I’ve been eating a lot of chocolate syrup. Not because of Halloween, but because it is the main ingredient in fake blood.

For context, I have been rehearsing the role of Virginia Clemm in Hobnob Theatre Company’s “Edgar Allan Poe: Tales of the Grotesque.” Virginia tragically dies of tuberculosis at the ripe age of 24.

“Poe” is the event I would like you to attend this weekend, but it is unfortunately sold out (with waiting lists). So, I thought it best to discuss it today.

The poetical Poe has garnered national attention that spans decades despite being a staple of high school curriculum. His depiction of the macabre in “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Raven” separates him from other writers and inspires others. He found a muse in his cousin and eventual wife, the 14-year-old Virginia (I know, creepy). She became immortalized as “The Raven’s” Lenore and “Annabel Lee.” The two apparently “loved with a love that was more than love,” and Poe (as is said in the play) believed there was nothing more tragic than the death of a beautiful woman and the words of their bereaved lover.

Playing a teenager as someone who has lived well past 24 is a bit comical in and of itself. Nevertheless, playing Virginia has taught me more than the power of special effects. It has also revealed that being a muse isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

While you can’t see “Poe,” there are plenty of opportunities to get your spook on this weekend. See below.

The Butler High School Orchestra Spooktacular starts at 6 p.m. Thursday in the intermediate school auditorium, 551 Fairground Hill Road. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume and donate $5. Find out more on Facebook.

Experience the art exhibit “Sharing Our Space with the Birds of the World” from now until December at the Regional Learning Alliance, 850 Cranberry Woods Drive. See original pieces from the 3 Rivers Botanical & Nature Artists from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday. For more information, visit experiencebutler.com.

It’s all treats and no tricks at the Great Pumpkin Festival in Cranberry Township from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday. There will be a sensory hour from 5 to 6 p.m. Participate in the costume contest, roam the outdoor pumpkin patch, play games, and get candy all within the municipal building, 2525 Rochester Road. Registration is $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents at bit.ly/CranberrySpecialEvents.

Butler Area Midget Football League is hosting a trunk or treat from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday in Butler Memorial Park, 100 Memorial Drive. There will be candy and food trucks! For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

Lernerville Speedway’s Trunk or Treat benefits Sarver Volunteer Fire Company from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the track, 313 N. Pike Road. Show cars can register for $10 and trick-or-treaters are admitted for free! There will be prizes for best decorated car and best costume. For more information, visit experiencebutler.com.

Only adults can experience the oddities of Haunted Harmony at 4 p.m. Saturday in the borough. Dress up for the costume contest, meet paranormal investigators, trick or treat at participating businesses, walk the haunted house, and more! The Psychic Vincent Sister’s portion of the event costs $40 at PsychicVincentSistersinHarmony.eventbrite.com, but the rest of the event is free! See a full list of activities at bottlebrusharts.com.

Trunk or Treat at Mount Chestnut Presbyterian Church, 727 W. Old Route 422, is from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday on campus. Bring your family (in costume) for the candy and stay for the fellowship. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

Dress up to dance the night away at the Saxonburg Fireman’s Club Halloween party. The dance starts at 8 p.m. Saturday at 155 Pittsburgh St. for those 21 and over. Cover charge is $5. For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

Wear your costume to run in the Great Pumpkin Race in Zelienople at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Gregory Catholic School, 115 Pine St. This 5K or 1-mile fun run is followed by an outdoor party with food and activities. Sign up for $30 a person at runsignup.com.

Trunk or Treat at Nixon United Methodist Church, 334 Airport Road, is from 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Children should come in their Halloween best! For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

Trick or Treat at Preston Park is back from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Preston Park, 415 S. Eberhart Road. This Butler County Chamber of Commerce event will have vendors and exciting extras. Find out more on Facebook.

If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.