Immerse yourself in the macabre magic of New Haven's Halloween season with our meticulously compiled guide, featuring the most chilling events and eerie encounters. Unearth spooky surprises for seasoned spirits and mortal mystery-seekers.
Popular events include the Phantom Fall Fest, where autumnal festivities intertwine with spine-tingling thrills for all ages. Visitors can also experience the Fright Haven Haunted House, known for its immersive themes and jump scares that captivate brave souls. And the New Haven Official Halloween Bar Crawl is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a tour of local bars adorned with festive flair and unique drink specials. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around New Haven
- Phantom Fall Fest (Bristol)
- Shubert Theatre Free Family Fun Day
- New Haven Official Halloween Bar Crawl
- Fright Haven Haunted House (Stratford)
- Zombie Fashion Show (Putnam)
- Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival (Bethlehem)
- New Haven Halloween Weekend Bar Crawl
- Scarecrows Along Main Street (Old Wethersfield)
- Haunted Happenings (Meriden)
- Pumpkintown USA (East Hampton)
See these and even more events listed below!
New Haven Area Haunted Experiences
Fright Haven Haunted House
What to Expect:
Offers two distinct and terrifying storylines within a large indoor setting.
Description:
Fright Haven Haunted House in Stratford, CT, is Connecticut's largest and scariest indoor haunted attraction. Spanning over 20,000 square feet, it offers two terrifying storylines: Hotel Hex and Witching Hour. Hotel Hex revolves around a missing journalist investigating an abandoned hotel, while Witching Hour follows a family's disappearance in a haunted house. With its vivid sets and youthful energy, Fright Haven promises an unforgettable experience filled with scares and thrills.
Where: Stratford | More Info: Fright Haven Haunted House
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near New Haven
Phantom Fall Fest
What to Expect:
Immersive Halloween experience with both daytime family fun and nighttime terror.
Description:
Phantom Fall Fest at Lake Compounce is a Halloween celebration featuring family-friendly activities like trick-or-treating, delicious fall treats, and all your favorite rides during the day. As the sun sets, the park transforms into a night of terror with more fog, freaks, and FX, including new haunted houses like Malignant: Overgrown Evil and the return of mALICE in Wonderland 3D. The event also includes the Roaming Horde of Horrors, ensuring that the scare is everywhere.
Where: Bristol | More Info: Phantom Fall Fest
Shubert Theatre Free Family Fun Day
What to Expect:
A Halloween-themed event with a backstage tour, trick-or-treat stations, and arts and crafts activities.
Description:
Join Shubert Theatre for a fun-filled day of family activities, including a walking backstage tour of the theatre, trick-or-treat stations, and an arts and crafts area. Children under 12 are welcome to wear Halloween costumes for trick-or-treating in the Shubert lobby. This event also kicks off Shubert Theatre's Holiday Food and Toy Drive, encouraging attendees to bring non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys.
Where: New Haven | More Info: Shubert Theatre Free Family Fun Day
Zombie Fashion Show
What to Expect:
The event transforms Rotary Park into a haunted runway where participants of all ages can showcase their zombie looks.
Description:
The Zombie Fashion Show is a spine-chilling event that transforms Putnam Rotary Park into a haunted runway. On October 4, 2024, zombies of all ages will showcase their gruesome looks, competing in categories like Youth, Adult, Group, and Corporate. The event features eerie sounds, prizes, and a fun atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.
Where: Putnam | More Info: Zombie Fashion Show
Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival
What to Expect:
A diverse array of garlic-themed foods and activities celebrating the harvest season.
Description:
The Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival is a vibrant celebration of autumn in Bethlehem, Connecticut. This two-day event at the Bethlehem Fairgrounds features a wide array of garlic-themed foods, handmade crafts, live music, and educational activities. Enjoy interactive cooking demonstrations, learn about garlic cultivation, and indulge in a variety of garlic dips, spreads, and specialty foods. The festival also includes children's activities like rides and games, making it a fun-filled weekend for all ages.
Where: Bethlehem | More Info: Connecticut Garlic & Harvest Festival
Scarecrows Along Main Street
What to Expect:
A month-long display of scarecrows along Main Street in Old Wethersfield.
