Experience Halloween in the Hudson Valley:
40+ Spooky Places to Visit
When the Fall Season comes around people start planning Apple Picking and Pumpkin Picking Trips and start getting into the Halloween Spirit. Although many people head into New York City for Halloween events, I’m here to show you that experiencing Halloween in the Hudson Valley is a better choice. You will be surprised by all the incredible, and sometimes frightening, things that there is to do!
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Why Halloween in the Hudson Valley so Special?
Hey there, fellow Halloween enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you can’t help but get a little giddy as the leaves start to turn fiery shades of orange and red. That’s because, in the enchanting Hudson Valley, autumn doesn’t just mean apple cider and cozy sweaters – it means Halloween is on the horizon!
The Hudson Valley is one of the most popular places to visit during the Fall season and that is especially true for those who leaf peep and those who want to experience Halloween in the Hudson Valley. It has beautiful scenery and a lot of activities to do, that some people are surprised by how much there actually is to do.
Many people come to the Hudson Valley during the Halloween Season; most notably to visit the famous town of Sleepy Hollow that Ichabod Crane immortalized in his writings.
But Halloween in the Hudson Valley is not only celebrated in Sleepy Hollow or on October 31st, the spooky fun actually starts during September for many local attractions. From haunted houses to a spooky corn maze to scary ghost stories, the Historic Hudson Valley has something for everyone!
Things to do for Halloween in the Hudson Valley
Now, let’s set the stage. Picture the Hudson Valley in the fall – a mesmerizing landscape painted in shades of crimson and gold. This is where Halloween in the Hudson Valley gets its own special welcome.
If you are looking for things to do to celebrate Halloween in the Hudson Valley, then you should take a look at this list. Some may be familiar to you, but others may surprise you!
1. Explore a town with a spooky past during Halloween in the Hudson Valley
– Albany, NY
Ten Broeck Mansion is said to be haunted by spirits that do not only come out during Halloween time. Built during the late 1790s for General Abraham Ten Broeck and his wife, Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, after a fire destroyed their first home. Over the years, stories of ghostly apparitions have been whispered about unhappy spirits who are said to haunt the mansion’s halls and the grounds of this 18th century estate. Tours are available by advance reservations.
– Chester, NY
People visiting Oxford Depot Cemetery have reported dark figures chasing other visitors away, floating orbs of light that can sometimes be seen, footsteps heard from behind visitors at times, and the sound of phantom whistling. This may be one of the spookiest places to visit during Halloween in the Hudson Valley because it actually in a cemetery.
– Garrison, NY
Down river in Garrison NY, the Bird and Bottle Inn reportedly houses the ghost of Emily Warren, the woman who lived there originally. She is reported to roam the establishment and people claim to see a hazy figure and reportedly hear her singing. As a working establishment, this is a great place to visit during Halloween in the Hudson Valley.
– Goshen, NY
Goshen Historic Track is said to be haunted by the spirit of a jockey and his horse, who both drowned in the nearby lake early 1900s. They’ve been seen riding along the lake or chasing visitors through the dirt-road trails; other witnesses say the clip-clopping of ghostly horse hooves has come from seemingly nowhere.
– Hudson, NY
Spook Rock Road in Hudson is a place of legend, where it is said an Indian princess, her lover, and an angry sky god collided long ago to great and terrifying effect. This boulder on the road near Claverack Creek is said to be where a beautiful Indian Maiden and her lover from an opposing nation rest after she defied the will of her family to marry a man she didn’t love, and ran away together, stopping to rest on a boulder.
The story goes that the couple’s treachery so enraged the Sky-Holder God, that he sent torrential rain to flood the area and drown the couple. It’s said you can hear the princess moaning, at the boulder, as death carries her away, and that at night, you may catch a glimpse of her.
– Irvington, NY
- Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, historic home of the famed writer of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle,” is said to be haunted by Irving himself, as well as, his nieces, who used to take care of the home. Irving’s ghost has a reputation for pinching women, and his nieces tidy up after the museum is closed for the night.
- Church of St. Barnabas is allegedly haunted by two separate spirits, one is believed to be that of a former pastor and the other that of a former pastor’s wife, who died somewhere in the early 1900’s. She seems to be especially drawn to the children of pastors who live in the rectory and will visit them at night.
