Halloween New England: October 2020

Oct 31, 2020

Top Events for November 2020

Halloween New England's fans know better than to think Halloween season ends October 31st, right?

There are still a number of very worthwhile events to enjoy during the first two weeks of November - and the best part? Fewer crowds, more personal experience, and an extended Halloween season all lined up for you!

Most haunts wrapped up their season last weekend but you'll find a handful who will be open into November and they would love to draw you in for a final Halloween hurrah. It's your last, best chance pack in extra thrills before your favorite season is over until next fall.

Before we close up the proverbial (blog) shop until next fall, let us express our deepest thanks to everyone who followed Halloween New England, read our blogs, visited our event picks, sent us updates and feedback about their Halloween adventures, and let others know about the resource that our site and community aims to be for Halloween fans everywhere. May you all have a wonderful "off-season" and we look forward to reconnecting in 2021 when we are optimistic there will be more Halloween events and attractions than ever!

Remarkably, Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours in Mystic, CT keeps the haunted storytelling going strong until the end of the year!

In November you'll find twilight tours offered 6 nights until the end of the month. Book in advance for the Downtown Mystic Ghost Stroll (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturdays) and the Moonlit Mystic Graveyard Tour (Wednesday, Friday, Sundays) as they're no longer taking walk-ups

You'll want to circle Friday, November 13th--yes THAT Friday the 13th - for an encore of their special tour of Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic, CT. If you miss it in November, you can catch their December Elm Grove tour on Sunday, December 20th.

If you're craving something spooky as you head into the holidays throughout December you'll find Seaside Shadows' Ghost of Christmas Past Moonlit Graveyard Tours held every Friday and Ghost of Christmas Past Mystic Downtown Strolls every Saturday night!

SEVEN Haunts are open this Sunday, November 1st plus a few will open up next weekend - Friday and Saturday, November 6th and 7th! Nothing makes us happier than an extra weekend on haunting. Here's the complete list on our Haunted Attractions Open in November Guide.

Connecticut

Legends of Fear in Shelton, CT has one final night coming up - this Sunday, November 1st which will be your last chance to take in a moonlit night of haunt-going at their updated haunted trail! More about Legends of Fear.

Trail of Terror has two final nights of screams lined up in November - make a beeline to their wooded trail in Wallingford to visit this Sunday, November 1st, and next Saturday, November 7th. More about Trail of Terror.

Massachusetts

Factory of Terror in Fall River wraps up their Halloween season this Sunday, November 1st at their indoor haunt. As always, advance tickets required. Factory of Terror details.

Barrett's Haunted Mansion's Screens and Screams experience in Abington, MA is open for one final night on Sunday, November 1st. It's your last chance to be terrorized by their oh-so-sinister clowns from the safety of your car while watching a horror movie on the big screen.

New Hampshire & Maine

You'll find two Maine haunts and one in New Hampshire open through next weekend - Sunday, November 8th and one will even be open on Friday, November 13th.

Check out the full November haunt schedule to see who'll be open for you!

Rhode Island, Vermont

It looks like these two states are in haunt hibernation until next year so we recommend a New England road trip to explore some out-of-state fun. Find out where to go at our full November haunt guide.

Event Picks for November

You might be surprised to find there are still a number of terrific events lined up in November to whet your Halloween/Horror appetite. You can always find the complete event listings for each New England state on our website Halloween New England.

In Rhode Island, Sunday, November 1st is the final night to enjoy the re-imagined drive-through Jack O'Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence. The Spectacular is open every night through Sunday.
In fact, they'll be closing out their amazing month of pumpkins with an extra special event - the Spooktacular Experience. During this night, kids receive a trick-or-treat bag as they enter the Zoo (while in their car) to see the amazing Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular! From the safety of your vehicle, spy various characters along the trail passing out safely sealed sweet treats. The Spooktacular is offered on the final night of the season - Sunday, November 1st - and all tickets strictly sold online.

Monday, November 2nd (All Souls Day) is the last day to view the Kennebunk Brick Store Museum's virtual presentation of their annual All Souls Walk of Hope Cemetery! Starting Friday, October 30th and running through Tuesday, November 2nd, for a small fee you can access "costumed interpreters portraying the historical figures, and share their stories of love, loss, and fate." This not-spooky presentation is suitable for all ages as you tour a dozen gravesites while learning local history, and tragic tales - all from home! Hosted in Maine but open to all!

In Massachusetts, on Saturday, November 7th you might enjoy The Great Pumpkin Chuck at Chestnut Hill Farm in Southborough which includes a guided hike, family fun, trebuchet pumpkin hurling, pumpkin bowling, a bonfire, hot cider and smores! Pre-register by the time-slot.

On Friday the 13th, how can you resist the special outdoor double-feature film screenings of "Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter" and "Friday the 13th: Jason Lives" at Rocky Woods in Medfield, Massachusetts and hosted by the Coolidge Corner Theatre.

