Happy Halloween week, Gwinnett!

This is the one week a year when the whole county opens its front door. Porch lights on, kids in capes, neighbors you have waved at for two years finally saying hi. I love it.

We just celebrated my oldest son's 12th birthday, and Sunday night I was in tears thinking about how fast it's all going.

Twelve years. How did we get here so quickly?

Time is the one thing we can't get back. And it's got me thinking about making more room for the people who matter. Our families. Our neighbors. The memories we keep saying we'll make “when things slow down.”

That's why I do this. These Gwinnett County events aren't just things to fill your calendar. They're chances to spend time together, meet a neighbor, and make a memory.

Thanks for letting me help you find those moments.

So let’s get into it. The biggest night first, a quick vote, then your week day by day. Here we go!

— Gus

Fri, Oct. 30 · 5–9 PM · Thrasher Park, Downtown Norcross

This is definitely the night I would plan around. Dance, live entertainment, and traditional Mexican food and drinks, all honoring the people who came before us. It is colorful, it is meaningful, and it is a really beautiful date night.

My tip: get there by 5:30, grab dinner from the food stands, and stay for the music once the sun goes down. Details

Think of it as a big family celebration! Every year on Nov. 1 and 2, families in Mexico (and plenty right here in Gwinnett) get together to remember loved ones with music, food, and stories. Homes are decorated with family photos, favorite dishes, and lots of bright orange marigolds. It is a joyful, colorful tradition about family, and UNESCO even recognizes it as part of the world's cultural heritage. Incredible, right?

We have done Lawrenceville, Duluth, and Suwanee. Hit reply with just the number:

Thoughts?

Tue–Thu, Oct. 27–29 · 7:30–9:30 PM · starts at Aurora Theatre, 136 E Pike St

Lawrenceville's ghost tour is one of the most talked-about ghost tours around, and Halloween week is definitely the time to go! Walk the square after dark, hear the stories, then grab a late bite downtown. (Friday has 7 PM and 9 PM tours too.) Details

Fri, Oct. 30 & Sat, Oct. 31 · 7:30–9 PM · Downtown Lawrenceville

The adults-only version! Uncensored ghost stories, silly legends, and bawdy songs inside some of Lawrenceville's favorite pubs. Get a sitter and go have fun. Details

You keep asking for local food, so here are three spots that fit right into this week!

35 S. Peachtree St, Downtown Norcross

Right in the middle of downtown Norcross, a short stroll from Thrasher Park. Ropa vieja, sweet plantains, and lechón before the Día de los Muertos Festival on Friday. Incredible! Details

113 S. Peachtree St, Downtown Norcross

Locally owned and definitely the family pick! Burgers, a rooftop patio, and open late on Friday if the kids want one more bite after the festival. Details

225 W. Crogan St, Downtown Lawrenceville

Tacos and bowls a few minutes from Aurora Theatre. Eat before your ghost tour, since they close at 9 PM Tuesday through Thursday (10 PM Friday and Saturday). Details

Gus' quick safety reminder: glow sticks on every kid (grab the big bulk pack here), reflective tape on the bag, and a teal pumpkin if you have non-candy treats. (The Halloween Kit from Thursday is right here.)

Heads up: this is an affiliate link, so GwinnettBest earns a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting local media.

If this is the year you start wondering what your home is worth, or what it would take to buy in Gwinnett, my friends Jim Stern (real estate) and Tyler Hardie (mortgage) are who I trust. No pressure at all.

Just reply HOME and I will connect you.