Oct 25 – Nov 2, 2010: Corn Mazes, Free Tickets, Iron Pour, Day of the Dead, Hawthorne, Halloween Music, Parades, Fests, & Fireworks!
10/25/10 by
Johnny Monsarrat
This is it! Get out there an enjoy Halloween while it lasts.
Love this blog? PLEASE HELP GET THE WORD OUT, and Subscribe to email, 
, or 
and please tell your friends! 
-Johnny
| The Week in Weird | ||||
| Free Tickets to Canobie Lake Park, TRON, Davis MegaMaze, Body Awareness, & more | Fri 10/1 – Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Last week you missed out on tickets to the movie previews of Megamind and Paranormal Activity 2 and the Moon Ball at the BCA because you are not on the Facebook group, which is where I announce stuff in-between weekly posts. This week I have more tickets to give away for Canobie Lake Park’s Screeemfest, movie preview passes to TRON, Thu Oct 28, at 7pm in Boston, and Unstoppable, Thu Oct 28, 2pm in Boston. And more tickets for Body Awareness, the play at the Speakeasy in Boston where a nudie photographer causes a stir on a college campus, 10/31 at 3PM. Also the movie preview for Due Date, I have a few for Providence, RI and Boston, Nov 1st. Email me at johnny@eventsinsider.com to win. Click MORE for the full review of Body Awareness! Various. more |
||||
| Free tickets to Steampunk Exhibit | Fri 10/22 – Wed 5/11 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| I’ve just been to this steampunk exhibit and I had to hold back tears. It’s a beautiful demonstration of the dreams that industrialists had in the 19th century about the future, a future that we are living today! And it all takes place on the site of the oldest factory in the US, a 1814 textile mill. I have 4 tickets to give away. Email me at johnny@eventsinsider.com. Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation, Waltham, MA.781-893-5410. more |
||||
| Free tickets to Davis Megamaze (& Night Maze) | Sat 10/2 – Sun 11/14 | Worcester |
 |
|
| I have more tickets to Davis MegaMaze, the biggest and best corn field maze in New England! It’s great in the daytime, and then very spooky at night with actors dressed up jumping out at you. The tickets are good for daytime admission only (they also have fright nights after dark). I’ve just been and it’s a must see! Email me at johnny@eventsinsider.com. 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA.978-422-8888. more |
||||
| Day of the Dead Festival at Forest Hills Cemetery | Tue 11/2 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| The Day of the Dead festival is one of my favorite events of the year. It’s outdoors at night and forget candy skeletons. This is a serious and touching remembrance of the dead lead by a Mexican group that touches ancient traditions. And you can join in the singing, dancing, and interacting with the spirit world. Believe me when I say this: YOU MUST GO. 95 Forest Hills Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA.617-524-0128. more |
||||
| Halloween Silent Rave on Boston Common | Fri 10/29 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Plug in your headphones and dance silently to your own tune on Boston Common, in costume! 7-10pm. Boston Common, Boston, MA. more |
||||
| Haunting Hawthorne | Wed 10/27 | Metro West |
 |
|
| This is a re-enactment of Nathaniel Hawthorne, who will read his spooky stories and take questions. It’s free and a very rare event, a true gem of re-enactments. The Wayside: Home of Authors, Concord, MA. more |
||||
| Thriller Zombie Re-enactment | Sun 10/31 | North Shore |
 |
|
| Learn to dance Michael Jackon’s “Thriller” and then perform (or just come see it) on Salem Common! Salem, MA. more |
||||
| Iron Pour – Molten Metal Showers, Fire-spinning | Fri 10/29 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Mass College of Art has an “Iron Pour” twice a year, where the metals department melts down old radiators and shows how to pour into molds, generating huge showers of sparks. They’ll have live music, fire-spinners, dancing, and music. I’ve been and it’s a must see! 7-11pm, but expect it to start late. Mass College of Art, Boston, MA.617-879-7020 or 617-879-7711. more |
||||
| Iron Pour at Providence, RI | Fri 10/29 | Rhode Island |
 |
|
| This one looks smaller, but closer for those of you in Rhode Island. Rain date: next day. 27 Sims Ave, Providence, RI. more |
||||
| “An Extraordinary Life”, w/ Condoleezza Rice | Thu 10/28 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Whether you agree with her politics or not, it’s rare to have a speaker of such clout swing through Boston. If the Suffolk is sold out, the same day the JFK Library is also hosting her, 11:30am-12:30pm. C. Walsh Theatre, Suffolk University, 55 Temple St, Boston, MA. more |
||||
| Halloween | ||||
| Hogwarts at HMNH | Sat 10/30 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| They’re having a party at the Harvard Museum of Natural History! Come dressed in costume, Hogwarts style and do a scavenger hunt. 2-5pm. (The scavenger hunts without the party go on through November.). Hahvid Museum of Nat’ral His’try, 26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA. more |
||||
| Rocky Horror Halloween Special – Boston | Fri 10/29 – Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| The place to be in Harvard Square, though is really the theatre on Church Street, for the Rocky Horror Picture Show. It’s a bad old movie that fans like to dress up and mock and re-enact live on stage while the film plays. This Halloween, the local groups will also do a special pre-show. I went once! Fri 10/29 at midnight, Sun 10/31 at 10pm. Loews Theatre, 11 Church St, Cambridge, MA. more |
||||
