Halloween Adventures

There’s a chill in the air and it’s not just from the shortening days and changing season. It’s that spookiest time of the year when spirits become restless and again walk among the living.

There are plenty of events still on the calendar for those who love the thrills and chills of the Halloween season, ranging from less-than-frightful happenings for little ones through events not designed for those younger than 12.

Among the former are the Halloween parades in Pittsfield MA and Hudson NY. Pittsfield leads off with its parade on Tyler Street on Friday, October 24th, from 7 to 8PM. The city has adopted the theme "Haunted Hometown Spooktacular," encouraging participants to draw inspiration from parades that have been staged since the mid-1940s. The parade has a long history dating back to the days when General Electric and other local businesses created elaborate and spooky floats and marched down North Street.

Downtown Hudson goes all-out for Halloween Sunday, October 26th, from 2 to 6PM along Warren Street where it stages a festive afternoon that entertains the whole community.

From 2 to 4PM on Sunday businesses along the street welcome costumed kids for a trick-or-treat stroll—look for orange pumpkin signs in shop windows and collect candy there.

At 4PM, the crowds converge at 7th Street Park for the kick-off of the annual Halloween parade down Warren Street. Led by a marching band (often in costume), ghosts, superheroes, princesses and monsters of all ages march through the heart of Hudson. The parade ends at Hudson Hall where a big costume contest invites everyone to show off their creative outfits. Judges award prizes for categories like best family or group costume and the whole town turns out to applaud.

Down in Wassaic, NY, the Wassaic Project is planning its annual Haunted Mill event for Friday through Sunday, October 24th through October 26th.

Each year the Wassaic Project at 37 Furnace Bank Road transforms its seven-story grain mill into a creative haunted house art installation. Local artists and artists-in-residence take over each floor, filling dark corners with eerie sculptures, ghostly soundscapes and interactive creepy scenes. One moment visitors might wander into a room of moving mechanical figures, the next stumble upon a hair-raising live performance.

The Haunted Mill is for all ages but parental discretion is advised. When the mill closes at 7PM on Saturday, the fun shifts to the nearby Lantern Inn where an adults-only costume Monster’s Ball will be held with live music. Costumes are required and Monster’s Ball tickets sell out every year.

Speaking of dancing, the Gilded Age mansion, Ventfort Hall in Lenox MA will hold its second annual Masquerade Macabre—an evening of music, dancing, drinks and other dark delights—on Saturday, October 25th at 6PM.

The infamous paranormal activity at Ventfort Hall has been well documented and there are reportedly several spirits who wander its halls as well as energy echoes. The event is for those 21 years of age and older and no minors will be permitted.

A cash bar will offer themed craft cocktails and spirits. There are several ticket tiers starting at $95: Floating Spectre, Honored Spirit, R.I.P.-V.I.P. and Monarch Macabre. Walk-ins will not be accommodated. There is no strict dress code but attendees are encouraged to adopt traditional masquerade attire which includes formal evening wear with a themed mask.

Visit or call 413-637-3206, between 10AM and 4PM.

The Hancock Shaker Museum in Pittsfield ramps up the fun on Thursday through Saturday evenings throughout October with Haunted Hancock. When darkness falls, the historic village becomes the eerie setting for a 90-minute guided ghost tour.

Haunted Hancock leads visitors by lantern light into buildings normally off-limits, sharing ghost stories and unexplained occurrences reported over the years. Visitors will descend into the Brick Dwelling’s cellar to see old gravestones stored below, creep through the laundry and attic where the infamous “Woman in Black” has allegedly been sighted on the upper floors and wander the moonlit farm grounds listening for otherworldly whispers.

It’s part historical immersion, part spooky fun. Group sizes are kept small and tours are intended for those 12 and older. Tours start around 7PM; dress warmly and expect to walk outdoors between buildings.

Just to the north of Pittsfield’s center, Jiminy Peak is feeling the spirit of the season, offering 13 Nights of terror in October. Six more nights remain—October 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 30th and 31st—from 6:30PM to 10:30PM. The annual attraction transforms the ski resort's grounds into a terrifying experience, featuring haunted houses, a lift ride to the summit and other spooky attractions.

Groups of six to eight leave every couple of minutes. Space is limited and the last tour leaves at 10:30PM. The nights are recommended for ages 10 and older.

Some events are more educational. If you hurry, you may still be able to attend tonight’s (October 15th’s) program on bats planned by Massachusetts Audubon at The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Lenox home.

Bats are among the most misunderstood animals but they play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and human health. Look and listen for bats—the only flying mammals—and other nocturnal wildlife as you explore the forests, meadows and wetlands of Edith Wharton's historic Berkshires estate.

This walk will cover up to 1.2 miles of unsurfaced trail. The trail surface might be uneven or contain exposed tree roots and rocks, making it unsuitable for strollers. Click here for required reservations or call 413-637-0320

Dark and spooky may be the order of the day but there are plenty of daytime pleasures as well. Many of the regional farms offer opportunities to find the perfect pumpkin while enjoying autumn splendors. Some go further offering classic fall treats such as hot mulled cider, cider doughnuts and farm-made ice cream. And some, like Ioka Valley Farm at 3475 Route 43 in Hancock, get in the “spirit” by featuring free hayrides on the “Giant Pumpkin” wagon or a “Haunted House.” There are pumpkin slingshots, a playground, paint-your-own pumpkin and racers. It is open 10AM to 5:30PM on weekends.

High Lawn Farm in Lee MA is open daily in October and will have an “High Lawn Halloween” event on October 25th from 11AM to 2PM. There will be kid-friendly activities such as a costume contest, pumpkin painting and games.

Over in Red Hook NY Kesicke Farm joins in the fun, inviting visitors to meander through a sprawling corn maze, to take a hayride, and to visit barns filled with animals waiting for a handful of grain or a scratch behind their ears.