Looking for some damned-type fun this October? Here’s the biggest and best list in Connecticut, ranging from haunted attractions and hayrides to graveyard tours and family Halloween events. (Events are in chronological order by county.)
We’ve updated the list for 2024, however, be aware that dates/times/prices may be different than what you see here. Also check ahead as sometimes events will be sold out or canceled at the last minute, especially outdoor events that depend on good weather.
We regularly update this list with new events, so if you know of something, please send it to us at damnedct@gmail.com!
Find an event by county:
Fairfield County
Hartford County
Litchfield County
Middlesex County
New Haven County
New London County
Tolland County
Windham County
Fairfield County
Legends of Fear
September 28 – November 2 (weekends); 7-10 pm
Fairview Tree Farm, 2 Saw Mill City Rd., Shelton
Admission: The Hallow $30; haunted hayride $30; combo ticket $58 (other packages available)
legendsoffear.com
More info: Try your luck at The Hallow, which includes four attractions: the Melonhead Revenge Trail (a one-mile haunted trek), Pine Hills Parish, The Dark Harvest, or the all-new Hemlock Manor Mortuary. Or visit the haunted hayride, which offers 1.5 miles in the dark with fifty creatures of the night waiting for you! Plus, a full concession with hot dogs, hot popcorn, candy, soda, hot chocolate and more.
Fright Haven
September 29 – November 2; Fridays-Sundays, 7-10 pm
411 Barnum Cutoff, Stratford Square, Stratford
Admission: $25-$35; VIP fast pass +$15, Front of the line +$35
frighthaven.com
More info: With more than 20,000 feet of scares, one of the state’s largest and scariest indoor haunted attractions is “back from the dead” with two attractions under one roof: Witching Hour and Hotel Hex.
Spooky-Silly Sing-A-Long
October 5; 3 pm
Weston History & Cultural Center, 104 Weston Road, Weston
Admission: $10; children $5
westoncthistory.org
More info: Join in the fun as Jim Napolitano of Nappy’s Puppet presents some of the silliest sing-a-long songs known to man and monster alike!
Halloween Hoot ‘n Howl
October 25; 6-8 pm
Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson St., Newtown
Admission: $10; members $5
newtown-ct.gov/parks-recreation
More info: A spooky evening filled with activities for the whole family, including games, DJ dance party, a hayride, costume contest, and more.
Hartford County
Curse of the Rails
October 4-26; Fri.-Sat., 7-9:30 pm
Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 North Rd., East Windsor
Admission: $45 (ages 16+)
ct-trolley.org
More info: Step aboard the “Curse of the Rails,” in which haunting echoes of the past and horrifying tales await you on an unforgettable haunted trolley ride! Guided by Deadalus Extreme Paranormal Investigations, you’ll journey through haunted landscapes and come face-to-face with entities that roamed those very rails.
Graveyard Shift Tours
October 4-26; Fridays & Saturdays, 6-9 pm; also select Thursdays
Mark Twain House Museum, Hartford
Admission: $31 (not recommended for under 10)
marktwainhouse.org
More info: Make a nighttime visit to the Victorian home of Mark Twain, a journey into the paranormal and haunted history. Featured on SyFy’s Ghost Hunters, Ghost Hunters Academy, and Biography Channel’s My Ghost Story, you’re in for a night of mystery filled with creepy stories and exclusive accounts of unexplained encounters in the Clemens family home.
Witch’s Dungeon Classic Movie Museum
October 1-31; Fri.-Sun.
103 E. Main St., Plainville
Admission: TBA, first-come, first-serve basis
preservehollywood.org
More info: The Witch’s Dungeon celebrates more than 50 years with chilling displays featuring life-sized wax figures from classic horror films as well as movie props.
Phantom Fall Fest
October 1-27; Friday 6-10 pm, Sat & Sun., noon-10 pm
Lake Compounce, Bristol
Admission: $64.99 (online discounts available)
lakecompounce.com
More info: Get ready for two totally different Halloween experiences based on the time of day. Come early for kid-size thrills, then at 6 PM the fear kicks in gear with four haunted houses, three scare zones, and themed food and drinks.
