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 2026, 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
Fright Haven
September 26–November 1; 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.
Legends of Fear
October 2–November 1 (weekends); 7–10 pm
Fairview Tree Farm, 2 Saw Mill City Rd., Shelton
Admission: $37.50 and up, with various combos and packages
legendsoffear.com
More info: Experience the terror of The Hallow (45 minutes) and/or haunted hayride (30 minutes), which features legendary destinations filled with towering buildings, larger-than-life creatures, and unforgettable encounters!
Grave Objections: A History of Body Snatching for Science
October 20; 6 pm
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion, Norwalk
Admission: $15–$20
lockwoodmathewsmansion.com
More info: Explore the dark underbelly of medical history and the 100-plus-year reign of the body snatchers. Driven by a severe shortage of legal cadavers for medical training, professional “ghouls” built a lucrative seasonal industry by secretly exhuming fresh corpses from local burial sites.
Ghosts & Spirits at the Mansion
October 22–24; 6–8:40 pm
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion, Norwalk
Admission: $40
lockwoodmathewsmansion.com
More info: Ghosts & Spirits at the Mansion features three evenings of immersive theatrical tours produced in collaboration with ArtSynergy Productions. This special after-hours experience will offer visitors an engaging interpretation of Victorian culture, Spiritualism, Gothic literature, and the legendary ghost stories associated with the mansion.
Halloween Hoot ’n Howl
October 23; 5:30–7:30 pm
Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson St., Newtown
Admission: Registration required; $20
newtown-ct.gov/parks-recreation
More info: A spooky evening filled with activities for the whole family, including games, a DJ dance party, hayride, costume contest, and more.
Are we missing an event? Let us know!
Hartford County
Pumpkin Patch Trolley
September 26–November 1; Fri.–Sun., 7–9:30 pm
Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 North Rd., East Windsor
Admission: $17; kids $16 (ages 16+)
ct-trolley.org
More info: Pumpkin Patch Trolley is a family fun-filled adventure where you ride a trolley car to the pumpkin patch, and each child can pick out a free sugar-sized pumpkin. Back at the museum campus, children can decorate their pumpkins, play in the corn box, enjoy the outdoor harvest play area, and explore the museum’s exhibits and displays.
Graveyard Shift Tours
September 25–October 31; Fridays and Saturdays, 6–9 pm
Mark Twain House Museum, Hartford
Admission: $31 (not recommended for children under 10)
marktwainhouse.org
More info: Make a nighttime visit to the Victorian home of Mark Twain for a journey into its paranormal and haunted history. Featured on SyFy’s Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters Academy, as well as the Biography Channel’s My Ghost Story, the tour offers a night of mystery filled with creepy stories and exclusive accounts of unexplained encounters in the Clemens family home.
“Light into the Dungeon”: A Jack O’Lantern Experience
September 25–October 31; Thurs.–Mon., noon–6 pm
Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine, 115 Newgate Rd., East Granby
Admission: $20 (advance purchase 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, a 100-yard loop of the underground mine will be illuminated by 300 professionally carved jack-o’-lanterns.
Phantom Fall Fest
September 26–November 1; Friday, 6–10 pm; Saturday and Sunday, noon–10 pm
Lake Compounce, Bristol
Admission: $65.99 (significant 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-sized thrills. At 6 pm, the fear kicks into gear with four haunted houses, three scare zones, and themed food and drinks.
Haunt on Eden
October 2–31; Fridays and Saturdays, 7–10 pm
Mount Southington Ski Area, 396 Mount Vernon Rd., Southington
Admission: $27
hauntoneden.com
More info: Get ready for a heart-pounding and spine-tingling 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?
Oak Hill Cemetery Tour
October 3; 10 am
Oak Hill Cemetery, 33 Queen St., Southington
Admission: $10 donation
barnesmuseum.org
More info: Explore history in a unique way with a guided walking tour through Oak Hill Cemetery. Discover fascinating stories, local legends, and the beauty of this historic resting place.
