-
Things to Do
-
Plan
-
About
If you are looking for a frightfully fun time this Halloween, or if you love a spooky ghost story, Dutchess County has you covered!
There are dozens of Halloween-themed events and attractions throughout the county this season, from haunted mansions to costume parties. Here are some can’t-miss experiences that are guaranteed to send chills down your spine.
Feel free to share your ghoulish photos here and tag @DutchessTourism on social media.
Featured in this article: Spooky Attractions | For the Kids | Parties and Nightlife | Haunted Experiences | Historic Events and Cemetery Tours
• Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion (Select dates, Sept. 28–Nov. 2 at Bowdoin Park, Wappingers Falls): This Halloween experience is not for the faint of heart! As seen on the AMC show “Fear Fest,” Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion celebrates “48 years of fears!” This year’s experience features The Wicked Woods: Phantoms of the Forest attraction, which includes Deadwood Gulch, Hollow Grounds, Classic Transylvania and more. Food, drinks and mini doughnuts are available at The Grumpy Pumpkin. The Kids Day event on Oct. 14 (12:30–3:30 p.m.) includes arts and crafts, magic shows and trick-or-treating through the trail with some friendly monsters.
• Haunted Fortress of Stanford (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 4–27): Created by Peter Wing (of Wing's Castle fame), the Haunted Fortress has been scaring visitors since 1997, and this season promises to frightfully good! Those brave enough to walk all the way through the creepy swamp will encounter the Train Yard, the Carriage House, the Crooked House, the Caves, the Bottomless Pit, the Village, the Church with its Graveyard, and the Lab. Weather permitting, the attraction will be open on four consecutive weekends beginning Oct. 4 and includes sensory-friendly shows on Oct. 6 and 20 from 2–4 p.m.
• "Nosferatu" With Radiohead: A Silents Synced Film (Oct. 4, 6 and 31 at The Moviehouse, Millerton): Enjoy special screenings of the 1922 silent German vampire film "Nosferatu" paired with the music of the English alternative rock band Radiohead. This collaboration is perfect for the spooky season!
• "Spooky Season" Horror Author Series (Oct. 6, 10 and 12 at Stanza Books, Beacon): Stanza Books kicks its horror programming up a few notches with its "Spooky Season" series, a celebration of horror which includes book launches, signings, discussions and lots of creepy fun.
• "Bat Boy: The Musical" (Select dates, Oct. 11–27 at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck): The Rhinebeck Theatre Society presents this comedy/horror musical based on a story in The Weekly World News about a half boy/half bat creature who is discovered in cave. Performances are set for Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
• Silent Film "Phantom of the Opera" (Friday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m. at The Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Poughkeepsie): Enjoy this 1925 silent adaptation of "Phantom of the Opera," which showcased the many talents of actor and makeup artist Lon Chaney Sr. (known as “The Man of a Thousand Faces”). World renowned organist Juan Cardona Jr. will play his original score for this silent masterpiece on the Bardavon Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.
Related: Top 10 Hidden Gem Hikes
.jpg)
• Harvest Hunt (Saturdays and Sundays, now through Oct. 20, and Monday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at Locust Grove Estate, Poughkeepsie): Enjoy an entertaining and educational story walk and scavenger hunt for decorated pumpkins that celebrate the people who lived and worked at this historic estate, which was once the home of telegraph inventor Samuel Morse. Costumes encouraged!
• A Very Fluffy Halloween (Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 12–27, and Thursday, Oct. 31 at Lilymoore Alpaca Farm, Pleasant Valley): Here’s a Halloween event the kids are sure to love — the adults, too! The alpacas, goats and llamas are throwing an all-ages Halloween party and are dressing in their costumes for the occasion. Wear your costumes if you like and head to the farm for a tour. Be sure to stick around for a fun craft.
• Halloween Reptile Program (Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. at the River Valley Arts Center, Wappingers Falls): Get an up-close look at real, live reptiles and reptile skeletons at this program presented by Wild and Bright. Perfect for for curious folks of all ages, animal lovers, and even the brave souls looking to face their fears of reptiles!
• "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" (Friday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. at The Stissing Center for Arts & Culture, Pine Plains): Enjoy a night of pumpkin carving, snacks and a screening of the animated Halloween classic.