| Dia de los Muertos | Sat 10/30 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Can’t make the big one at Forest Hills Cemetery. Mexican band & food, dance workshops, and altar offerings to the dead. 6pm. 45 Danforth St, Jamaica Plain, MA.617-522-6430. more |
||||
| Franklin Park Zoo’s Zoo Howl for kids | Sat 10/30 – Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| A not-so-scary Halloween celebration for children only, although that doesn’t meet adults can’t come and enjoy the holiday spirit and the cute kids. 11am-3pm. 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA.617-541-5466. more |
||||
| Halloween Bike Ride | Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Perhaps you’d rather parade at speed on a bicycle! Come join a 14-mile route in costume in Jamaica Plain. Rain date: next day. Unfortunately, no details are listed, like, time… place… come on guys… contact them directly. Meet at Green Street T Station, Jamaica Plain, MA. more |
||||
| Spooky Skate at MIT | Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| At MIT, they’ll set up a skating rink and a lot of people will come in costume. Last year they had arts & crafts and lots of free food. It doesn’t appear to be MIT community only. Most likely 8pm+. MIT, Cambridge, MA. more |
||||
| Mischief at the Old Manse & Haunted Attic Tour | Fri 10/29 | Metro West |
 |
|
| Previously untold and true stories of the Old Manse on this special Halloween guided tour. Call for details because the website is vague. Old Manse, 269 Monument Street, Concord, MA.978-369-3909. more |
||||
| Tales of the Night at Drumlin Farm | Thu 10/28 – Fri 10/29 | Metro West |
 |
|
| Spooky tales will also be at this state park west of Waltham, with a hayride, haunted house, and walks in the forest. Bring a flashlight. 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA.781-259-2200. more |
||||
| Fireworks and Costume Party at Witch’s Woods | Sat 10/30 | Metro West |
 |
|
| I did not give Witch’s Woods a good rating as a Halloween attraction — it’s pretty commercial and not creatively theatrical. But add in a costume party and fireworks and I’m there! 79 Powers Rd, Westford, MA.978-692-3033. more |
||||
| Halloween party at Roller Kingdom (Hudson) | Sat 10/30 | Metro West |
 |
|
| What’s better than a Halloween party? One on roller skates!! I’m totally excited about this! 1-5pm. Hudson, MA. more |
||||
| Horribles Parade / Zombie Walk Parade | Fri 10/29 | New Hampshire |
 |
|
| Kids go trick or treating door to door in this merchant event. The idea is, visit some stores and buy! 4:15-6:15pm. Zombie Walk for adults and teens at 6:45pm to Rochester Common. While not on their website, these details are real! Both start from Union Street Parking lot, Rochester, NH.603-330-3208. more |
||||
| Ghosts on the Banke | Fri 10/29 – Sat 10/30 | New Hampshire |
 |
|
| The best one-shot event this week in New Hampshire though is undoubtedly Strawbery Banke, one of four re-enactment museums with live actors in New England. They’ll have an outdoor movie, horse-drawn wagon rides, a bonfire, and lots of actors both piratical and ghostatical. A quick drive up from Boston. 6-8pm. Marcy Street, Portsmouth, NH.603-422-7514. more |
||||
| Winsor Music Halloween Concert | Sat 10/30 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| It’s only a high school, but it’s a MUSIC high school, doing a Halloween concert that the audience gets to participate in. Sounds interesting! Bakalar Recital Hall, 25 Kennard Road, Brookline, MA. more |
||||
| Scared, Scary, Spectacular!” Concert | Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Stepping up to the college students at Tufts, this one’s probably better. Free. 3pm. Distler Performance Hall, 20 Talbot Ave, Medford, MA.617-627-3679. more |
||||
| Spookapella | Sat 10/30 | Metro West |
 |
|
| Of course, my pick has to be an a cappella concert. I love that stuff. Center for the Arts, 14 Summer St, Natick, MA. more |
||||
| Nosferatu with Live Music | Sat 10/30 | North Shore | ||
| But if you have a car, this one is bound to be even better! I have seen it! A spooky old silent film with AMAZINGLY scary live music. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Rockport, MA.978-546-7391. more |
||||
| Closing night celebration & Halloween Fireworks | Sun 10/31 | North Shore |
 |
|
| It’s really worth the visit to Salem if you can make it, for the crowds, costumes, and B-level Halloween fun. (Really, all the best Halloween attractions are outside Salem, or they’re A-level but year-round things.) To encourage revelers to return home, they will end the night with a musical fireworks finale around 10:30pm, and then extra commuter rail trains home. Near Salem Depot, Salem, MA. more |
||||
| Woburn Annual Halloween Parade | Sun 10/31 | North Shore |
 |
|
| Here’s another great Halloween festival. They claim that 80,000 people attend. More than 90 floats with 25 bands. 2009: 1pm. Holiday Inn Select, 15 Middlesex Canal Road, Woburn, MA.781-933-0933. more |
||||
| Halloween Party at the Carousel | Sat 10/30 | Southeast Mass |
 |
|
| The good news: it’s a carousel and the world’s largest Naval Exhibit. The bad news: geared for kids. And they want you to reserve in advance. 3-5pm. 5 Water St, Fall River, MA.508-678-1100. more |
||||
| Things That Go Bump in the Night & Trail of Terror at Sturbridge Village | Sat 10/30 | Southeast Mass |
 |
|
| Spooky storytelling, magic, games, trick-or-treating, seems pretty kids-oriented, but it’s *always* a good idea to visit Old Sturbridge Village! And they’ll have a semi-spooky “haunted trail” which is some kind of haunted-house themed forest. Buy in advance, they’ll sell out (so they claim). 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA.508-347-3362. more |
||||
| Haunted Higgins | Sat 10/30 | Worcester |
 |
|
