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’re even including virtual events!
We try to keep this updated, but sometimes events will be canceled at the last minute, especially outdoor events that depend on good weather. You should always check with the event host before attending an event.
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 24 – November 5 (weekends); 7-10 pm
Fairview Tree Farm, 2 Saw Mill City Rd., Shelton
Admission: The Hallow $25; haunted hayride $25; combo ticket $50 (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 23 – October 30; Fridays-Sundays, 7-10 pm
411 Barnum Cutoff, Stratford Square, Stratford
Admission: $25; VIP fast pass $40, Front of the line $60
frighthaven.com
More info: 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, new for 2022, Hotel Hex.
Into the Depp
October 14-31; Fri.-Sun.. 7-11:30 pm
The SoNo Collection, 100 North Water St., South Norwalk
Admission: $25 + fees (VIP $40 + fees)
Thenorwalkconservatory.org
More info: Into the Depp is a haunted house guaranteed to make you cry for your mommy. With dozens of live actors, two bars, and enough thrills for a lifetime, the haunt takes 30 minutes to walk through. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Halloween Glow in the Park
October 14-29; 5-9 pm
The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Avenue, Bridgeport
Admission: $55
myadventurepark.com/location/bridgeport-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.
Ghosts, Seances & The Great Beyond: Halloween Tours at The Mansion
October 21-30; Fri.-Sun., 5:30 pm
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave., Norwalk
Admission: $20
lockwoodmathewsmansion.com
More info: The Mansion will open its doors to ghosts of the past and share stories that will thrill and chill visitors of all ages. Beware of bumping into spirits walking across the walls of the Mansion’s Period Rooms, as they see no obstacles, especially on Halloween.
Newtown Spooktacular Family Fun Event
October 26; 5:30-7 pm
Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson St., Newtown
Admission: $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.
Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical
October 28 – November 12; Fri. & Sat. 8 pm
Wilton Playshop, 15 Lovers Lane, Wilton
Admission: $25-$35
wiltonplayshop.org
More info: Murder and chaos are pitted against love and virtue in this sweeping gothic musical based loosely on the 1886 classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson that was conceived for the stage by Frank Wildhorn and Steve Cuden.
Hartford County
Rails to the Darkside
September 30 – October 29; Fri.-Sat., 7-9:30 pm
Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 North Rd., East Windsor
Admission: $25 (ages 16+)
ct-trolley.org
More info: Come for a scare if you dare…the next trolley ride is an express to the Darkside! During this haunted experience, ride vintage trolleys into the dark woods for a fear that you will never forget. Listen to the tale of yesteryear, as you learn of a hastily moved cemetery whose bodies were left behind…their angry souls seeking their revenge. Will you survive?
Graveyard Shift Tours
September 30 – October 29; Fridays & Saturdays, 6-9 pm; also select Thursdays
Mark Twain House Museum, Hartford
Admission: $29 ($21 ages 10-16; 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
September 30 – October 31; Fri.-Sun, 6-9 pm by appointment only
103 E. Main St., Plainville
Admission: $9; kids $4 (cash only)
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
September 30 – October 30; Friday 6-10 pm, Sat & Sun., noon-10 pm
Lake Compounce, Bristol
Admission: $44.99; kids $34.99 (early bird 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 1-31; Thurs.-Mon., noon-6 pm
Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine, 115 Newgate Rd., East Granby
Admission: $20
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.
Memento Mori Walking Tour
October 1; 10 am
Stanley-Whitman House, 37 High Street, Farmington
Admission: $20; member $15
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!
The United States of Cryptids: A Tour of American Myths and Monsters by J.W. Ocker (Virtual event)
October 4; 7 pm
Mark Twain House Museum, Hartford
Admission: Free (registration required)
marktwainhouse.org
More info: Welcome to the United States of Cryptids, where mysterious monsters lurk in the dark forests, deep lakes, and sticky swamps of all fifty states. From the infamous Jersey Devil to the obscure Snallygaster, travel writer and chronicler of the strange J. W. Ocker uncovers the bizarre stories of more than seventy of these creatures and investigates the ways in which communities embrace and celebrate their local cryptids.
