Printer Friendly Version - More Halloween Happenings

Snow White will be sharing some of her favorite spooky stories at the East Haven library. Photo courtesy of the Hagaman Memorial Library

In addition to the Vampires of Jewett City presentation at Meig’s Point Nature Center and a discussion about whether the spirits of the departed can speak to us, there are lots more talks, tours, and spooky events coming up this month on the Connecticut shoreline and in the Connecticut River valley. Here are some of our picks. If you’d like yours to be included with this list at Zip06.com, let us know at p.mcnerney@shorepublishing.com.

Through Nov. 2 at various dates and times, 1070 Chapel Street, New Haven. “New Haven is one of the most haunted cities in America. On this tour you will travel inside the Grove Street Cemetery and see the graves of many including the founders of Yale University. You will hear the stories of the few brazen fools that claim to still drink out of the Geronimo’s skull, and try not to sink in New Haven Harbor once you hear about the ghost ship that haunts there. We will scare you with stories of ghosts, scandalous tales, and strange things. Come along for the ride.” Meeting Location: 1070 Chapel Street, New Haven, in front of Starbucks. The tour is about a mile and takes about an hour and a half. For more information, call 203-493-4266 or visit ghostsofnewhaven.com.

Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19 starting at 6:30 p.m. Starting at the 1801 Academy Building, 61 East Main Street, Clinton and through the historic arts district to the ancient Colonial Clinton burying grounds, dating back to the 1600s. “By lantern light and the light of the moon, follow Victor Frankenstein’s journey from his research lab to his educational institution to the grave sites of his experiments and finally the ship where he is forced to confront his monstrous creation in this hour long interactive play.” Three tours offered every half hour, 6:30, 7, and 7:30 p.m. Dress for the weather, and wear comfortable walking shoes. For tickets ($15) and more information, visit kidzkonnectionct.org or contact 860-227-2363 or kidzkonnectionct@gmail.com.

Saturdays, Oct. 19 and 26 at 10 a.m. Grove Street Cemetery, 227 Grove Street, New Haven. One hour walking tours highlighting graves of famous and interesting people, sponsored by the Friends of Grove Street Cemetery. Free admission. Also, private group tours can be arranged by calling 203-787-1443. Self-guided tours are available as well, including Amistad Notables, Civil War Notables, and History of Grove Street Cemetery. For more information, visit www.grovestreetcemetery.org/explore/visiting/tours.

Fridays and Saturdays through Saturday, Oct. 27. 17 River Street, East Haven. Trolleys depart continuously for the Isle from 7 to 10 p.m. “Legend has it that somewhere in the woods at the end of the trolley tracks lurk the things that nightmares are made of. This fall a lonely trolley will carry passengers down the tracks to the gate. The choice is yours...enter if you dare!...The Haunted Isle is rated S for ‘spooky.’ We do not recommend this attraction for any children under 10 years of age, anyone that is pregnant, has a heart condition, asthma, or if you are prone to seizures. Please use your best judgment when deciding if this event is for you. We want you to enjoy it.” Wear good walking shoes. For more information, visit shorelinetrolley.org.

Saturday, Oct. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. Ivoryton Village Green, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton. The festival, which draws more than 1,500 visitors annually, includes a day of activities, all free. Registration for the Pumpkin Chase, a 5k walk or run through the village starts at 7:30 a.m., with registration for the Fun Run at 8:45 a.m. and Chase at 9:15 a.m. There will be a Pumpkin Carving Party at the Bushy Hill Nature Center from 10 a.m. to noon. Cookie decorating and face painting will take place from 5 to 7 p.m., with a horse drawn hayrides, haunted happenings, live music, free refreshements, and a viewing of the movie Casper the Friendly Ghost planned as well. For more information, visit facebook.com/IvorytonVillagePumpkinFestival or call 860-767-4340.

Saturday, Oct. 19 at 1 and 4 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. at The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook. “Frolicking Fossils will be performed to music from Saint-Saëns’ popular Carnival of the Animals. Bugs and Butterflies, a dance with a creepy-crawly theme, is set to a melody from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream. Returning to the stage will be the haunting Halloween Waltz and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, the tale of a novice wizard with a malfunctioning wand. Guest Choreographer Krystin Dixon’s Dancing Bones will feature life-size, glow-in-the-dark skeletons...Children are invited to wear costumes to the event (and their parents, too, if they dare). Trick-or-treating through the decorated theater, a parade across the stage and photo opportunities with cast members will follow the program.” For more information, visit easternctballet.org.

