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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
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)
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).
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.
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!
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?
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.
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.
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)
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?
