Oct 12-19, 2010: Free Tix, Edgar Allan Poe, Sam Harris, Harry Potter Day, Blacksmith Fest, River Fire, Open Studios, and tons of Halloween Attractions
10/11/10 by
Johnny Monsarrat
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 Theatre (Bus Stop, In the Next Room), the HONK Concert, Movie previews (RED, 127 Hours). | Fri 10/1 – Sun 10/31 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| This week you missed Bus Stop, In the Next Room, RED, 127 Hours, and the HONK Concert because you aren’t on the Facebook group, and I get a lot of free stuff in-between weekly postings. This week, I have free tickets for Canobie Lake Park. I was just there and have reviewed it at the very bottom of this blog in the “halloween attractions” section! As always, just email me at johnny@EVENTSinsider.com and say what you’d like to win. Various. more |
||||
| Free tickets for Wizard World New England Comic Con | Fri 10/15 – Sun 10/17 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| And I have 4 tickets for everyone’s favorite comic book convention. A ton of B-list celebrities will be there, like Adam West, the original Batman, and everyone who’s ever been on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St, Boston, MA.617-954-2000. more |
||||
| Free tickets for Ringling Bros. Circus | Wed 10/13 – Sun 10/17 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Everybody loves the circus! I bet it’s great fun. I have 8 tickets to give away, but don’t ask for more than 2 unless you have kids. Boston, MA. more |
||||
| More free tickets to Bus Stop – an American Comedy at the Hungtinton Theatre | Fri 10/1 – Sun 10/17 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Good news to everyone who missed out on tickets for Sunday. I have 4 more tickets to give away for Tuesday’s show, October 12th. It’s a comedy about a bus of true American characters that get caught overnight in a snowstorm. Our reviewer says, “Should you pay to see this one? You definitely should!” Click for the full review. BU Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA. more |
||||
| Edgar Allan Poe and Margaret Fuller: A Conversation | Thu 10/14 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| You have to see this! I caught the show a couple of weeks ago. Edgar Allen Poe had a female nemesis, a playful adversary in the literary world, and two re-enactors do a performance which is a battle of wills, and then take questions. It’s not only amazing, this is probably your ONLY chance to see this ever again. And it’s free. And Metro. Seriously, what’s your excuse for not going? 7-9pm. Somerville Public Library, Somerville, MA. more |
||||
| A Conversation with Sam Harris on Science and Morality | Fri 10/15 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Even awesomer, come to Harvard and see one of the world’s most outspoken atheists say “We are people too.” The problem with non-believers is that, we’ve got shit to do. So we don’t organize. Maybe this once, get out of your routine and go have some pride. 8-10pm. The event is free and there are no tickets, first come first seated, so get there early to make sure you get in. The Memorial Church, One Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA. more |
||||
| Harry Potter Day at Escobar’s Corn Maze | Sat 10/16 | Rhode Island |
 |
|
| Also literary (sort of), what’s better than a corn maze? Harry Potter day! Come dressed as a geek with a wand. Actually, wait, you’re fine as you are. 251 Middle Road, Portsmouth, RI.401-683-1444. more |
||||
| Fitchburg Forge-In and Blacksmith Festival | Sat 10/16 | Worcester |
 |
|
| Out west, you can see blacksmiths compete to make the best metallic stuff. They’ll have lots of arts vendors, and pumpkin carving after dark, too. Riverfront Park, Fitchburg, MA. more |
||||
| Peters’ Corps – A British Colonial Re-enactment | Sat 10/16 – Sun 10/17 | Metro West |
 |
|
| These people also dress in costume, but they’ll teach you about the British side of the American Revolutionary War. Hartwell Tavern, Rt. 2A, Lincoln, MA.978-318-7825. more |
||||
| REPO! The GENETIC OPERA | Sat 10/16 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| As part of Comic Con, there will be a showing of this movie with a preshow and live cast. Finally they have gotten tired of the Rocky Horror Picture Show (it took me 3 times, personally). Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA. more |
||||
| Head of the Zeisinger Carboard Boat Regatta | Sat 10/16 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| To psych up for the Head of the Charles, MIT students make their own boats out of cardboard and you get to see ’em race. Or sink. 12-2pm. Zesinger Center Pool Deck, MIT, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA. more |
