If October brings the allure of things that frighten you, read on.

From shows to haunted houses to ghost stories to the down-right disturbing, here’s a look at five attractions the area has to offer when it comes to Halloween and the weeks leading up to it – a time when many are drawn to all things dark.

[ More McHenry County Halloween happenings ]

1.) “YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN”

WHEN: Oct. 2-18

WHERE: Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St., Woodstock

ABOUT: Adapted by Mel Brooks for the stage based on his 1974 film about Dr. Frankenstein's grandson and his attempt to repeat his grandfather's experiments in his grandfather's castle, "Young Frankenstein" isn't a simple production. Props, special effects and elaborate costumes have gone into Woodstock Theatre Company's musical. A break-away wall, a secret passage, a smoke machine and more aim to make the production "exciting," said Kathie Comella, president of the Woodstock Theatre Company. "There's all kinds of fun stuff like that," she said. The show is scheduled for 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $24 adults, $21 students and seniors. Tickets and information: www.woodstockoperahouse.com or 815-338-5300.

Bonus: Also coming to the Woodstock Opera House this month is "Dracula," Megan Wells' one-woman, theatrical interpretation of Bram Stoker's Gothic masterpiece. Recommended for adults, the show is scheduled for 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Presented by well-known storyteller Jim May. Tickets: $20 all seats. Tickets and information: www.woodstockoperahouse.com or 815-338-5300.

2.) McHENRY AREA JAYCEES HAUNTED HOUSE

WHEN: Oct. 2 through Nov. 2

WHERE: Knox Park Barn, 300 S. Route 31, McHenry

ABOUT: A 30-year tradition, the haunted house is celebrating its three decades of terror with an expansion from 12 to more than 20 rooms. Organizers recruit actors annually and aim to heighten the screams this year. Schedule: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 22-25, 29-31 and Nov. 2. Thursday and Sunday admission: $8. Friday and Saturday admission: $10. Save $1 with a canned good donation. Information: www.mchenryareajaycees.org.

Bonus: Another nearby haunted house is The Realm of Terror Horror Experience (www.realmofterror.com) in Round Lake Beach, which calls itself "one of the most intense haunted houses to ever exist." The house is open Oct. 2-31. Tickets cost $25. Not recommended for anyone younger than age 16. The popular Terror on the Railroad at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union will not open this year because a restoration of the museum made the event's stationary train cars unavailable.

3.) “DANGEROUS LULLABIES”

WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 2 opening night as part of 1st Friday, with the exhibition running through Oct. 29

WHERE: Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake

ABOUT: Kathleen Isacson set out to fill Lakeside Legacy Arts Park's historic Dole Mansion – believed to be haunted by its previous owner, Eliza, the widow of circus magnate Al Ringling, who helped purchase the Dole property in the 1920s – "with paintings, sculptures and fine art creations which examine the beauty found in the ashes of terror and the magnetic pull of things disturbing, on-edge or dark."

“We have this love, hate relationship with all these things that disturb us,” said Isacson, who curated the show with her husband, Joe.

“Dangerous Lullabies” aims to inspire thought and perhaps talk about why we like a bit of fear sometimes. It draws together artists from throughout the country with everything from sculptures to classic oil painting to modern work and digital photography, Isacson said, and will include some theatrics.

“There’s so much artwork out there that tries to capture the experience of being drawn to the scary and frightening things and the things not going right in the world. It’s such an expression of the human experience. Even though we want good things and happy things, we’re also drawn to the things not working in the world,” she said.

Though the exhibit comes with a warning it’s not appropriate for young children or those with health condition, Isacson said, “Frankly, it’s probably less scary than most prime-time television these days.” It might be more discomforting for some than others, she said, but for all, it should be an experience. “It’s not just, ‘Oh, here’s a pretty picture next to another pretty picture,’ ” she said.

4.) HAUNTED HAYRIDE

WHEN: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 10, 16-17, 23-24

WHERE: Petersen Park, 4300 Petersen Park Blvd., McHenry

ABOUT: A fundraiser for the Wonder Lake Water Ski Show Team and local charities, the attraction invites visitors to brave a hayride through Deadwood Forest. Refreshments available. Free parking, Admission: $8 a person. Information: www.wonderlakeskiteam.org.

5.) GHOST STORIES

Several storytelling events throughout October aim to bring fears to life.

“Ghost Stories Plus”

WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 10

WHERE: Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside

ABOUT: Start with tours of the Haunted Woods at 5 p.m., followed by “Into the Shadows,” scary stories with storyteller Mike Speller, starting at 7 p.m. For ages 5 and older; reservations are required at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov. Admission: $5 adults, $2 children.

“Historic Halloween with Jim May”

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14

WHERE: McHenry County Historical Society Museum, 6422 Main St., Union

ABOUT: Emmy award-winning storyteller Jim May will tell ghost stories from around the world. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with an optional haunted entrance for those who dare. Stories for all ages from 7:15 to 8 p.m. Stories sure to scare adults will follow. Halloween refreshments in the West Harmony one-room school afterward. Admission: $5 members, $7 nonmembers. Information: 815-923-2267 or www.mchenrycountyhistory.org.

“Dearly Departed: A Contagious Catastrophe”

WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 16-17

WHERE: Colonel Palmer House, 660 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake

ABOUT: "Dearly Departed" returns with a new story based on real-life circumstances. Guests will enjoy a 45-minute presentation and tour through the Colonel Palmer House as historians reveal the tragic story that takes place in the winter of 1918-19, shortly after the end of World War I. Returning soldiers have brought the deadly Spanish Influenza home to Crystal Lake. As the disease spreads throughout the community, many local families are affected. This event starts every 15 minutes. The event has sold out annually so get tickets early. Advance tickets required. Tickets: $8 at 815-455-1151 or www.cl-hs.org.