– Monroe, NY
- The McGarrah Stagecoach Tavern Inn in Monroe, NY has been the topic of several ghost-related television shows. What adds to the appeal is that this historic inn, from the late 1700s, is one of the oldest buildings in town. Now part of the Cornerstone Masonic Historical Society, the building has been there for over 200 years and is the “oldest Masonic lodge in all of New York.”
- Also located in Monroe, Museum Village houses over 2,000 books, letters and journals, as well as, artifacts from the 19th century. This may lend to the suspected paranormal activity that takes place on the property.
– Napanoch, NY
The Haunted Shanley Hotel has been described as the most haunted location of the East Coast. Public and private ghost tours are available, and you can even spend the night here, if you dare. This gentleman’s club turned bed and breakfast is said to be haunted by a former owner whose children passed away when they were very young. Several disembodied voices have been recorded, and the recordings are available for a listen on the hotel’s website. This is truly spooky and somewhat frightening!
– Newburgh, NY
Newburgh NY is known for many things: some good, some bad, but many people do not know about the haunted sighting at Downing Park.
Locals say they have seen the ghost of a little boy crying in the middle of the lake. They say he drowned here long ago. He also has been known to make bubbles in the water and scream when a child gets too close to the water’s edge.
Pine Plains, NY
Dutch’s Spirits was an underground complex that hid a distillery run by the mob during Prohibition. It was financed by gangster Dutch Schultz, and may be haunted by him, too. Visitors can book tours, and some have noticed an eerie feeling of being watched while there.
– Poughkeepsie, NY
- The historic Reformed Dutch Church of Poughkeepsie, built in 1921, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former caretaker. Witnesses have heard the jingle of his keys and the tap of his fingers on his old office desk; his whistling has been heard in the gym and in the kitchen.
- Built in 1888, the Christ Episcopal Church is said to be haunted by apparitions and shadows that appear around the altar and elsewhere. These include:
- an older female parishioner who appears in her Sunday clothes, sitting in a pew halfway back
- a happy man who has appeared as an audibly laughing face floating in the air
- a vanishing bat who causes the candles to go out
- former church Rev. Alexander Cummings, who has been seen as an apparition on the bell tower steps and around the altar
- Sheahan Hall at Marist College is said to be haunted by a student named Shelly Sperling, who was killed in 1975 by Louis Acedevo, her rejected suitor. I wouldn’t tell the students that currently reside there, though.
– Purchase, NY
- SUNY Purchase college is believed to be haunted in several spots, including its small cemetery, where strange noises and ghostly presences have been reported, and the house across from Starbucks, where resides, according to rumor, the ghost of an elderly man who hanged himself in the attic or the basement.
- Another spot of interest to ghost seekers may be the Elephant Tree–it is said to have branches that sway without wind, perhaps due to the legend that someone was once hanged here, believed to possibly slaves or be a young girl who committed suicide. Lastly, the water tower is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a young boy who died in the water long ago.
- The Castle, Manhattanville College’s trademark, has many lost souls that still roam the halls. Originally, the castle was home to Mr. Whitelaw Reid, a millionaire. His three children died in the castle during a terrible fire, and still roam the hallways of the west room right where the painting of them is. Other strange occurrences include the temporary immobilization of tour guides while giving tours to students, cold spots and sensations of being watched while roaming the halls. There are several accounts of doors opening and closing by themselves.
- Spellman Hall, the freshman dormitory building, is most famous for the Ghost of 118. It is said that back when the school was of a Catholic persuasion and the faculty of nuns lived on campus, one nun hung herself in her room, Spellman 118. Since then, the room has been renovated and combined with a surrounding room to accommodate the Resident Advisor.
Related Article: New York State Castles that are Hidden in Plain Sight
– Red Hook, NY
Blithewood Mansion was built by National Guard captain and real estate mogul Andrew C. Zabriskie, who commissioned four statues for his garden. Each statue would depict one of his four daughters. When tragedy struck and one of his daughters was killed falling out of a window of a New York City apartment, her statue went missing. Rumor has it that her ghost wanders the property in place of the missing statue. In 1951, the mansion was given to Bard College and has sprawling grounds and a beautiful garden overlooking the Hudson River.
