Embrace spooky season by pulling out your best costume and venturing into Boston’s graveyards, haunted sites and speakeasies.
The Liberty Hotel’s Annual Halloween Bash
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! For those who dare conjure him, get ready to step into the eerie netherworld and celebrate Halloween at the Liberty Hotel on Oct. 26. Upon entering this spine-chilling palooza, guests will enjoy supernatural cocktails while DJ Joshua Carl and DJ Skoolyahd play rockin’ tunes for all the spooks and spirits. 215 Charles St., 617.224.4000, libertyhotel.com
Harvest’s All Hallows’ Eve Feast
Situated in the heart of Harvard Square, Harvest dares you to join its ghostly four-course feast inspired by The Legend of Sleepy Hollow on Oct. 27. Executive chef Nick Deutmeyer conjures delectable dishes like pigeon pie and blood sausage, paired with pumpkin cocktails and a wickedly delicious wine selection. Finish your night with hauntingly good desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. Beware—this is a meal to die for. 44 Brattle St., 617.868.2255, opentable.com
Witch’s Woods Haunted Hayride and Halloween Scream Park
Embrace the shivers running down your spine as you board this hayride and venture into the woods at Nashoba Valley Ski Area. Witches guard the hayride from the slowly approaching zombies, howling werewolves and spirits of dead lumberjacks. If this event is not for you, try one of the other scary activities they offer: Vampire Passage, 3-D Keeper’s Crypt, Castle Morbid, Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree and Horrorwood Chamber of Chills. 79 Powers Road, Westford, 978.692.3033, witchswoods.com
The Salem Psychic Fair and Witches Market
Step one foot into the past and one into the future at the Psychic Fair and Witches Market in Salem. Visitors can receive a Tarot Card reading, communicate with departed spirits, detect if an angel is watching over them or learn more about who they were in a past life. Grab a broom and wander through the witch’s market full of crystals, voodoo dolls, incense and more. 176 Essex St., Salem, festivalofthedead.com
Haunted Speakeasy at Old Town Hall
Hocus Pocus filmed the famous Halloween party scene in Salem’s 200-year-old Old Town Hall, which makes it the perfect location for a prohibition-era-themed haunted party. Ghosts will wander through the party asking for a dance while Niki Luparelli and The Gravediggers play. Cocktails and spirits will capture the era as New England’s Burlesque performers dazzle the crowd with spooky performances. Eat, drink and be scared on Oct. 19, 26 or 31. 32 Derby Square, Salem, thehauntedspeakeasy.com
Hanson’s Haunted Farm and Hayride
Every Friday and Saturday in October, Hanson’s Farm is put under a haunting spell. Over 100 volunteers gather at the farm to create a spooky haunted hayride for kids and adults to enjoy. The hayride changes every year, adding new haunts to always keep you on your toes. 20 Nixon Road, Framingham, 508.877.3058, hansonsfarm.50webs.com
BOO! On Beacon Hill, Haunted Walking Tour
Ghouls and boys will surely be spooked during this haunted walking tour on All Hallows’ Eve. Listen to true, scary stories that might change your view of Beacon Hill but make your night memorable nonetheless. The BOO! Tour highlights the murders and mysteries that haunt the streets from years passed. Visit houses and hear the tales of those who lived there long ago, like Dr. George Parkman, who was found dismembered in 1849. The corner of Tremont Street and Park Street, 617.367.2345, bostonbyfoot.org
Halloween Celebration on Castle Island
Step off the mainland and into Fort Independence on Castle Island for this Halloween celebration. Keep your eyes peeled for magicians, storytellers and a magical castle that may or may not be haunted—only time will tell. The fort on the island is rumored to be the inspiration for Edgar Allan Poe’s haunting short story “The Cask of Amontillado.” This is a free, family-friendly event, but adults must accompany children. Oct. 26 and 27, 2010 William J. Day Blvd., 617.727.5290, castleisland8.com
Ghosts and Gravestones Tour
Put on your best walking shoes and prepare to be spooked. Wander through graveyards, visit New England’s biggest grave-robbing scandal and hear the tales of those just under your feet. Stories of war, murderers and tortures will leave you shivering with fear. Thrill seekers will set off on a trolly ride accompanied by a walking tour to see some of Boston’s haunted sites like The Omni Parker House and murder scenes. 200 Atlantic Ave., 866.754.913, ghostsandgravestones.com
Something Strange: An ‘80s Halloween
Don your best 80s costume for a throwback fete on Oct. 27 at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston. Partygoers can anticipate DJs spinning iconic 80s tracks throughout the museum and a shiny disco club to dance the night away. Await for spooktacular pop-up dance performances and a new immersive art installation by Jaina Cipriano. 25 Harbor Shore Drive, 617.478.3100, icaboston.org
Dia de Los Muertos Halloween Party
Celebrate el Dia de Los Muertos on Nov. 1 at the Nautilus Pier 4. The Nauti Bar will fully transform for the holiday and welcome everyone to don their best costume, dance to spooky beats by DJ Ryan Brown and indulge in special deadly cocktails. For those looking to elevate their look, face painters will be on hand all night. 300 Pier 4 Blvd., thenautilus.com/boston
Photography by: Martin Deja/Getty Images
