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Fall is here and that means football games, raking leaves and one of the most anticipated events of the beginning of the school year: homecoming.

Most teens enjoy getting together with friends for dinner and then dancing the night away. But with that excitement can come the stress of finding an outfit, a date and enough money to splurge on the big night.

For some, the experience is worth it, but for others this annual event may have become a little overrated. If you're looking for another way to spend your time and money this homecoming night, we have some alternative ideas.

• Take a trip to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg for the annual Howl-O-Scream event. The park offers a variety of haunted houses, mazes, musical performances and more Halloween-themed activities. The event begins Friday and continues until Nov. 1.

• Go to a concert. Check out what's happening in Roanoke. Also, Charlotte, N.C., and Richmond are only a few hours away and are constantly visited by bands and artists, so there's a good chance someone you like is performing there soon. Go to www.ticketmaster.com for show times and ticket info.

• Try something new. Roanoke offers a variety of foreign cuisine, such as Greek, Indian and Asian restaurants. After you have finished expanding your horizons at dinner, visit a traditional American ice cream parlor.

• Try tie-dying. Gather a group of friends who share your anti-homecoming feelings and throw a tie-dying party. At school on Monday, everyone can flaunt their newly colored T-shirts.

• Hit the sack early. Be the envy of all your homecoming-attending friends when you show up to school on Monday well-rested and refreshed. While they'll be struggling to stay awake, you'll be energetic and attentive in class.