So we have drawn up a special guide to things to do and places to go over the next few days, not just in Mansfield and Ashfield but also across the wider Nottinghamshire area.
Halloween is top of the bill at many of the district’s leading venues, most notably Mansfield Museum, Clumber Park, Rufford Abbey, Creswell Crags, White Post Farm and Newstead Abbey.
But the weekend also marks one of the most celebrated events of the year in Southwell, the Bramley Apple Festival. And Mansfield’s Palace Theatre has an action-packed few days coming up with tribute shows to superstars such as Abba, Queen and Simon and Garfunkel, plus a return to the disco world of the 1970s.
And dare we mention it, Christmas is also on the horizon. This weekend sees the launch of Mansfield District Council’s super Secret Santa Appeal, which runs until the end of November.
Please check the individual websites of each venue for admission prices and opening times.
Have a great Halloween weekend!

. Halloween parties
Many of you will be enjoying fancy dress Halloween parties this weekend. Here is our guide to things to do and places to go in the Mansfield, Ashfield and wider Nottinghamshire area. Photo: Submitted

. Launch of Christmas appeal
Half-term and Halloween might be dominating, but the weekend also represents the launch of Mansfield District Council's Secret Santa community appeal.The initiative asks members of the public to donate a range of gifts at certain drop-off points to ensure needy families can enjoy their Christmas. Items, which must be new and unused, include board games, clothes, colouring books, hats and scarves, chocolates, biscuits, pyjamas, male grooming sets, socks and balls. Photo: Submitted

. Abba tribute show
Calling all you dancing queens out there! Saturday is your night to 'Thank You For The Music' because an Abba tribute show of that name is set to hit the stage at Mansfield's Palace Theatre. The smash-hit show features all the band's number one hits and combines their unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes and dazzling performances. Photo: Submitted

9. Tour of witch marks in cave
Few places are better geared up for Halloween than the caves of Creswell Crags at Welbeck. On Saturday and Sunday (12 midday and 2.30 pm), you can join a guide on a tour of the ghostly witch marks which were carved into the rock in Robin Hood Cave back in the 17th century. Find out why they are there and all about a period of superstition and witchcraft. The tour is suitable for children aged eight and older. Photo: Submitted

10. Revisit the days of disco
Go back to the 1970s at Mansfield's Palace Theatre tomorrow (Thursday) night to recreate the magical days of disco. 'Lost In Music' is a show that revives the hits of artistes such as Gloria Gaynor (pictured), Donna Summer, Earth Wind And Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic. With a sensational live band, it's a feelgood show sure to have you dancing in the aisles. Photo: Submitted

11. Halloween ghost hunt
As the storm clouds hover over Newstead Abbey, the scene is set for a Halloween ghost hunt on Saturday and Sunday nights from 8 pm to 1 am. The iconic, gothic building has been the home of ghostly sightings over many centuries, and this tour, priced at £49 per person, includes sophisticated investigations, lessons on how to handle ghost-detection kit and warm refreshments. Photo: Submitted

12. Catch up on the Simon And Garfunkel story
Folk rock duo Simon And Garfunkel were one of the best-selling groups of the 1960s, releasing legendary number-one hits such as ''Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'The Sound Of Silence' and 'Mrs Robinson'. A tribute show, 'The Simon And Garfunkel Story', has played to sold-out audiences across the world, and comes to Mansfield's Palace Theatre next Tuesday night. It features original film footage and a live band performing all the hits. Photo: Submitted