– Rhinebeck, NY
There are so many things to do in Rhinebeck, but this one is quite unusual. The Clinton Community Library reportedly has ghosts that haunt the library no matter the hour. Visitors have heard whispering or books falling off of shelves. Their footsteps have been heard walking the library and climbing the stairs.
– Troy, NY
The West Hall of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,which currently houses the college’s arts department, was once a hospital with a psychiatric ward. If you find yourself around there after sundown, you may just hear the footsteps of Nurse Betsy as she checks on her patients in the ward. There have been reports of screaming, whining, and piano music, which apparently the nurse played to calm patients. According to legend, Betsy perished in a psych ward fire while trying to save her patients, and has been trapped there ever since.
– Wappingers Falls, NY
Miss Fanny’s Victorian Party House has been featured numerous times in paranormal television shows. Built circa 1870, the house is primarily significant for its unaltered interior. Filled with Gothic antiques and horror-film paraphernalia including a coffin, this home is said to be haunted by a menacing presence. Used now for special events and personal events, such as private events or small gatherings such as an unusual girls night out, showers, birthdays, meetings, photo shoots, and whatever else your imagination can muster up.
They also hold their own events throughout the year from ghost hunts to psychic, Halloween parties, and more.
– Warwick, NY
Silvio’s Italian Villa Restaurant is housed in a building that originally dates back to the 1700s. In 1972, Roy Vail’s sister was found murdered and Roy was rumored to be a suspect. Ten years later, he committed suicide in the Peach Room. Witnesses say doors open and close, objects are moved, the apparitions of a little girl and a cat are seen, and much more.
– Windham, NY
Captain’s Inn Point Lookout in Windham sits just off of Route 23, a sentinel on a cliff where on a clear day you can see mountain ranges in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Closed at the time of this posting, legend has it that inside Room 12 a woman was murdered and, ever since, strange activity has plagued the guests. From flickering lights to foul odors, to disembodied voices, guests have reported strange occurrences over the years.
2. Participate in a Trunk or Treat Event or Halloween Parade
Show off your best Halloween Costumes and the many local Trunk or Treat events. If this is your first time hearing about these Trunk or Treat events, its where you open the trunk of your car, add Halloween decorations and hand out candy to children dressed in their best costumes. While this is a fun and safe way to go trick or treating, this eliminates the need to venture out Halloween night.
Many local towns also host a Halloween parade to have the local children and family members enjoy the season. So put on your favorite costume and make this year’s Halloween in the Hudson Valley the best one yet!
If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween in the Hudson Valley with your children/grandchildren/special children, then this is the way to do it. Several Trunk or treat events are listed in my Private FB Events Group.
3. Take a Tour of Haunted Locations
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Tours
The best known cemetery tour happens right in Sleepy Hollow, NY. The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery tour takes place during the day and in the evening. The Classic Daytime tour highlights Washington Irving’s contribution, as well as, Andrew Carnegie and William Rockefeller, who were also laid to rest here. Halloween in the Hudson Valley would not be the same without these tours.
They offer several different tours, while the Murder and Mayhem tour may be the most popular, taking place Saturday Evenings. This walk-through experience is so scary that it is not suitable for children under the age of 18. Get advance tickets here. This is probably one of the scariest tours to take during Halloween in the Hudson Valley.
The Haunted Shanley Hotel
The Haunted Shanley Hotel has been described as the most haunted location of the East Coast of the United States. Public and private ghost tours are available, and you can even spend the night here, if you dare. Make this year’s Halloween in the Hudson Valley the most memorable one yet!
Legends by Candlelight Ghost Tours
Located at Clermont State Historic Site, in Germantown, visitors will meet a horde of “ghosts” from Clermont’s past as they tell their stories of glory, loss, success, and failure. Some ghosts may be scary, some may be funny but all the stories they tell are true! These encounters take place on select days at the end of October. Click here for more information.