Paranormal Investigating 101/Ghosthunting
October 4; 2 pm
The Bristol Bazaar, 67 Race St., Bristol
Admission: $45
eventbrite.com
More info: Learn the basics of ghost hunting and paranormal investigation, including what to do—and what not to do. Find out how the equipment works, what a beginning investigator should purchase, where to conduct your first investigation, and what to bring with you.
Phantasmagoria: Ghost Frequency: An Immersive Paranormal Investigation
October 16–24; Fridays and Saturdays, 7 pm
Isham-Terry House, 211 High St., Hartford
Admission: $44.52 and up
ctlandmarks.org
More info: Escapism Productions reunites with Connecticut Landmarks to tell this historical ghostly drama. Guests join “paranormal investigators” in searching the house, following clues, and figuring out why the dead are still restless. As the investigation deepens, it becomes harder to tell who is trying to communicate, who is trying to warn them, and what has been listening all along.
West Hartford Hauntings
October 22–30; Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 6–8:45 pm
North Cemetery, West Hartford
Admission: $21 in advance (ages 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, a ghostly guide leads you through the graves of Old North Cemetery, where you’ll experience tales of murder, disease, and dismemberment.
Witchcraft Trials in Colonial Hartford: Guided Tours
October 23–29; 6 pm
Ancient Burying Ground, 679 Main St., Hartford
Admission: $15
ancientburyingground.com
More info: Travel back to Hartford in the 1660s. Hear the stories, gossip, and intrigue surrounding the people involved, including Hartford’s “First Lady,” Susannah Hooker, wife of the Rev. Thomas Hooker. Messages from the pulpit, folk traditions, and superstitions led to astounding accusations and trials that resulted in the deaths of innocent people.
Halloween in the Hangars Brew Fest
October 24; 6–10 pm
New England Air Museum, 36 Perimeter Rd., Windsor Locks
Admission: $58 (VIP $73; designated driver $22)
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.
The Origins of All Hallows’ Eve
October 29; 6 pm
Connecticut Valley Brewing, 765 Sullivan Ave., South Windsor
Admission: $30
ctvalleybrewing.com
More info: Learn the history of Samhain and how to prepare for the thinning of the veil by exploring simple rituals that our ancestors may have used. Participants will also make a protective amulet to take home.
Hallowed History Lantern Tour
October 30; 6–9 pm
Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford
Admission: $20 (advance reservations 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 about some of the cemetery’s notable—and not-so-notable—residents.
Halloween on the Hill
October 31; noon–4 pm
Hill-Stead Museum, Farmington
Admission: $5
hillstead.org
More info: Hill-Stead is getting into the Halloween spirit with an afternoon of tricks, treats, and autumn adventures throughout the grounds.
Witches & Tombstone Spooktacular
October 31; 6:30–8:30 pm
Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, Old Wethersfield
Admission: $60
webb-deane-stevens.org
More info: This special Halloween night event is an immersive experience that will transport visitors through haunted history.
Are we missing an event? Let us know!
Litchfield County
Lantern Tour of the Plymouth Burying Ground and Underground Railroad
September 26; 7 and 8 pm
Plymouth Congregational Church, 10 Park St., Plymouth
Admission: $15 (cash only; reservations required)
plymouthhistoricalsociety.org
More info: Learn how the inscriptions and symbols on gravestones provide clues to life in colonial Connecticut. The Burying Ground dates to 1747 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tour includes a visit to a house that was part of the Underground Railroad, where visitors will see secret passages in the cellar that provided sanctuary to enslaved people seeking freedom.
The First: Witchcraft in Connecticut
October 3; 5:30 pm
Old Town Hall, 5 Mountain Rd., Woodbury
Admission: $30
glebehousemuseum.org
More info: Explore the trials of Woodbury’s “witch” and others accused of witchcraft in colonial Connecticut. Learn why the Connecticut River Valley was central to witch executions, and hear stories of survival and tragic fates.
Scarrybrooke Haunted Trail
October 16–30; Fridays and Saturdays, 6–10 pm
Harrybrooke Park, 100 Still River Dr., New Milford
Admission: $38
harrybrookepark.org
More info: Prepare for the scare! If you’ve been before, you know what can happen—but you can’t imagine what’s on deck this year. Walk through the park after dark, experience everything that goes bump in the night, see what might be hiding in the trees, and feel the terror.