||||
| Studebaker Day at Larz Anderson Museum | Sun 10/17 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Oh Larz! Another present for me? A lawn show! Just what I wanted! Summer is gone but we still have the New England fall! 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA.617-522-6547. more |
||||
| Fort Point Open Studios | Fri 10/15 – Sun 10/17 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| I love open studios. Walk around visiting the artist studios and private homes in Boston’s ‘best’ arts district. Various, Boston, MA. more |
||||
| Arlington Open Studios | Sat 10/16 – Sun 10/17 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Not knowing or not caring about the conflict, the Arlington Open Studios will involve more homes and fewer studios. A little more walking which is just right if it’s a nice day. Various, Arlington, MA. more |
||||
| Natick Open Studios | Sat 10/16 – Sun 10/17 | Metro West |
 |
|
| They have artists in Natick? I mean… of course they have artists amongst New England’s mecca of malls. Various, Natick, MA. more |
||||
| Hingham Arts Walk | Sun 10/17 | South Shore |
 |
|
| Yet another open studios conflict. Don’t these guys coordinate at all? Gee, this one comes with a concert! 12-5pm. Hingham, MA. more |
||||
| North Adams Open Studios Weekend | Sat 10/16 – Sun 10/17 | Western Mass |
 |
|
| Personally I’d rather drive out to North Adams, as an excuse to visit the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA), the nearby museum of awesomeness! North Adams, MA. more |
||||
| Lecture: The Origins and Development of the Cuneiform Script | Wed 10/13 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| The Harvard Museums have another of their evenings where you hear a lecture and get to socialize and explore the exhibits at night. This one’s on the history of writing, focusing on the cuneiform script of ancient Iraq. 5:30pm with a public reception to follow at the Peabody Museum. Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford St., Cambridge, MA.617-496-1027. more |
||||
| River Fire at Northern Forest Heritage Park | Sat 10/16 | New Hampshire |
 |
|
| River Fire, an idea they must have ‘borrowed’ from Providence, RI, is when they secure iron baskets mid-river and throw in wood and light fires at night. It’s a nice backdrop to socialize with a kids’ carnival , hayrides, and unspecified ‘entertainment’, which usually means somebody’s band is playing for free. 961 Main Street, Berlin, NH.(603) 752-7202. more |
||||
| Halloween | ||||
| Haunted Salem Scavenger Hunt | Sat 10/16 – Sat 10/23 | North Shore | ||
| There are plenty of Halloween events this month, but they are all “ongoing”, so see it at the very very bottom of this week’s list! Here are a few one-shot events. In Salem, a tour group company has one of their scavenger hunt events, which you can find regularly in Boston. You and a team roam the city trying to find information (not steal stop signs). It sounds like fun! Salem, MA. more |
||||
| Ghosts of Somerville | Sat 10/16 | Boston Metro | ||
| This is a spooky Halloween play about Somerville history. It’s outdoors, so dress warm, and walk along with the actors who are planted throughout the cemetery. I’m afraid to say that I went one year and, although it was historically educational, fewer than 20 people attended and it was somewhat lackluster. Rain date the next day. 4pm. $5. 617-331-7726. Meet at Milk Row Cemetery, 400 Somerville Ave., next to Market Basket, Somerville, MA.617-625-6600, x2532. more |
||||
| Martin’s Pond Children’s Haunted Playground | Sat 10/16 | North Shore |
 |
|
| Here’s a haunted attraction for kids. Okay, okay, I am not a child, next, next… 5:30-9pm. Clarke Park, 61 Burroughs Rd, North Reading, MA. more |
||||
| Halloween Hike at Boo Meadow Brook | Sat 10/16 | Worcester |
 |
|
| This is more of a guided nature walk at night than a haunted forest event, but it looks genuinely substantive and fun. Broad Meadow Brook, 414 Massasoit Rd, Worcester, MA.508-753-6087. more |
||||
| Buy advance tix for Halloween Carnival at Heritage Museum & Gardens | Sun 10/10 – Sat 10/23 | Cape Cod |
 |
|
| If you live near Cape Cod, buy tickets in advance for this carnival, which always sells out. (Although how a place with an art museum, an auto museum, tons of gardens and grounds can fill up is beyond me!). Heritage Museums & Gardens, 67 Grove St, Sandwich, MA.508-888-3300. more |
||||
| Rock & Shock Horror Convention | Fri 10/15 – Sun 10/17 | Worcester |
 |
|
| Out west, it’s a convention oriented towards horror film fans. It’s a movie marathon, with a vendors room, and celebrities including George Romero the inventor of the zombie movie. Palladium, Worcester, MA. more |