4. Watch a Halloween-Inspired Show
Irving’s ‘Legend’
Taking place from late September through Halloween, Irving’s ‘Legend’ is now performed outside under the stars at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside. Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk will cast a spell with dramatic performances of the classic tale. Live music and an appearance from the Headless Horseman himself make this a spooky spectacular experience for all ages. This Halloween in the Hudson Valley event requires walking. Tickets can be found here.
5. Visit Local Farms
In addition to picking fruit and pumpkins in a pumpkin patch, many Hudson Valley Farms offer so much more to celebrate Halloween in the Hudson Valley. Many celebrate with a costume parade through the farm, food trucks for everyone to enjoy and Halloween-inspired treats, such as pumpkin-flavored ice cream!
Celebrate Halloween in the Hudson Valley with these 10+ Events
A Very Fluffy Halloween
It’s their version of a Halloween fest – only way cuter. Enjoy this fun guided farm tour that lets you meet the animals of Lilymoore Farm and Dreaming of A Chance pigeon sanctuary. This year has more alpacas in Halloween costumes, goats too – who knows maybe the llamas will join in the fun this year. Enjoy Halloween in the Hudson Valley and come dressed up for the event. They do a great craft at the end of the farm tour. Select days at the end of October. Get tickets and learn more here.
Related Article: A Visit to Lilymoore Alpaca Farm you will not soon forget!
Bannerman Castle
During the Halloween Season, Bannerman Castle Island hosts their famous Halloween in the Hudson Valley movie event. They usually have a showing of Dracula with the Castle as a backdrop. From the Bram Stoker novel, this is the original Broadway production that premiered in 1927.
Enjoy Halloween in the Hudson Valley in a whole new way. Information can be found here.
Related Article: Take a peek at Bannerman Castle located on the Hudson River
Blackthorne Halloween Weekend
Located in Durham, Blackthorne Resort’s traditional Halloween weekend is a spooktacular good time for the entire family! Pumpkin carving demonstrations, costume contests, live entertainment, and an onsite haunted house are just a few of the fun activities to look forward to on this weekend of fun. Join us……if you dare! Find more information on their website.
Boo at the Zoo
October 21st, 2023
Forsyth Nature Center, Kingston
On October 21st, 2023 at 5:30pm, celebrate Halloween in the Hudson Valley in costume and join the JLK and the FFNC for another Boo at the Zoo at Forsyth Nature Center in Kingston! This family friendly event will include a costume parade, fun decorations, and a MOVIE IN THE PARK! Hotel Transylvania will show at dark on the big screen!
READ MORE: A Visit to Forsyth Nature Center – Free Fun all year long
Clemson Brewing Halloween Party
October 27th: 6pm
Clemson Bros. Brewery: 22 Cottage Street, Middletown
In the Beer Garden with SHADES performing!
Costume contest and prizes for the top three individual costumes and a prize for the best group costume
Cruisoween
October 16th, 2023
East Fishkill Provisions, Hopewell Road
Get your costumes ready!!! Cruisoween is October 16th, 2023 @ 5pm at East Fishkill Provisions Smoke Haus and Deli at 567 Old Hopewell Road. Car show, costume party, trunk-or-treating, food, music and vendors! Make this a fun evening during Halloween in the Hudson Valley.
Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze
Located on the grounds of the Historic Van Cortlandt Manor, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a annual event that brings thousands of visitors. Taking place from September through Mid-November, discover a breathtaking display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack o’ lanterns, all the designs and hand-carved pumpkins on site are done by their team of artisans.
Tickets often sell out for an entry time on the weekend, so plan accordingly. This is a VERY popular Halloween in the Hudson Valley event!
If you are in Long Island, then Blaze: Long Island is for you! The spooky trail takes you along their Hall of Fame, Pumpkin Planetarium and more…
Related Article: Find out about the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze and see why it’s such a popular event.
Halloween Ball
October 28th, 2023
Brotherhood Winery, Washingtonville
Celebrate All Hallows’ Eve below the surface of the earth in our 184-year-old haunted cellars at Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville! Dinner and open wine tasting bar. TICKETS are all-inclusive and extremely LIMITED. Saturday, October 28th, 2023 • 7-11 PM. This is a 21 and over event. Get tickets to this great event here.
