Where to Celebrate: Halloween 2015

Where to Celebrate: Halloween 2015: The Dead, the Undead & The Grateful Dead: When you live between Sleepy Hollow and Port Chester’s Capitol Theatre, you’re going to get some special ways to celebrate Halloween. Here’s 26 Halloween events from Washington Irving’s Sunnyside to New Castle’s Halloween Carnival and Ragamuffin Parade to Phil Lesh and Friends.  

Where To Celebrate: Halloween

Sunset time for Trick or Treaters: Fri, 10/31: 5:53pm

Hocus Pocus Family Movie Night & Costume Party at Muscoot Farm: Come in costume, nosh on Halloween treats and catch this screening of the 1993 Disney flick about three kids and an immortal cat’s battle against the reign of terror of three resurrected witches in Salem Massachusetts – starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. Fri, 10/23: check time. (Muscoot Farm, Rt. 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)

Halloween Decorations at Muscoot Farm: Get a jump on your Halloween interior design projects with a trip to Muscoot and stop by the activity building to create a one of a kind Halloween decoration. Halloween starts here on Sun, 9/27: 1-3pm. (Muscoot Farm, Rt. 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)

Dino Train Show – Lasdon Park: This year’s model train exhibit takes on a Jurassic theme with more than 100 feet of track built around a variety of storybook and movie favorite dinosaurs in a land threatened by an erupting volcano. Plus, a screening of Rexy the Dinosaur in 3D, a Dino Scavenger Hunt, a hay maze, wagon rides and a dinosaur topiary garden. They’ll be grilling up some Bronto Burgers and Dino Dogs too. Sat-Sun & Columbus Day, 10/3-11/1: 11am-3: 30pm. (Lasdon Park, 2610 Amawalk Rd. Rt. 35, Katonah; www.lasdonpark.org)

The Legend Behind the ‘Legend’ – Washington Irving’s Sunnyside: Visit Irving’s fascinating home showcasing numerous objects related to his famous story. On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy a shadow puppet performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and experience one of Irving’s spooky tales on a walk through the woods. Sat-Sun, 10/3-4; Sat-Mon, 10/10-12; Sat-Sun, 10/17-18, 24-25 & 10/31-11/1: 10:00am-3: 30pm. (3 W. Sunnyside Ln., Irvington; www.hudsonvalley.org)

Irving’s ‘Legend’ – Old Dutch Church: Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk offers a dramatic performance of Washington Irving’s classic tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, featuring the Headless Horseman, Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, and Katrina Van Tassel. With live, spooky organ music by Jim Keyes. Fri-Sat, 10/2-3, Fri-Sun, 10/9-11, 16-18, 23-25 & 10/30-11/1: check times. (Old Dutch Church: Park at Philipsburg Manor 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; www.hudsonvalley.org)

Hot ticket alert. This one sells out so order early! Horseman’s Hollow – Philipsburg Manor: Taking the tale of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to its darkest extremes, Horseman’s Hollow returns for a fifth year of haunted mayhem, now expanded by popular demand to fifteen evenings. Meet the undead, the evil and the insane denizens of a town driven mad by the Headless Horseman. Negotiate a twisted maze of horrors to get to the lair of the Horseman where a party is being thrown in his honor. With elaborate costumes from award-wining feature-film makeup artists and unsettling special effects this popular event is not suitable for small children or adults, who are claustrophobic, have heart or respiratory conditions, are prone to seizures, or have other chronic health conditions. Fri-Sat, 10/2-3; Fri-Sun, 10/9-11, 16-18, 23-25 & Fri-Sat, 10/30-11/1: 7-10pm. (381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; www.hudsonvalley.org)

Hot ticket alert: This one sells out so order early! The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze – Van Cortland Manor: Walk through a path of5, 000 hand-carved, illuminated jack o’lanterns set against an historic, 18th-century riverside landscape. Highlights include a headless horseman, a working doomsday grandfather clock, and gourd filled jack in the boxes, and dinosaurs from Jurassic Park – all made out of jack-o-lanterns. With sound effects, synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack by recording artist Richard Christy. Advance tickets required. Fri-Sun, 10/2-4, Fri-Mon, 10/9-12, Thurs-Sun, 10/15-18, Wed-Sun, 10/21-11/1, Thurs-Sun, 11/5-8 & Fri-Sun, 11/13-15: check times. (525 S. Riverside Ave., Croton on Hudson; www.hudsonvalley.org)