||||
| Also Fun | ||||
| Artists Ball at Eliot Hall at Jamaica Plain | Sat 10/16 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Every bar in the world has a “Halloween” event with no creativity that goes like this: “We can’t be bothered to decorate or hire performers, but if youse guyse want to dress in costume, you might win $50. Come and drink and get drunk! Being drunk is living life to the fullest!” Makes me sick. So, I’m not going to list many Halloween parties. However, this event seems classy, a masquerade ball with an art auction and food sampling from local restaurants. Only $15. Eliot Hall, Jamaica Plain, MA. more |
||||
| Energy Night at the MIT Museum | Fri 10/15 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| This is the MIT Energy Club’s big event of the year and will feature food, music, and technology presentations on green topics. 265 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA.617-253-4444. more |
||||
| Light the Night | Thu 10/14 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| I always put charity walks to the bottom, because they seem SO UNORIGINAL, but this one takes place at nighttime. Unfortunately, it consists of lapping Boston Common, which is hardly a serious walk. Last year they claimed to have unspecified “festivities” at 5pm but this year they couldn’t even be bothered to mention that. Rain or shine. Boston Common, Boston, MA. more |
||||
| Boston Book Festival | Sat 10/16 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Lots of authors I haven’t heard of will be at this fair for authors and readers. It’s nice to know that after you’ve had 5 bestsellers, a pissant journalist like me will still make snarky comments. Shame on me. I’m sure all the speakers at this festival are upstanding citizens and accomplished writers… that I’ve never heard of. Copley Square, Boston, MA. more |
||||
| South End House Tours | Sat 10/16 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Here’s a walking tour of Boston where rich people show off their houses because they want to educate you. Or impress you. A glimpse into the past, and also into high society. Boston, MA. more |
||||
| Newton Harvest Fair | Sat 10/16 – Sun 10/17 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Holy smokes, there are a ton of harvest festivals this week! Here they all are. While they may not be well attended or come with big budgets, they’re run by enthusiastic locals and that enthusiasm is infectious. This one’s cancelled if rain. Newton Centre Green, Langley St and Centre St, Newton, MA. more |
||||
| Annual Great Pumpkin Float | Sat 10/16 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| For this one, you bring a small carved pumpkin, 6-8 inches, and they’ll give you a float to send it down the river. It’s free to join or to watch, but if you want to bring a pumpkin, register in advance. Rain date the next day. 5:30pm. Rain date next day, same time. I bet it’s a beautiful event with lots of cute kids in costume. Gallivan Blvd. Entrance, Pope John Paul ll Park, Gallivan Blvd., Dorchester, MA. more |
||||
| Weston Pumpkin Festival | Sat 10/16 | Metro West |
 |
|
| I’ve been to a version of this festival. You can carve a pumpkin, there’s live music, and they light them at nightfall. Rain date next day. Weston Town Green, Weston, MA.207-655-3800. more |
||||
| Fall Family Festival at Garden in the Woods | Sun 10/17 | Metro West |
 |
|
| I’ve never been to the Garden in the Woods, but it looks very much like you show up, you walk through their gardens and forest just like every other weekend. Except, there will be “costumed characters in the woods with stories to tell”. This event seems very kids-oriented, but hopefully 6’4″ adults who are having a birthday can get in too if they make a cute pouty face. Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA. more |
||||
| Cogswell’s Grant Pumpkin Day | Sat 10/16 | North Shore |
 |
|
| Horse-drawn wagon rides, pumpkin pie eating contest, decorate pumpkins, and try your hand at pressing cider. Essex, MA. more |
||||
| Autumn Celestial Highlights | Sat 10/16 | North Shore |
 |
|
| I love these events where astronomers show you how to find constellations and bring their telescopes. Ipswich River, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield, MA. more |
||||
| Rockport Harvest Festival | Sat 10/16 – Sun 10/17 | North Shore |
 |
|
| Nearby is a festival Rockport of little interest, but I’m sure it’s completely authentic New Englandy goodness if you just want a relaxing small town experience. It’s something more to do while you’re visiting the North Shore. Downtown Rockport, Rockport, MA. more |
||||
| Great Pumpkin Weekend | Sat 10/16 – Sun 10/24 | Northern Mass |
 |