| Unlike the Somerville Armory, the Higgins Armory has armor in it, and it’s worth visiting anytime. But this Saturday, come in costume and go trick or treating (adults or kids), participate in a costume contest and hear spooky storytelling. OoooO! 100 Barber Ave, Worcester, MA. more |
||||
| MIT Pumpkin Drop | Sat 10/30 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| I have no information on the MIT Pumpkin Drop, but it’s typically the Saturday before Halloween at midnight. This year it is probably “on” Halloween, Sunday. If so, it will be on the “Dot”, a small circle of grass south of building 54. But it might have been last week. 11:59pm. Organized by EC 1st West. Somebody email me with info, even if the info is “DOOOOOD, stop listing our TOT’LY SIKRET pumpkin drop”! MIT, Cambridge, MA.617-253-2871. more |
||||
| Gorefest at Improv Boston | Thu 10/21 – Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| My favorite improv comedy club is doing a spoof on slasher films that have a lot of blood. It sounds pretty gross, but it might be funny if you’re totally inured to horror flicks. “Cirque du Slaughte”, Wed, Thu, Sun 8pm, Fri & Sat 8pm and 10pm. Improv Boston, 40 Prospect St, Cambridge, MA.617-576-1253. more |
||||
| 1946 Live Radio and the Tomes of Terror | Thu 10/28 – Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Also a favorite, this is a spooky theatre event where they act out an old radio broadcast. I’ve been twice and it’s really unique and worth seeing! The 10/31 show features a costume contest. Unity Church of God, 6 Williams Street, Somerville, MA.617-669-4391. more |
||||
| Pumpkin Carving | Wed 10/27 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| This is one of the few Halloween events that you can get to on public transit. Learn the history of jack-o-lanterns and make your own. Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St, Mattapan, MA. more |
||||
| Market of the Living Dead | Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Don’t be tricked — this is a commercial event. Come look at vendors. But they will have a couple of treats, like live music and pumpkin carving. Boston, MA. more |
||||
| Beacon Hill With a BOO! | Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| My money would be on this event, though, with ghost stories and a spooky walking tour of Boston. No reservations required. This one’s not just for kids. State House, front steps, Boston, MA. more |
||||
| Brattle Trick or Treat | Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro | ||
| Mainly for kids, there’s a free showing of Charlie Brown’s “Great Pumpkin”, followed by genuine horror films for adults in the evening. Brattle Theatre, Cambridge, MA. more |
||||
| Boo Bash | Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| This theatre is turned into a haunted house for a day! Its free but this one’s for kids. 1-4pm. Strand Theatre, Boston, MA. more |
||||
| All Hallows Gravestone Hunt at High Street Hill | Tue 10/26 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Massmouth runs a series of storytelling events for adults. This evening features personal stories with a Halloween theme. Come to listen or tell your tale too! 7:30pm. Stories start at 8PM, sign-up at 7:30. Tix : $8. Free admission to Somerville residents with a story! Johnny D’s Uptown Lounge, 17 Holland St, Somerville, MA.617-776-2004. more |
||||
| Horrified!” Massmouth Story Slam | Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro | ||
| This one’s outdoors though, and thus most likely better. Run by the Friends of the Old Burying Ground. Treasure hunt and prizes. Kids are encouraged to come in costume. Refreshments. 2pm. I called to confirm this. This is their regular photo but I think it’s kind of scary! Stories are everywhere, watch out!! Old Burying Ground, Walnut St, Brookline, MA.617 566 1237. more |
||||
| Day of the Dead at Peabody Museum | Tue 11/2 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Although the main fiesta is sold out, you can still drop by the family event, which I’ve seen and it’s not just for kids. It’s a series of themed displays. Peabody Museum, Cambridge, MA.617-496-1027. more |
||||
| El Dia de Los Muertos | Tue 11/2 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| This alternative Day of the Dead festival has candy skulls. I went last year and it was only okay. Essentially it’s a very small museum with one or two arts & crafts activities. Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center, Cambridge, MA.800-511-9725. more |
||||
| AntiMorris at Sunset | Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Just as strange, join up for “Pumpkin Carols” and see morris folk dancing in Somerville. Somerville Community Growing Center, on Vinal Ave, Somerville, MA.617-718-9623. more |
||||
| Plenty of Bars Have Banal Halloween Events | Sat 10/30 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| So you want to go to a costume ball? Avoid the bars! Look, any bar can put up a $200 costume contest and the idea is basically, come, drink, our patrons provide the decorations. You can get so much more creative. If you really need to go to a bar, see The Boston Phoenix or the Weekly Dig. Cambridge has a free “SAFEride” program if you get drunk, 617-876-5000 between 7pm Oct 31 and 3am Nov 1. Boston, MA. more |
||||
| Annual Mayness & Madness Halloween Bash | Sat 10/30 | Boston Metro | ||
| If you absolutely have to go to a “bar” event, try this one run by a young professionals (i.e. singles) group. McGann’s, 197 Portland St, Boston, MA. more |
||||
| Jack-o-Lantern Walk at Choate Park | Fri 10/29 – Sat 10/30 | Metro West |
 |
|
