Frights and Delights – Your Guide to Local Halloween-Themed Events
By Jennifer Russo
Here in Massachusetts, Halloween is more than just a holiday – it’s a celebration of all things spooky throughout the entire month of October. The state seems to come alive with the dead – perhaps because of Salem’s sordid history with the witch trials of 1692 or because the “Conjuring House” is a mere eighteen miles away, or because we had a big wave of Irish immigrants back in the 1800s who brought over Celtic traditions like Samhain.
Maybe it’s because New England is old and notably quite haunted (so we hear) and steeped in both old puritan and Native American stories and beliefs. Pair that with the cooling weather dense with fog, trees that turn the colors of fire, and good marketing, and you have the perfect setting for a month of freaky frolic.
Halloween decorations start going up in early September, people start hunting for that perfect pumpkin to carve into a jack-o-lantern, and they start thinking about what costume they will wear to transform into someone or something else. However you look at it, Halloween here is a month-long event. While there are great events a short drive away, like Salem’s Haunted Happenings and Old Sturbridge Village’s Phantoms by Firelight, which are incredibly cool, maybe you want something a little more in your backyard. Take a look below to see where you can go locally to get your ghoulishly good time on.
All month, you can head over to Wojick’s Farm in Blackstone for their Fall Fun Weekends, with apple and pumpkin picking, live music, food trucks, ice cream, kid’s activities, and delicious cider donuts. On October 17th from 5:30-8:30 p.m., join them for Corn Maze Fun Night, where you can arrive in costume and get discounted maze admission and be a part of their costume contest!
Also happening the entire month from 6-9 p.m., Southwick Zoo in Mendon hosts The Great Jack O’Lantern Journey, Check out their website for tickets.
Throughout October, Hopkinton Center for the Arts has their 8th Annual HCA Wicked Weekend, which includes showings of an outdoor theatrical experience called The Haunt, A Wicked Pickle Pickleball Tournament, a Halloween Bash, the Wicked 5K and a Wicked Family Fun Fest. Check out their website for details!
On October 12th and 13th, A Touch of Magick in Uxbridge will be hosting a Fall Psychic Faire, with over 40 vendors, music, refreshments, and readings for those who want a little bit of divine insight.
Through October 14th, Fairmount Fruit Farm in Franklin has Hayrides, Food Trucks and Music on weekends from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. You can also pick apples there for baking season. Mmmm apple crisp!
On October 18th, there will be a Hunter Moon and Vandervalk Winery in Mendon is ready to celebrate it with wagon rides, two food trucks, firepits for s’mores, and their delicious fruit wine. Werewolves need not apply.
On October 19th from 5-9 p.m., MERIT hosts their annual Haunted Hayride over at Tangerini’s Farm in Millis. Tickets can be purchased online, and all proceeds go to Millis educators to enhance their school programs.
Join the 2nd Annual Halloween Dash 5K, put on by the Bellingham Educational Foundation, on Sunday, October 20th at 9 AM. The course starts and ends at DiPietro Elementary in Bellingham and Halloween costumes are strongly encouraged! Check out their Facebook event for the registration link.
On October 25th, you can join the Mendon Brothers of the Brush for their Spooktacular Halloween Party at End Zone in Mendon. With raffles, music, a buffet, and a costume contest, all ticket proceeds go toward the Santa Parade.
Head over to Choate Park in Medway on October 25th from 7-9 PM for their annual Pumpkin Walk. Pre-registration is required and available beginning on Oct 7th on the Medway Parks and Recreation site.
From October 25th to the 31st, Southwick Zoo in Mendon is having their Zoo Boo Days, where kids aged 3-12 who come in costume get in for free!
Looking for a great Halloween-themed craft? On October 26th from 1-3 p.m., ConnectEd and Inspired in Milford is hosting a Haunted House Paint Party. Check out their website for more information.
On October 26th from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Bellingham Town Common becomes a candy-lovers dream for the annual Trunk or Treat Halloween Stroll put on by the BBA and BEF. The event is free, but people are asked to bring non-perishable food items for the Loaves and Fishes Food pantry.
Feeling like a night-cap with a fall-flavored adult beverage and some live music? On October 26th at 7:00 p.m., head over to Liz’s Tavern in Bellingham for their Rocking Dead 6 Halloween Show, featuring some great local bands.
And of course, on Halloween, Thursday October 31st, after Halloween fun that starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends with a Halloween parade at Bellingham Public Library, kids will be back out in their costumes trick or treating around our local neighborhoods. Please take care to watch out for them and pay extra attention while driving if you’re out and about!
Stay weird, Bellingham.