“Light into the Dungeon”: A Jack O’ Lantern Experience
October 1-27; Thurs.-Mon., noon-6 pm
Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine, 115 Newgate Rd., East Granby
Admission: $20 (in advance only)
portal.ct.gov
More info: Experience the Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine like never before! In the late 18th century, people incarcerated at New-Gate Prison were housed in the abandoned copper mine in total darkness. This October, it will be “Light into the Dungeon” as a 100-yard loop of the underground mine will be illuminated by 300 professionally carved jack o’lanterns.
Haunt on Eden
October 4-26; Fridays & Saturdays 7-10 pm
Mt Southington Ski Area, 396 Mt Vernon Rd, Southington
Admission: $22
hauntoneden.com
More info: Get ready for some heart-pounding and spine-tingling at this walk-through haunted attraction, nestled on the grounds of Mount Southington Ski Area As the sun sets, the suspense begins. Are you brave enough to face the horrors lurking within? Get ready for an unforgettable experience that will leave you screaming for more!
The Last Night: A Connecticut Witch Trials Play
October 10; 6:30 pm
Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, Old Wethersfield
Admission: $15
webb-deane-stevens.org
More info: Experience the gripping stories of Mary Barnes and Rebecca Greensmith, accused and convicted of witchcraft in colonial Connecticut. This powerful play brings their forgotten voices to life in our atmospheric 18th-century barn. Join us for a haunting evening of history, drama, and reflection on a dark chapter of our past.
Spirited Social
October 17; 6-9 pm
Wadsworth Atheneum, 29 Atheneum Square, Hartford
Admission: $45 ($35 members)
thewadsworth.org
More info: After dark, the boundaries between art and the supernatural blur. Jumpstart your Halloween season at this costumed 21+ social. Pick your poison from the night’s lineup of spooktacular activities, including: special-effects makeup demonstrations; an immersive display room filled with curiosities and oddities; a screening of The Conjuring; treats, drinks, and music.
The Vexed Visitation: An Immersive Victorian Holiday
October 12-26; Fridays & Saturdays, 6 & 7:30 pm
Isham-Terry House, 211 High St., Hartford
Admission: $55.20
ctlandmarks.org
More info: Connecticut Landmarks is partnering with Escapism Productions at the Isham-Terry House to create an original supernatural story. Come and explore the House and the story in this unique production. They are waiting for you to escape with them!
Stories in Stone
October 16; 10 am
Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford
Admission: $10 (reservations in advance only)
cedarhillfoundation.org
More info: From the sarcophagus to the obelisk, Celtic cross, pyramid, and more, Ann Mione highlights the origin and significance of popular monument styles found in 19th-century cemeteries.
West Hartford Hauntings
October 17-26; Thurs., Fri. & Sat., 6-8:45 pm
North Cemetery, West Hartford
Admission: $20 in advance (10 and up only)
noahwebster.yapsody.com
More info: West Hartford Hauntings, the Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society’s spooky, theatrical cemetery tour, returns! By lantern light, your ghostly guide leads you through the graves of Old North Cemetery where you experience tales of murder, disease, and dismemberment!
Witches & Tombstone Tour
October 19 & 26; 10:30 am – 4 pm
Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, Old Wethersfield
Admission: $25-$30
webb-deane-stevens.org
More info: An up-close-and-creepy examination of all things funereal, the tour begins with the Stevens House where visitors will step back in time and into the parlor set up for the wake of little Henry Stevens, who perished in 1828 at the age of three. Next stop is the Wethersfield Ancient Burying Ground, followed by a visit to the Buttolph-Williams House, for tales from the notorious Wethersfield Witch Trials—which preceded the Salem Witch Trials by 30 years!
Halloween Tales of New England
October 25; 4-5:30 pm
Stanley-Whitman House, 37 High Street, Farmington
Admission: Free (reservation required)
s-wh.org
More info: Enjoy a family-friendly event in the Whitman Tavern at the fireside to be enthralled by the legendary Dennis Picard, who has meticulously uncovered chilling tales from town records, ancient journals, and long-forgotten newspapers.
Ghost Tour, Memento Mori
October 26; 1-4 pm
Stanley-Whitman House, 37 High Street, Farmington
Admission: $25; member $20
s-wh.org
More info: In use as early as 1660, Farmington’s Old Cemetery on Main Street was the town’s boneyard and remained so until the end of the 19th century. Come learn about the cemetery’s history and development along with stories about some of its “residents” and a few tall tales – some spooky ones too!