Oct 26, 2020

Weekly Top Picks Oct 28th - Nov 1st, 2020

Halloween week has arrived - and the most special night of the year lands on a Saturday night with a full Hunter's Moon hanging in the sky!

There are plenty of events lined up this week leading to the big night and with so many virtual events being offered, we invite you to explore what our top virtual events are highlighted outside of your state since virtual offers cross all state lines.

Halloween New England is publishing our top picks early this week to give you plenty of time to find something to line up for every night of the week!

Halloween Week Haunted History - Special Events, Spooky Strolls, and Graveyard Walks in CT

Nothing beats a haunted history tour through a graveyard in late autumn--it perfectly captures the Halloween season in New England! Even better, an outdoor tour is well-suited to physical distancing and organic ventilation. If you are in Connecticut - or are seeking a special way to ring in Halloween week - Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours has an expanded tour schedule you'll want to check out. Advance bookings for everything are essential during Halloween week!

Wednesday, October 28th - Downtown Mystic Ghost Stroll at 7:00pm
Thursday, October 29th - Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Stroll at 9:00pm
Friday, October 30th - Downtown Mystic Ghost Stroll at 7:00pm
Saturday, October 31st (Halloween) Downtown Mystic Ghost Stroll at 7:00pm AND Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Stroll at 7:00pm & 9:00pm
Sunday, November 1st - Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Stroll at 7:00pm
Read more about Seaside Shadows in Mystic, CT.

There's Still Time to Find Costumes for Halloween!

Halloween New England makes it a snap to find your state's Costume and Halloween stores. We have lists of locally-owned, year-round, as well as many seasonal pop-up stores so you're never left in the lurch finding the perfect details for your costume.
Don't forget, NH's own Costumania is offering 30% your entire purchase (online store OR in-store!) which is an excellent offer that is hard to top! If you want to make a trip to see the full range of their inventory, don your mask and head to their superstore in West Lebanon, NH.

Click to see our complete Costume and Halloween Store guides for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

It's Halloween Week so it is your last, best chance to see as many haunts as you can pack in before your favorite season is over.

Wednesday, October 28th has just one New England area haunted attraction who'll be open so make a point to get to Fall River, MA for Factory of Terror.

Thursday, October 29th offers up none local attractions to choose from including Haunted Overload's Fright Night Lite (Lee, NH), Legends of Fear trail (Shelton, CT), Factory of Terror (Fall River, MA), 13th World (Cumberland, RI), and The Dark Manor (Baltic, CT) will be open with Student Night deal of $5 off admission with student ID.

Click for a complete list visit our Guide to which Haunted Attractions are Open Weeknights.

Saturday, October 31st - Halloween Night!
If ringing in your favorite night of the year involves screams, scares, fog, and the stuff of nightmares then you know what you need to do - get your butt to an area haunted house to make this night most memorable!

SIXTEEN haunted houses and trails will be open on Halloween Night including 13th World (Cumberland, RI), , The Dark Manor (Baltic, CT), Legends of Fear trail (Shelton, CT), Factory of Terror (Fall River, MA), and Haunted Overload will be presenting their annual Blackout Night (Lee, NH).

Click for a complete list visit our Guide to which Haunted Attractions are Open on Halloween.

SEVEN haunts are opening this Sunday, November 1st including Trail of Terror (Wallingford, CT), Legends of Fear (Shelton, CT) trail only, Factory of Terror (Fall River, MA), and Barrett's Haunted Mansion (Abington, MA) will be open for Screens and Screams, plus 2 more.

Click for a complete list visit our Guide to which Haunted Attractions are Open on Sundays.

Massachusetts Halloween Events (Full Guide)

So many events happening in the Bay State during Halloween week-- we had a tricky time paring down to our top picks!

This Wednesday and Thursday, October 28th and 29th head to Canton for the Spooky Scavenger Hunt at Bradley Estate with your flashlight to explore the historic Bradley Estate grounds for Halloween treats! Complete with spooky music and optional cider and donuts, it's a perfect outdoor event to enjoy this gorgeous fall weather we've been having.

Also on Wednesday, October 28th, log on for some local history with the Gravestone Girls who will take you on a tour of historic Lexington, MA cemeteries with their virtual presentation Welcome to the Graveyard! An Eye on Lexington Cemeteries. This free event is open to all and hosted by the Cary Memorial Library so be sure to sign up in advance to access the Zoom link.

Another great virtual option with a darker twist is Massachusetts Serial Killers - an online lecture with historian Chris Daley. this Thursday, October 29th. This 2-part lecture discusses different approaches to tracking serial killers and highlights three Massachusetts serial killers; Thomas Piper, the "Boston Belfry Murderer," Albert DeSalvo, the so-called "Boston Strangler," and Kenneth Hanson, known as the "Giggler." Hosted online by the Rockport Library, this free event is open to all and requires pre-registration.