Over My Dead Body (Virtual event)
October 13; 7 pm
Mark Twain House Museum, Hartford
Admission: Free (registration required)
marktwainhouse.org
More info: Join author Greg Melville and Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation Director Beverly Lucas for a lively tour through the history of US cemeteries that explores how, where, and why we bury our dead.
How Bizarre!
October 15; 11 am & 2 pm
The Connecticut Historical Society, 1 Elizabeth St., Hartford
Admission: $10
chs.org
More info: A lot of weird, wacky, and downright disturbing things are in CHS museum. Jewelry made of human hair? Yup. Coffin lids? Uh-huh. Devil Puppets? They got ’em. Get yourself in the mood for Halloween by spending an hour in the vaults with the creepiest items in the collection.
Spooktacular Celebration
October 16; 11 am – 5 pm
Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center, 22 Iron Horse Blvd., Simsbury
Admission: Free
simsburycoc.org/spooktacular
More info: Attendees will enjoy food trucks, entertainment, costume contests, games, and activities for the whole family.
The Plot Thickens
October 19; 10 am
Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford
Admission: $10 (reservations in advance only)
cedarhillfoundation.org
More info: Hear stories that sound like film scripts, leaving you to wonder who should star in the movie, a Communist spy, a runaway Prince, an infamous gambler, and more. Foundation Director Beverly Lucas leads this new walking tour of Hartford’s historic Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Witches in Connecticut (Virtual event)
October 19; 7 pm
Connecticut Historical Society
Admission: Free (registration required; donations welcome)
chs.org
More info: The harrowing story of the hanging of witches in Colonial New England continues to haunt our present-day imagination. Join CHS staff in this virtual presentation to hear the stories of some of the women and men accused, tried, and executed as witches. You’ll learn how Connecticut successfully controlled the spread of witch accusations long before Salem erupted in panic and violence.
Classic Monsters Unleashed! A Panel Conversation on updating Classic Horror (Virtual event)
October 20; 7 pm
Mark Twain House Museum, Hartford
Admission: Free (registration required)
marktwainhouse.org
More info: Stories of famous monsters in a new horror anthology featuring new works by panelists Linda D. Addision, Owl Goingback, Jonathan Maberry and Rena Mason. The hair-raising authors will be joined by Classic Monsters Unleashed editor James Aquilone and moderator Alex Dueben for a pre-Halloween treat of a virtual event!
West Hartford Hauntings
October 20-22; 28-29; 6-8:45 pm
North Cemetery, West Hartford
Admission: $15 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!
Woman in Blue—A 19th-Century Immersive Halloween Show
October 21-22, 28-29; Fridays & Saturdays, 6 & 7:30 pm
Isham-Terry House, 211 High St., Hartford
Admission: $45
ctlandmarks.org
More info: Woman in Blue takes place in the 19th-century as you join the fictional guests of the Griswold-Bennett engagement party. Escapism Productions returned to the Isham-Terry House, in partnership with Connecticut Landmarks, to create an original historical drama set in 19th century, and greatly influenced by the popular media of the era. Come and explore the House and the story in this unique production.
Witches & Tombstone Tour
October 22; 10 am – 3 pm
Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, Old Wethersfield
Admission: $25
webb-deane-stevens.org
More info: One day only this year! 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 in the Hangers Brew Fest
October 22; 6-10 pm
New England Air Museum, 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks
Admission: $50 (VIP $65; designated driver $15)
ctbeerfest.com
More info: the first-ever Halloween in the Hangars Brew Fest is a costume craft beer festival, featuring dozens of local breweries, live music, and food trucks!
Calling the Spirits: A History of Seances with Lisa Morton (Virtual event)
October 24; 7 pm
Mark Twain House Museum, Hartford
Admission: Free (registration required)
marktwainhouse.org
More info: From Halloween expert Lisa Morton, a level-headed and entertaining history of our desire and attempts to hold conversations with the dead. Joining Morton in conversation is MTH&M Assistant Curator Mallory Howard. The presentation investigates the eerie history of our conversations with the dead, from necromancy in Homer’s Odyssey to the emergence of Spiritualism—when Victorians were entranced by mediums and the seance was born.
