Every Monday, we post The Five Best Things to enjoy in the upcoming week. These things are selected by the Plum TV staff and often times by you.

They range from humble to haute and include exciting events, festivals and performances as well as dining, shopping and playing at various treasured spots, shops and institutions.

This week we're looking forward to...

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Play

1) Happy Halloween! There's sure to be a ton of freaky festivities all week, but the biggest in Vail has got to be the 16th Annual Trick or Trot, happening on Saturday, October 31 at 1 p.m. in the streets of Vail Village and Lionshead. Children through age 10 & families are invited to take part in this hugely popular event, beginning with a Halloween Story Hour at the Vail Public Library, and ending with a 3 hour parade, where kids are invited to gather safe treats from merchants with an oversized jack-o-lantern bag at their doors. Come out to see all the wonderful costumes and take part in this spooky & special day!

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See

2) Check out the Vail Symposium's fifth installment of their Shaping the Future of Eagle Valley series, this Thursday, October 29 at 6 p.m. at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa. This fascinating series addresses key public policy issues for Colorado's future, focusing on the economy, the environment, and social capital. Head over to the Symposium's website for more information and to register.

- Fraidy Aber Talks Vail Symposium (Watch Video)

- Vail Symposium Brings Dean Sobel To Valley (Watch Video)

- Map & Directions for Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

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Experience

3) The Eagle Valley Artist Alliance is having a special Halloween Reception on Thursday, October 29 at the Avon Library. They'll have hors d'oeuvres AND a jack-o-lantern carving contest! You can paint, draw, carve or otherwise embellish your pumpkin however you wish and bring your orange masterpiece to the reception for a shot at winning some great prizes in three age categories. Check out the EVAA's website for more information on this ghoulish gathering!

4) Loaded Joe's, one of our favorite local spots for live music (they have an awesome open mic night!) is having a Musician Spotlight on local psychedelic rock band Dr. Awkward on Thursday, October 29 at 9:30 p.m. They are a favorite in the area, and this show is definitely not to be missed! Come get cured by the Doctor!

- Map & Directions for Loaded Joe's

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Savor

5) Broncos at Baltimore! If you're looking for some suggestions on where to catch the big game on Sunday, November 1, we've got some ideas for you! Local fave the Dusty Boot has their buy 1 get 1 free Sunday Burger Madness special, which we think is pretty awesome. There's also Garfinkels' Sunday Ticket Specials, which include $2 Drafts, $6 Wings or Chicken Fingers AND $7 Nachos, or you can head over to the Brush Creek Saloon, where they've got $5 Pitchers, Wings, & Build Your Own Burritos. So many choices, so little time!

- Stuff Magazine at Garfinkels (Watch Video)

- Map & Directions for The Dusty Boot

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If you attend any of these events or activities, please report back to Plum with your thoughts on our suggestions and photos of your adventures! We want the good & the bad!

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Ideas for next week? e-mail Mike @ editors@plumtv.com