Hallowed History Lantern Tour
October 25; 6-9 pm
Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford
Admission: $20 (reservations in advance only; ages 13 and up)
cedarhillfoundation.org
More info: History comes alive on this lantern-led tour of Cedar Hill Cemetery. Character actors share tantalizing true stories of some of the notable and not-so-notable residents.
Halloween in the Hangers Brew Fest
October 26; 6-10 pm
New England Air Museum, 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks
Admission: $50 (VIP $65; designated driver $15)
ctbeerfest.com
More info: Halloween in the Hangars Brew Fest is a costume craft beer festival, featuring dozens of local breweries, live music, and food trucks!
Scarrybrooke Haunted Trail
October 12-26, Fri. & Sat., 6-10 pm
Harrybrooke Park, 100 Still River Dr., New Milford
Admission: $15-$40
harrybrookepark.org
More info: Prepare for the scare! If you’ve been before, you know what can happen but you can never even imagine what’s on deck this year! Walk the park after dark and experience all that can go bump in the night, see what might be hiding in the trees, and feel the terror!
Corn Maze Flashlight Nights
October 12, 19 & 26; 5:30 pm
Farmstead Location of The Farm, 281 Weekeepeemee Rd., Route 32, Woodbury
Admission: $15.95 (ages 12 and up)
thefarmwoodbury.com
More info: An ultimate adventure—embark on an evening in the corn field maze. Walk through the adventure-themed maze. Bring your flashlights and coats!
Woodbury Lions Club Haunted Hayride
October 18-26; Fridays & Saturdays 6:30-9 pm
Mitchell School, 14 School St., Woodbury
Admission: $15
woodburyctlions.org
More info: Climb onto tractor-towed wagons and ride around some of the spooky fields and cemeteries in Woodbury. If you’re lucky, you may see some of the ghosts, ghouls, zombies, and other denizens of the dark that only come out this time of year. With another hayride, there’s another new theme for the 3D Haunted Barn.
Lantern Tour of the Plymouth Burying Ground and Underground Railroad
October 26-27; 7-8:30 pm
Plymouth Congregational Church, 10 Park Street, Plymouth
Admission: $10 (cash only; reservations required by phone 860.921.6118)
plymouthhistoricalsociety.org
More info: Learn how the inscriptions and symbols on the gravestones provide clues to life in colonial Connecticut. The Burying Ground dates to 1747 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The tour includes a visit to a house that was on the Underground Railroad, where we will see the secret passages in the cellar providing sanctuary to slaves seeking their freedom.
Glebe House All Hollow’s Special Events
October 19 & 16
Glebe House, 49 Hollow Rd., Woodbury
Admission: TBD (reservations required)
glebehousemuseum.org
More info: Two special events: On Oct. 19, cemetery tours will be guided by lantern light, visitors will visit the final resting (?) spots of some of Woodbury’s famous and infamous residents. On Oct. 26, The Witch of Woodbury returns to tell tales and spread Halloween cheer. On both nights, the haunted museum and garden will also be open to guests, if they dare!
48th Annual Kent Pumpkin Run
Downtown Kent
October 27
Admission: $30
kentpumpkinrun.com
More info: The 5-mile run returns! Runners in costume are encouraged, as are donations of non-perishable goods for the Kent Food Bank!
Ghost Tour of Downtown Terryville
Nov. 2; 6:30 pm
Lock Museum of America, 230 Main Street, Terryville
Admission: $10 (cash only; reservations required info@lockmuseumadventure.org or text 860.921.6118)
lockmuseumadventure.org
More info: Terryville becomes Scaryville as you tour the two cemeteries and hear the histories of those interred there. Listen to tales of unsolved mysteries as ghosts of famous former residents appear along the way.
Are we missing an event? Let us know!
Middlesex County
Evidence of Evil
Oct. 4-27; Fri., Sat. & Sun., dusk to 10 pm
Lyman Orchards, Middlefield
Admission: $28 (online tickets only)
evidenceofevil.net
More info: Something is lurking deep in the woods of Lyman Orchards! Do you dare enter the dark orchards after dusk? Connecticut’s Interactive Haunted Attraction will send you running for the hills with four new terrifying frights along the haunted trail.