Halloween Costume Walk & Ride
October 29th, 2023: 1-2pm
Swan Lake (Main Entrance at Rockefeller State Park), Pleasantville
Humans, horses and dogs are all invited to come in costume and join in the fun!
Halloween Craft Fair & Scavenger Hunt
October 28th & 29th, 2023
Historic Huguenot Street, New Paltz
On October 28th & 29th, 2023, Get your costumes and candy buckets ready for some fun, Halloween in the Hudson Valley festivities on Huguenot Street! This Halloween, join Historic Huguenot Street for TWO fun-filled days of crafts, treats, and riddles!
Your child will have the opportunity to complete three spooky crafts, participate in a scavenger hunt of the National Historic Landmark District, and enjoy an array of Halloween treats and goodies. Children will take all crafts home and may choose between a bag of candy or an allergy-free, “teal pumpkin” approved bag of treats as their scavenger hunt prize. $10 admission for children.
Get more info and register on their website.
Halloween Spooktacular
October 27th, 2023
Mid-Hudson Discovery Center, Poughkeepsie
On October 27th, 2023 the Mid-Hudson Discovery Center in Poughkeepsie will be closed during the day but will be open from 5-8 pm for our Halloween Spooktacular! For more information and to register, go to their website.
Harvest Hunt
Saturdays and Sundays in October 2023
Locust Grove, Poughkeepsie
Calling all kids and families! Come to HARVEST HUNT at Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie! Saturdays and Sundays in October and Monday, October 9th, 2023!
A special story walk/scavenger hunt for over 30 decorated pumpkins hidden among the gardens and trees! Safe, fun, stroller and wheelchair friendly! $10/person, kids under 4 are FREE. Check out their website for information and to purchase tickets.
Haunted House at the Newburgh Mall
October 29th & 29th, 2023
Studio 845, Newburgh Mall
Studio 845 at the Newburgh Mall Presents their annual Haunted House attraction! Packed with horror, this Dollhouse will bring your worst nightmares to life. This experience will be long lasting… leaving you uncomfortable in the silence of the dark. Left to stare into the still, cold eyes of every porcelain, plastic and clothe doll that live within your homes toy room or child’s bedroom.. Running from October 28th-29th, 2023 – cost to experience this is $10 per victim.
Haunted Huguenot Street
Fri, Oct 13, 2023 – Sun, Oct 29, 2023
Huguenot Street, New Paltz
Friday the 13th will mark the opening night of this year’s Haunted Huguenot Street program, which will immerse visitors in the mysterious, true case of the Budd family’s attempted murder. Nearly 250 years ago, someone tried to poison the family that ran New Paltz’s first hotel. The crime, aftermath, and trial gripped the attention of the region, yet the story was almost lost to history… until now. Join us in trying to solve the mystery of who poisoned the Budd family.
Tours take place:
- Friday, October 13 – Saturday, October 14
- Friday, October 20 – Saturday, October 21
- Friday, October 27 – Sunday, October 29*
*Sunday tours will take place at the earlier time slots of 3 PM, 4 PM, 5 PM, and 6 PM
Headless Horseman Escape Rooms
Located in Ulster Park on State Route 9W, The Headless Horseman Escape Rooms are fully interactive and an immersive experience unlike anything you have ever done before. No longer do you sit back and watch the show… now you are 100% part of it. The minimum capacity of each room is 6 and maximum capacity of 12, so bring a group and have fun! Learn more about it here.
Headless Horseman Haunted Attractions
Named #1 in America, the Headless Horseman Attractions in Ulster Park celebrates 30 years of frightening the public. With a haunted walking trail and 9 additional attractions, this is a popular destination of many. Although they have stopped doing the Headless Horseman Hayrides, there is still plenty to see and do and this event.
In addition to their regular schedule, they also off Children’s Day Activities two times during their season, which includes their popular Magic Moon Maze.
Halloween Costume Party
October 28th, 2023: 1pm – 3pm
Hackett Hill Park, Hyde Park
Hyde Park Recreation will be having their free Halloween costume party on October 28th from 1 to 3pm. Come join us for apple cider, donuts, and a haunted hayride.