Date Night: Chills and Treats
October 27; 6-7:30 pm
The Connecticut Historical Society, 1 Elizabeth St., Hartford
Admission: $30 per couple
chs.org
More info: Bring your sweetie or bestie to the museum for a look at some of the weirdest and creepiest items in the vaults, then relax and fortify yourself with a Halloween-themed cocktail, courtesy of The Wise Old Dog.
Hallowed History Lantern Tour
October 28; 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.
Living History Talk: A Peddler’s Pack of Spooky Tales from Hill and Valley: Vintage Stories from Your Grandparents Fireside
October 28; 2 & 4 pm
Stanley-Whitman House, 37 High Street, Farmington
Admission: Free (registration required)
s-wh.org/living-history
More info: Composed of legends and ghost stories from New England, this family-friendly program is outdoors weather permitting around a campfire, or indoors in the Whitman Tavern if there is inclement weather.
Witches In Connecticut (Virtual event)
October 29; 6-9 pm
Connecticut Historical Society (via Zoom)
Admission: Free (reservation required)
chs.org
More info: Join CHS staff online via Zoom to hear the stories of some of the women and men accused, tried, and executed as witches. Learn how Connecticut successfully controlled the spread of witch accusations long before Salem erupted in panic and violence.
Hobgoblin Fair
October 29; 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Roaring Brook Nature Center, Canton
Admission: $10 (pre-registration required)
roaringbrook.org
More info: Features ‘Track & Treat’ walk, take-home craft bags, Hunt in the Leaves, picture taken with “Hoot the Owl,” and more!
Performance Lecture Series: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
October 30; 2 pm
Wood Memorial Library and Museum, 783 Main St., South Windsor
Admission: $5
woodmemoriallibrary.org
More info: Suitable for grades 2-6, this is an authentic retelling of Washington Irving’s spooky story of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman, featuring Bright Star Touring Theatre.
Litchfield County
Hollowed Harvest
October 1-30; Thursday – Sunday
Camp Mattatuck, Plymouth
Admission: $20; children $16 (tickets must be purchased in advance)
hollowedharvest.com
More info: The Hollowed Harvest brings to life more than 7,000 incredible Jack-O’-Lanterns, creating stunning landscapes and larger-than-life displays designed to amaze audiences of all ages! Alternatively, the Hollowed Harvest: Wicked Labyrinth features 1,000 intricately carved Jack-O’-Lanterns celebrating the attention to small details that make Jack-O’-Lanterns the beloved fall art tradition they’ve come to be!
Scarrybrooke Haunted Trail
October 14-15 21-22, 6-10 pm
Harrybrooke Park, 100 Still River Dr., New Milford
Admission: $20
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!
Woodbury Lions Club Haunted Hayride
October 21-29; 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.
Corn Maze Flashlight Nights
October 15, 22 & 29; 5:30-8:30 pm
Farmstead Location of The Farm, 281 Weekeepeemee Rd., Route 32, Woodbury
Admission: $13; youth (6-11) $7
thefarmwoodbury.com
More info: An ultimate adventure—embark on an evening in the corn field maze. Walk through the Alice in Wonderland adventure-themed maze. Bring your flashlights and coats!
Lantern Tour of the Plymouth Burying Ground and Underground Railroad
October 22; 7-8:30 pm
Plymouth Congregational Church, 10 Park Street, Plymouth
Admission: $10 (cash only; reservations required by phone 860.921.6118)
plymouthct.us
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 22 & 29
Glebe House, 49 Hollow Rd., Woodbury
Admission: $11 (reservations required)
glebehousemuseum.org
More info: Two special events: On Oct. 22, 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. 29, 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!
Ghost Tour of Downtown Terryville
October 29; 7 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.
46th Annual Kent Pumpkin Run
Downtown Kent
October 30
Admission: $20
kentpumpkinrun.com
More info: The 5-mile run returns to an in-person event this year—runners in costume are encouraged, as are donations of non-perishable goods for the Kent Food Bank!