Flashlight Night at the Maze
October 17–30; Fridays at 6 pm
Farmstead Location of The Farm, 281 Weekeepeemee Rd., Route 32, Woodbury
Admission: $14.95 (ages 12 and up)
thefarmwoodbury.com
More info: Enjoy an evening adventure in the cornfield maze. Walk through the adventure-themed maze, and remember to bring your flashlight and a coat.
An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe
October 17; 6 pm
Walker Hall, 50 Deforest St., Watertown
Admission: $25
watertownhistorymuseum.org
More info: See the legendary author brought back to life through the talents of Campbell Harmon. Be transported into Poe’s world in this spellbinding one-man show, which combines dramatic reenactments, historical biography, and dynamic interactions with the audience.
The Haunted Hollow
October 24; every half hour from 4–7 pm
Glebe House, 49 Hollow Rd., Woodbury
Admission: TBA (reservations required)
glebehousemuseum.org
More info: Travel to another time while walking along Hollow Road, Doolittle Hill, and Main Street. Meet the ghosts of past residents and enter the Old South Cemetery to greet the spirits at rest there.
50th Annual Kent Pumpkin Run
October 25
Downtown Kent
Admission: $45
kentpumpkinrun.com
More info: The five-mile run returns! Runners are encouraged to wear costumes and bring donations of nonperishable goods for the Kent Food Bank.
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Middlesex County
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
pumpkintown.com
More info: A family-friendly Halloween event where participants stay safely in their cars and cruise along a scenic 20-minute trail featuring multiple scenes of pumpkin people going about their lives.
The Orchard Trails Haunted House
October 2–31; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, dusk–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 terrifying new frights along the haunted trail.
Haunting at the Ridge & Zombie Lounge
October 2–31; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 6–9 pm
Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort, 99 Powder Hill Rd., Middlefield
Admission: $34 and up
powderridgepark.com
More info: Are you brave enough to take a chairlift ride up the mountain into the darkness? There’s no turning back and no escape. 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.
Essex and the Revolution: Walking Tour of River View Cemetery
October 3; 5 pm
River View Cemetery, 37 North Main St., Essex
Admission: $10
essexhistory.org
More info: Join EHS Director Melissa Josefiak for a cemetery tour visiting the gravesites of Essex veterans and residents connected to the American Revolution. Located along the Connecticut River, River View Cemetery testifies to the early history of “Potapaug,” as Essex was once known, with its oldest gravestones dating to the early 1700s.
Tracks of Terror . . . Bloodlines
October 9–30; Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 6:30, 7:45, and 9 pm
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, 1 Railroad Ave., Essex
Admission: $49.99
essexsteamtrain.com
More info: Among you is the descendant of a monster. Your journey begins in the darkness of the train yard, where vintage railcars hide something far more sinister than ghosts. Once you board the train, you’re not just along for the ride—you’re part of the story. Time begins to unravel, the dead begin to remember, and the family legacy is exposed as the spirits of Silas Crowhurst’s victims are summoned. He’s coming back, and this time he knows exactly where to find you.
Old Durham Cemetery Tour
October 24; 10 am
Old Durham Cemetery, Old Cemetery Rd., Durham
Admission: Free (registration required)
durhamcthistory.org
More info: Join members of the Durham Cemetery Company for a tour of Durham’s oldest cemetery. Explore 18th-century gravestones while learning about the town’s early residents and history.
Ballet Spooktacular
October 24–25; 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook
Admission: $17–$26
thekate.org
More info: Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s Spooktacular serves up a mix of “BOO-tiful” dancing, clever costumes, and opportunities for young audience members to join the fun. Offering treats both on and off the stage, the performance combines bewitching ballet, classical music, and special effects.
Halloween Brew Maze at Lyman Orchards Corn Maze
October 31; 6:30 pm
Lyman Orchards Corn Maze, 32 Reeds Gap Rd., Middlefield
Admission: $40
lymanorchards.com
More info: Grab a beer and head into the massive four-acre corn maze. Take on the challenge of finding your way out with only a flashlight and the moonlight to guide you.