For spookier family fun, you'll find nightly double-feature screenings of "Hocus Pocus" / "Nightmare Before Christmas" showing this Thursday through Sunday night, October 29th - November 1st at Mendon Drive-in.

For true horror fans, there are lots of excellent film-related offerings coming up this week including two on Thursday - look for the "Evil Dead" / "Evil Dead II" double-feature at Mendon Drive-in. For some brainier exploration of horror, join film critic Katie Walsh who'll be discussing Brian DePalma's iconic "Carrie" as part of a via the Coolidge Corner Theatre's virtual film seminar.

Other excellent horror film screenings this Friday, October 30th include "Night of the Living Dead" / "Suspiria" Horror at the Drive-in in Charlton and the "Halloween" / "Halloween II" Double-Feature at Mendon Drive-in. Barrett's Haunted Mansion in Abington just added a special Screens and Screams showing of "Halloween" (1978) this Sunday, November 1st if you want to take your horror film watching up a notch with their interactive drive-in experience!

This Friday, October 30th there are lots of all-ages events to enjoy outdoors or right from home.

Teens might love to compete in Zombie Bingo for Young Adults at Billerica Library (Virtual) which is open to all but requires sign-up in advance. For the whole family, there is Spooky Family Trivia which is also held virtually and free to all who pre-register.

Also on Friday night, take advantage of the wonderfully crisp October evenings we've been enjoying at the Full Spooky Moon Family Hike at Castle Hill along the Crane Estate in Ipswich.

We're intrigued by the Halloween Full Moon Hike at Worlds End in Hingham this Friday night, October 30th because so much about 2020 feels like it ought to be experienced at a place called Worlds End. Costumes are encouraged at this scenic outdoor hike searching for nocturnal creature under the (nearly) full moonlight.

Pumpkin displays and Halloween decor are the highlights of the Bootiful Lights for Barre Pumpkin Walkabout taking place Friday through Sunday night at the Harding Allen Estate in Barre, MA

In scenic Southborough, MA you are invited to take a full moon guided stroll through conservation land for the Breakneck Hill Full Moon Halloween Hike taking place Saturday, October 31st. With a shorter family hike earlier in the evening and a longer adult hike starting at 8:30pm, this is a free event.

If you are not ready to let go of the Halloween frights after the 31st, check out the "Scream" / "The Blair Witch Project" Double-Feature at the Mendon Drive-in this Sunday, November 1st.

Plus, take a peek at more all-ages events coming up on the calendar on our Family-friendly Halloween Event Guide for MA.

Connecticut Halloween Events (Full Guide)

For the last of the Wednesday evening free outdoor film screenings at Pitkin Plaza, New Haven closes out their seasonal offering with everyone's beloved "Beetlejuice" on October 28th. Be sure to dress cozy for this first-come-first serve admission event!

Starting Wednesday, October 28th you can experience the just-for-2020 film adaptation of "A Haunting at Mill Hill - The Movie" which will be available to screen from home throughout Halloween week. Pre-COVID this popular annual tour was offered by the Norwalk Historical Society but this year they've made it more widely available and "distanced" by creating a film version where "ghostly entities are waiting to share their true stories of death, murder, insanity, and destruction." Purchase a ticket to the screening but you can watch at your convenience anytime from Wednesday night through midnight on November 1st.

Jack-O'-Lanterns at twilight are what you'll be treated to at Pumpkins on Parade in Clinton, CT. Offered over 3 consecutive nights - Thursday, October 29th through Halloween night you can browse the pumpkins on display and in the windows of the Henry Carter Hull Library.

In addition to nightly scares and screams at The Dark Manor Haunted House in Baltic, there are two additional events to highlight for them this week. Students get rewarded on Thursday, October 29th during Student Night where it's $5 off admission with ID to this spooky indoor and outdoor haunted house. For those not up for the scares and shrieks, it's your final opportunity to visit the "Daytime Matinee Haunt" on Saturday, October 31st --a low-scare, daytime, lights-on twist for some lighter-fare starting at noon.

It's Trick or Treating at Roseland Cottage in Woodstock this Friday, October 30th where "ghosts of Halloweens" past hand out candy at the historic Roseland Cottage where they put the "Gothic" in Gothic Revival.

Thursday and Friday, October 29th and 30th are the final two nights to enjoy Things that Go Bump in the Night candlelight tours of the ground and exterior building at the historic Hale Homestead. "The moonlit tour will feature the Hale Staff’s spooky encounters, as featured on the Syfy channel’s Ghost Hunters. Prepare to be scared while surrounded by the very history that spawned the stories. This tour will include creaks and cold spots and is not recommended for young souls." Remember to bring a flashlight and advance tickets suggested.