|
| Take a hay ride and go trick or treating, and carve a pumpkin with the pumpkin fairy. Please let this be a giant lumberjack dressed gay man. (Hi kids! I’m the pumpkin fairy!). 315 South Bradford Street, North Andover, MA. more |
||||
| Wachusett Mountain Apple Festival | Sat 10/16 – Sun 10/24 | Worcester |
 |
|
| The Wachusett Mountain Applefest is fun, but truly hokey. The vendors tend to be “As Seen on TV” types rather than art festival types. But they do have a skyline ride (the ski lift, that costs extra) and great views and hiking opportunities. Rt 2W to Rt 140 S. Weekends. Other festivals, see site. While you’re in the area, make sure to stop by nearby Davis Farmland. Princeton, MA. more |
||||
| Sheep Pasture’s Annual Great Pumpkin Party | Sun 10/17 | South Shore |
 |
|
| They’ll have a scavenger hunt, pumpkin carving, and this generally sounds very kids oriented. North Easton, MA. more |
||||
| Falmouth Cranberry Harvest and Farm Festival | Sat 10/16 | Cape Cod |
 |
|
| This one’s got kids games, but also MORE, like bog tours — sounds interesting! Coonamessett River Bogs, John Parker Rd, East Falmouth, MA. more |
||||
| Ballard Park Pumpkin Tour | Sat 10/16 | Rhode Island |
 |
|
| This is a nature preserve with 1,000 carved and decorated pumpkins. 4:30-9pm. Hazard & Wickham Road, Newport, RI. more |
||||
| Keene Pumpkin Festival | Sat 10/16 | New Hampshire |
 |
|
| It’s a 2 hour drive from Boston, but they will feature more than 25,000 carved, lit pumpkins! It’s quite a sight! Main Street, Keene, NH. more |
||||
| Goffstown Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off and Regatta | Sat 10/16 – Sun 10/17 | New Hampshire |
 |
|
| Pumpkins by the quantity or quality? Come see the eerily oversized pumpkins. Goffstown, NH. more |
||||
| Hudson PumpkinFest | Fri 10/15 – Sun 10/17 | New Hampshire |
 |
|
| This one claims to be the largest outdoor crafts fair in Southern New Hampshire, with a carnival, car show, petting zoo, and “cow pie bingo”, whatever the hell that is (?!?!!). Hudson, NH. more |
||||
| The New England Amateur Radio Festival | Fri 10/15 – Sat 10/16 | New Hampshire |
 |
|
| This festival might be interesting, but they can’t be bothered to describe it or provide a decent photo, which sort of drains me of caring enough to bother hunting down details, if any exist. Deerfield Fairgrounds, Deerfield, NH. more |
||||
| Canstruction | Mon 10/18 – Thu 10/21 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| What does Food Bank, the charity, have a lot of? Canned food! What can you do with cans? Build lots of towers! Engineers & architects compete to build buildings and sculptures. The Boston Design Center, One Design Center Place, Boston, MA. more |
||||
| Fall Funfest at Faneuil Hall | Sat 10/16 – Sun 10/17 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| I’m putting this lowest because it’s just a merchant excuse to bring you to this combination mall and tourist trap. But they will have 20 capella groups perform. 11am-5:30pm. Fanueil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA.617-523-1300 x7021. more |
||||
| Boston Diamond Dash | Sat 10/16 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Also lowest, this race around the city sounded fun until I realized they’re limiting it to photogenic engaged couples. Here’s a hint: while tracking down clues and visiting locations, you’ll just happen to be sent to every sponsor on the website, and the ‘hiding place’ is no doubt one of the Long’s jewelry locations, so if you don’t win, they can sell you something else. Also a hint, get the game and play it the previous weekend. What are the chances that 100% of the clues and solutions will original rather than reused? Boston, MA. more |
||||
| Greater Boston Antiques Festival | Sat 10/16 – Sun 10/17 | Northern Mass |
 |
|
| Also commercial, if you’d like to stroll around pay extra because stuff is old, go for it. Shriner’s Auditorium, Wilmington, MA. more |
||||
| Williamstown Film Festival | Fri 10/15 – Sun 10/24 | Western Mass |
 |
|
| My challenge to film fests is always, So what? You know I can sit in the dark, not interacting with my friends, seeing movies all year long, right? But this one has solid lectures and social mixers, with actors and directors including Alec Baldwin. Various Places, Williamstown, MA.413-458-9900. more |
||||
| PoweredUp Boston | Thu 10/14 – Fri 10/15 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| This festival is really for those who want to develop videogames, not those who just enjoy playing them. Did you know that I once started a videogames company? It’s true! Boston, MA. more |
||||
