I have a confession. I’m not a big Halloween person. I don’t even get excited about dressing up my kids, and I think basically all parents get excited about that.

I don’t have anything against the holiday, either (beyond my annoyance that every holiday in the U.S. is over-commercialized and marketed to us way too much and way too early). Halloween just isn’t my thing.

That said, live music, food trucks and beer with friends are things I get a little excited about – OK, a lot excited about these days, given that date nights or “girls’ nights out” are pretty rare in these early years of parenthood (4- and 2-year-old at home).

This Thursday, Oct. 17, on Main Street in Old Town Newhall is the last Senses event of 2013 – a free street event on the third Thursday of each month featuring good music, food and drinks. This one promises to be lots of fun with Mr. Pink, the band from last month, returning, and some fabulous food trucks. I’m hearing something about grilled cheese, a party wagon and much more. There will also be a sketch artist, a talented CalArts alum who will draw you as your favorite scary character.

You’re also encouraged to be your favorite scary character. OK, it doesn’t have to be scary; you can just enjoy wearing your favorite costume.

So if Halloween is your thing and you’re dying for an opportunity to turn yourself into a character from “The Walking Dead,” this is the event for you. Or come as you are and let The ARTree provide some frightening touches at its specialty make-up booth.

Don’t forget that Main Street features some pub crawl opportunities with The Vu, Puchella Winery, Newhall Refinery, El Trocadaro and The Hideway Lounge at The Repertory East Playhouse. Book the babysitter now and pick a designated driver. Heck, if you pay for my babysitter, I’ll be your designated driver.

Senses happens from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Plus, on Thursdays, there’s also the Farmer’s Market on Main Street from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. So, if you’re not up for a full night out, head down to Main Street a bit early for Senses, check out the Farmer’s Market, get some grub from a food truck and be one of the first to get your specialty make-up or caricature done.

Whether you make it an early night or close the event, have fun and be safe. Oh, and I guess … Happy Halloween!

Jennifer Fischer is co-founder of the SCV Film Festival, a mom of two, an independent filmmaker and owner of Think Ten Media Group, whose Generation Arts division offers programs for SCV youth. She writes about her parenting journey on her blog, The Good Long Road. Her commentary is published Saturdays on SCVNews.com.