Haunting at The Ridge & Zombie Lounge
October 4-26; Fri., Sat. & Sun. 6-9 pm
Powder Ridge Mountain Park Resort, 99 Powder Hill Road, Middlefield
Admission: $29 and up
powderridgepark.com
More info: Are you brave enough to take a chair lift ride up the mountain into the dark? There’s no turning back, there’s no escape! Get ready for the haunt of your life! Graveyard Productions brings its trademark thrills and chills to Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort with this one-of-a-kind haunt that is not for the faint of heart.
The Ride at Pumpkintown U.S.A.
October 1-31; daily 10 am – 5 pm
93 East High St., East Hampton
Admission: Packages start at $25 (reservations required)
pumpkintown.com
More info: A family-friendly Halloween event in which participants stay safely in their cars and cruise a scenic 20-minute trail featuring multiple scenes of the pumpkin people going about their lives.
Just a Brunch of Hocus Pocus
October 26; 10:30 am
Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex
Admission: $62.99
essexsteamtrain.com
More info: Salem’s favorite witches – Winnie, Mary and Sarah are back! Enjoy a brunch buffet to die for, as these witches put a spell on you with a one-hour all-live singing show.
Are we missing an event? Let us know!
New Haven County
The New Haven Ghost Tour
Oct 1-31; nightly at 7:30 pm
1070 Chapel Street, New Haven
Admission: Prices range depending on attendees
ghostsofnewhaven.com
More info: Go inside the Grove Street Cemetery, find out about the phantom of Geronimo, and try not to sink in New Haven Harbor. Try not to be scared by stories of ghosts, antique sites, scandalous tales, and strange things.
Trail of Terror
October 4-26; Friday & Saturday, 7-11 pm, Sundays 7-10 pm
PNC Park, Wallingford
Admission: $40 VIP; $25 admission (all tickets must be purchased in advance)
trailofterror.com
More info: Celebrating more than 20 years of terror, this award-winning outdoor haunted attraction takes visitors on a 45-minute scream-filled journey through more than three acres of spooky scenes and living nightmares.
The Pumpkin Patch/Murder on the Rails
October 5-27/4-31; Pumpkin Patch Sat & Sun 11 am – 4 pm, Murder Fri & Sat 7-10 pm
The Shoreline Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven
Admission: Prices vary for each
hauntedisle.org
More info: Visit the patch and enjoy a trolley ride, a grounds visit, and one pumpkin and puzzle book for each child. And don’t forget, plenty of photo ops! And at night, the Haunted Trolley (reservations required) leaves the depot for a curated experience featuring an unforgettable one-hour ride aboard an ancient trolley with hosts who will turn your evening into an other-worldly journey.
Dustin Pari: Ghost Hunter
October 8; 6:30 pm
Seymour Public Library, Seymour
Admission: Free
seymourpubliclibrary.org
More info: In this presentation, Dustin chronicles some of his favorite New England investigations that he has been a part of. It even touches upon a legend with local roots that has become a world-wide phenomenon. A great bit of local history colored with some chilling tales of the supernatural!
Mad Science: Spooktacular Science
October 16; 6:30 pm
Seymour Public Library, Seymour
Admission: Free
seymourpubliclibrary.org
More info: Unleash the power of science as they melt a witch’s head and experience a spooky fog effect, and then prepare to be astounded as they create new fuel for the witch’s broom!
New England’s Other Witch Trials
October 16; 6:30 pm
Seymour Public Library, Seymour
Admission: Free
seymourpubliclibrary.org
More info: Everyone knows about the witch hunt at Salem in 1692, but few know that in the years before Salem, Connecticut was New England’s fiercest witch prosecutor. The first person hanged for witchcraft in New England came from Windsor! Hear the real story from Walter Woodward, Connecticut State Historian Emeritus.
Are we missing an event? Let us know!
New London County
Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours
October 1-31; multiple nights & tours
Downtown Mystic
Admission: Tours start at $30 (reservations required)
seasideshadows.com
More info: Courtney McInvale, author of Haunted Mystic, and her team will guide you by lantern light through downtown Mystic, past local haunts and through cemeteries, sharing local lore and legends. Special events this year include Spooky Stories & Cider Tasting on Oct. 24.