Make a Scarecrow Contest – Stamford Museum & Nature Center: Bring your family for the SM&NC’s 6th annual scarecrow making program and create a scarecrow for their Harvest Festival Weekend contest. Families can create a life-size scarecrow that will be exhibited and entered in our scarecrow contest at Harvest Festival on (Oct. 17 & 18) then can be picked up in time to grace your own lawn for Halloween. Some materials are provided, but families are encouraged to bring clothing or accessories to help with their creation. Sun, 10/4 & 11: 2-4pm. (Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford; www.stamfordmuseum.org)

Boo at the Zoo: October weekends at the zoo feature hay mazes, costume parades, Jack O’Lantern illuminations, magic shows, creepy crafts, a mystery animals exhibit, elaborate a carved pumpkin exhibit, an extinct animal graveyard, music and treat stations. Sand Sculpture USA provides the carved pumpkins, pictured here in a photo by Julie Larsen Maher. Sat-Sun, 10/4-11/2: 10am-5pm. Check times for special attractions and activities. (Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx; www.bronxzoo.com)

Scared By The Sound: 2015 marks the 16th consecutive year of Scared by the Sound Haunted House and its return to Playland Amusement Park. Take the Crypt Walk; visit the Haunted Wine Cellar, Creepy Morgue and Tunnels of Doom. This walk-through dark attraction may be too scary for children under 10. Strobe lighting and fog use alert for anyone adversely affected by these effects. Sat, 10/3-31: 7-11pm, Fri, 10/9-30: 8-11pm, Sun, 10/11-25: 7-10pm & Thurs, 10/29: 7-10pm. (Rye Playland, 1 Playland Pkwy, Rye; www.ryeplayland.org)

Local! The Haunt at Rocky Ledge: The nightmare begins October 10. Spooky adventures including 2 haunted houses, a haunted trail in the woods, a chilling cornfield, multiple hair-raising walk-throughs and a snack bar. One mile up the road from the Stop & Shop in N. White Plains. Fri, 10/9, 16, 23 & 30: 8-11pm; Sat 10/10, 17, 24 & 31: 7-11pm & Sun, 10/11, 18, & 25: 7-10pm. (Rocky Ledge Swim Club, 1402 Old Orchard St., North White Plains; www.hauntatrockyledge.com)

Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities – Lyndhurst Mansion: Visit the Disenchanted Castle! Experience the only indoor Halloween venue in Westchester. Meet long-dead family members as they lead you on a spooky tour of the Lyndhurst mansion. Guests will be able to experience the spectacular gothic castle at night and in a way rarely seen. While the event will appeal to adults and teens, younger children can also participate, as the performance is appropriate for all ages. Fri, 10/16 & Sun, 10/18, Thurs-Sun, 10/22-25 & Thurs-Sat, 10/29-31: 6-9pm. (Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)

Local! Halloween Craft, Bedford Recreation: Join Kimberly O’Brien of Bedford Recreation for an evening of Halloween crafts, games and dinner. Grades 2-6. Sat, 10/17: 6-8:30pm. (Bedford Hills Community House, 7 Church St., Bedford Hills; www.bedfordny.gov)

Ghost Tours at Boscobel: Travel the halls of Boscobel House with specialized equipment to detect the possible presence of supernatural entities. Hear spellbinding ghost stories from paranormal investigator Linda Zimmermann who will be accompanied by her ghost hunting partner Michael Worden, a police detective and author of Ghost Detective, and psychic, Barbara Bleitzhofer – there to identify the spirits. Plus, cookies, cider and book signings with Linda and Mike. Recommended for children 12 and older. Wed-Fri, 10-/21-23: 6pm. (1601 Rt. 9D, Garrison; www.boscobel.org)

Local! Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce, Bedford Recreation: Rides, attractions and a haunted graveyard walk at Lake Compounce for grades 6-9. Bus leaves from 425 Cherry St., Bedford Hills. Sat, 10/24: 3-11pm. (Lake Compounce, 822 Lake Ave., Bristol, CT; www.bedfordny.gov.)