• Wicked Wappingers Halloween Festival and Parade (Saturday, Oct. 19, 12 p.m. in the Village of Wappingers Falls): March in the parade, which will begin on East Main Street near Market Street, then head to Mesier Park for a trunk-or-treat, a costume contest, food, music, vendors and games.
• Monster Mania Spooktacular (Friday, Oct. 25, 6–8 p.m. at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, Poughkeepsie): Come explore your favorite museum with a playful Halloween twist. Activities include monster-themed exhibits, a laugh studio, a scare lab, little monster games and crafts, a monster costume contest, monster face painting, and more!
• Haunted Mill (Friday through Sunday, Oct. 25–27, 4–7 p.m. at Maxon Mills, Wassaic): Home to the Wassaic Project non-profit art and art education organization, Maxon Mills is quite a unique exhibition space, an historic, seven-story wooden grain elevator along the train tracks that has been repurposed into a magnificent gallery for contemporary artists to display their creations. This year’s Haunted Mill features plenty of spooky installations and kid-friendly fun.
.jpg)
• The (Not-So-Haunted) Stony Kill Spooktacular (Saturday, Oct. 26, 4–7 p.m. at Stony Kill Farm, Wappingers Falls): Enjoy some family-friendly Halloween fun on the farm! Enter the not-so-haunted barn for a costumed Spooky Barn Tour, hop on the Hay Wagon for a ride through the fields, visit the not-so-haunted I Spy Garden, and enjoy snacks and food truck fare by the fire and more. If you dare, take a walk in the Haunted Gardens at night.
• Tract-or-Treat Weekend (Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26 and 27, 11 a.m. at Barton Orchards, Poughquag): There are plenty of trick-or-treat and trunk-or-treat events out there, but Barton Orchards puts its own, farm-themed spin on a Halloween tradition with this "Tract-or-Treat" candy event. This two-day, family-friendly festival features a magic show, live music, pig races and so much more. Enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, a haunted house, a corn maze, the wooden ship playground and the new Mega Slide in the fun park. Bring the pups and let them play in the dog park. Pick your own apples and pumpkins, grab some apple cider donuts and a bite to eat from the concession stand. Dress your best for the costume contests for kids, adults and dogs, too!
• Trick or Treat with the Horses (Sunday, Oct. 27, 10:30 a.m. at Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, Dover Plains): Come dressed in your best costume and enjoy some spooky treats at this trick-or-treating event the family will love.
• Scary Stories in the Barn (Sunday, Oct. 27, 4 p.m. at Mount Gulian Historic Site, Beacon): The folks at Mount Gulian will open the creaky doors of their nearly 300-year-old Dutch barn so children and their families can hear the delightfully spooky and creepy tales — mostly adult ones, but some kid-friendly stories, too — told by master storyteller Lorraine Hartin Gelardi. Appropriate for ages 5 and older. "Halloweenish" refreshments will be available for purchase before the show.
• Mall-O-Ween Spooktacular (Thursday, Oct. 31, 4–6:30 p.m. at the Poughkeepsie Galleria, Poughkeepsie): Enjoy a spooky night at the mall complete with trick-or-treating, a magic show, costumes and more!
Related: Dutchess Tourism Connection Finder Family Fun Trail
.jpg)
• Movie Night at Bannerman Castle: "Hocus Pocus" (Friday, Oct. 4, 6 p.m. at Bannerman Castle, Pollepel Island): Take a scenic sunset cruise to Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River and enjoy a screening of this classic Halloween film starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. Tickets include the round trip from the Beacon Dock to the island aboard the Estuary Steward tour boat. The dock is adjacent to the Beacon Metro-North train station.
• Haunted High School Reunion (Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m. at the Beekman Arms, Rhinebeck): Figure out whodunit at this Halloween-themed murder mystery dinner at the historic Beekman Arms. Was it the cheerleader, the prom queen, the actor, the nerd, the class president, or their teacher? Enjoy a three-course dinner and cash bar along with the show, which is presented by Murder Cafe. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes (costumes are encouraged but not required).
• "Time Warp: The Rocky Horror Live Experience" (Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18 and 19, 8 p.m. at Barton Orchards, Poughquag): Get ready to sing along, dress up, and do the Time Warp again at these live performances starring Loosey LaDuca of RuPaul's "Drag Race." Performances will be staged in Barton's beautiful new event venue, "The Monster." Costumes are highly encouraged, and audience participation is a must at this one-of-a-kind "Rocky Horror" experience!