Open Friday and Saturday, October 30th and 31st, the littles will delight in the Connecticut Trolley Museum's Pumpkin Patch Trolley Rides for a ride on an antique trolley to the pumpkin patch where they can pick out their own pumpkin.

There are several very good drive-in movie screenings occurring this week featuring films that capture the seasonal spirit.

Check out "Scream" and "Coraline" on separate screens showing on Thursday, October 29th, find Michael Myers delivering terror in "Halloween" on Friday and Saturday.

All-ages film options include "Monsters, Inc." on Thursday, and "Hocus Pocus" on Friday and Saturday.
Lastly, you can don your mask and do the Time Warp on Halloween night when the Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to the drive-in in Mansfield.

Check out more upcoming Halloween events for kids at our Family-friendly Halloween Event Guide for all-ages fun in CT.

New Hampshire Halloween Events (Full Guide)

It's a big final weekend in Lee, NH where Haunted Overload wraps up their haunt season with a series of special nights. On Thursday, October 29th you'll find their 2nd Fright Night Lite --a full nighttime light/sound/fog experience which still delivers their signature spooky atmosphere but without the actors or scares. Friday and Saturday, October 30th - 31st will be your last chance to enjoy the Daytime Haunt at Haunted Overload where you can set your own pace on a self-guided stroll through the artistic creatures and structures that line the impressively creative haunted trail. Without the actors or dark of night, the Daytime Haunt is a perfect way to enjoy the spooky atmosphere of the trail without the screams and scares.

On Friday, October 30th you can enjoy taking the hair-raising fun up a notch at Haunted Overload's Glow Stick Night where your single glow stick is the only standing between you, pitch darkness, and pure terror. However, if pure terror IS your speed, then you'll be glad to know there is also BLACKOUT Night available to you - no glow stick, just your own bravery and sense of direction to help you navigate. Appropriately, this scariest of special event nights are taking place this year on Saturday, October 31st.

Friday and Saturday, October 30th and 31st are your final two nights to enjoy The Salisbury Woods Haunted Barn and Trail special spooky trail fundraising event in Salisbury, NH.

Grab your pod people and buy a table at the socially-distanced but still very festive Monster Bash Dinner at LaBelle Winery in Amherst on Saturday, October 31st featuring themed-cocktails, a four-course dinner, dancing, and a costume contest in Amherst. This is a 21+ event requiring advance tickets.

For a twist on a beloved in-person event, this year the annual Halloween silent film showing event is available to you in virtual form with a pre-recorded online performance and offered to screen anytime over Halloween weekend! Available Friday, October 30th through Sunday, November 1st. enjoy the 1923 silent film classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame with Kotzschmar Organ accompaniment. Hear the improvised score created by Municipal Organist James Kennerley in this new kind of Halloween experience This concert is a Pay What You Choose event…. with prices starting at $10.

Check out more upcoming all-ages Halloween events at our Family-friendly Halloween Event Guide for fun in NH.

Rhode Island Halloween Events (Full Guide)

It's the final week of carved pumpkin magic at the Jack-O'-Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Zoo. Adapted to a special drive-through experience open nightly, the closing night is Sunday, November 1st. To wrap up another amazing month of pumpkins, this year you can enjoy two extra special nights for the Spooktacular Experience when kids receive a trick-or-treat bag as they enter the Zoo (while in their car) to see the amazing Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular! From the safety of your vehicle, spy various characters along the trail passing out safely sealed sweet treats. The Spooktacular is two nights only - Saturday, October 31st, and Sunday, November 1st. As always, all tickets strictly sold online.

Halloween Storytelling for Little Monsters is a family-friendly virtual event happening this Thursday, October 29th with storyteller John Kirk sharing some seasonally spooky stories taking you on an imaginative tour of monsters, witches, and things that go bump in the night. Costumes are encouraged for this interactive online event suitable for ages 3 and up.

On Friday, October 30th join the Frosty Drew Astronomers for Spooky Views - Halloween Stargazing Experience under the (almost) full moon sky. With views of the near Full Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and more as seen through their telescopes they will also feature activities to celebrate astronomy and Halloween. The observatory will be decked out in Halloween mode with frightful sights, spooky sounds, and candy available for all who visit them inside Ninigret Park in Charlestown, RI.

For some family fun on the farm on Halloween day, don your costume and head to scenic Portsmouth for the annual A-Mazing Halloween Party at Escobar's Farm on Saturday, October 31st.

Billed as giving a Halloween twist to the ever-familiar Nutcracker, "Clara in the Underworld: A Zombie Nutcracker" offers three days of virtual performances by the Thrive Ballet Company this "story takes place after Clara's adventure to the Land of Sweets. Join Clara as she journeys from a Halloween party to the Underworld." Virtual performances showing in the evenings on Friday and Saturday, October 30th, and 31st and daytime matinees available on Saturday and Sunday, October 31st and November 1st. Buy a ticket to access the show.

