As the crisp fall air settles in and the leaves turn their vibrant hues, Ulster County comes alive with spooky and family-friendly Halloween events. From haunted houses to community parades, find a ton of activities to satisfy all your Halloween cravings. For a roundup of the most exciting and eerie happenings in the area read on!
1. Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Attractions
Get the thrill of a lifetime at Headless Horseman Haunted Attractions in Ulster Park. Opening Friday, September 13 this sprawling complex features ten haunted attractions, including an escape room, gift shops, a donut bakery, and food cafés. Rated the #1 Haunted Attraction in America and one of the "Top 13 Escape Rooms in America," this destination promises thrills and chills for all who dare to enter. For more than 30 years, horror lives here! Reservations are required.
2. Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Attractions: Children's Day
This family-friendly event offers a fun, non-scary Halloween experience for kids. The renowned Headless Horseman complex in Ulster Park transforms into a whimsical wonderland perfect for young adventurers.
Littles will enjoy a range of activities tailored to them, including pumpkin carving, interactive games, and craft stations where kids can create their own spooky decorations. There are also special non-haunted attractions, such as a mini hayride and a bounce house.
3. “Dracula” at the Widow Jane Mine
Kick off your Halloween festivities with a classic tale of terror. The Widow Jane Mine in Rosendale hosts "Dracula," for three performances from September 26 through 28. This atmospheric production promises to bring Bram Stoker’s iconic vampire story to life in the cavernous and eerie setting of the mine. Be sure to dress warmly as the mine is at a constant 55 degrees.
4. Haunted Huguenot Street 2024 – Haunted: The Curious Case of Edward Carey
Head to Haunted Huguenot Street for their annual immersive, interactive, haunted experience. This year visitors will be taken back to 1813 as Blandina Elmendorf tries to understand the secrets of her family and what a father is willing to do for his child. Tours depart from the DuBois Fort Visitor Center on October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, and 27 every hour on the hour beginning at 5 PM, with the last tour departing at 8 PM.
5. Old Dutch Church Haunted History Cemetery Tours
On Saturdays in October, enjoy a tour of this cemetery dating back to 1658. Telling the stories of the former residents of Kingston, their quirky lives, and often haunting tales, these hour-long haunted history tours of the cemetery are entertaining and educational. Participants move through the cemetery, following lit candles, as they step back in time and come face-to-face with ghosts from long ago.
6. Ulster Corps’ 12th Annual Zombie Escape
For those who like their Halloween with a side of exercise, the Ulster Corps’ 12th Annual Zombie Escape on October 26 offers a 5k timed trail run, a 2k walk, and a free 1k Fun Run for kids. Expect to encounter socially distanced zombies and other spooky surprises along the way.
7. Saturday Creature Features at the Rosendale Theater: House of Dark Shadows (1970)
Based on a gothic soap opera originally airing on ABC from 1966 to 1971, Dark Shadows became a cult classic for its unique blend of supernatural elements, dark romance, and melodramatic storytelling. The Vampire Barnabas Collins and his broody, atmosphere lair await at this classic movie house with two shows on October 5.
8. MyKingstonKids Halloween Fest & Parade
Enjoy a space-themed galaxy of fun at this weekend-long fest with Halloween performances, costumes, music, and dancing. Enjoy carnival games, vendors, delicious food, trick-or-treating, laser tag, a gaming trailer, virtual reality, and more. Don’t miss the costume contest and Imagine Park—Hudson Valley's largest inflatable theme park. Dress up in your best space gear for an unforgettable, cosmic adventure!
9. Meet Me In Marlborough – Kids & Adults Trick-or-Treat Event
Celebrate Halloween in Marlboro on October 29 with the "Meet Me In Marlborough" event. From 2 to 4 p.m., families can enjoy trick-or-treating, a costume contest, music, crafts, and more in the charming hamlet of Marlboro. This free event is perfect for a community-oriented Halloween experience.
10. Trick-or-Treat on Huguenot Street
Finally, on October 31st, enjoy a classic Halloween tradition with "Trick-Or-Treat on Huguenot Street" in New Paltz. From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., families can gather to collect goodies from the residents of historic homes. This free event offers a delightful way to celebrate Halloween with the community.
Enjoy All the Halloween Fun Ulster County Has to Offer
Whether you're in the mood for spine-tingling scares or festive family fun, there’s something for everyone this October. Start your spooky adventure here and plan your Halloween trip in Ulster County today!