| There are two fundraisers this weekend, Friday 7-9pm, with waterfire on the pond and lit pumpkins for all ages, and Saturday 10am-1pm, a car show featuring big trucks, meant for kids. Choate Park, Medway, MA.508-533-3210. more |
||||
| Framingham Haunted Trolley Tour | Sat 10/30 | Metro West |
 |
|
| This is a 45-minute tour through Framingham that combines local history with con artist stuff like fortune tellers and paranormal investigators. 2009: 5-7pm. Framingham, MA. more |
||||
| Annual Costume Parade | Sun 10/31 | Metro West |
 |
|
| Yet another daytime park festival. 12-2pm. Sharon, MA. more |
||||
| Fitzwilliam Historical Society Haunted House | Sat 10/30 – Sun 10/31 | New Hampshire |
 |
|
| I’m not exactly sure what this is. Apparently a museum is “open”, and if you want to bring costumes, you can. Is that unusual? Fitzwilliam, NH. more |
||||
| Kids’ Halloween Party at Heard House | Fri 10/29 | North Shore |
 |
|
| Guests are encouraged to come in costume for a nighttime walking tour of the forest. Hear the history of Halloween. Rain or shine. Register in advance. The Barn”, somewhere at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, possibly 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA. more |
||||
| Central Scare in Lynn | Thu 10/28 | North Shore |
 |
|
| Also for kids, they’ll have a haunted house and costume contest, ghost stories and mask-making. This one seems to be theater-based and not a raw commercial event. 5-8pm. Lynn, MA. more |
||||
| Wiccan Samhain Magick Circle Ceremony | Sun 10/31 | North Shore |
 |
|
| I went to this once. It’s a genuine pagan ceremony that you can join in. I am forced to say it was not as magical as I thought. It was hard to hear the priest (no microphone), and then you walk in a circle for 45 minutes. I suppose it beats Catholic mass for entertainment, and nobody passed a plate! Procession starts at 4:30pm at 88 Wharf Street, Nu Aeon. Then two hour ceremony at Gallows Hill Park, Bridge St & Boston St, at 5:30pm. Then candlelight walk at 7:30pm into Salem Downtown. Pronounced “sah-wen”. Open to the public. They suggest you bring a lantern or candle in glass. Starts at 88 Wharf Street, Salem, MA.978-745-8668. more |
||||
| Hawthorne Hotel’s Bedlam Behind Bars Costume Ball | Sat 10/30 | North Shore |
 |
|
| If you can afford it, no doubt this costume ball is the place to be Halloween evening. It may sell out, so buy tix in advance. $90.. Hawthorne Hotel, Salem, MA. more |
||||
| Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball | Fri 10/29 | North Shore |
 |
|
| And here’s a costume ball. Hawthorne Hotel, Salem, MA. more |
||||
| Halloween and Rag Shag Parade | Fri 10/29 | Northern Mass | ||
| Their website is down but a few weeks ago I checked and this is happening. Greenfield, MA. more |
||||
| The Halloween Ball at Belcourt Castle (RI) | Sat 10/30 | Newport Area |
 |
|
| The masquerade ball is again at one of Newport’s amazing mansions. Call immediately for tickets, will sell out! $95 but open bar, appetizers and a DJ and a band. 657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI.401-846-0669. more |
||||
| Haunted Monster Masquerade Bash | Sat 10/30 | Northern Mass |
 |
|
| Here’s another arty costume ball. 347 Kenoza Ave, Haverhill, MA. more |
||||
| Haunted Forest at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary | Fri 10/29 | Cape Cod |
 |
|
| Also not so scary (for kids 6-12), is the haunted forest at this Cape Cod park. 2008: 5:45pm-8:15pm. 291 State Highway, Route 6, South Wellfleet, MA. more |
||||
| Night Watchman’s Tour | Fri 10/29 | Cape Cod |
 |
|
| This is a ghost tour with a historical theme, meant for kids. 6pm. Julia Wood House, 55 Palmer Ave, Falmouth, MA. more |
||||
| Davis Farmland Costume Weekend and Parade | Sat 10/30 – Sun 10/31 | Worcester | ||
| Costume weekend & parade at everyone’s favorite corn maze and petting zoo amusement park. 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA.978-422-8888. more |
||||
| Halloween party at Ecobar’s Corn Maze | Sat 10/30 | Rhode Island |
 |
|
| This is a party really designed for kids, but it features a corn maze. I’m in! 11am-4pm. 251 Middle Road, Portsmouth, RI.401-683-1444. more |
||||
| Charlie the Butler’s Ghost Party | Fri 10/29 | Rhode Island | ||
| Thanks to this site for not allowing me easy access to photos for their party…. Governor Sprague Mansion, 1351 Cranston St, Cranston, RI. more |
||||
| Lunchtime Horror at the Providence Athenaeum | Fri 10/29 | Rhode Island |
 |
|
| This is Brett Rutherford’s annual performance of supernatural poems. 12pm. Free. brett@poetspress.org. 251 Benefit Street, Providence RI.401-421-6970. more |
||||
| Ghost Stories of Parker | Sat 10/30 | Rhode Island |
 |
|
| 7-9pm. But this woods walk and ghost stories is bound to be spookier! You’ll find wildlife too. Bring a flashlight. Register. Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Maple Valley Road, Coventry, RI.(401) 949-5454, ext. 3041. more |
||||
| Halloween Night Hike | Tue 10/26 | Southeast Mass |
 |
|
| This park event is also nighttime walk to learn about forest creatures, and it’s followed by a campfire! 5:30-7pm. 194 Cranberry Road, South Carver, MA. more |
||||
| The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe | Sat 10/30 | Southeast Mass |
 |
|
| You sort of “missed the boat” if you waited to visit Nantucket until October, but if you’re there, there’s a free reading of Edgar Allen Poe’s masterpiece. Nantucket Athenaeum, 1 India Street, Nantucket, MA. more |
||||
| Halloween Parade & Contest at Nantucket Island | Sun 10/31 | Southeast Mass |
 |
|
| And here’s another on Nantucket Island. 5pm on Main St. Nantucket Island, MA.508-228-3643. more |
||||
| Cemetery Birding (with Ghost Stories Included) | Sat 10/30 | South Shore |
 |
|