Looking for more kids' activities? Check out our Family-friendly Halloween Events Guide for fun in RI.

Maine Halloween Events (Full Guide)

For Halloween weekend - and through All Souls Day, the Kennebunk Brick Store Museum has moved their annual All Souls Walk of Hope Cemetery to a virtual format! Starting Friday, October 30th and running through Monday, November 2nd, for a small fee you can access "costumed interpreters portraying the historical figures, and share their stories of love, loss, and fate." This not-spooky presentation is suitable for all ages as you tour a dozen gravesites while learning local history, and tragic tales - all from home!

Begin at the Museum for a narrated walk with costumed interpreters through Hope Cemetery to visit the graves and hear the fascinating and sometimes tragic tales of Kennebunk residents from the past three centuries. Tour lasts about one hour. Not too spooky, it’s perfect for the whole family!

The Some Theatre Company in Bangor is holding multiple in-person, socially distanced performances of "The Woman in Black" opening Thursday, October 29th, and running for several performances through Sunday, November 1st. Option to buy adjacent seat tickets for just your pod/group to ensure physical distance from other audience members. This play presents dark and supernatural themes which are perfect fare for Halloween weekend!

For a twist on a beloved in-person event, this year the annual Halloween silent film event is available to you virtually with a pre-recorded online performance you can screen anytime over Halloween weekend! Available Friday, October 30th through Sunday, November 1st. enjoy the 1923 silent film classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame with Kotzschmar Organ accompaniment. Hear the improvised score created by Municipal Organist James Kennerley in this new kind of Halloween experience.

Kennerley "brings life, intrigue and, most importantly, brilliant musical accompaniment to Wallace Worsley’s American classic starring Lon Chaney. The film is based on Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel set in Paris in 1482, and is filled with intrigue, love-lost, betrayal, murder and every other plot twist a spectacular horror movie should offer up to its audience. This silent movie classic will be silent no more when Kennerley adds his magnificent playing to the film!" This concert is a Pay What You Choose event.

Vermont Halloween Events (Full Guide)

The HUB Teen Center & Skatepark in Bristol is serving up the final night of their Outdoor Horror Movie series with one of our faves - "Night of the Living Dead" this Friday, October 30th. Dress warm and cozy up under a blanket or on a chair.

CONTESTS: Last Chance for Haunt Tickets!

Our final contest of the season is running RIGHT now but only through Thursday, October 29th so act fast to enter to win a pair of tickets to Factory of Terror. Enter all contests right from the home page of Halloween New England.

Nearly all of our contests have wrapped up but we'd like to congratulate Kelly Hanna who won tickets to Factory of Terror and Rick Cook who won 4 tickets to DementedFX.

Oct 21, 2020

Weekly Top Picks Oct 22nd - 27th, 2020

As we round into the final weeks of October there are more events than ever-- both in-person and virtual - to mark the celebration of your favorite time of year. There are even plenty of events happening on weeknights, mostly virtual, to feed your Halloween mood and to keep you in a spooky state of mind as you slide into the weekend.

You will have more than enough options to celebrate Halloween your way - whether it be taking jaw-dropping Jack O' Lanterns, online costume classes, ghost tours, spooky storytelling events, contests, online how-tos, pumpkin events. or getting in your thrills at local haunts.

Good luck narrowing down your agenda but the good news is we're offering up some great Top Picks to get you right into Halloween week.

Phantoms & Fire at Old Sturbridge Village

For 2020 Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA is debuting a new Halloween experience this week - Phantoms & Fire.
In lieu of their ever-popular Sleepy Hollow Experience, this year's socially-distanced mini-festival is serving up "Nevermore: The Fantastic Terrors of Edgar Allan Poe" which dramatizes several short stories and poems of Edgar Allen Poe with professional performers.

Situated across six different locations around the historic property under the moonlight, you'll be treated to "familiar tales of horror, revenge, obsession, and deception." The six performances are in constant rotation to enable guests to explore the property after hours in search of "spooky delights, bonfires, cauldrons, candy, ghosts, guitars and horror and…maybe even…a headless horseman!" Event details

Never too late to pick pumpkins at a local patch!

|As you know by now, Halloween New England makes it so easy to find a local pumpkin patch for carving your jack-o-lanterns in time for Halloween! Add the various community pumpkin carving contests and pumpkin displays to the mix of your pumpkin-buying needs and you will certainly need to stock up on more than a few!

We have state-by-state guides and maps to all your local farms featuring pumpkin patches and PYO pumpkins.

Click on your state for Halloween New England's Pumpkin Patch Guides for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Still Time to Find a Costume for Halloween Events or Trick-or-Treating!

We have two special New England costume and makeup supply stores we'd like to recommend for your last-minute costume needs and final details.

Not every New England state can boast that they have a year-round, brick-and-mortar costume store but New Hampshire can! Costumania in West Lebanon has even moved to a new, bigger store in recent years to offer even more inventory to their customers.

