The road to Halloween has been rough this year. Political scandals and rashes of creepy clowns have stolen some of the thunder from a night that usually centers on costumes and candy. Fortunately, someone has remembered the Halloween spirit: Campfire Stories-Halloween Style.

Beginning at 8 p.m. at The Modern Hotel and Bar, the Campfire Stories event features readings of winning short story contest entries, spooky fiction from local author Alan Heathcock and a reading of The Hanging Man, a screenplay by Ryan Cannon.

Admission is free and attendees in costume can party a little harder with special prices at the bar.