In the Animal Crossing series, events are occasions that differ from the standard gameplay experience and usually offer unique items. Events are often hosted by special characters, can occur as often as often as four times a year or as rare as once every four years, and are usually announced in the Bulletin Board, Town Hall, or Resident Services. In games prior to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, many minor events occur throughout a year, where a special item is received by talking to a character. Additionally, in all games, larger events, such as Halloween and Toy Day, occur more rarely and feature a unique character and a quest that can result in receiving items in a series of special furniture. Attending events is optional, but some are triggered upon launching the game, when a special character asks the player to come with them for a brief moment.