If you can't get there in person, they also feature an online store. If you didn't know it already, Costumania is offering 30 percent off your ENTIRE order - online or in-person - when you stock up on Halloween costumes, parties supplies, props, and more.

Click to learn more about this special sale and access the coupon code. The sale runs through Halloween--October 31st.

Massachusetts-based Vampfangs used to strictly be an online store but since they expanded to a brick-and-mortar boutique in downtown Salem, MA and they should be your first stop to buy special FX teeth (vampires, zombies, hillbillies, etc), FX contact lenses (blackout, werewolf, zombie, you name it), 3-D prosthetic transfers, conventional prosthetics, quality FX makeup, and even fragrances!

We are always happy to tip people off to how easy Halloween New England makes it to find your state's Costume and Halloween stores. We have lists of locally-owned, year-round, as well as many seasonal pop-up stores to make it easy!

Click to see Halloween New England's complete Costume and Halloween Store guides for Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Massachusetts Halloween Events (Full Guide)

Wednesday, October 21st is opening night for Phantoms & Fire at Old Sturbridge Village. They'll be open this Wednesday through Sundays, until Halloween Night. Advance tickets required as nearly all the time slots are sold out so act fast!

A fascinating virtual event this Thursday, October 22nd is "Welcome to the Graveyard" a Virtual tour of Cemetery Art. This virtual presentation, hosted by The Gravestone Girls discusses colonial burial grounds "through the rural cemetery movement of the 19th century and into 21st-century locations. It examines why we have cemeteries and gravestones, why they look like they do, and how styles and art have evolved over almost 400 years." Hosted by the Medfield Library, you'll need to pre-register for this free event.

For some weeknight drive-in screams, we recommend buying your tickets to see "Scream" and "IT" double-feature at the Topsfield Drive-in or head to the Mendon Drive-in for a Jordan Peele double-header of "Get Out" and "Us".

On Friday, October 23rd you might prefer the "Ghostbusters" and "Silence of the Lambs" double-header at the pop-up drive-in outside Patriots Place in Foxborough.

Sunday, October 25th head to Suffolk Downs in Boston for their fall pop-up drive-in which will be showing "Scream"

On Friday and Saturday, October 23rd and 24th you can take a moonlight tour of the outdoor sculpture park at Halloween at deCordova. "Watch the harvest moon travel across the sky as you and your family complete a series of ghoulish activities, all inspired by mysterious artworks. Explore different disguises, create monstrous shadows, and solve tantalizing mysteries" - costumes are encouraged

Costumes suggested and all ages welcome! Reserve your spot online.

For more artistic fun, teens might enjoy the free Edward Gorey Art Class for Teens taught virtually and hosted by the Rockport Public Library and open to all who pre-register.

In Walpole this Friday and Saturday, October 23rd and 24th, you can swing through Bird Park for their "Nocturnal Trail" is a family-focused nighttime walk through a short pumpkin-lit trail in the woods. Along the trail, you'll find fun facts posted about the nocturnal animals and four “trick-or-treat stations” where kids can see the (pretend) nocturnal animals and gather a bag of candy. Costumes are invited so pack a flashlight and a trick or treat bag to this ticketed event with add-ons such as pumpkin decorating (pre-order).

The Worcester Art Museum has a special event recommended for ages 16+ with their "Virtual Art and Armor Spooktacular" on Saturday, October 24th which highlights, displays, and discusses some of the spookier and creepier items within their collection with extra time for Q&A.

The Adams-Langely Library in Groveland is hosting a virtual presentation of "Cursed Objects: Strange but True Stories of the World's Most Infamous Items" on Monday, October 26th with author J.W. Ocker. You'll be treated to stories about strange, macabre, and "supernaturally dangerous" items via Zoom - be sure to pre-register to get the link!

Haunted History of New England presentation returns for an encore free lecture on Tuesday, October 27th - this time it will be hosted by historian Chris Daley via Sturbridge's Joshua Hyde Library. With tales of true facts and mythic legends, you'll want to sign up in advance to access the showing.

Plus, take a peek at more all-ages events coming up on the calendar on our Family-friendly Halloween Event Guide for MA.

Connecticut Halloween Events (Full Guide)

This Thursday night The Dark Manor in Baltic is open for some weeknight screams and students reap the rewards during the Student Night special they'll be running with $5 off admission with student ID. Student Night details.

If you are looking for something with a spooky spirit but with low-scares and no actors, The Dark Manor's annual Daytime Matinee Haunt is happening 3 times this season and the first two matinees are this weekend - Saturday and Sunday, October 24th and 25th from noon to 5:00pm.

