It's no wonder that the LGBTQ community has so fully embraced Halloween as a holiday: It has always been the one night of the year where we could openly be who (or what) ever we wanted to be. That, and, of course, the free candy.

So, for those of you who want to celebrate but still need something spectacularly spooky to do, here's a round-up of some hauntingly high-profile Halloween happenings to check out:

Village Halloween Parade, New York City

More than 50,000 costumed participants will fill the streets of Greenwich Village on Halloween—as they have for the last 45 years—for a celebration like no other. Joining the fray: hundreds of puppets, artists, dancers, and more than 30 musical groups.

For anyone who hasn't settled on a costume just yet, this year's theme is "I AM a Robot," and, for the first time, a special section of the parade will be devoted to anyone who comes dressed as one of our future overlords.

Parade runs along Sixth Avenue starting at Canal Street, 7pm.

Halloween Carnaval, West Hollywood

Every year, nearly a half million people invade Santa Monica Boulevard for one of the biggest Halloween events in the world.

And, maybe it’s the proximity to all that movie magic (not to mention, wardrobe departments), but when Angelenos show up in costume, I promise you that they know how to Turn. It. Out. Haunty.

Santa Monica Boulevard between North Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard, 6-10:30pm.

Haunted Hayride, Los Angeles

While in SoCal, head to the Old L.A. Zoo area of Griffith Park, hop in a hay wagon, and prepare to have the bejeezus scared out of you at this holiday staple, now in its tenth year.

Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Ave., nightly from now through October 31, except Monday, October 22 and Tuesday, October 23.

Fantasy Fest, Key West, Florida

Check your inhibitions at the door if you’re heading to Key West for Fantasy Fest, a 10-day Halloween Bacchanal with parties that include a Masquerade March parade through Old Town; a Kinky Carnival (“No kinky costume, no entry”); Men of LaBare Tighty Whitey Party; a pet masquerade; a naughty bike ride; a “Halos and Horns Pool Party”; and a lot, lot more.

Various locations, October 19-28.

Halloween New Orleans

This year's carnival-themed event promises all the fun and debauchery one associates with NOLA during its three official happenings: the charity-driven Lazarus Ball; the "Sideshow" main event; and the "Funhouse on the Pier" dance. Better yet: For more than 30 years, Halloween New Orleans has raised money for Project Lazarus, an assisted-living home for locals living with HIV/AIDS.

Various locations, October 26-28.

Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents the 32nd Annual 17th Street High Heel Race, Washington, D.C.

If you've ever dreamed of being on Drag Race, this might be the next best thing. The night before Halloween, over 100 drag queens will slip into their fastest heels and hightail it down 17th Street while thousands cheer them on. This year, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bower, a long-time fan of the event, has announced that she (and her office) will be the event's official presenter.

17th Street NW, October 30, 5pm for pre-race happy hour at at Level One/Cobalt (1639 R St NW); 7pm for the parade; and, 9pm for the race.

Halloween Under the Big Top, New York

Join Bianca Del Rio as she takes over as Ringmaster of the Big Apple Circus for its 10th annual Halloween event. She will be joined by a live band, tons of twisted circus acts, and a performance by Drag Race stars Violet Chachki and Kameron Michaels.

Lincoln Center, October 31, 8pm.