Getting into the Halloween groove is challenging enough without Mother Nature’s consensus on determining fall weather here in Nashville, and COVID-19 social distancing guidelines make it all the less festive. On-campus organizations are doing their best to change that, bringing you a slew of virtual and in-person events over the course of this week to scratch that trick-or-treating itch.
Horror film showings
Students are invited to join A24 for virtual screenings of various horror movies over the course of the week, including “Green Room” Oct. 26 at 7 p.m., “The Witch” Oct. 27 at 7 p.m., “Ex Machina” Oct. 28 at 7 p.m., “The Lighthouse” Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. and the director’s cut of “Midsommar” Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. RSVP in order to receive the invitation link for viewing.
Pumpkin carving and crafts
If you are interested in participating in some pumpkin carving, there are more than enough opportunities to do so at every corner of campus. North House is hosting their weekly Commons event but jazzes it up with pumpkin painting and carving. Masks and RSVP required, picnic blanket suggested. If you’re looking for a broader range of things to paint than your standard orange gourd, The Ingram Commons is inviting first-year students to come select a succulent (or a pumpkin) and paint its pot Oct. 30 from 5-9 p.m. A Zoom-friendly version of pumpkin decorating is being hosted by EBI at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29. Painting supplies can be picked up from the EBI third floor elevator lobbies before the program.
Also Oct. 29, The Ingram Commons is hosting “Cut the Craft: Halloween Edition.” Mask-sporting students who RSVP can head to The Commons Center 233 from 2-3 p.m. to decorate candy bowls and release their inner child with plenty of free candy.
Dia de los Muertos
Enrich your cultural awareness with Professor Heraldo Falconi and Roshaunda Ross-Orta by learning more about Dia de los Muertos in Latin American countries. Tune into Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. to attend this “spooky season” iChat, which is open to all students but caters to abroad international students with the convenience of various time zones.
Academic clubs and organizations
The English Major’s Association and the Vanderbilt English Department are hosting a night of virtual haunted literary trivia Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 6-7:45 p.m. Log onto Zoom for the opportunity to win prizes, and make sure to wear a costume for extra brownie points.
The Association for Women in Mathematics is planning a virtual “mystery adventure” with a side of fun facts about illustrious female STEM leaders Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. The Zoom event is not limited to women or STEM majors and provides students with the opportunity to get to know each other within their Nancy Drew-esque teams.
Vanderbilt Programming Board
Following the virtual Chloe x Halle concert organized by the VPB Music Group that attracted hundreds of students and staff, VPB has even more exciting autumnal events on its calendar available to the entire campus. VPB’s VenUe has organized a Halloween-themed virtual event for Oct. 30. On the same day, Vandy Fanatics will be giving away a free Halloween item to students that pass by their table on campus 11 a.m.-1 p.m. as part of the Free Fridays series.
If you’ve feeling a bit spooked-out, the VPB Speaker’s Committee is welcoming American entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang to speak Oct. 27., providing a unique opportunity for students to interact with an influential figure in American politics.
COVID-19 has not deterred VPB from planning lively events in a virtual setting. The Board has resorted to innovative means to support students with entertaining events.
“We have some other virtual events and ticket giveaways in progress as well right now,” VPB Student President Amanda Epp said. “We are working hard to release information as soon as we get it.”
