Time to get dirty on the barbie. Watch as devoted grillers either impress or depress the judges in the categories of beef brisket, pork, pork ribs and chicken. Each contestant's char-broiled chow will be judged on taste, texture and appearance. A beer garden will serve standard brews on tap, and a variety of food vendors will be on location as well. BBQ & Rib Fest, Lafayette Plaza, Pershing Ave. and Philadelphia St., York, Pa., 717-849-2217.

Eat up—this could be your final meal. To get in the Halloween spirit, London Grill chef Michael McNally will be whipping up a combination of "cemetery greens drizzled with bloody vinaigrette" and "sacrificed chicken rubbed with garlic." Afterward, it's straight to Eastern State Penn for a haunted tour. Beyond the prison's "Terror Behind the Walls" get-up, we hear the place is legitimately haunted. Legend has it a tormented guard looms high in one of the towers. Comforting, then, to know a full bar is included with dinner. Reservations required. Spooky Dinner Tour Package, London Grill, 2301 Fairmount Ave., 215-978-4545.

In honor of the PMA's "Treasures: The Arts in Latin America" exhibit, Jonathan Newman, chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, will select Chilean and Argentinean wines to accompany a Latin American-styled five-course meal. Museum restaurant executive chef Javier Cuesta will complement the chairman's choices with spiced pumpkin empanadillas, lobster tamales and guava-glazed duck breast. Chairman's Selection Wine Dinner, The Museum restaurant at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. and the Parkway, 215-684-7990.

… and Victory brew for all!" declared Victory founder Rob Barchet when he started the company in 1996. Something like that, anyway. Barchet will lead a seminar on how hops enliven the flavor and aroma of beer at the first-ever Victory Fall Fest. When you've finished soaking up his hop knowledge, sample the pig roast and German foods like bratwurst, sauerkraut and Victory-braised chicken. All proceeds go to local fire companies. Victory Fall Fest, Victory Brewing Co., 420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown, 610-873-0881.

Once a year, the greatest names in liquor come together to concoct the next best specialty cocktail. Tonight, bartenders will stir up in hopes of having their blend christened Philadelphia's Favorite Cocktail. Drinks will be judged on Mixology Wine Institute's scale by taste, quality and flavor, as well as glassware, color, name, creativity, aroma and garnish. Give all 10 a taste, and judge for yourself. Proceeds benefit Variety-The Children's Charity. Philadelphia Magazine's Second Annual Cocktail Competition, Hyatt Regency, 201 S. Columbus Blvd., 1-800-595-4TIX.