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New Haven County
The New Haven Ghost Tour
October 2–31; Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 pm
1070 Chapel St., New Haven
Admission: Starting at $25
ghostsofnewhaven.com
More info: Go inside Grove Street Cemetery, learn about the phantom of Geronimo, and try not to sink in New Haven Harbor. Hear stories of ghosts, historic sites, scandalous tales, and strange happenings.
Trail of Terror
September 26–October 30; Fridays and Saturdays, 7–11 pm
PNC Park, Wallingford
Admission: $28; VIP $40 (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 Haunted Trolley: In Search of Sasquatch—CT Bigfoot Halloween Adventure
October 2–November 1; Fridays–Sundays, 6–9 pm
The Shoreline Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven
Admission: Prices vary
thehauntedtrolley.com
More info: Take an unforgettable ride aboard an antique trolley with hosts who will turn your evening into a unique adventure. Limited to 40 passengers per trip, this interactive Halloween event includes a pre-ride orientation and a 30- to 45-minute show combining a search for Sasquatch, thrills, theater, audience participation, and plenty of comedy. You’ll help decide the outcome of this curated Bigfoot adventure.
History & Hops: Witches in Connecticut
October 4; 1 pm
Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St., Waterbury
Admission: $10
mattmuseum.org
More info: Hear the stories of some of the women and men accused, tried, and executed as witches. Learn how Connecticut successfully controlled the spread of witchcraft accusations long before Salem erupted in panic and violence.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Original Cast Spooktacular
October 16; 8 pm
Palace Theater, Waterbury
Admission: $35 and up
palacetheaterct.org
More info: Join original cast member Barry Bostwick, who played Brad Majors, for a screening of the original unedited movie featuring a live shadow cast and audience participation. The event also includes a memorabilia display with artifacts and an original costume from the movie, a costume contest, and more.
Spirits Alive at Riverside Cemetery
October 17; 1–2:40 pm
Riverside Cemetery, 496 Riverside St., Waterbury
Admission: $20
facebook.com/RiversideCemetery
More info: Tour the cemetery and hear from teachers, a suffragette, a Civil War soldier, and other interesting souls resting at Riverside Cemetery. Nine new ghosts and one returning from last year’s haunting will make appearances.
The History of Samhain
October 20; 7 pm
Wallingford Public Library, 200 N. Main St., Wallingford
Admission: Free (registration required)
wallingfordpubliclibrary.org
More info: Join cultural historian Rachel Koladis for a presentation about the history of this pagan holiday, how it was celebrated in ancient times, what the thinning of the veil means, and ways to incorporate Samhain rituals into modern festivities.
Hocus Pocus Live!
October 29; 7 pm
Palace Theater, Waterbury
Admission: $50 and up
palacetheaterct.org
More info: If you think you’ve seen Hocus Pocus, you’ve never seen it like this. Featuring character look-alikes—including Summer Orlando, New England’s top singing Winifred Sanderson impersonator—this tribute production is filled with comedy, special effects, live singing, magic, and more surprises. Also starring Miranda Miranda as Sarah Sanderson and Bonnie Petite as Mary Sanderson.
Are we missing an event? Let us know!
New London County
Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours
October 1–31; multiple nights and tours
Downtown Mystic
Admission: Tours start at $35 (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 while sharing local lore and legends.
The Ghost of Black Sam
October 1–31; Thursdays–Sundays, 7–10 pm
Mystic KOA Campground, Mystic
Admission: $22
holidaymagicllc.com
More info: A spooky trail experience based on the legend of Black Sam Bellamy. Dare to walk the trail where the ghost of Black Sam still roams!
The Dark Manor
October 2–31; Thursdays–Sundays, 6:30–11:30 pm
25 Main St., Baltic
Admission: $25; VIP $33
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 along the twisting trail and through the desolate Connecticut countryside.
