The historic Canal District is gearing up for its annual celebration of all things creepy, crawly and scary. Canalloween: A Nightmare on Water Street, held Saturday, Oct. 29, has made the district the prime location to celebrate Halloween in Worcester for the last five years. More than 15 bars and restaurants will once again be putting forth their festive best, with costume contests and Halloween parties (and that’s just the beginning).

This year’s Canalloween will bring the fun and fright to a terrifying new level. The festivities will begin at the break of dusk with Wicked Wagon rides. Hop aboard the horse-drawn carriage for free rides through the neighborhood, but only if you think you can handle a few scares.

The haunted hayrides will pave the way for Worcester’s first Zombie Walk, a pub crawl through the Canal District. The crawl will be free to join for anyone with a costume. Although any costume will suffice, Pulse encourages your best attempt at the walking dead and will feature the best zombie costume online. Limp, lumber and lurch from bar to bar, enjoying live music along the street, drinks at each stop and the company of like-minded monsters. Just meet at the designated location and follow the route on Canalloween.com.

As in years past, Canal District bars, clubs and restaurants will host parties to celebrate the creepiest night of the year. Many will feature costume contests, prizes, live music and more.

“Canalloween is Worcester’s signature event,” said Paul Giorgio, publisher of Pulse and one of the event’s organizers. “We’ve collaborated with local businesses and organizations that will be working together to really step up the nightlife aspect of Halloween. This year, Canalloween will bring a festival feel to the Canal District like it’s never seen before.” Festivities will begin at dusk and carry on in full force until the witching hour (last call).

Canalloween has been known to bring out some of the creepiest and most creative costumes in the city of Worcester, so be sure to give it your all when choosing yours (for some tips on making a great costume, check out our story in the Beauty & Style section). Be sure to take some insidious selfies and post with the hashtag #Canalloween for a chance to be featured online!

Canalloween is hosted by Pulse Magazine and sponsored by Samuel Adams Octoberfest, Shipyard Pumpkinhead, Coors Light, Winn Development, and Wachusett Brewing Company.

Canalloween: A Nightmare on Water Street will be held at dusk Saturday, Oct. 29. Visit canalloween.com to find out where to board the Wicked Wagon, see the Zombie Walk route and schedule, and view a list of participating bars and restaurants.