| It’s my birthday! | Tue 10/12 – Tue 10/19 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| It’s my birthday all week! Send me an email! But what I really want is 2 minutes of your time to help get the word out, by suggesting the Facebook group and fan page to your friends. All the details on how to help are at this link and p.s. good elves get free stuff first. Thanks! All Over, Cambridge, MA. more |
||||
| Recurring | ||||
| Poe: a fever dream | Fri 10/1 – Sat 10/16 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Although indoors, I don’t doubt that this will be spooky and deliciously gruesome, too! Factory Theatre, 791 Tremont St, Boston, MA. more |
||||
| King Richard’s Faire (Ren Faire) | Sat 9/4 – Sun 10/24 | South Shore | ||
| New England’s largest renaissance faire continues. Weekends & holidays only. Plenty of Ren Faire vendors and people-watching, with 8 performance stages. Only 1/3 of the acts are worth watching, but definitely see the Aerial Angels, Paolo Garbanzo, and especially the jousting! Rt 3 S to Rt 44 W to Rt 58 S. 235 Main St, Carver, MA.508-866-5391. more |
||||
| Performance | ||||
| Bittersweet Midnight | Thu 9/30 – Sat 10/16 | North Shore |
 |
|
| This is a one-woman show by a storyteller who discusses women in history and… it’s unclear what but they call it “tales of women wandering the dark side”, so it probably has a Halloween theme. STC Theater, 90 Lafayette St, Salem, MA. more |
||||
| Recurring | ||||
| Fall Foliage Hiking in the Berkshires | Sat 10/9 – Sat 10/23 | Worcester |
 |
|
| Fall foliage is going strong in the Berkshires. Where’s a good place to go to see Fall Foliage closer to Boston? The closest is the Blue Hills in Canton, MA, Wachusett Mountain Reservation (which is the same mountain but a separate entrance from Mt. Wachusett Ski Resort), and the Berkshires. Or go north to Mount Monadnock in southern NH. Don’t have a car? Try the Middlesex Fells which you can get to on the subway. Various, Various. more |
||||
| Davis Farmland & Megamaze (& Night Maze) | Sat 10/2 – Sat 10/30 | Worcester | ||
| Now it’s time to list a bunch of corn mazes in New England — a great idea for a weekend outing! I list the ones that have nighttime events in the Halloween section as well — so this list focuses on daytime stuff. Davis Farmland has the biggest and the best, and I urge you to check it out. It’s truly an amazing experience. 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA.978-422-8888. more |
||||
| In the Next Room (or The Vibrator play) | Fri 9/17 – Sat 10/16 | Boston Metro |
 |
|
| Our new reviewer calls this, a “hilariously funny, moving, adult play about Victorian mores and the “cure” and “treatment” of hysteria in women.” Click for the full review! BCA, 539 Tremont St, Boston, MA. more |
||||
| Travel | ||||
| King Arthur’s Fall Harvest Faire | Sat 9/25 – Sun 10/24 | Connecticut |
 |
|
| I’ve heard that this renaissance faire is better and bigger than King Richard’s, and it’s not too far: just 1.5 hrs from Boston. It’s just across the border into Connecticut. Raine or shine. Weekends & holidays, 10am-6pm. Woodstock, CT.860-923-0454. more |
||||
| Pumpkin Hayrides & Bison | Sat 10/16 – Sun 10/24 | Connecticut |
 |
|
| News flash: Bison are not extinct! In fact there’s a farm where you can go see ’em in person. 19 Purvis Rd., Brooklyn, CT.860-779-0837. more |
||||
| Movie Night in the Park | Sat 10/16 | Connecticut |
 |
|
| It’s a little cold for a film festival, but it’s free! “Ratatouille”. What artistic genius thought to mix filthy gutter rats with food we put in our mouths? Brilliant. Gather at 5:15pm, movie at 6:15pm. Reserve popcorn and pie in advance. Wooster Square Park (Columbus Park), New Haven, CT.203-641-4666. more |
||||
| Glastonbury Apple Harvest Festival | Sat 10/16 – Sun 10/17 | Connecticut | ||
| Pie-eating contest, carnival rides, pony rides, and the usual vendors and live music at this “Best of Hartford” event. Glastonbury, CT. more |
||||
| LCMM Storytelling Festival | Sat 10/16 | Vermont |
 |
|
| Storytelling is like doing a one-person theatre show, and it’s not just for kids. I’m sure this is worth seeing if you’re in the area. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT. more |
||||
| Townshend Pumpkin Festival | Sat 10/16 | Vermont |
 |
|
| Does anyone care about events this far out? Well, they’ll have a costume parade, pony rides, and other small towny stuff by the bucketful. Townshend Common, Rt 30, Towshend, VT. more |
||||
| Harvestfest | Sat 10/16 – Sun 10/17 | Maine |
 |
|
| As well as the usual food, vendors, and kids stuff, this festival features hay rides, a native american pow wow, and a “corn toss” challenge. York Beach, 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 |
||||
Love this blog? Subscribe to email, Facebook, or Twitter and please tell your friends!