Pumpkin Passage
October 3–31; Thursdays–Sundays, 5 pm
The Dinosaur Place, 1650 Hartford-New London Tpke., Oakdale
Admission: $29
naturesartvillage.com
More info: The Dinosaur Place once again opens its gates for all things magical and mystical during the annual Halloween Pumpkin Passage. A toddler-friendly trail of lights and fun family activities awaits.
Haunted Seafarers Sail
October 8; 5 pm
The Sailing Ship Argia, 75 Steamboat Wharf, Mystic
Admission: $75
argiamystic.com
More info: Hear haunting tales about Mystic’s famous seafaring village and surrounding waters. From the 17th-century strife of colonial life amid the Pequot War and King Philip’s War to shipwrecks, cannonballs, lost seafarers, foggy encounters, the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812, this quaint seaside community has no shortage of supernatural legends and lore.
What Lurks Beneath: Ghost Ship
October 9–30; 6–9 pm
Mystic Seaport, Mystic
Admission: $42
mysticseaport.org
More info: What Lurks Beneath: Ghost Ship is an immersive theatrical Halloween adventure. The long-lost whaling ship Grampus has returned after 200 years at sea, and its ghostly crew is out for mischief and revenge. Join the rowdy, mutinous ghost whalers as they tell their story and battle the supernatural forces that dragged them back during a wild seaside homecoming party. Explore at your own pace.
Historic Haunts of New London
October 9; 7–8:30 pm
Downtown New London
Admission: $25
downtownnewlondonassociation.com
More info: Walk the historic streets of the Whaling City and hear stories about the people who shaped New London—and the mysterious tales of those who may never have left. Learn about reported encounters, unexplained happenings, and the fascinating history surrounding some of the city’s historic buildings. Discover what historical research reveals about the people who lived here and consider whether their stories may still linger.
New England Halloween Fest
October 17–18; Saturday, 10 am–8 pm; Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
Mohegan Sun, Uncasville
Admission: $40
newenglandhalloweenfest.com
More info: With more than 145,000 square feet of festive fun, this event offers an indoor alternative to Salem and Sleepy Hollow. Enjoy an unforgettable weekend celebrating everything that makes the spooky season special.
All Hallows
October 17–18; 6–9 pm
Lebanon Country Fairgrounds, Lebanon
Admission: $21
ctfaire.com
More info: When autumn deepens and the veil grows thin, the Connecticut Renaissance Faire embraces the darker side of merriment. All Hallows Weekend is a spooky, playful celebration filled with costumes, mischief, and just the right amount of fright. Come dressed in your favorite Halloween attire and roam the village among creatures of the night, eerie characters, and fellow revelers.
Mystic Halloween Parade & Trunk or Treat Festival
October 31; 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.
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Tolland County
Halloween Monsters Ball
October 31; 5–6:30 pm
The Adventure Park at Storrs, 2007 Storrs Rd., Storrs
Admission: $49
myadventurepark.com/location/storrs-ct
More info: The park is staying open late for grown-ups. Enjoy music and late-night vibes while climbing under the moonlight on Halloween. This event is for adult climbers ages 18 and up only.
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Windham County
Zombie Fashion Show
October 23; 7 pm
Rotary Park, Putnam
Admission: Free
discoverputnam.com/zombiefashionshow
More info: From mini-monsters and creepy couples to fiendish families, the Zombie Fashion Show will have it all. Zombies of all ages will stroll down the putrid runway for prizes. The bandstand stage will give even more moldy models an opportunity to perform their best zombie walk or crawl to a killer soundtrack provided by none other than DJ “Scary” (Gary) O of WINY Radio.
Great Pumpkin Festival
October 17; 10 am–3 pm
Downtown Putnam
Admission: Free
discoverputnam.com/events
More info: This family-friendly event features the Official Great Pumpkin, the annual Scarecrow Contest, craft and art vendors, live music, children’s activities, special pumpkin-themed menus, and more.
Downtown Trick or Treat
October 24; 2–3:30 pm
Downtown Putnam
Admission: Free
discoverputnam.com/events
More info: Enjoy family-friendly trick-or-treating throughout downtown Putnam.
Are we missing an event? Let us know!