| This cemetery tour is very much in the daytime. 8am-11am. But it involves ghost tours! North River, 2000 Main St, Marshfield, MA. more |
||||
| Lily Pond Ghost Hike | Sat 10/30 | Western Mass |
 |
|
| This is a daytime forest hike through a bog. Look for bogeymen! Lily Pond, Goshen, MA. more |
||||
| Also Fun | ||||
| Boston Jewish Film Festival | Sat 10/23 – Fri 11/12 | Boston Metro | ||
| This film festival has plenty of directors and celebrities. Coolidge Corner Theatre, Brookline, MA. more |
||||
| An Evening with Saw-whet Owls at Drumlin | Wed 10/27 | Metro West |
 |
|
| I love creative, outdoorsy night events! Drumlin Farm, 208 South Great Rd, Lincoln, MA. more |
||||
| Free rock-climbing workshops and Twinkie Roast | Sat 10/30 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Want to learn to rock climb? 12pm and 2:30pm: Free classes for beginners or experts. Pre-register. Nira Rock Urban Wild, Nira Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA.617-542-7696. more |
||||
| Boston Vegetarian Festival | Sat 10/30 – Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Although this is a commercial event, with lots of vendors, there will also be lectures and a lot of education if you’re curious (or already into) the vegetarian lifestyle. Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont St, Boston, MA.617-424-8846. more |
||||
| Superhero 5K Road Race | Sun 10/31 – Mon 11/1 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Yet another charity walk. Um, run. Central Square, Cambridge, MA. more |
||||
| Annual Goreyfest and Auction | Sat 10/30 | Cape Cod |
 |
|
| Edward Gorey was the cartoonist who could have been Tim Burton, but wasn’t. I recently visited his strange house museum on Cape Cod, and learned of their big annual fundraiser. 2009: 6-9pm. 8 Strawberry Lane, Yarmouth Port, MA.508-362-3909. more |
||||
| Concord Festival of Authors | Wed 10/20 – Sun 11/7 | Metro West |
 |
|
| Concord is hosting two weeks of author talks, most of which are free. Concord, MA.978-369-9763. more |
||||
| Kickass Cupcakes gives out free cupcakes | Mon 10/25 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| I don’t normally list commercial events, but hey — free cupcakes. TONIGHT! 5-7pm. 378 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA. more |
||||
| Demetri Martin | Wed 10/27 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| It’s the comic who’s so shy that he’s really stuck without a microphone. But I like him. Wilbur Theatre 246 Tremont Street, Boston, MA. more |
||||
| NESBA Marching Band Competition | Sat 10/30 | South Shore | ||
| This actually looks pretty interesting! Marching bands, especially the good ones, have so much talent. 415 Center St, Bridgewater MA. more |
||||
| Travel | ||||
| Happy Howl-o-Ween!! at Beardsley Zoo | Fri 10/29 – Sun 10/31 | Connecticut |
 |
|
| This zoo adds a haunted hayride and other such Halloweeny events. 6-9pm. 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT. more |
||||
| Halloween on the Green | Sat 10/30 | Connecticut |
 |
|
| Costume parade & pumpkin decorating. 2-4pm. Danbury, CT.203-792-1711. more |
||||
| The Night of 1001 Pumpkins | Fri 10/29 | Connecticut | ||
| I’m pretty sure this is really happening…. Windsor, CT. more |
||||
| Fall-o-Ween Fest at the Mystic Aquarium | Fri 10/29 | Connecticut |
 |
|
| There’s never a bad time to visit the aquarium, and if you go next weekend they’ll have carnival games, a haunted house, scavenger hunt, sounds fun! Mystic, CT.860-572-5955 x641. more |
||||
| Model Engineering Show at Vermont | Sat 10/30 | Vermont |
 |
|
| This is a model engineering show. You know, model trains and more. 9am-5pm. Windsor, VT. more |
||||
| L. L. Bean Pumpkin Festival | Sat 10/30 | Maine |
 |
|
| Carve pumpkins and light them at night for charity. Freeport, ME. more |
||||
| Rally to Restore Sanity | Sat 10/30 | Washington DC |
 |
|
| And finally, I thought I’d give a shout out to this rally by John Stewart of the Daily Show, to get out the vote and get some demonstrators on TV who aren’t crazy. I’m going! Rob my house while I’m gone! (Hint: I have roommates who will be at home and I own nothing worth stealing.). Washington DC. more |
||||
| Halloween Attractions | grade | Mon 10/25 | Tue 10/26 | Wed 10/27 | Thu 10/28 | Fri 10/29 | Sat 10/30 | Sun 10/31 | Mon 11/1 | ||
| Boston Metro | Boston, MA | Ghosts and Gravestones Tour (in Boston): 7 nights a week. 1.5 hour tour. Claim to be grounded, not “paranomal” weirdness. 100% moneyback guarantee. Evening tours hourly. , 617-908-8230. more |
? | M | R | W | R | F | S | S | |
| Boston Metro | Burlington, MA | Zombie Invasion! with Nerf toys: What the hell is this? Soft boffer weapons, a zombie holocaust, sounds fun! 2010: 10pm & 11pm. Register. 103 Terrace Hall Ave, 781-270-4800. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| Boston Metro | Quincy, MA | The Haunted Ship aboard the USS Salem: Haunted house on a submarine. Also less scary “Family Days”. Inexpensive and convenient, great location, but the actors aren’t trying that hard, and the décor is only OK. 2010: Thu 7-10pm, Fri/Sat 7pm-12am. Also less scary kids haunt Sat & Sun 12-4pm and “ghost tours”. 739 Washington Street, 617-479-7900. more |
B- | R | F | S | S | ||||
| Metro West | Bedford, MA | First Parish Haunted House: 2009: 2-5pm for kids, 6-9pm scarier for adults. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| Metro West | Lexington, MA | Haunted Hayride at Wilson Farm: It’s a not-so-scary daytime Halloween hay ride for kids. Free but I assume there’s admission to the farm to pay. 2010: 10:30-4:30pm. Although it’s not listed on their website, I called to confirm this. 10 Pleasant St., 781-862-3900. more |
? | S | S | ||||||