Halloween Party
October 29th, 2023: 12pm – 2:30pm
Hope Rising Farm: 419 Leedsville Road, Amenia
Halloween is right around the corner. Get those Halloween costumes on and head on over to Hope Rising Farm for our Halloween party on October 29 from 12:30pm – 2:30pm. Lots of fun and games, Halloween parade (1pm), Hayride, contests, crafts and more…
Halloween Spooktacular
October 28th & 29th, 2023
Westchester Children’s Museum, Rye
Halloween Weekend takes place at the Westchester Children’s Museum in Rye, NY on Saturday October 28th and 29th, 2023. With Arts and Crafts, Science Workshops and more, your child will have a great time! Costumes are encouraged!
Halloween Spooktacular at Cross County Shopping Center
October 21st, 2023
Cross County Shopping Center, Yonkers
Cross County Center is hosting a ghostly good time for families on Saturday, October 21st, from 10am to 3pm. The event is FREE and no registration is required.
- Arts & Crafts, on The Green, near Victoria’s Secret
- DJ Dance Party
- Storytime
- Inflatable Slide & Alien Maze
- Spooky Selfie Spots
- Trick or Treat, 11am – 1pm (The line starts at Zales and ends at Bath & Body Works – candy is for children ONLY. First come, first serve, one trick or treat session only, while supplies last. Line closes at 1pm.)
Halloween Weekend at Opus 40
October 28th & 29th: 7pm – 9pm
Opus 40, Saugerties
For $25 enjoy a scary movie, smores, live music and a haunted trail walk all on the lovely property of Opus 40
READ MORE
See what’s so special about Opus 40 in Saugerties
Home of the ‘Legend’
Taking place between Mid-September through Mid-November, this family-friendly event takes you on a tour of the home of Washington Irving, decorated for Autumn, as well as, providing a shadow puppet short film and games on the lawn. A special exhibit highlights how the Legend has lived in the imagination of popular culture through the centuries since its publication. Tickets information can be found here.
Howl & Holler at Trevor Zoo
Join us for our annual Halloween Event – HOWL & HOLLER AT THE ZOO, Sunday October 29th from 3 to 6 pm. FREE CANDY at Treat Stations throughout the zoo with Orangutan friendly Halloween candy. Loads of activities for kids as part of our Lemur Festival Weekend. Check back for link to tickets.
Howl-O-Ween Pet Photos
October 21st: 11am
Ulster County SPCA: 20 Widey Road, Kingston
Have your pet’s Halloween photos taken by a professional photographer! Our photo sessions are only $5 per pet, and is a direct donation to the care of the shelter animals at the Ulster County SPCA!
Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion
Located in Wappingers Falls, Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion consists of a haunted trail, The Asylum and the popular Wicked Woods returns, consisting of The Funhouse, Dark Nature, Lost Souls Cemetery, Merry Krampus and more… This event is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings in October.
Kinderhook Village Halloween Party
On October 29th, 2022 at 1:30pm, the village of Kinderhook will host a Halloween Party in the Village Square. Spooky Games and Candy, Apple Cider and Donuts and a Costume Contest. Followed by a 3pm reading of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”.
Lantern Tours
On select days in October, Come aboard if you dare and hear about the haunted happenings of the Rondout Creek and Hudson Valley. Take a stroll through the Hudson River Maritime Museum and meet our storyteller who is simply dying to share some ghostly tales with you. Then, board our spirit ship Solaris as our guides recount the creek’s spine-chilling past, and introduce you to the ill-fated souls whose lives were lost in its treacherous waters or to the creatures lurking beneath its surface. Who knows what or who you may encounter along the way. Find tickets here.
Lyndhurst after Dark
From October 19th – 22nd and 26th – 29th, 2023, go and experience Halloween in the Hudson Valley, the history of the mansion and explore Victorian lore in the glow of an October evening; Lyndhurst After Dark! This is an experience through the Mansion in the evening hours, that will discuss the slightly darker side of history through those who lived at Lyndhurst. A limited number of tickets are available for each timed event and tickets do sell out, so buy your tickets here.
