As spring arrived the team at Halloween New England soaked up the mild weather with some Halfway to Halloween fun!
We spent time in Hartford, CT experiencing two unique events that celebrated New England's appreciation for the strange, the historic, and the spooky. From a marketplace filled with creepy creativity to an opportunity to help preserve centuries of local history, both events reminded us that Halloween spirit thrives well beyond October.
Bizarre Bazaar - Hartford, CT
Held at State House Square Plaza alongside Hartford's America's 250th anniversary festivities, the event marked its first celebration of the "Halfway to Spooky Season." Dozens of local artists, makers, and horror-inspired vendors filled the market with creepy collectibles, gothic upcycled fashion, dark photography, vintage treasures, handcrafted décor, original artwork, spooky gifts, and one-of-a-kind creations. Here's our video recap from our Bizarre Bazaar visit in May.
What stood out most was the atmosphere. Halloween lovers gathered to celebrate their shared appreciation for the strange, creating the perfect "Halfway to Halloween" energy throughout the afternoon. Events like this are always a reminder that Halloween isn't just a season in New England—it's a year-round passion shared by an incredible community.
The Bizarre Bazaar returns this fall on Sept 12th which makes it another eartly-fall event to keep on your radar for spooky shopping and supporting local artists.
Find more events like this in CT on our CT Halloween Events Guide.
Gravestone Cleaning Workshop at the Ancient Burying Ground - Hartford, CT
For years, we'd hoped our schedule would align with one of these free seasonal workshops, and we were excited to finally experience it firsthand. On a beautiful spring morning, we learned the proper techniques for safely caring for historic gravestones using biodegradable cleaner, water, and simple toothbrushes while emphasizing preservation and respect for these centuries-old memorials.
The workshop began with a guided tour that shared fascinating stories about some of the people buried within Hartford's historic Ancient Burying Ground before transitioning into a hands-on demonstration of safe cleaning methods and tools. Here's a video recap from our experience at the Gravestone Cleaning Workshop.
What made the experience especially memorable was the sense of reflection, community, and stewardship it inspired. We met thoughtful participants, made new friends, and learned from knowledgeable volunteers who generously shared both practical preservation techniques and local history.
It's a wonderful free opportunity for anyone interested in local history, cemetery preservation, or giving back to the community. Pre-registration is required, and additional workshops will return throughout the year, including a fall session.
Stay tuned for more Gravestone Cleaning Events posted for the Ancient Burying Ground. As dates are added, you'll see them on Halloween New England!
Find more events like this in CT on our CT Halloween Events Guide.
Feed your Halloween Spirit throughout the Warmer Months!
If you're looking for more spooky adventures, be sure to visit our Halfway to Halloween Events Guide and our Summerween Events Guide. You'll find horror movie screenings, summer haunt events, horror trivia nights, dark vendor markets, oddity fairs, haunted history tours, costumed festivities, and other Halloween-inspired entertainment happening throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
We'll continue sharing our adventures as we explore the best Halloween, horror, paranormal, and spooky experiences happening across New England all year long.