| Metro West | Lincoln, MA | Halloween Tales: 2010: 4:45pm and 7pm. Spooky, candle-lit ghost stories. Hartwell Tavern, Rt 2A more |
? | W | |||||||
| Southern Mass | Fall River, MA | Asylum of Horror: Haunted house. See website for coupons. 2010: 7-11pm or later. Anawan St., 508-324-7709. more |
A- | W | R | F | S | S | |||
| Southern Mass | Fall River, MA | Factory of Terror: Haunted house. Rt 195E to exit 5. Left off exit. Behind Dunkin Donuts. See website coupon. 2010: 6:30 to 10pm, or 11pm Fri/Sat. 18 Pocasset Street more |
B | T | W | R | F | S | S | ||
| Southern Mass | Fall River, MA | Haunted Rail Yard: Haunted house. Admission $5. Fri & Sat 6-10pm, Sun 6-9pm. Fall River, MA, 508-674-9340. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| Southern Mass | Newport, RI | Fortress of Nightmares at Fort Adams: Haunted house at an old military fort, 2 haunted attractions. 2010: buy tix 6-9pm then goes until everyone’s been through. Fort Adams State Park, 1 Lincoln Drive, 401-841-0707. more |
? | R | F | S | S | ||||
| North Shore | Gloucester, MA | Castle of the Damned at Hammond Castle: Huge lines, arrive early! Drive to offsite parking lot at Stage Fort Park, not the castle. Haunted House. Amazing acting and venue, but long lines and distance of actors from visitors make it hard to be startled/scared. A good not-so-scary venue but for adults, not children. 2010: Fri & Sat 7-11pm, Sun 7-10pm. 80 Hesperus Ave, 978-283-2080. more |
B | F | S | ||||||
| North Shore | Gloucester, MA | The Haunted Tale of Red Eyes at Camp Spindrift: 2010: 6-10pm. 67 Atlantic Ave, 978-283-0470. more |
? | R | F | S | |||||
| North Shore | Ipswich, MA | Marini Farm Corn Maze Flashlight Nights: Corn maze nights. Bring your own flashlight. 2010: 6-10pm. 259 Linebrook Rd, 978 471-9203. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| North Shore | Salem, MA | Chilling Tales on board Friendship of Salem: Ghost stories. The best of the Salem Halloween attractions I’ve been to. 2010: Every half hour, 5-9pm. Derby Street near the big ship, 978-790-8546. more |
A- | F | S | S | |||||
| North Shore | Salem, MA | Cry Innocent!: Performance. Loved it. 2010: Shows Mon-Sun 1:30, 2:30, plus Sat-Sun 3:30pm. Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, 978-867-4767. more |
A | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | |
| North Shore | Salem, MA | Carnival on Derby Street: Fiesta Shows’ traveling carnival comes to Salem this month. Derby Street more |
? | M | T | W | R | F | |||
| North Shore | Salem, MA | Nightmare Factory: Website has very poor design but location is surprisingly good, similar to other haunted houses and not too touristy. Solid but smallish and actors weren’t fluent in delivering their lines. Open to 9pm or later. Thu-Sat to 9pm, and Sun-Wed to 7pm. Museum Place Mall, 2 East India Square, 508-904-6251. more more |
B | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| North Shore | Salem, MA | Salem Halloween Happenings & Year-Round Attractions: Haunted houses. Frankenstein’s Laboratory, The Haunted Witch Village (Salem Witch Village). more |
C+ | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| North Shore | Salem, MA | Salem Pumpkin Festival on the Commons: Beyond just “lots of pumpkins”, they’ll have a 1,000 lb monster pumpkin and a hay bale maze! I just saw it! And they have a moonbounces, too. 10am-5pm, Nov 1-2. JUST GO TO SALEM, ok? Salem Common, Salem, MA. more |
B | M | T | W | R | F | |||
| North Shore | Salem, MA | Eerie Evenings at the Witch House: Ghost stories. 2010: Every 20 minutes from 6pm to 10pm. Corwin House, 310 Essex Street, 978-744-8815. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| North Shore | Salem, MA | Legacy of the Hanging Judge & Spirit of the Gables (re-enactment): 2010: 7:30-9:30 thru Oct 11, thereafter 7:15-11pm, except to 10pm on 10/31. Salem Witch Trials re-enactment/performance. Buy tix in advance. Unsure about the Sundays – check calendar. 7 Derby St., 978-744-0991 x104. more |
A | F | S | S | |||||
| North Shore | Salem, MA | Spiritways: A Night in Beseiged Salem Village: Performance. Every hour from 7:13 to 11:13pm, except ending 9:13pm on 10/31. Pioneer Village more |
A | S | S | ||||||
| North Shore | Danvers, MA | Haunted Cornfield at Connors Farm Corn Maze: 2010: 6-10pm. Bring a flashlight. 30 Valley Road (Rt. 35), 978-777-1245. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| Northern Mass | Fitchburg, MA | Haunted Mansion at Halloween Costume World: Haunted house. Next to the largest costume store in New England. Excellent actors, some good props, location is not large and not overly spooky (a warehouse). The store itself is truly amazing: they have everything. 2010: 7-9pm. 480 Water St, 978-343-6666. more |
B+ | F | S | S | |||||
| Northern Mass | Haverhill, MA | Cataclysmic Castle of Fear: Winnekenni Castle in Haverhill with one big attraction, 3 attractions of the “traveling carnival” variety, and a small carnival with one impressive ride for adults. Special less scary days for small children some Sundays. Open 6:30-11pm. Combine with a trip to Kimball Farm’s Haunted Corn Maze, also in Haverhill. 347 Kenoza Avenue, 978-521-1686. more |
A- | F | S | S | |||||
| Northern Mass | Haverhill, MA | Kimball Farm Haunted Maze: 2010: 6:30-9:30pm. Costumed actors chase you around a maze cut into a corn field at night! Small but combine it with a visit to the Castle of Fear, also in Haverhill. 780 East Broadway, 978-521-3990. more |
B+ | F | S | S | |||||
| Northern Mass | Westford, MA | Witch’s Woods: Haunted house. Costume Ball and Fireworks 10/30. Rt 2W to Rt. 2A/119, 6mi to Powers Rd. 2010: 6:30pm-10:30pm. Nashoba Ski, 978-692-3033. more |
C | R | F | S | S | ||||