Local! Halloween Carnival & Ragamuffin Parade, New Castle Recreation: Games, rides, entertainment and amusements prior to and after the Ragamuffin Parade. Come in costume and march in the parade at 3:30pm. Be part of the parade that in recent years featured the Blue Crew Marching Band, the Dixie Dandies Band and the Music Makers. After the parade there’s more entertainment at the train station. Visit the Friendly Witches, walk the “plank” at the Pirates’ Den and enjoy the carnival. Everyone is welcome. Sat., 10/18: 12pm. Parade at 3:30pm. Rain date, Sat, 10/25. (Chappaqua Train Station; newcastlerecreation)

Local! Secrets of the Stones – Bedford: Join the Friends of Bedford Burying Grounds, the Bedford Historical Society, the Bedford Community Theatre and the Town of Bedford at Historical Hall on Old Post Rd. for this new Halloween event Storytellers bring to life the tales of those who now rest in Bedford’s Old Burying Grounds. There will be a Jack-O-Lantern Carving Contest, historical stories, cider and donuts. Space is limited. Purchase your tickets online. Fri, 10/23: 4:30-6:30pm. (Historical Hall, Old Post Rd., Bedford; www.bedfordhistoricalsociety.org)

Local! Spooktacular Halloween Event, North Castle Recreation: Entertainment, games, prizes and candy for grades K-5. Come in costume. Fri, 10/23: 7-9pm. (North Castle Community Center, 10 Clove Rd., N.W. Plains; www.northcastleny.com)

The Rocky Horror Picture Show: “Let’s Do the Time Warp Again.” Get the full Rocky Horror Show experience with this late night screening of the cult classic with Brad and Janet, Dr. Frank-n-Furter, Riff-Raff, Columbia & Magenta, Rocky, Dr. Scott and Meatloaf as Eddy. With a live floor show from the 8th St. Playhouse cast and an audience participation kit. “But it’s the pelvic thru-ust that really drives you insa-a-a-a-ane, Let’s do the Time Warp again!” Fri, 10/23: 11:30pm. (Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

After Dark Halloween Marathon – Jacob Burns: Stay up all night as JBFC presents its second annual Halloween Marathon, hosted by JBFC Programmer Andrew Jupin. This year’s marathon features six films including: Goodnight Mommy, a new DCP of Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead, the return of the We Hate Movies comedy podcast doing a live commentary over the 80s cheese-fest Friday the 13^th VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan, a Wes Craven tribute screening of Scream, and other surprises to be revealed later! Plus, food, drinks, a costume contest, and more activities in the Jane Peck Gallery throughout the night! Costume prizes will be awarded throughout the night for Most Movie-Like, Most Creative, and more! (Just make sure your costume isn’t bigger than your movie theater seat.) Fri, 10/23: 9:30pm. (Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)

Dia de los Muertos – New York Botanical Garden: The Frida Kahlo exhibit at NYBG concludes with a celebration of the Mexican tradition known for bringing together family and friends to remember loved ones, Día de los Muertos. The festivities include a giant pumpkin display, procession of larger-than-life skeletons, giant monarch butterfly puppets, and La Catrina characters hand-crafted by Lucrecia Novoa. There’s music and dance from Mariachi Flor de Toloache and the Villalobos Brothers, flower crown making, a Mexican film series featuring the Academy Award-winning film Frida directed by Julie Taymor and starring Selma Hayek and a Frida look-alike contest. Sat-Sun, 10/24-25 & 10/31-11/1: 10am-6pm. (New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx; www.nybg.org)

Giant Pumpkin Carving Weekend: Watch Master Carver Ray Villafane transform giant pumpkins into a Día de los Muertos tableau. Giant pumpkins, some more than a ton, will be on display. Sat-Sun, 10/24-25: 10am-6pm. (New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx; www.nybg.org)

Local! Katonah Halloween Parade: Save the date for the Katonah Village Improvement Society’s (KVIS) Halloween Parade. More info to come or check online. Sun, 10/25: www.katonahvis.com