Mystery at the Museum
Stop by the Pine Bush UFO & Paranormal Museum for this unique family-friendly haunted house experience! A haunted attraction that the whole family can enjoy, Halloween fun for ages 10 and under. Begins October 14th, 2023.
Nyack Halloween Parade
On October 28th, 2023, Downtown Nyack will host a Halloween Parade. Don your most daring costume and join us in Nyack for a frighteningly fun Halloween Parade on October 28, 2023 at 5:30pm! (Rain Date: October 29). Get more information about this great Halloween in the Hudson Valley event here.
Parkview House Halloween Party
October 21st, 2023: 8pm
Parkview House: 21 Main Street, Wallkill
DJ Fred in the HOUSE! Playing all your favorite songs and requests! Prizes for best costumes! Grab your ghouls and goblins and come pick your poison! Find more info here!
Peace, Love and Pumpkins
Located on the grounds of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, you will find this enchanting walk-thru Halloween experience. During this walk-thru experience, guests will wind through the garden trails of beautiful Bethel Woods, highlighting thousands of unique hand-carved jack-o-lanterns and glowing themed pumpkin art. Two nights, they offer Friday Night Frights where scary things await.
Pumpkin Centerpiece Workshop
October 28th, 2023: 3pm – 5pm
Live Inspired Art-Dance-Fitness, Poughkeepsie
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of creativity at our Pumpkin Centerpiece Workshop! Get into the Halloween spirit and learn how to create stunning centerpieces using pumpkins, paint, stencils and decorations. Cost is $30/person – ALL SUPPLIES PROVIDED FOR YOU
Pumpkin Party in the Park
October 21st: 11am
Fancher-Davidge Park (Shelter #1 & #2), Middletown
Music, Trunk or Treat, Vendors, Pumpkin Patch, Pumpkin Contest, Face Painting and More….
Costume Contest at 12:30pm
Prison of Horrors
Located in Warwick at the Hudson Sports Complex, this event takes place select days in October. The complex is known far and wide as a home for the paranormal. Whether it be the ghosts of the children who never found reformation in its halls or the convicted who died within its walls, something at Hudson Sports Complex demands to be heard, and sometimes, even seen… or felt. Tickets can be purchased here.
Pumpkin Festival & Craft Fair
October 21st: 10am – 4pm
207 Market Street, Saugerties, NY
Baked Goods, Spooky Crafters, Face Painting, Vendors, Costume Contest and Pumpkin Painting
Pure Terror Scream Park
Pure Terror Scream Park is known as New York’s scariest haunted house and the worlds longest overall walk-through haunted attraction holding the current Guinness World Record. With 10 scary haunted houses at one massive location, in addition to a food court, gift shop, music and FREE photo ops with unusual monsters on the Midway, it’s no wonder that this is a popular destination for many enthusiasts of Halloween in the Hudson Valley. Running weekends in October, this event is not for the faint at heart.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is back at Paramount Hudson Valley on October 28th, 2023. Yes, there is audience participation! Rated R (Children under 17 not permitted without an adult). Come dressed as your favorite character or in your best Halloween costume! Prop bags and other fan merchandise will be sold at the show.
Rosendale Theatre
Located on Main Street in Rosendale, Rosendale Theatre hosts several showings of Halloween-inspired films, including The Haunting on October 29th, 2023. This is definitely a fun way to spend Halloween in the Hudson Valley.
Scared by the Sound, Yorktown Heights
Scared by the Sound can be found at this year’s new indoor haunt location. It is again going to be occupied by the undead who previously called Playland Amusement Park their home for over 20 years. Those along with creatures from the Crypt, Asylum, Cemetery plus more NEW scenes eagerly await your arrival this Halloween season.
Open rain or shine starting September 30th plus all weekends in October. Purchase your preferred night *tickets early HERE as prime time slots will sell out fast!
Shadow Soiree: A Halloween Paranormal Formal Event
On October 7th, 2023, The Shadow Soiree is a Victorian themed evening at the UFO & Paranormal Museum, in Pine Bush, that you will not soon forget. Kicking off the night, there will be a Phantasmagoria Show. Following the phantasmagoria show, guests will be invited to join a Digital Seance. Dressing up in your best Victorian-style garb is highly encouraged! Light refreshments will be available. Learn more here.
