This weekend, the 5th annual Spectral Carnival returns to the spooky setting of St. Joseph's Park (118 Pleasant Street). Each fall, the gothic stone bones of the 19th century church — all that remains from a 1974 fire — are transformed from a quiet-as-the-grave space filled with sylvan overgrowtn and birdsong, to the site of creative wonders.

Presented by The Yards Collective Art Space, the carnival is a two-day event that features musical and performance acts, face painting, henna, tarot reading, crafts, a photo booth, and carnival games for children and adults. The event also offers refreshments for purchase, a costume contest, and a theme that sets the tone for the Halloween season. This year's theme is The Gilded Cage Hotel, and each of the organizers and performers will be adorned accordingly. Carnival-goers should dress for the weather — there is technically no "indoors," as the church is topless.

The Spectral Carnival takes place Friday and Saturday, October 14 and 15, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is adults-only during those hours, so bring the under-18 kiddos on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., during which time children's musician Mr. Loops will perform Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children, and can be purchased at the door or online at theyardsrochester.com.