Tuesday, Oct. 22 and Wednesday, Oct. 23. Clinton Historical Society, 103 East Main Street, Clinton. Three tours each night beginning at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. “Thrills and frights awake all who dare to join this year’s annual Halloween Ghost Walks sponsored by the Clinton Historical Society...As in the past, the lantern-lighted tours will include a stroll past historic homes harboring ghostly secrets, but more chills await visitors this year than ever before. The hour-long walk through the darkened town streets will be strewn with spectral surprises as historical ghosts come to life and tell their tales...The tour also includes a crackling bonfire, refreshments, a visit to the 1791 Stanton House, and a tour of the 1750 Old Brick.” Reservations are required; for tickets ($13) email name, phone, the tour date and time, and number of tickets to CHSOldBrick@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.clintoncthistory.org. Dress for the weather, wear good shoes, and bring a flashlight.

Thursday, Oct. 24 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Westbrook Senior Center, 866 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. The Westbrook Public Library and the Westbrook Senior Center are sponsoring an intergenerational paint night at the Westbrook Senior Center at the Mulvey Municipal Center. For ages 9 and up, grandparents and grandchildren are invited to attend. Paint a picture for the holiday and take home a meal. Space is limited, registration is requested. For more information, call the Westbrook Senior Center at 860-399-2029.

Friday, Oct. 25 from 7 to 10 p.m. hosted by the Shoreline Arts Alliance at the Stone Agency, 350 Goose Lane, Guilford. Grown up Halloween fun including hors d’oeuvres, treats, a signature cocktail, costume contest, and more to support the Shoreline Arts Alliance. For more information, contact 203-453-3890 or office@shorelinearts.org.

Friday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. at the Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Halloween, (2018, 106 minutes, Rated R)—“A survivor suffering from PTSD braces herself for a final confrontation with a serial killer who terrorized her suburban neighborhood four decades earlier after he escapes from confinement while being transferred to a maximum-security prison. Film by David Gordon Green starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, Will Patton, and Virginia Gardner.” Free. For more information, contact 860-669-2342 or sarah@hchlibrary.org.

Friday, Oct. 25 through Sunday, Oct. 27 at the Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main Street, Essex. Includes a five-scene play and haunted walking tour. All new stories this year based on Connecticut River valley myths and legends. Rain or shine. Dress for the weather. Not recommended for children under 7 years of age. For more information, visit www.ctrivermuseum.org or call 860-767-8269, ext. 122. Street parking only.

Friday, Oct. 25 at 6 to 9 p.m., Chester Elementary School PTO, 23 Ridge Road, Chester, with a rain date of Saturday, Oct 26. Costume parade, carnival games, haunted cemetery trail, trick-or-treating, music, and dancing. Admission is free, with game and cemetery tickets for sale for cash. Food truck offerings as well. More information is available on the Chester Elementary School PTO Facebook page. To volunteer or sponsor, email cespto@reg4.k12.ct.us.

Saturday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. at the Fountain Hill Cemetery, 57 High Street, Deep River. Meet at the Wooster Chapel at the cemetery entrance. Free. Led by Rev. Tim Haut. Rain date: Saturday, Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. The annual walking tour takes place on the last Saturday in October every year and features a stroll along the hillsides and paths, past old markers “linking us to the saints and scoundrels of Deep River history.” The 40-acre cemetery dates back to 1851 and is the final resting place of many of the people who settled Deep River. For more information, call Rich Forristall at 860-526-5086.

Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Henry Whitfield State Museum, 248 Old Whitfield Street, Guilford. For ages 6 and up. Flashlight tours (bring a flashlight), candy, crafts. Admission $6, with discount for seniors, and children 12 and under free. For more information, contact 203-453-2457 or whitfieldmuseum@ct.gov or visit www.cultureandtourism.org.

Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook. “Join The Cartell’s Band, for a wild night of dancing with a slightly spooky twist. Be sure to dress your best—or worst—as prizes await for the best dressed couple and individual. Come out and get your bones a’ movin’ with some pure, sweaty, sinful swingin’ fun!” For more information, call 860-510-0453 or visit www.thekate.org.

Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Natureworks Horticultural Services, 518 Forest Road, Northford. “We’ll provide a sugar pumpkin, you’ll carve it out, line it, and add a bit of floral foam. Then Leslie will teach you how to incorporate garden flowers, seed pods, and woody material, as well as foliage to create a stunning fall floral design.” For more information, call 203-484-2748 or visit www.naturework.com.

Saturday, Oct. 26 at 4:30 p.m. at Burgundy Books, 1391 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook. Presented by Charles Williams. Admission, $5. For more information, call 860-391-9525 or visit www.burgundybooks.com.

Saturday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. at the Hagaman Memorial Library, 227 Main Street, East Haven. Children are welcome to wear costumes. Refreshments served. No reservation required. For more information, call 203-468-3890.