| Halloween Attractions | grade | Mon 10/11 | Tue 10/12 | Wed 10/13 | Thu 10/14 | Fri 10/15 | Sat 10/16 | Sun 10/17 | Mon 10/18 | ||
| 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 | M |
| 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 | |||||||
| 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 | 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 |
? | S | |||||||
| 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- | M | 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 | M | 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 | 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 | M |
| North Shore | Salem, MA | Carnival on Derby Street: Fiesta Shows’ traveling carnival comes to Salem this month.
Derby Street more |
? | R | F | S | S | M | |||
| 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 |
B | M | T | W | R | F | S | S | M |
| North Shore | Salem, MA | Family Fright Night Movie Series on the Common: Outdoor movies! Bring a blanket. 2010: 6-8pm.
Salem Common more |
? | S | |||||||
| 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 | F | S | S | M | ||||
| 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 | ||||||
| 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 | |||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Northern Mass | Haverhill, MA | Cataclysmic Castle of Fear: Winnekenni Castle in Haverhill with four different attractions. Special less scary days for small children some Sundays. Open 6:30-11pm.
347 Kenoza Avenue, 978-521-1686. more |
? | F | S | S | |||||
| Northern Mass | Haverhill, MA | Kimball Farm Haunted Maze: 2010: 6:30-9:30pm.
780 East Broadway, 978-521-3990. more |
? | 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 | F | S | S | M | |||
| 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 | M |
| 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 |
? | M | 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 | S | S | |||||
| 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 |
? | F | S | S | |||||
| Worcester | Sterling, MA | Davis MegaMaze Halloween Fright Nights: 2010: 6-10pm. Last ticket 9pm.
145 Redstone Hill more |
A | 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 | Coventry, CT | A Hauntingly Enchanted Evening: Lantern Tour And Haunted Woods Walk. Every half hour from 6pm to 9:45pm. Reservations required.
Strong-Porter House, 2382 South St, 860-742-3075. more |
? | F | 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 | Hebron, CT | Halloween Knight: Jousting, zombie walk, costume contest. 2010: 6-8pm.
347 Gilead St more |
? | S | |||||||
| Connecticut | Baltic, CT | Dark Manor: Plenty of matinees for kids.
25 Main St, 860-822-TOMB. more |
? | M | F | S | 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 |
? | 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 |
? | M | R | F | S | S | |||
| Maine | Presque Isle, ME | Haunted Woods Walk:
Aroostook State Park more |
? | F | 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 |
? | 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 | 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 | 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 |
? | 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 |
? | M | 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 |
? | F | S | 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 |
? | 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 | 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 | S | |||||
| Rhode Island | Cranston, RI | Haunted Labyrinth:
Rejoice in Hope Youth Center, 804 Dyer Avenue, 401-943-8686. more |
? | 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 |
? | 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 | M |
| 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 |
? | M | R | F | S | S | |||
| Rhode Island | Westerly, RI | Bates Haunted Motel: 2010: Fri & Sat, 7-11pm, else 6:30-10pm.
149 Atlantic Avenue more |
? | R | F | S | S | ||||
| Vermont | Weybridge, VT | Weybridge Gardens Haunted Corn Maze: 2010: 8pm to last admission at 10pm. Non-scary for kids during daytimes.
181 Thompson Hill Rd, 802-545-2306. more |
? | F | S | ||||||