Looking for Halloween costume ideas? What about fun Halloween events in the neighborhood? We've got what you need for Halloween 2012 in Minneapolis.

Costumes

With Halloween just around the corner many parents are probably still running around trying to find costumes for kids or for themselves. 

Before you pick up costumes or costume supplies, you need ideas first. Check out these DIY suggestions that won't break the bank.

Once you know what you're going to be, you can certainly head out to Jo-Ann Fabrics or Target, but why not peek your nose in at a couple local businesses:

• The Salvation Army thrift store at 3740 Nicollet Ave South
• B-Squad Vintage at 3500 Nicollet Ave South. Unlike other Southwest Minneapolis vintage and thrift stores, B-Squad has combed through their collection of vintage clothes and other items that would make great costumes.
• Creative Kidstuff in Linden Hills is offering 50 percent off kids' costume items on Saturday, Oct. 27.

Once you've got your costume together, don't forget to snap a photo and submit it to Patch's costume contest for a chance to win $5,000!

Events

For a list of haunted houses in Minneapolis and the surrounding area, check out our list here.

Linden Hills Hay Day

• When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
• Where: Downtown Linden Hills, at 43rd and Upton
• Why Go: New this year: actual hay! Come for the free horse-drawn hayrides around the Linden Hills village, stay for the face painters, and special fall sales. Shops will also welcome young trick-or-treaters.
• Price: Free

Monster Dash

• When: Oct. 27, 11 a.m.
• Where: Lake Harriet Bandshell
• Why Go: Have you ever tried to run a 5K while dressed as Optimus Prime? Would you like to watch someone try?
• Price: Free for gawkers. Registration for the race is full.

Monster Mash

• When: Oct. 27 10 a.m. to noon.
• Where:Lynnhurst Park
• Why Go: "Age-appropriate" activities, games, and treats for ages 1–12.
• Price: Free

Lake Harriet Ghost Trolley

• When: Oct. 26, and 27, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Where: The corner of Lake Harriet Parkway and West 42nd Street.
• Why go: A scary nightime Halloween adventure with some things that do indeed go bump in the night. This year, it's "Snakes on a Streetcar." A bonfire, hot cider, and 'roast your own' marshmallows and hotdogs follow. 
• Price: $4 per adult, $3 per child

Lake Harriet Trick 'r Trolley

• When: Oct. 28, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 
• Where: The corner of Lake Harriet Parkway and West 42nd Street. 
• Why go: A streetcar ride with a stop for a story from a noted children’s author. Each child receives a Halloween treat bag. Tickets available at Wild Rumpus. 
• Price: $5 per passenger

Tangletown Haunted House Walking Tour

• When: Oct. 28, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Where: Meet at Washburn High School. A full route map is available here.
• Why Go: According to the Tangletown Neighborhood organization, two tours will be offered: A daytime tour geared to families with small children. If you have them, you're encouraged to bring strollers or waggons to help the kiddos make the full trek. A second, nighttime tour for adults and older children will be much scarier, but walking shoes are mandatory. Awards for Best Lights, Special Effects, Scariest, Most Creative, Best Pumpkins, Kids' Choice and Best In Show will be given to participating houses.
• Price: Free

Preschool Pumpkin Party

• When: Oct. 31
• Where: Pershing Park
• Why Go: Treats, games and more for kids ages 4 and under.
• Price: $2 per child, free for 12 months and under. Call Pershing Park to pre-register.

Kenny Park Todler Halloween Parade

• When: Oct. 31, 10:30 a.m. to noon.
• Where: Kenny Park
• Why Go: Parade, children’s activities and treats. Ages 1–5.
• Price: Free

Armatage Park Halloween Party and Haunted House

• When: Oct. 31, 6–8 p.m.
• Where: Armatage Park
• Why Go: Games, food, hayride and more. All ages.
• Price: Free

Bryant Square Park Halloween Party

• When: Oct. 31, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Where: Bryant Square
• Why Go: Music, marshmallow roasting and hot cider. All ages.
• Price: Free

Tangletown-Kingfield-Lyndale-East Harriet Halloween Party

• When: Oct. 31, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Where: Fuller Park
• Why Go: Games, entertainment, and treat bags for children. All ages.
• Price: Free.