Middlesex County
Evidence of Evil
September 30 – October 30; Fri., Sat. & Sun., dusk to 10 pm
Lyman Orchards, Middlefield
Admission: $25 (online tickets only)
lymanorchards.com
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
September 30 – October 30;
Powder Ridge Mountain Park Resort, 99 Powder Hill Road, Middlefield
Admission: $29.95
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.
The Salem Express! Revenge of the Sanderson Sisters
October 13; 4:45 & 6:45 pm
Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex
Admission: $45.99
essexsteamtrain.com
More info: A one-of-a-kind interactive Halloween experience with the Sanderson Sisters, who will entertain you with tales of witches and lore direct from Salem, while bewitching you with a performance you won’t forget, kicking off the Halloween season!
New Haven County
Spirits of Milford Ghost Walks
September 30 – November 12; Fri. & Sat. 7 & 8 pm
Starting at Hotchkiss Bridge, downtown Milford
Admission: $18; walk-up $23 (cash only)
spiritsofmilford.com
More info: Led by Cindy Wolfe Boynton, author and storyteller, these lantern-lit tours through downtown Milford weave tales of the macabre with those of local history. The walks follow a roughly 1.15-mile loop through downtown Milford, including stops at some of the city’s oldest homes and Milford Cemetery.
The New Haven Ghost Tour
September 30 – October 29; Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30 pm
1070 Chapel Street, New Haven
Admission: $25; seniors & students $20, private group tours available as well
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.
The Pumpkin Patch
October 1-30; Fridays & Saturdays 11 am – 4 pm
The Shoreline Trolley Museum, 17 River St., East Haven
Admission: $12; children $8
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! On Oct. 21-23, the Haunted Trolley ($39; 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 with no zombies, no clowns, no masked killers, no chainsaws, no loud music, nor any actors chasing you or screaming in your ears.
Trail of Terror
October 1-30; 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.
Ghosts and Legends with Jeff Belanger
October 7; 7 pm
Seymour Public Library, Seymour
Admission: Free
seymourpubliclibrary.org
More info: Prepare to explore the unexplained! Belanger is a well-known author, investigator, and podcaster, has written for newspapers such as the Boston Globe and USA Today. He can be seen on “New England Legends” series on PBS/Amazon Prime and is the series writer and researcher for “Ghost Adventures” on the Travel Channel.
Terror at Quassy
October 7-30; Friday, Saturday, & Sundays, gates open at 6 pm
Lake Quassapaug, Middlebury
Admission: $29.99 (plus $10 parking)
quassy.com
More info: Beware! Not for the faint of heart and not recommended for young children. Numerous haunt attractions with live actors and entertainment. Food, beverages and gift shop. Major rides will operate.
School Spirits
October 14-30
Milford Arts Council, Milford
Admission: $25
pantochino.com
More info: Get ready for a “Halloween” high school musical where the ‘spirits’ are high, the laugher flies and the music soars! When Mockingbird High School is slated for demolition, it’s up to the students to save the school and the spirits who live there. A perfect Halloween treat for the entire family!
The Rocky Horror Show
October 21-30; Fri., Sat. & Sun., 7:30 pm
Milford Arts Council, Milford
Admission: $30 (adults only)
pantochino.com
More info: Richard O’Brien’s cult classic musical arrives just in time for Halloween! It’s a comical send-up of science fiction/horror B-films featuring the song and dance craze, “The Time Warp!” Follow Brad and Janet, a typical young couple who, caught in a rain storm, find themselves at the unlikely doorstep of a mad scientist/transvestite Doctor Frank-N-Furter. They’ve arrived during a wild party to celebrate the doctor’s latest creation-a muscle man. And, they may never be the same again!
Connecticut Witch Trials
October 26; 7 pm
Seymour Public Library, Seymour
Admission: Free
seymourpubliclibrary.org
More info: In 1692, the first “witch” of the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts was hanged. Connecticut beat that injustice by about 45 years. On may 26, 1647, Alse Young, from Windsor, CT, purported to be the first person in Colonial America to be so sentenced, was executed as a witch. By 1662, ten others in Connecticut—eight more women and two men—would follow to the same fate. How did this come to occur in Connecticut?
