Halloween Happenings on the East End

Ghosts, goblins, witches, monsters and jack-o-lanterns…. No matter where you look, Halloween season is here. As the East End embraces the Halloween spirit with countless activities and events from haunted houses to costume parties, we hope you will join in on some of the Spooktacular fun happening here on the island.

Haunted Houses, Paths & Mazes
What is Halloween season without spooky walks and haunted houses? Across the East End, you can test your tolerance for scary things as you stroll through haunted houses, paths and spooky mazes.

The Darkside Haunted House in Calverton returns in its 21^st year as one of the most well-known haunted houses on Long Island. Named as the Best Haunted House in New York in 2017 by Fright Find, Darkside is not for the faint of heart. Located in a deserted field with more than 14,000 square feet of scaring space, this haunted walk features both indoor and outdoor spaces, professional actors and high-quality special effects and scenery to provide the ultimate scare. Concessions are available on site. Please note, this haunted house is not recommended for children under the age of 12.

Named Long Island’s Scariest Haunted House 3 years running, Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse in Bellport has been ranked among the best haunted houses in New York as well. Actors and the design and production team from The Gateway Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County provide a dramatic theatrical scare experience unmatched on the island. Offered on site are food, drink and attractions including a fire breather and fortune teller. For the younger audience, Gateway will offer a Not So Scary Adventure for Kids on October weekends from 12 – 4 pm.

The Schiff Scout Reservation in Wading River will be hosting its Haunted Woods event for one weekend only, October 26 – 27. This event will feature a wide array of activities for the entire family to enjoy including hayrides, food trucks, a haunted house and an escape room. Proceeds will support the Boy Scouts of America.

For an added twist to the traditional haunted walk, visit one of the East End’s haunted corn mazes. Fink’s Country Farm in Wading River will offer its Spookie Flashlight Maze for one evening only on Saturday, October 26. Additionally, the annual Harbes Orchard’s Spooky Night Maze will be offered on the evenings of October 19 & 26. Be sure to bring a flashlight to help navigate your escape from the haunted maze.

If you are looking for something a little more family-friendly, less scary and more charming, be sure to visit The Quogue Wildlife Refuge to take part in their Enchanted Forest Trail hike. Kids and parents will follow a guide along the enchanted trail meeting fun and educational characters along the way. There will also be numerous games and activities available for the kids to enjoy prior to the trail walk. Recommended for children ages 2 – 7 who must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required.

Festivals

Riverhead will be hosting its annual Halloween Fest on the weekend of October 25 – 27. The festival will feature coffin races, trick-or-treating and entertainment along Main Street and the Grand Halloween Costume Parade on Saturday evening. Performances of Dracula the Play will be presented by Vail-Leavitt Music Hall and the Long Island Aquarium will be hosting a costume party for children on Saturday afternoon as well as a masquerade ball for adults on Saturday evening. No matter what your favorite part of Halloween is, you are sure to find it during Halloween Fest in Riverhead.

Film

As part of Halloween Fest 2019 in Riverhead, the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show will be shown at Suffolk Theater on Friday, October 25. Prop bags will be available for purchase and there will be a cash prize for the best costume. Film will be followed by a dance party. Enjoy dinner and drinks prior to the film.

Costume Parties

If your favorite part of Halloween is dressing up in costume, you can enjoy a night out at one of the many costume parties happening across the East End. Many bars and restaurants will be hosting annual Halloween costume parties including Long Ireland Brewery in Riverhead, Greenport Harbor Brewery, Southampton Publick House and The Clubhouse in East Hampton.

Dan’s Papers will also be throwing a Haunted Hamptons Bash costume party at Southampton Arts Center on Saturday, November 2. Enjoy food and drinks from Union Cantina and Southampton Social Club with music and dancing all night. Prizes for costumes will also be awarded.

Happy Halloween!!