Description:
The 29th Annual Scarecrows Along Main Street is a festive event in Old Wethersfield, Connecticut, where scarecrows are set up along Main Street for the entire month of October. This event is hosted by the Old Wethersfield Shopkeepers Association and is a beloved tradition that brings the community together with its charming and historic atmosphere.
Where: Old Wethersfield | More Info: Scarecrows Along Main Street
Pumpkintown USA
What to Expect:
Experience a festive village and forest filled with creative pumpkin displays and interactive scenes.
Description:
Pumpkintown USA is a beloved Fall family destination in East Hampton, Connecticut, celebrating over 20 years of festive fun. Visitors of all ages delight in over 100 Pumpkinhead people and their pets in two venues: The Village and The Forest. The Village features scenes like a firehouse, saloon, church, bank, and post office, while The Forest offers a scenic, narrated 1-mile drive through various settings.
Where: East Hampton | More Info: Pumpkintown USA
Haunted Happenings
What to Expect:
A vibrant marketplace where Halloween spirit meets festive fun with a variety of creative activities and culinary delights.
Description:
Haunted Happenings at Meriden Mall is a festive celebration of Halloween magic, featuring over 100 crafters and vendors in beautifully decorated booths. Enjoy themed activities, surprise performances, and unique photo ops. Indulge in seasonal and gourmet treats while exploring the enchanting atmosphere of the event.
Where: Meriden | More Info: Haunted Happenings
Fall Foliage & Pumpkin Patch
What to Expect:
The event offers a unique combination of scenic train rides and pumpkin-picking activities, making it a memorable experience for families.
Description:
Experience the vibrant colors of autumn on a scenic train ride through the Litchfield Hills. The Pumpkin Patch Express offers breathtaking views of the Naugatuck River and surrounding scenery, culminating in a visit to the Naugatuck Railroad's pumpkin patch where kids can pick their own pumpkins. This popular event is perfect for families and younger kids, lasting about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Where: Thomaston | More Info: Fall Foliage & Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin Passage
What to Expect:
A toddler-friendly trail of lights with glowing dinosaurs, pumpkins, and mythical creatures.
Description:
Pumpkin Passage is a family-friendly Halloween event at The Dinosaur Place in Montville, CT. It features a toddler-friendly trail of lights with glowing dinosaurs, pumpkins, and mythical creatures. The event includes live entertainment, bounce houses, marshmallow roasting, and various lawn games. It also offers dozens of photo opportunities and food trucks. A special Trick-or-Treat night on October 27th adds to the festive atmosphere.
Where: Various | More Info: Pumpkin Passage
Pumpkin Patch Trolley Rides
What to Expect:
Each child can pick out a free sugar-sized pumpkin and decorate it upon returning to the museum.
Description:
Experience a family-friendly fall festival at the Connecticut Trolley Museum's Pumpkin Patch Trolley event. Ride a trolley car to the pumpkin patch field, where each child can pick out a free sugar-sized pumpkin. Upon returning to the museum, decorate your pumpkin, play in the corn box, and enjoy the outside harvest play area and museum exhibits. Admission also includes access to the Fire Truck Museum. This event is perfect for families and friends of all ages to enjoy together.
Where: East Windsor | More Info: Pumpkin Patch Trolley Rides
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near New Haven
New Haven Official Halloween Bar Crawl
What to Expect:
Enjoy a night of thrills and chills with exclusive drink specials, Halloween-themed drinks, and a social media costume contest.
Description:
Join the New Haven Official Halloween Bar Crawl on October 26, 2024, for a frightfully fun night. Explore over 4 venues, enjoy 2-3 vouchers for drinks or swag, and participate in a Halloween goodie bag giveaway. The event includes free entry into the best bars, a free after-party, and a social media costume contest with a $2000 prize value. Don't miss out on this spooky adventure filled with live music, DJs, and photographer captures.
Where: New Haven | More Info: New Haven Official Halloween Bar Crawl
New Haven Halloween Weekend Bar Crawl
What to Expect:
Enjoy a night of eerie excitement with free entry into over 4+ venues and generously low drink specials.
Description:
Join us for a spooktacular Halloween weekend in New Haven as we crawl through the best bars in town. Enjoy free entry into over 4+ venues, generously low drink specials, and a $2000 prize value social media costume contest. Gather your ghouls and witches for a thrilling evening you'll never forget.