Highline College’s Marine Science and Technology Center is hosting a variety of hands-on events in the coming months.

The MaST Center will host marine mammal stranding team training from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Foss Waterway Seaport (705 Dock St., Tacoma). The team provides hands-on experience with marine mammals, public education and public outreach while helping the creatures of the Puget Sound.

“Fear on the Pier” will be Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MaST Center next to Salty’s (28203 Redondo Beach Drive S., Des Moines). The event is a Halloween-themed Discovery Day event featuring “creepy and cool critters” of the Puget Sound, skeletons, slime and more. Underwater pumpkin carving, hosted by Underwater Sports, will begin at 1 p.m. Visitors will be able to watch the carving live on big-screen TVs. Marine-themed costumes are encouraged.

Squid-A-Rama is from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the MaST Center. The annual Squid-A-Rama is put on in conjunction with the Des Moines Arts Commission and features art and science activities for all ages. People can enjoy hot chocolate and coffee, as well as Salty’s chowder available for purchase. For more information, visit desmoinesartscommission.com.

The Argosy Christmas Ships Festival will be Dec. 15 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the MaST Center, where visitors will be welcome to enjoy the aquarium while they wait or warm up with a bonfire on the beach.

All events are free and are open to the public.