31 holidays in October to get into the Halloween spirit

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Halloween might be the most anticipated holiday in October, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate these other holidays in preparation.

The first Wednesday in October is National Pumpkin Seed Day. This holiday offers the perfect opportunity to begin celebrating by carving out a pumpkin and roasting the seeds.

The second Tuesday of October is National Face Your Fears Day and offers a chance to overcome the things holding you back.

The second Saturday in October is National Costume Swap Day. To avoid throwing out last year's costume, consider swapping one with a family member or friend.

For Sherlock Holmes Weekend, enjoy a weekend of mystery solving—perhaps with an at-home Murder Mystery game!

The last Friday in October is Frankenstein Friday. Celebrate Mary Shelley's famous novel by watching one of the countless movie adaptations or even reading the book itself if you have time.

The last Sunday in October is Visit A Cemetery Day.

Oct. 1 - 17

Oct. 1 is National Black Dog Day. Black Cats are not the only animals with stigma. Use this day as a chance to leave the negative perception behind and celebrate black dogs everywhere.

Fall baking anyone? Oct. 4 is ​National Cinnamon Roll Day.

Oct. 6 is Mad Hatter Day, which makes it the perfect opportunity to grab your party hats and plan a strange celebration—perhaps even a tea party.

To continue with the theme of fall baking, use Oct. 10's holiday of National Cake Decorating Day to create a spooktacular cake.

Oct. 11 is It's My Party Day. Consider an early costume party or possibly a Halloween movie marathon party.

Oct. 12 is Harry Potter Book Day, so grab your favorite Harry Potter book, sit back, relax and read.

You don’t have to wait until Halloween to dress up because Oct. 17 is Wear Something Gaudy Day.

Oct. 21 - 28

Oct. 21 is National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day. Uninterested in pumpkin pie? Consider making a pumpkin cheesecake instead.

Oct. 25 is National Chucky Day. Celebrate the iconic "Child's Play" character by watching some (or all) of the horror films.

Meat pie and Sweeney Todd movie night anyone? Oct. 26 is National Mincemeat Day.

Oct. 26 is National Pumpkin Day, so use this holiday as an opportunity to visit a local pumpkin patch or perhaps carve some out to use as holiday decor.

Oct. 26 is Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night. An out-of-this-world event that is used to bring awareness to wolf conservation, as well as provide people an opportunity to belt it out at the moon.

Oct. 27 is National Black Cat Day. Similar to National Black Dog Day, this holiday is used to give a little extra love to black cats and fight stigma.

Oct. 28 is National Chocolate Day. In case you overindulge on this holiday, be sure to return to the store for more candy to pass out to the ghosts and ghouls on Halloween night.

Oct. 30 - 31

Oct. 30 is Create a Great Funeral Day. Let others know how you'd like to be sent off or consider a party where your friends and family can plan a silly funeral for you.

Remove any dangers lurking at the back of your fridge Oct. 30 for Haunted Refrigerator Night.

Mischief Night is Oct. 30, and the holiday is used for playing pranks and sharing laughs.

Oct. 30 is National Text Your Ex Day. There’s nothing scarier ... unless they text back!!

Oct. 30 is National Candy Corn Day. The classic Halloween candy returns every year, and it deserves a little praise.

Oct. 31 is National Caramel Apple Day.

Oct. 31 is National Knock Knock Joke Day. Does "Trick or Treat" count as a knock-knock joke? We'll let you decide.

Oct. 31 is National Magic Day and is used to celebrate the art of allusion and magicians.

Oct. 31 is HALLOWEEN!!

Don't forget! Bat Appreciation Month and Halloween Safety Month are also all month long in October.