It is that most special time of year when spooky jaunts are a must on the weekend to-do list and this year there’s plenty to do while still keeping safe and socially distant outside on Long Island. These spooky and some straight-up scary events will guarantee a ghoulish time this Halloween season. Happy Haunting and be sure to tag #discoverlongisland in your spooky adventures so we can follow along!
Spooky Fest
Head to the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning in Rockville Centre for 16-acres of socially distant Halloween fun for all ages. Non-scary attractions include a not-so-spooky walk for young children plus arts and crafts. Take the haunted woods option for the ultimate fright night experience, you won’t regret it! Spooky Fest is open for three weekends in October (October 16,17,18,23,24,25,30,31, November 1) from 6:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. tickets can be purchased in advance.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Long Island’s first Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze held at Old Bethpage Village Restoration has officially kicked off this October. The long running tradition in the Hudson Valley makes its Long Island debut with dedicated sculptures symbolizing Long Island such as the Montauk Lighthouse and Grumman’s Apollo Lunar Module. The walk-through experience includes thousands of hand-carved pumpkins light-up in elaborate displays. Tickets are available through November 1 and can be purchased in advance.
Ghost Hunting 101
With historic mansions lining our coast, it’s no surprise that a few have some ghostly ties. Join the crew of the Long Island Paranormal Investigators and spend the night exploring he 1843 Rogers Mansion. Participate in experiments to test various paranormal theories, learn about the paranormal, hear great spooky stories and maybe even leave with one of your own. Available Saturdays in October from 8pm – 11pm, get tickets in advance.
Scarecrow Competition
The 30th Annual Scarecrow Competition in Stony Brook Village is a beloved October tradition. Spend the day enjoying Stony Brook Village’s premiere shops and restaurants, then cast your vote on your favorite scarecrow created by local families and friends. Voting is open Thursday, October 1- Monday, October 26 by ballots available in the Stony Brook Village Center. The winner will be announced virtually on Friday, October 30 at 2:00 p.m.
Bayville Scream Park
The Bayville Scream Park offers multiple horror attractions including a new drive-in Horror Movie Experience, as well as the Bloodworth Haunted Mansion and Uncle Needles’ Funhouse of Fear. Don’t miss this Long Island Halloween staple for a truly terrifying experience. Tickets are available in advance and the attractions are open through November 8th.
New “Hocus Pocus” Themed Pop-up Bar
Lastly, a Halloween experience wouldn’t be complete without a little “Hocus Pocus” movie magic and this year Long Island is taking it to the next level with a new “Hocus Pocus” themed pop-up bar in Farmingdale. This October (on select dates) Main Street Social will transform into Sanderson Sister styled bar decked out in the 1993 Halloween flick “Hocus Pocus,” complete with misty cocktails, seasonal small plates and fun props from the movie. Tickets are available online.
Check out our Spooky Fall Guide and additional trip itinerary planning tools available to help plan your next outing.