New London County
Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours
October 1-31; multiple nights & tours
Downtown Mystic
Admission: Tours start at $25 (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 story dinner on Oct 19 at the Capt. Daniel Packer Inne in Mystic.
The Dark Manor
October 1-31; Fri.-Sun., plus Oct. 20, 27 & 31, 6:30-11 pm
25 Main Street, Baltic
Admission: $20; $25 for peak days, $28 VIP
darkmanorproductions.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 1-29; Fri.-Sun. 5 pm
The Dinosaur Place, 1650 Hartford New London Tpke., Oakdale
Admission: $25
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 15-16; 10:30 am – 6 pm
Lebanon Country Fairgrounds, Lebanon
Admission: $15; 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. This is the Faire’s final weekend of the season, so get to the show before it’s too late.
Halloween Town
October 21; 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 28-29
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.
New London Pink Eggs & Glam Drag Brunch Halloween Spooktacular
October 23; 11 am & 2 pm
The Social Bar + Kitchen, 208 Bank St., New London
Admission: $25 ($20 in advance)
skycasper.com/events
More info: Featuring a fantastic lineup of drag superstars in a special Halloween Spooktacular drag brunch with the incomparable Carlos The Uber Driver and Patty Bourrée, with Halloween costumes encouraged!
Hempsted Halloween
October 29; 4 pm
Hempsted Houses, 11 Hempsted St., New London
Admission: $5
ctlandmarks.org
More info: Get into the spirit of the season and meet the ghosts of New Londoners with ghoulish stories to tell. Hear their tales and talk with them if you dare! Experience the city’s oldest house at twilight and make s’mores over an open fire.
Halloween Trick or Treat
October 31; 4-6 pm
Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic
Admission: Free
oldemistickvillage.com
More info: Olde Mistick Village Merchants will be handing out treats for the young ones. Come see your fellow ghosts, goblins and fairies as you stroll from shop to shop. Fun for everyone! Event held rain or shine.
Are we missing an event? Let us know!
Tolland County
Things That Go Bump in the Night
October 13-14, 20-21 & 27-28; Thursdays & Fridays, 7-9 pm
Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street, Coventry
Admission: $25; $20 for CT Landmarks members (reservations required)
ctlandmarks.org
More info: The evening features a special candlelight tour, room-by-room, all the way up to the dark and spooky attic. Hear the traditional, long-standing homestead ghost stories and the Hale staff’s spooky tales, as featured on the Syfy channel’s Ghost Hunters.
Halloween Glow in the Park
October 14-29; 5 pm
The Adventure Park at Storrs, 2007 Storrs Rd., Storrs
Admission: $45
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.
Windham County
Spooktober!
October 1-31; multiple nights and times
The America Museum and other historic sites & museums, Willimantic
Spooktober.org
More info: Museums, art organizations and local businesses have come together to put a little fright into your night with a month full of events. All are fun, some really scary, and most are educational. Events include a historical ghost town haunted house, the Wake of Mr. Jillson, CT Witch Trial, Witches, Warlocks & Wizards exhibit, witch decorating hat, the history of death and dying, a movie marathon, Embalming 101, pet costume contest, haunted ghost stories, and more.
Zombie Fashion Show
October 7; 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 at 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 non other than DJ “Scary” (Gary) O of WINY Radio.
Ghost Town: Shadows of the Past!
October 8, 9, 14, 15 & 23; 7-9:30 pm
Eastern Railroad Museum, 55 Bridge St., Willimantic
Admission: $15 (cash only)
Nightmare on Main
More info: Come experience an interactive evening like no other, with live scenes based on some of history’s most infamous ghost towns.
NECT Great Pumpkin Festival
October 15; 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, 12th Annual Scarecrow Contest, craft and art vendors, fantastic live music, activities for the kids, special pumpkin-themed menus, and more!
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