| South Shore | Abington, MA | Barrett’s Haunted Mansion: Rt 3S to Rt 18S. Great! See website coupon or get one at the restaurant next door. 2010: 7-10:30pm. 1235 Bedford St, 781-871-4573. more |
A+ | M | T | W | R | F | S | ||
| South Shore | Lakeville, MA | Lakeville Haunted House: Haunted house. Gates open 6pm, last tickets sold 10pm. Rain or shine. Walking tours start at 7pm. 28 Precinct Street, 508-923-0053. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| South Shore | West Bridgewater, MA | Berwick’s Boys Foundation House of Horrors: 2010: 6:30-10pm. Rt 24S to ex 16B, Rt 106W. Right at lights after Charlie Horse onto Manley. See website coupon. 335 West Street, 508-586-0059. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| Southern Mass | Foxboro, MA | The Haunted Theatre: Haunted house. 2010: Fri, Sat 7-10pm, Kid-friendly, Sun 1-3pm. Orpheum Theatre, 1 School St, 508-543-2787 ×4. more |
? | F | S | S | |||||
| Southern Mass | Mansfield, MA | Mansfield Haunted Hollows: Haunted house. 2010: Gates open 7, last tix sold 10pm. Rain or shine. 60 Maple Street more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| Southern Mass | Norton, MA | Friendly Haunted Woods at Winslow Farm: Haunted walks both for kids and adults. $10. 2010: Fri & Sat 6-8:30pm, Sat & Sun 12-3:30pm. 37 Eddy Street, 508-285-6451. more |
? | F | S | S | |||||
| Cape Cod | East Falmouth, MA | Harvest of Horrors: Cape Cod’s biggest haunted house. 2010 6:00-9pm. $10. Tony Andrews Farm, 394 Old Meeting House, 508-563-3378. more |
? | S | S | ||||||
| Cape Cod | Hyannis, MA | The Thirteenth Floor: Haunted house with displays but no live actors. But it’s open during business hours. And free. 2010: And an evening show Oct 15. 380 West Main St, 508-775-8703. more |
C | M | R | W | R | F | S | S | |
| Lowell | Dunstable, MA | Flashlight Maze at Goss Farm: It’s only “haunted” on Halloween, but it is a nighttime October corn maze! 2010: 6-9pm. Halloween parade 4pm. 446 Pleasant St, 978-649-7688. more |
? | F | S | S | |||||
| Western Mass | Agawam, MA | Fright Fest at Six Flags New England: Haunted house part of larger amusement park. 1623 Main Street, 413-786-9300. more |
? | F | S | S | |||||
| Western Mass | South Hadley, MA | Haunted Hay Rides at McCray’s Farm: Hayrides: kids 5pm+, adults 7pm+. Animal farm, ice cream, & mini-golf. 55 Alvord Street, 413-533-0775. more |
? | F | S | S | |||||
| Western Mass | Florence, MA | Haunted Train and Halloween Light Displays: Haunted train ride. Look Park, 300 North Main Street, 413-584-5457. more |
? | F | |||||||
| Western Mass | Springfield, MA | Faces of Phobia: No calendar year is listed but I confirmed they are open in 2010. 2010: 6pm+. 53 Turnbull St, 413-313-4207. more more |
? | F | S | S | |||||
| Worcester | Sterling, MA | Davis MegaMaze Halloween Fright Nights: 2010: 6-10pm. Last ticket 9pm. 145 Redstone Hill more |
A | F | S | ||||||
| Worcester | Blackstone MA | Haunt for Hunger: 2010: 6-10pm. Haunted walking trail, “paranormal” expo, and bake sale. Please let the paranormal expo be just for fun, not “believer” idiots. 181 Elm St. more |
? | S | |||||||
| Worcester | Millbury, MA | Spooky Acres Haunted Hayride: I called to confirm that yes, this is happening in 2010 even though 2009 dates are listed on the website. 23 Herricks Lane, 774-276-2241 or 508-865-5061. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| Connecticut | Bristol, CT | The Haunted Graveyard: Six haunted houses and a graveyard! Fri & Sat, dusk to 12am, Sun dusk to 10pm. Lake Compounce, 822 Lake Avenue, 860-583-3300. more |
? | F | S | S | |||||
| Connecticut | East Windsor, CT | Rails to the Darkside: Haunted trolley ride. 2010: 7-9:30pm. Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 North Rd, 860-627-6540. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| Connecticut | Essex, CT | Fright Train: 2010: Train rides at 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Essex Steam Train, One Railroad Ave, 860-767-0103. more |
? | F | S | S | |||||
| Connecticut | Naugatuck, CT | Children’s Halloween Village: This one’s just for kids, so it probably isn’t very high production. Admission is free but bring a non-perishable food item as a donation. 2010: 5:30-7:30pm. Naugatuck Park Department, 203-720-7043. more |
? | R | F | S | |||||
| Connecticut | New Haven, CT | Fright Night at Edgewood Park Coogan Pavilion: 2010: 5:30-9pm. Edgewood Avenue, 203-946-8028. more |
? | R | F | ||||||
| Connecticut | North Granby, CT | Spookfest at Hayes Corn Maze: 151 East St, 860-653-4157. more |
? | S | |||||||
| Connecticut | Baltic, CT | Dark Manor: Plenty of matinees for kids. 25 Main St, 860-822-TOMB. more |
? | W | R | F | S | S | |||
| Connecticut | Old Saybrook, CT | Old Saybrook Fire Department Haunted Hayrides: Ingham Hill Rd at Elm St more |
? | W | R | F | S | ||||
| Connecticut | Wallingford, CT | The Trail of Terror: Outdoor woods halloween attraction. 2010: 7pm+. 60 North Plains Highway more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| Connecticut | West Hartford, CT | West Hartford Hauntings: Educational cemetery tour with live re-enactors. Or ARE they alive? 2010: Every 15 minutes, 6-8:30pm. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| Maine | Augusta, ME | United Volunteers of Maine Haunted House: Haunted house. 2010: 6:30 to last ticket, usually 9pm or 9:30pm. And matinee 10/31, 1-4pm. The Augusta Marketplace Mall more |
? | R | F | S | S | ||||
| Maine | Lebanon, ME | Destination Haunt: Cemetery, trail, and two buildings. 2010: 6-11pm, plus Sunday matinees for kids. , 207.351.5443. more |
? | R | F | S | S | ||||
| Maine | Kennebunkport, ME | Ghost Trolley at Seashore Trolley Museum: You go on a trolley ride that’s haunted! 2010: 6:30-9pm. , 207-967-2712. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| Maine | Kittery, ME | The Junkins Haunted Estate: They say they are the largest non-commercial Halloween event on the east coast. more |
