If you are planning for Halloween, the main thing to know is simple: Fort Wayne's official trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The Fort Wayne Police Department confirmed the hours on its Facebook page, according to WPTA.

The department has used the same two-hour window in past years, WANE has reported.

Plenty of other Halloween events fill the calendar before then, so here is a practical guide to the days ahead.

Safety reminders from police

The police department encourages parents to accompany trick-or-treaters and asks residents to light their porches well if they plan to hand out candy.

Drivers are asked to use extra caution and watch for people enjoying the holiday outdoors.

Indiana State Police add a few more reminders for families.

They suggest knowing the dates and times in your community, visiting only houses with the porch light on and never entering the home of a stranger.

If a child gets separated from the group, the advice is to have them stay put and ask an adult for help.

They also recommend that an adult inspect candy before it is eaten, and that drivers slow down on Halloween.

Events before Halloween

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo runs Zoolooween on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31, with stations for trick-or-treaters.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Botanical Conservatory hosts Garden Trick or Treat from noon to 3 p.m. at 1100 S. Calhoun St.

WPTA's trunk-or-treat guide also lists events at businesses, churches and community groups.

On Friday, Oct. 23, the Parkview YMCA and Harrison Dental Group both host events from 5 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 24, includes PSM Icehouse from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and the Jackson R. Lehman Family YMCA from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

On Sunday, Oct. 25, Electric Works hosts trick-or-treating from 2 to 5 p.m.

Later in the week, RightWay Fort Wayne is listed for Monday, Oct. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m., and Turnstone for Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.

DeHayes Group is listed on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 30, brings several options, including two funeral-home events from 5 to 7 p.m. and Unity Martial Arts from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Halloween day options

On Saturday, Oct. 31, a few events start before the official neighborhood hours.

American Legion 241 in Waynedale is listed from 2 to 4 p.m., and Riverside Gardens in Grabill from 4 to 6 p.m.

The Fort Wayne Urban League is listed from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Christ's Church on Maplecrest Road from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Fort Wayne Komets also host a daytime Halloween game that day, with a puck drop at 3 p.m.

The team's schedule lists an on-ice costume parade during the first intermission and a Kids Seat Free Night.

Planning tips

Hours differ in nearby towns, and WANE keeps a regional list of trick-or-treat times if you live outside the city.

Because organizers can change details, confirm each event's time and location before you head out.

If you are staying home, keep your porch light on only if you are welcoming visitors, and keep walkways clear.

If you are heading out, a flashlight and reflective gear can help drivers see your family after dark.

Plan an early dinner, since the official window is only two hours long.

With a little planning, Halloween can be a safe, fun evening for the whole neighborhood.