• Jessica Lynn’s Album Release Halloween Party (Saturday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m. at Daryl’s House, Pawling): Who better to host an unforgettable party than Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer Daryl Hall? Every Halloween, contemporary country music star Jessica Lynn and her band host this themed party. At this year's eighth-annual bash, you'll hear Jessica's new album performed live along with many of your favorite dance hits. Enjoy games, dancing, and the legendary Daryl's House costume contest with awesome prizes!
• Halloween Party with Silly Little Things (Thursday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. at Curry Estate, Hopewell Junction): Head to the SS Beverly Bar at Curry Estate and enjoy live music from the father-daughter duo, Silly Little Things. Located downstairs in the Main House at Curry Estate, the SS Beverly Bar is filled with original nautical artifacts. Costumes encouraged!
• Fright at the Farm (Friday, Oct. 25, 6 p.m. at Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, Dover Plains): Take a haunted hayride into the woods for this Halloween party in Lucky Orphans' arena. Enjoy costume contests, a fortune teller, prizes and games all night!
• "The Monster Bash!" Drag Show (Friday, Oct. 25, 9 p.m. at The Roosevelt Bar, Hudson Valley Food Hall, Beacon): Join Andramada, "The Queen of the Hudson Valley," for a fun-filled night of drag performances and Spooky Drag Roulette.
• Gilded Age Hallowe'en Tea & Talk (Saturday, Oct. 26, 1 p.m. at Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburg): Head to the formal dining room at the Mills family's extravagant Gilded Age mansion and enjoy tea and refreshments while historian Carol Kohan presents "Jack O’Lanterns and Jollity: Hallowe’en Celebrations in the Gilded Age." Be sure to dress your best for the occasion!
.jpg)
• Monster’s Ball (Saturday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. at The Lantern, Wassaic): After two days of creepy, crawly fun at the Wassaic Project’s Haunted Mill, the grown-ups head across the street to The Lantern for the Monster’s Ball, featuring live music and a costume contest. All tickets to the ball must be purchased in advance — no tickets will be sold at the door. And, most importantly, all attendees must wear a costume. Must be 21 or older.
• Night of the Living Dead Halloween Dance Party (Saturday, Oct. 26, 8 p.m. at the University Settlement Camp, Beacon): Join the living dead in the woods for a terrifying dance party featuring DJs Vick The Bruiser and Meatball Jack. Ticket price includes wine, beer, seltzer, and snacks. Additional treats will be on sale from Beacon's own Number Seven Sandwich Hub food truck. Proceeds support the Compass Arts Creativity Project.
• A Hippie Halloween (Saturday, Oct. 26, 8:30 p.m. at the Towne Crier Cafe, Beacon): Come as you are or come dressed as your favorite 1960s personality and enjoy a live performance by the Woodstock tribute band Back to the Garden 1969.
• Psychic Night (Tuesday, Oct. 29, 5 p.m. at Blackbird Bistro, Wassaic): Enjoy a 20-minute, one-on-one psychic reading with one of the psychics from Akasha's Journey. Be sure to make dinner plans for before or after your reading and indulge in one of the signature dishes cooked up by Chef Jorge at Blackbird Bistro.
Related: Top 10 Places to View Fall Foliage
• Wing’s Castle (Millbrook): Spend the night and take a tour of this unique — and purportedly haunted — medieval-style castle tucked away in the Dutchess countryside. Husband-and-wife artists Peter and Toni Ann Wing began building the castle in 1970 as a “live-in art project” on land that had been in the Wing family since the 1800s. They have used mostly recycled and repurposed materials in its construction and decoration. Visitors can choose between the Annex Suite, the Dungeon Room, the Chamber Room or the Cottage and enjoy plenty of modern amenities during a quiet getaway – along with, perhaps, a ghostly encounter! The castle overlooks the fields at the Millbrook Vineyards and Winery, which offers daily tastings of its award-winning wines and hosts special events like weekend food trucks from May through October and jazz concerts in the summer.