There is a wonderful 2-week virtual course called Halloween Costumes, Make-Up, and Physicality Class hosted by Stomping Ground Comedy which meets over the next two Fridays--October 23rd and 30th. This series teaches you how to draw "inspiration from everyday objects, exploring our 'weird', costumes, makeup" and more about how to create an amazing character and costume. Geared towards adults ages 18+, you'll want to pre-register for this course.

This weekend you can find TWO Halloween Family Yoga special events lined up for the whole family to enjoy right from home!

The Saturday afternoon event on October 24th provides Halloween-themed poses and fun for kids ages 7-12y (adult optional) and the Sunday morning event on October 25th will offer up the same but for pre-K/younger kids (ages 4-7y) with their adult. Halloween Family Yoga is being held virtually this year so be sure to sign up early to get your link!

The popular and fascinating Elm Grove Cemetery Tour returns to Mystic this Sunday, October 25th. This special occasion graveyard walk hosted by the acclaimed Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours invites you to discover the Elm Grove Cemetery "established in 1853 on the precipice of the Victorian Gothic era and the American Civil War -- times were changing across our new nation and that included cemeteries -- Join us to meet those who walked Mystic from the 1800's into the Gilded Age -- Sea Captains, Merchants, Civil War soldiers, World War I soldiers, those plagued by the Spanish flu and the families that made Mystic what it is today. Learn of unique grave markings and walk with the spirits of Mystic's colorful past. A step through time lies beyond the Elm Grove arches."
Limited space available for this special afternoon tour so be sure to buy advance tickets (no walk-ups).

For some seasonal fun geared toward the littlest Halloween fans, swing by the Happy Haunts Hollow in East Haddam, CT taking place this Thursday through Sunday, October 22nd through 25th. This drive-through experience features music, lights, and live-actor performances dressed in non-scary characters such as cheerful ghosts, dancing scarecrows, and more.

Check out more upcoming Halloween events for kids at our Family-friendly Halloween Event Guide for all-ages fun in CT.

New Hampshire Halloween Events (Full Guide)

On Thursday, October 22nd, artist Haya Tawatao walks you through a 90-minute Halloween Mask Making Workshop held virtually. This workshop will highlight "using every day, upcycled materials like cereal boxes, paper bags, gift wrap, and newsprint. You'll use collaging and paper-folding techniques to construct 3-D features as well as demonstrate ways to create different textures by reshaping paper into 'fur' and 'feathers'." This workshop is free but you'll need to sign up in advance.

We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly last weekend at the Daytime Haunt at Haunted Overload so we cannot recommend it highly enough! Offers from 10am-4pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, this self-guided daytime walk along the haunted trail is actor-free and scare-free but still, you will be treated to incredible Halloween creatures, treetop tall ghosts, haunt props, and other spooky scenes. Suitable for kids who like scary things but don't want to be scared...and the daytime event is perfect for that kind of experience. Enjoy the artistry and you are invited to take all the photos you want (and you will want to).

With over 200 pumpkin "people" on display along the roads of scenic Plainfield, NH you will enjoy making new Halloween family traditions as you drive along Rte 120 and 12A spotting the yard displays popping up along the way! The displays are open every day of the week and if you don't want the adventure of finding them yourself, you can even pick up a paper map available within local stores to guide you. Details about the Plainfield Pumpkin People.

This weekend you can find TWO Halloween Family Yoga special events lined up with Sweet Pea Yoga! The Saturday afternoon event on October 24th provides Halloween-themed poses and fun for kids ages 7-12y (adult optional) and the Sunday morning event on October 25th is a pre-K/younger kids class (ages 4-7y) with their adult. Halloween Family Yoga is being held virtually this year so be sure to sign up early to get your link!

Spooky Science - Halloween Themed Experiments for Kids is a free online class for kids ages 6-10 where the hosts will do the experiments with you, via zoom, explaining each step of the experiment and the science behind it. Advance registration required.

Check out more upcoming all-ages Halloween events at our Family-friendly Halloween Event Guide for fun in NH

Rhode Island Halloween Events (Full Guide)

Families will want to join the festivities at the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI during their final two weeks to catch the atmospheric drive-through Jack O'Lantern Spectacular which is open 7 nights a week through Sunday, November 1st.

Saturday, October 24th is the Gone But Not Forgotten: Victorian Mourning Customs exhibit at the Hearthside House Museum in Lincoln, RI. Every year Hearthside transforms this historic home to "re-creates the Victorian mourning customs practiced during the time when [owner] Simon Thornton passed away, with displays in each room of the house that include mourning clothing, mourning clothing, jewelry, artwork, stationery displays, post mortem photography, and other funerary exhibits." On this Saturday, the twilight hour features both the exhibit and the candlelight tour.

On Sunday afternoon October 25th younger kids might enjoy Wicked Witch's Virtual Ghost Story Time for Kids (virtual) which is highlighted as a spooktacular afternoon of Halloween-themed storytelling for kids ages 2-6y hosted by the Wicked Witch herself! This online event required pre-registration.