Saturday, Oct. 26 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at H-K Middle School, 451 Route 81. Parking starts at 6 p.m. No cars admitted after 6:30 p.m. Goodies available first come, first served. For more information, visit www.kwoct.org.

Saturday, Oct. 26 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Plattwood Park, 230 Kelsey Hill Drive, Chester. “All vehicles must be pre-registered. Vehicles need to be on site by 2 p.m. and decorated by 2:45 p.m. Judging of the trunks will take place at this time. Prizes awarded in three categories. A children’s costume parade will take place at 4:00 p.m. with three prizes awarded. Please no overly scary costumes or trunks. No offensive themes allowed.” Fun, games, DJ, fireworks at 7 p.m. following the event. For more information, call 860-526-6036 or visit www.deepriverct.us.

Saturday, Oct. 26 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Florence Griswold Museum, 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme. Treats, hands on crafts, Cavalcade of Costumes parade at noon, all are welcome to dress up in costumes and participate. Free with museum admission. Admission: $15; $14 for seniors, $13 for students, $5 for members, under 12 free. For more information, visit florencegriswoldmuseum.org.

Sunday, Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. at Cypress Cemetery, College Street, Old Saybrook, sponsored by the Old Saybrook Historical Society. “This historic burial ground is one of the oldest in the state and contains significantly carved gravestones above some of Saybrook’s most distinguished residents...Here are also the graves of Gen. William Hart and several other Hart family members, Nathaniel Lynde, Rev. Thomas Buckingham, Anna Louise James, Lady Alice Appsley Boteler Fenwick, and many others.” The guided tour will be led by Torrance Downes, a board member of the cemetery association and the historical society. Admission is $5; children accompanied by an adult enter free. The tour will be held in light rain; heavy rain cancels.

Sunday, Oct. 27 3:30 to 6 p.m. North Branford Parks and Recreation, 1331 Middletown Avenue, Northford. Rain or shine. Free. For more information, call 203-484-6017 or visit www.nbrecreation.com.

Sunday, Oct. 27 at 2 to 4 p.m. at the Nathanael B. Green Community Center, 32 Church Street, Guilford. For more information, call 203-453-8068.

Thursday, Oct. 31 4 to 6 p.m. Madison Town Green. Cars must be registered in advance with the Madison Chamber of Commerce and must be in place on the green by 3:45 p.m. Trick or treaters may arrive after 4 p.m. and must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact 203-245-7394 or chamber@madisonct.com.

Thursday, Oct. 31 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Skate Westbrook, Suite A150, Westbrook Outlets, 314 Flat Rock Place, Westbrook. Tickets, $5, include skates, beverages, and pizza. Prizes for best costume in three age brackets.

Friday, Nov. 1, doors open at 6:15 p.m., games start at 7 p.m. at the Stanley T. Williams Community Center, 1332 Middletown Avenue, Northford. Costumes encouraged; canned goods and monetary donations to the North Branford Food Pantry welcome. Refreshments, desserts. Cost: $10. Proceeds benefit local charities. Sponsored by the Northford-North Branford Women’s Club GFWC. For more information or tickets, call 203-793-7180.

Friday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. at the John Lyman Center, Southern Connecticut State University, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven. “...a spine-tingling evening of encounters with supernatural. Experience the original ghostly images, recordings and haunting stories that inspired the new summer horror film Annabelle Comes Home and the blockbuster The Conjuring as Tony Spera,” the son-in-law of Ed and Lorraine, opens the actual case files of the famous husband and wife ghost hunters. Admission, $15. For more information, call 203-392-6154 or visit lymancenter.org.

River spirits await your arrival at the Haunted River in Essex.Photo courtesy of Connecticut River Museum

The Ghost Walk in Clinton will include a stroll through darkened streets past historic homes harboring ghostly secrets. Photo courtesy of Clinton Historical Society

Mr. Langorum wants to tell you a story by the Haunted River at the Connecticut River Museum. Photo courtesy of the Connecticut River Museum

Costumes and cocktails will be featured at a fundraising party for the Shoreline Arts Alliance. Photo by Judith L. Barbosa

The Ghost Walk in Clinton will wind through the Indian River Cemetery with ancient burying grounds dating back to the 1600s. Photo courtesy of Clinton Historical Society

Ciro Falanga as Victor Frankenstein and Sam Reed as “the Creation” will act, as one of three separate rotating groups of actors, in the Kidz Konnection performance of the Frankenstein Graveyard Lantern Tour. Photo courtesy of Kidz Konnection

There will be a Pumpkin Chase, a 5k walk or run, a pumpkin carving party, cookie decorating, and more at the Ivoryton Village Pumpkin Festival, which draws more than 1,500 people every year. Photo courtesy of the Ivoryton Alliance