• Miss Fanny’s Victorian Party House (Wappingers Falls): Named after the last member of the Van Wyck family who lived there, Miss Fanny’s is a 19th-century farmhouse that has been decorated with an enormous assemblage of antiques — and a twist of the macabre. The home has been featured on several paranormal TV shows, including “Haunted Collector” on the Syfy Network and “My Ghost Story” on the Biography Channel. The current owners reportedly share the space with spirits who have made their presence known with doors opening and closing, voices, footsteps — and even apparitions. Events are held year-round, including ghost hunts, medium readings and psychic Halloween parties.
Related: Dutchess Tourism Story Finder History and Heritage Trail
• St. James Episcopal Church Graveyard Tours (By reservation only at St. James Episcopal Church, Hyde Park): Tour this 200-year-old churchyard during their seasonal graveyard tours by lantern light and "meet” some of the iconic people who are buried there! Characters dressed in costumes appropriate to their times tell their stories through interactive dialogue. Each year features new stories with connections to local history. This year’s “cast” includes Glady Mills Phipps (1883-1970), a thoroughbred racehorse owner and breeder who was known as the “first lady of the turf;" Archibald Rogers (1852-1928), an engineer who built several railroads; and an unnamed teacher (1820?–1900?) who proudly taught at the Bard Infant School established by St. James to educate the young children of Hyde Park. It was built on East Market Street in 1834 and was named after Susan Bard, who bequeathed money to support it. These graveyard tours are appropriate for ages 5 and older.
• Haunted Beacon Ghost Walk (select dates, Sept. through Nov.): Explore Beacon's haunted history reaching back more than 400 years. Hear stories of local legend and paranormal activity. Help unravel the connections of hauntings with local murder mysteries and meet the Matteawan Ghost!
• Red Hook Cemetery Crawl (Self-guided tours, now through Oct. 21 at multiple locations in Red Hook): This year-round, self-guided tour of six Red Hook cemeteries details the lives of interesting people and their memorials. It’s an interesting and innovative way to study local history. The Crawl also includes a seasonal scavenger hunt, which will conclude with an award ceremony on Oct. 27 at the historic Elmendorph Inn at 3 p.m.
• Stones & Bones Living History Tour (Saturday, Sept. 28, 2:30 p.m. at Wappingers Rural Cemetery, Wappingers Falls): Presented by Dani Masterson in collaboration with the Wappingers Historical Society, this event will introduce you to some of the notable cemetery “residents” who tell their stories through interactive dialog.
• Legends by Candlelight (Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26, tours every half hour from 6–8 p.m. at Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown): Come face-to-face with “ghosts” of Clermont’s past and hear their tales of glory, loss, failure and success. Some will be funny, others scary, but all the stories are true! What starts as a campy candlelit tour of the museum quickly turns into a quest to quell the spirits of the mansion. Visitors will be led to the house through a landscape covered in flickering jack-o-lanterns, then into the mansion for a haunting experience. Space is limited and advanced tickets are required.
• Paranormal Investigation (Saturday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m. at The Van Wyck Homestead, Fishkill): Step into the eerie atmosphere of this nearly 250 year old home, which served as the headquarters of the Fishkill Supply Depot during the Revolutionary War, and navigate the haunted grounds where hundreds of soldiers lost their lives to wounds, disease, and starvation. Are the spirits of these brave soldiers lingering within these walls? Join the crew from Full Moon Paranormal as they use their equipment and expertise to contact Van Wyck Homestead's otherworldly residents.
• Evergreen Cemetery Lantern Tours (Friday, Oct. 25, 6 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, Pine Plains): The Little Nine Partners Historical Society hosts this tour in which tour guides will lead you by lantern light through the circa 1820 cemetery, where you will meet former residents of Pine Plains in period costume and hear their captivating stories.
• Dutchess County Historic Tavern Trail: Spooky Stories from Old Dutchess (Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6 p.m. at Foster’s Coach House Tavern, Rhinebeck): Join Dutchess County Historian William P. Tatum III in the Foster’s Coach House Tavern basement and explore a curated selection of stories drawn from old history publications, including the infamous 1880s Smith History of Dutchess, where the line between fact, fiction, and the supernatural was often blurry. Be sure to book your dinner reservations for before or after the program.
Covid-19 Information 
Our top priority is the safety, health, and wellbeing of our community, its residents and visitors.
Information for visitors & residents Information & Resources
