravaganza Events and Props.

Those who attend can drop off a creative, carved pumpkin between 5 to 8:45 p.m. to be displayed and judged for a chance to win $500.

NoDaWEEN will also feature a screening of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" on Saturday night. At 8 p.m. doors will open, at 9 p.m. there will be a live music concert, at 11 p.m. there will be a virgin initiation ceremony and the movie will begin at midnight.

"Rocky Horror Picture Show" costumes are strongly encouraged.

There will be three live bands to get the party started and the first 100 through the door get a free seven-inch vinyl. The first 300 tickets sold will receive a free prop bag.

Entry is $10 and covers the movie and live music. To purchase a ticket, click here.

To visit the NoDaWEEN website, click here.

WSOC