The Horse & Hound Inn  – Ghosts? During the twenty years the Vales’ have owned the Inn, there have been several sightings of spirits. The husband and wife team of Silvano and Sue Vales will try to keep the spirits away with cooking demonstrations of their own other-worldly fare, starting with a classic vol-au-vent case (puff pastry) adorned with succulent seafood and a beautifully wrapped brie in phyllo dough served with a cranberry compote and an apple sage crostini. For the entrée presentation they will prepare lamb chops with a mint port sauce paired with a maple cayenne hot toddy. For dessert there are pumpkin tart-lets with fresh whipped cream. Don’t be afraid to sign up! They need you to help keep the spirits at bay. Wed, 10/28: 6-8pm. Register here. (94 Spring Street, South Salem
, 914-763-3108, www.thehorseandhoundinn.com)

Sorry, Wrong Number & The Hitchhiker – Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival: HVSF presents a special Halloween production of the classic radio plays The Hitchhiker and Sorry, Wrong Number. The Hitchhiker will take you on a cross-country with Ronald Adams who is relentlessly followed by a supernatural hitchhiker – that only he can see. In Sorry, Wrong Number, Leona Stevenson overhears a murder plot when her phone line gets crossed. Leona mans the phone in an attempt to thwart the plot but no one takes her seriously and time is running out – but for whom? Thurs- Sun, 10-/28-11/1 & Wed-Sun, 11/4-8: 7pm. (Boscobel Mansion, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison; www.hvsshakespeare.org)

Local! Spooky Tales at Caramoor: Storyteller LuAnn Adams kicks off Halloween weekend with this multi-cultural performance of spooky (but not-too-scary) folktales from around the world featuring ghosts, witches, goblins and pumpkins. This show features puppets and audience participation. Hot cider and other ghostly cookie treats are served in the Summer Dining Room after the show. Come in costume! Prizes given to all! Ages 3-8. Fri, 10/30: 3:30pm. (Caramoor, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah: www.caramoor.org)

Local! Pumpkin Carving, Bedford Recreation: Pick your pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and carve it into a spooky jack-o’lantern. A safety carving set will be supplied. Plus, pizza and ghoulish goodies for grades 4-8. Fri, 10/30: 6:30-8;:0pm. (Bedford Hills Community House, 7 Church St., Bedford Hills; www.bedfordny.gov)

Rock’n Roar Adult Costume Party – Lasdon Park: This one’s for the Barney and Fred and Betty and Wilma of the family. Lasdon’s annual adult Halloween costume party takes on a pre-historic theme serving up adult food and drinks (beer and wine) best costume prizes and music from Gerard Carelli. Carelli’s orchestra has performed at private events for Hugh Jackman, Michael Bloomberg and at Carnegie Hall. Orchestra members have members performed with the likes of Mel Torme, Liza Minelli, The Four Tops and Billy Joel. Expect everything from the Foxtrot and the Lindy, to Salsa, Rock and Country Western. Fri, 10/30: 7-11pm. (Lasdon Park, 2610 Amawalk Rd. Rt. 35, Katonah; www.lasdonpark.org)

Phil Lesh and Friends: Phil Lesh & Friends returns to The Capitol for their annual Halloween run. Joining Phil for the first three nights of his six night-stand are the amazing Stanley Jordan, (Princeton ’77) John Kadlecik, Jason Crosby, and Tony Leone. The following weekend, David Nelson, Barry Sless, Scott Law, Jason Crosby, and John Molo will join Lesh the following weekend. Fri-Sun, 10/30-11/1 & Thurs-Sat, 11/5-7: 8pm. (Capitol Theatre, 149 Westchester Ave., Port Chester; www.capitoltheatre.com)

Boo Walk at Muscoot Farm: Dress in your costume for this Halloween themed scavenger hunt. Sat, 10/31: 12-3pm. (Muscoot Farm, Rt. 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)

Dead & Company featuring John Mayer: Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzman and Bob Weir join forces with Grammy-winner John Mayer to form the band Dead & Company. They take the stage at the Garden on Halloween night to perform two sets of music drawing largely from the Dead’s catalog of songs. Sat, 10/31: 8pm. (Madison Square Garden, 4 Penn Plaza, NYC; www.thegarden.com)

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