If you have lived in Fort Wayne for any length of time, you probably have a Fright Night memory, whether it involves a zombie costume, a wagon full of trick-or-treaters or a warm drink on a chilly sidewalk.

Today, Saturday, Oct. 17, the free 17th annual Fright Night takes over downtown once again.

Organizers list activities across the district from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and street parking is free all day Saturday.

Downtown Fort Wayne organizes the day, and partners such as the library, The History Center and The Old Fort host events of their own.

Organizers say the idea is to let visitors stroll an easy, accessible downtown and perhaps discover a business or group they have not visited before.

Here is a practical look at how to plan your visit.

The big moments

Zombie Central runs from noon to 3 p.m. at the Allen County Public Library Plaza.

Local groups SheKri Dance Arts and K. Monique's Dance Studio perform there, along with the Homegrown Halloween Show.

The costume contest and the brain-eating contest, two longtime Fright Night traditions, are held at the same spot.

At 3 p.m. sharp, the Zombie Walk begins at Zombie Central and ends at The Bradley.

The official survival guide shows the full route, so it is worth a look before you head downtown.

Fun for the little ones

Trick-or-treating runs from noon to 3 p.m., and families can start at Visit Fort Wayne to find the participating businesses.

Inside the library, Not-So-Spooky Crafts run from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by Spooky Season Readings from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

A zombie scavenger hunt, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., sends kids and teens looking for hidden zombies in the library's Reader Services department.

Finishers get a spooky pin while supplies last.

After the walk, the Halloween Haunt at the Community Center runs from 3 to 6 p.m. with free admission and concessions from the Anthony Wayne Lions Club.

The My Autism Ally Sensory Zone is also part of the day, giving families who prefer a calmer setting a place to join in.

Getting around

Free Boo Bus and Spooktractor rides will connect the activities throughout downtown, which is a welcome help for tired feet.

Keeping the evening going

The History Center hosts its own Fright Night from 3 to 7 p.m.

Lantern Tours at The Old Fort run from 6 to 10 p.m.

The Hot 107.9 Thriller After Party at The Bradley runs from 5 to 10 p.m., giving the Zombie Walk crowd somewhere to land.

Adults 21 and older can join the Fright Night Bar Crawl from 5 to 10 p.m. at participating locations.

Before you go

Admission to Fright Night is free, though a few individual activities may carry a small charge.

Costumes and zombie makeup are encouraged, but they are not required.

If you plan to drive, street parking is free on Saturday, and the Downtown Public Parking map shows public parking options.

Dress for the weather, because much of the day is spent outdoors.

Older visitors will find plenty to enjoy as well, since the Zombie Walk draws revelers of all ages and the library crafts and readings offer a quieter way to take part.

Comfortable shoes are a good idea, since much of the fun involves walking between stops.

Check the official guide and event pages for the latest times, because schedules can shift.

With the event happening today, now is a good time to decide which stops matter most to your family.

For a free day downtown, Fright Night offers plenty of easy ways to spend an afternoon with family or friends.