The Dark Manor
October 4-31; Thurs.-Sun., 6:30-11:30 pm
25 Main Street, Baltic
Admission: $29.75; $39.01 VIP
thedarkmanor.com
More info: The Manor is home to the ghastly entities that haunt its hallowed grounds. Many are driven mad by the terror lurking in every shadow; their desperate screams echoing endlessly down the twisting trail—screams echoing through the desolate Connecticut countryside.
Pumpkin Passage
October 1-26; Fri.-Sun. 5 pm
The Dinosaur Place, 1650 Hartford New London Tpke., Oakdale
Admission: $29
naturesartvillage.com
More info: The Dinosaur Place once again opens the gates for all things magical and mystical — get ready for the annual Halloween Pumpkin Passage. A toddler-friendly trail of lights and fun family activities await.
All Hallows Weekend at the Connecticut Renaissance Faire
October 12-14; 10:30 am – 6 pm
Lebanon Country Fairgrounds, Lebanon
Admission: $16; youth $10
ctfaire.com
More info: Beware! All Hallows Weekend at The Connecticut Renaissance Faire is a celebration of ghosts, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night. Don your favorite costume and revel in Halloween fun.
Halloween Town
October 18; 6-9 pm
Waterfront Park, New London
Admission: Free
downtownnewlondonassociation.com
More info: Dare to be scared. Have the courage to face things that go bump in the night? If so, you are invited to come to a spooky Halloween destination, New London Halloween Town. Trick or trunk, a costume contest, and more!
Haunted History, A Paranormal Investigation
October 25-26
Leffingwell House Museum, 348 Washington Street, Norwich
Admission: TBA
leffingwellhousemuseum.org
More info: Join the Arrowhead Paranormal team in a public investigation at the Leffingwell House Museum. Use the tools and learn the techniques of a paranormal investigative team while searching the museum for paranormal activity.
Mystic Halloween Parade & Trunk or Treat Festival
October 27; 1-3 pm
Water Street, Mystic
Admission: Free
mysticchamber.org
More info: Join the Mystic Fire Department, Stonington Police Department, Groton Town Police, Stonington High School and the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce for a Spooktacular Halloween event.
Are we missing an event? Let us know!
Tolland County
Halloween Glow in the Park
October 7-31; Thurs. – Sat. 3-8 pm
The Adventure Park at Storrs, 2007 Storrs Rd., Storrs
Admission: $45 and up
myadventurepark.com/location/storrs-ct
More info: Glow in the Park is a nighttime event in which the outdoor adventure park literally glows! Brightly shining lights illuminate your way while you zipline, work the ropes, and traverse through the treetops while listening to Halloween music.
Are we missing an event? Let us know!
Windham County
Zombie Fashion Show
October 4; 7 pm
Rotary Park, Putnam
Admission: Free
discoverputnam.com/zombiefashionshow
More info: From mini-monsters, creepy couples, fiendish families and more, The Zombie Fashion Show will have it all! The spectacle begins with zombies of all ages as they stroll down the putrid runway for prizes. The bandstand stage will allow for more moldy models to join in and do their best zombie walk or crawl to a killer soundtrack provided by DJ “Scary” (Gary) O of WINY Radio.
Nightmare on Main: Legend, Myth, Folklore
October 4-19; Fri & Sat, multiple times
Eastern CT Veterans Community Center, 47 Crescent St, Willimantic
Admission: $18
americamuseum.org
More info: Nightmare on Main is an annual “haunted house” type of event for folks over ten years old. You will be on a guided tour through time and spooky places, where you will discover the chilling origins of Halloween starting from ancient times and evil spirits to our current day celebrations.
NECT Great Pumpkin Festival
October 19; 10 am – 3 pm
Downtown Putnam
Admission: Free
discoverputnam.com/greatpumpkinfestival
More Info: With an array of family-friendly activities, this event features The Official Great Pumpkin, 14th Annual Scarecrow Contest, craft and art vendors, fantastic live music, activities for the kids, special pumpkin-themed menus, and more!
Are we missing an event? Let us know!