MADISON, Wis. -- Although ghouls and monsters and other unruly creatures of the night packed Freakfest on State Street last year, Madison's annual Halloween celebration went off without the riots and police confrontations that marred the party in past years.

Officials said that success was due in large part to the city's increased involvement in the 2006 event. For the first time, revealers were required to purchase tickets for admission onto State Street during the party, and authorities erected fences and set designated entry and exit points to help control the flow of the large crowds.

Despite unexpectedly having fewer private security workers show up to staff event than expected, the city improvised and the party remained relatively peaceful compared to previous years. Hoping to continue that success, the city is bringing back Freakfest this year, with local promotion company Frank Productions doing a large share of the organizing.

Freakfest 2007 is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 27 and end at 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 28. Tickets for admission will cost $5 in advance and $7 the day of the event.

Tickets go on sale Oct. 5 at 10:00 a.m. at the Coliseum box office, Ticketmaster, by phone at 608-255-4646, online at www.frankproductions.com, or at several businesses in the State Street area.

Participating businesses are designated with special multicolored posters with the Freakfest logo and the words "Freakfest Tickets Available Here."

There will be no service charge on tickets purchased at any of these State Street-area locations: University Bookstore, Ragstock, B-Side, Knuckleheads and State Street Cash Mart. Other businesses around Madison that will be selling tickets without a service charge include: Mallat's Pharmacy and Strictly Discs on Monroe Street.

Tickets on the day of the event will be available at booths near the entrances beginning at noon and continuing through the end of the event.

Several corporate sponsors are involved in Freakfest 2007, including Mountain Dew and Milio's.

As with last year, nearby streets will be closed off and there will be various food vendors and musical acts playing on stages along State Street. This year, organizers are adding an additional music stage for a total of three. The new stage will be located at Gorham and W. Gilman streets.

A complete time schedule for performances will be available closer to the event. The following artists are scheduled to perform:

Mountain Dew Stage
Top of State Street off Capitol Square

Lifehouse
Matt Wertz with Dave Barnes & Gabe Dixon
The Mighty Short Bus
The Midway State

Milio's Stage
Gorham Street-Buckeye Lot, next to Pizzeria Uno

Ky-Mani Marley
Locksley
Rob Dz
Mike Droho

TBA Stage
Peace Park

Freakfest Costume Contest
Gomeroke
Battle of the Bands Winner

More musical acts will be announced.