Spooktacular
October 29th: 3-5pm
Main Street, Cornwall
We will see you on Main Street in Cornwall on Sunday October 29th from 3-5pm for fun, entertainment, candy, a costume parade, costume contest, prizes and more! The costume contest registration is available from 3-4. Then the pets kick off the “howl and prowl” Halloween costume parade, followed by the little ghouls and goblins.
Spooktacular Oktoberfest
Calling all ghouls and goblins! Wear your Halloween costume and visit Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, Saturday, Oct. 28th, 2023, 1 p.m. for its Spooktacular Oktoberfest.
All attendees are welcome to wear Halloween costumes; children’s activities include trick-or-treating, the Haunted Sugar Shack, petting zoo, snacks and more. Children’s activities end at 6 p.m. Bring cash for photos and pony rides. The event’s Oktoberfest section will feature live music and food trucks including Captain Lawrence, Bona Bona and more. Event ends at 8:30 p.m.
Sugar Loaf Halloween Festival
Taking place at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center, this Halloween in the Hudson Valley festival takes place on October 28th, 2023. Trunk or treat starts at 11am and the festival begins at 1pm featuring Vendor village, witches sorting ceremony, cauldron spell casting, Jack O’Lantern contest, fall treats and bar, music, games and so much more…
Trick or Treat In the Park
On October 28th, 2023, Art Omi welcomes all goblins, ghosts, and ghouls to our annual Trick or Treat in the Park event! All ages are invited to come in costume and enjoy an afternoon of Halloween fun – situated among the eye-catching sculptural and architectural works here at Art Omi. This event is free and open to the public and is a great way to enjoy Halloween in the Hudson Valley during the day and in a safe way! Please register here.
Tract-or-Treat Weekend
October 28th & 29th: 11am – 6pm
Barton Orchards, Poughquag
Celebrate with costumes and candy during our Tract-Or-Treat weekend at the farm! We’ll have a costume parade for kids, adults and dogs of all ages leading up to the contest at the main stage with cash prizes! After that, kids can have fun trick-or-treating from tractors! Enjoy the taste of fall with our signature apple cider donuts and food trucks too!
A full day of fun starting at 11:00, admission is $29.95 for adults, $15 for kids ages 4-12, kids ages 3 and under are FREE. Admission includes Live Music, Magic Shows, Pig Races, the Fun Park featuring our new MEGA SLIDE, Rock & Roll themed Corn Maze, unlimited Hayrides, Petting Zoo, Wooden Ship Playground, and Dog Park too!
Witchingtonville After Dark
When most of us think of Halloween events, we think of child-focused gatherings that cater to the sweet side of the festivity. Witchingtonville After Dark is about to change all of that on the night of October 21st, 2023 from 6pm – 10pm, in the center of Washingtonville. Designed to entertain teens and adults, Witchingtonville After Dark mirrors a haunted carnival and has all of the attractions you’d expect — and more!
Witchingtonville During the Day
Located in Washingtonville, this is a family fun Halloween in the Hudson Valley event, especially for the littles! On October 21st, 2023 from 11am – 2:30pm, have fun at Witchingtonville during the day. Sensory-Friendly Event: 11:00am – 11:30am
This fun-filled Fall event includes:
- Trunk-or-Treating
- Prizes for best decorated trunks!
- Fall-themed Lawn Games
- Hay Rides
- Food Trucks
- Craft & Merchandise Vendors
Do Not Miss Out on These Exciting Activities for an Epic Halloween in the Hudson Valley
If you wait until October 30th to make your plans, then you will definitely miss out because Halloween in the Hudson Valley is a big deal!
Tips for Having a Memorable Halloween in the Hudson Valley:
- Make sure to confirm ALL INFORMATION on the corresponding websites before making plans
- Many of these events are rain or shine
- Many events during Halloween in the Hudson Valley also sell out quickly, so buy your tickets early.
- Double check each events video and photography policy. Some allow both, one or none at all.
- Be prepared for any kind of weather and dress appropriately. Here are some items that may help.
Until the Next Adventure…
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