Looking for more kids activities? Check out our Family-friendly Halloween Events Guide for fun in RI.

Vermont Halloween Events (Full Guide)

Friday, October 23rd marks the latest free outdoor horror movie gathering to see "The House on Haunted Hill" being screened in Bristol, VT. Bring a blanket and chairs and enjoy some classic horror movies by the Pavilion at the Bristol Hub Teen Center and Skate Park.

Spooky Science - Halloween Themed Experiments for Kids is a free online class this Saturday, October 24th for kids ages 6-10 where the hosts will do the experiments with you, via zoom, explaining each step of the experiment and the science behind it. Advance registration required.

Pumpkin bowling, spider web necklace crafts, Halloween tales, hayrides, spooky farm life exhibits, hidden pumpkin searches, safe trick or treating, and a costume parade are on the lineup in Woodstock during the beloved annual Family Halloween at Billings Farm and Museum. Social distancing will be in place for all the many family-friendly Halloween activities during this special day on Sunday, October 25th in Woodstock.

Maine Halloween Events (Full Guide)

Held Friday and Saturday nights, October 23rd and 24th at their property in Levant, it's the last chance to visit the Night Maze at Treworgy Family Orchards. With flashlight in hand, forge bravely ahead into the cornstalks under the moonlight as you navigate your way through. This is a non-scary Halloween attraction suitable for all who don't mind being a little lost in the maze! Advance tickets suggested.

As we've mentioned earlier, there is a delightful 2-week virtual course called Halloween Costumes, Make-Up, and Physicality Class hosted by Stomping Ground Comedy which will meet over the next two Fridays--October 23rd and 30th. This series teaches you how to draw "inspiration from everyday objects, exploring our 'weird', costumes, makeup" and more about how to create an amazing character and costume. Geared towards adults ages 18+, you'll want to pre-register for this course.

The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad invites you all-aboard their annual Pumpkin Train! Held over three afternoons - the first pair of dates are coming up this Saturday and Sunday, October 24th and 25th in Portland! Guaranteed to delight the littles Halloween fans, children can explore the railroad museum, paint a miniature pumpkin as a souvenir, and take a ride on the historic train as you take in the foliage along the way. All visitors are treated to complimentary hot cider and cookies.

Plan ahead for your October weekends by checking out haunted attractions on a Sunday night! This weekend there are FOURTEEN haunted attractions open this Sunday, October 25th.

Be sure to check out Trail of Terror (Wallingford, CT), Legends of Fear (Shelton, CT), Haunted Overload (Lee, NH) 13th World (Cumberland, RI), Factory of Terror (Fall River, MA), The Dark Manor (Baltic, CT), and DementedFX (Holyoke, MA).

Sundays often offer shorter lines and a more personal experience-- so what are you waiting for?

Which Haunted Attractions are Open on Weeknights this Week?

If you are like us, you'll want to pack in as many haunts during October to take full advantage of the Halloween season and our Weeknight Guide was created with you in mind!

Thursday, October 22nd has 9 haunted attractions open including the trail at Legends of Fear (Shelton, CT) The Dark Manor (Baltic, CT) with a special Student Admission Deal, Haunted Overload (Lee, NH), Factory of Terror (Fall River, MA) 13th World (Cumberland, RI), DementedFX (Holyoke, MA), plus three more!

Click for a complete list visit our Guide to which Haunted Attractions are Open Weeknights.

CONTESTS: Opening Weekend Giveaways, Invite-Only Nights, and Tickets Galore!

We've got two contests live on Halloween New England - the number of contest opportunities is winding down to allow people enough time to enter, win, and redeem their tickets.

Enter to win a 4-pack of general admission tickets to DementedFX in Holyoke, MA - this will be your final chance to win tickets to go there!
We also have one of our last chances to win admission for two to Factory of Terror in Fall River, MA.

Visit Halloween New England's home page for contest details and links for entering to win!

As we've been wrapping up most of our contests, we want to say congratulations to Kim Clements and Kayla Mello who won tickets to The Dark Manor, Melissa Peterson scored a 4-pack of tickets to visit DementedFX, Stephanie Dasman, Devon Ryan, Britnee Torres, and Ylenia Basilico each won a pair of tickets to 13th World and Melissa Vo is headed to Factory of Terror. Chandara Ho and Carly Muniz are the lucky winners of our final Haunted Overload contest!

Haunted Houses, Haunted Mazes, and Haunted Hayrides Opening Thursday, October 22nd

Nightmare Vermont (CT)

Click for the complete Opening Night Guide

We're thrilled to have teamed up again with the uber-talented The Pixel Perfection: After Dark whose incredibly creepy and inspiring haunt photos populate the guides again this year. As always, we know you love their photos...just please don't steal their photos! Why not just follow them on Facebook or Instagram or hire them to capture your Halloween attraction or event?