? | R | F | S | S | ||||
| Maine | York, ME | Zack’s Corn Maze Flashlight Tag: 2010: 7pm Flashlight Tag in a corn maze at night, Fridays & Saturdays only. 7 Colby Turner Rd, 207-475-7857. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| New Hampshire | Candia, NH | Harvest of Horror at Chamingfare Farm: 4 different attractions, viewed from a horse-drawn wagon. Starts at dusk, last ticket sales 8pm. 774 High Street, 603-483-5623. more |
? | R | F | S | S | ||||
| New Hampshire | East Conway, NH | Maze Massacre at Sherman Farm: Corn field maze! Daytimes only. 2010: 10am-5pm (to 4pm after 10/14). , 603-939-2412. more |
? | S | S | ||||||
| New Hampshire | Epping, NH | Haunted Acres: Rt 93N to ex 7, Rt 101E, ex 8, left off exit. Dragway straight ahead.Three attractions & forest walk. Rain or shine. 2010: 6pm-10pm, but Fri & Sat to 11pm. 272 Exter Road, 603-679-1666. more |
A | W | R | F | S | S | |||
| New Hampshire | Gilford, NH | Morbid Mountain: Haunted Houses at the grounds of ski area Gunstock Mountain. 2010: 7-10:30pm with costume ball 10/30. 719 Cherry Valley Road, 603-293-4341 x164. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| New Hampshire | Hooksett, NH | Haunted Barn & Forest on Hackett Hill: 2010: 4-8pm, but 12-8pm on Oct 31. , 603-644-7660. more |
? | F | S | S | |||||
| New Hampshire | Lee, NH | Night Maze at Coppal House Farm: I don’t know if it’s Halloween-themed, but they have night mazes. Bring your own flashlight. 2010: 7-9pm. 118 North River Road (Route 155), 603.659.3572. more |
? | S | |||||||
| New Hampshire | Lee, NH | Haunted Overload: Haunted house. Empty house day haunts. Must buy tix in advance. Corn Maze & farm. Check schedule for daytime kids’ events. Night mazes Oct 9 without the haunt? 2010: “Main event” 7, 7:30, 8, 8:30, 9pm. DeMeritt Hill Farm, 66 Lee Road, 603-868-2111. more |
? | R | F | S | S | ||||
| New Hampshire | Litchfield, NH | Spooky World / Nightmare New England: 2010: Ticket sales 6-10:30pm, or 6-11pm Fri/Sat. Four attractions. Looks great, but I’m told the lines are impossibly long, so arrive early. 454 Charles Bancroft Highway (RT 3A), 603-424-2292. more |
? | W | R | F | S | S | |||
| New Hampshire | Nashua, NH | Fright Kingdom: You can pay extra to skip to the front of the line. 2010: 6:30-11pm except Sunday 10pm. Kids matinee Sunday 10/24. “Haunted Circus” performances. 12 Simon Street more |
? | R | F | S | S | ||||
| New Hampshire | New London, NH | Annual Haunted Woods: Kid’s Halloween fest at 3pm at the Elementary School then 7:30pm Haunted Woods for ages 12+. Behind the Old New London Middle School, Cougar Court, 603-526-4821. more |
? | S | |||||||
| New Hampshire | North Conway, NH | Ghoullog Halloween Haunted Chairlift Ride: Board the ski lift for a Halloween experience on the ride up and on the peak! $25. 2010: 6-10pm. 1 Skimobile Rd, 603-356-5544. more |
? | R | F | S | |||||
| New Hampshire | Portsmouth, NH | Ghosts on the Banke at Strawbery Banke: Aimed mainly at kids, at this re-enactment village. 2010: 6-8pm. Marcy Street, 603-422-7514. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| New York | Ulster Park, NY | Headless Horseman: Haunted house. Outside New England but a “Top Ten in USA” haunted house according to the industry magazine. more |
A | R | F | S | S | ||||
| Rhode Island | Charlestwon, RI | Asylum Acres at Riverside Farm Corn Maze: Haunted corn field maze at a local farm. 2010: 6-10pm, or midnight on Halloween. Riverside Farm, 80 Burdickville Road, 401-364-8733. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| Rhode Island | Cranston, RI | Haunted Labyrinth: Rejoice in Hope Youth Center, 804 Dyer Avenue, 401-943-8686. more |
? | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | |
| Rhode Island | Hope, RI | Scary Acres: Haunted corn field maze at a local farm. 2010: 6-10pm. Confreda’s Greenhouses and Farm, 2150 Scituate Av, 401-827-5000. more |
? | R | F | S | S | ||||
| Rhode Island | Pawtucket, RI | Daggett Farm Haunted Tunnel: 137 Roosevelt Avenue, 401-728-0500 x252. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| Rhode Island | Providence, RI | Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular at Roger Wiliams Park Zoo: Trick-or-treating and mainly kids Halloween stuff. Kids in costume get in 1/2 price. 2010: Ticket sales 6-10pm. Closes 11pm. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, 401-785-3510. more |
? | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | |
| Rhode Island | Valley Falls, RI | Haunted Hill at Diamond Hill State Park: Forest walk. Rt 95S to Rt 295N to ex 11. Right off exit, go 2 mi. On the right. Dusk to 10pm. http://www.hauntedhill.net. 190 Pine Swamp Road, 401-728-2400 or 401-334-9996. more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| Rhode Island | West Greenwich, RI | Field of Screams: 2010: Thu & Sun, 6:30-9pm, Fri & Sat, 6:30-10pm. 3 attractions. Website coupon. Outdoors, call if bad weather. , 401-884-7369. more |
? | R | F | S | S | ||||
| Rhode Island | Westerly, RI | Bates Haunted Motel: 2010: Fri & Sat, 7-11pm, else 6:30-10pm. 149 Atlantic Avenue more |
? | T | W | R | F | S | S | ||
| Vermont | Danby, VT | Haunted Orchard: 2010: 5-9pm. First Baptist Church more |
? | F | S | ||||||
| Vermont | Williston, VT | The Haunted Forest: Forest walk with 1,000 lit pumpkins. See calendar for pumpkin carving events, too. 2010: Thu 7-9pm, Fri 7-10pm, Sat 6-10pm. Catamount Family Center, 592 Governor Chittenden Rd, 802-238-0923. more |
? | R | F | S | |||||
Love this blog? Subscribe to email, Facebook, or Twitter and please tell your friends!