Nearly Two-Dozen Halloween in Westchester Events
Halloween in Westchester, where being the real-life setting for one of the most popular spooky tales of all time is a source of pride, has something to offer revelers of all ages – from spooky ghost tours to seasonal stained glass, and from retellings of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to an immersive theater performance. Here is ArtsNews’s list of nearly two-dozen Halloween events taking place throughout the county this season:
Through October 20
Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical
Presented by White Plains Performing Arts Center
Through October 20, White Plains Performing Arts Center presents a musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Jekyll & Hyde set to a pop-rock score from award-winning composers Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse. The play follows Dr. Jekyll, who accidentally creates an alternate, murderous persona he deems “Mr. Hyde.” Dr. Jekyll races to rid himself of Mr. Hyde before the persona engulfs him completely.
Through November 3
Washington’s ‘Irving’
Presented by Historic Hudson Valley
Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk will perform a dramatic retelling of Washington Irving’s classic tale The Legend of Sleepy Hollow outdoors at the author’s former estate. Live music and sound effects by Jim Keyes and an appearance from the Headless Horseman himself complete the experience for audiences of all ages.
Through November 3
Twilight Village at Sleepy Hollow
Presented by Historic Hudson Valley
New this year to the Historic Hudson Valley’s legendary Halloween lineup of events is Twilight Village at Sleepy Hollow, an outdoor experience in which visitors can stroll through the village, have their fortune read, enjoy haunting melodies, savor fall-themed food and drink, capture a photo with the legendary Headless Horseman, and interact with other ghoulish creatures.
Through November 3
The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country
Presented by Historic Hudson Valley
Master illusionists Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace communicate with the spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country, like Hulda, Major Andre and the Headless Horseman in this supernatural magic show.
Through November 5
Ghost Tours of the Music Hall
Presented by Tarrytown Music Hall
Join Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk for a hauntingly good time when leads his visitors through the historic Tarrytown Music Hall, revealing spectral secrets and hidden lore. These 45-minute tours offer a glimpse into the building’s 138-year history – and perhaps a glimpse of the spirits that may still linger within its walls. As an official site on the Haunted History Trail of New York, the Music Hall provides a unique blend of local lore and ghostly encounters.
Through November 17
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Presented by Historic Hudson Valley
Halloween in Westchester isn’t complete without the Blaze. Historic Hudson Valley presents the twentieth year of its famed The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. The Blaze features more than 7,000 artisan-made jack o’lanterns for guests to walk among while exploring the 18th century-themed grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor. Special twentieth anniversary features include a giant birthday cake and arch, and the Gourd & Goblet Tavern.
October 11-13
Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival
Presented by Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival
In the spirit of Halloween, Tarrytown Music Hall hosts its annual festival featuring films that relate in some way to “the otherworldly or unknown.” The event brings together filmmakers, actors, and fans to immerse themselves in the world of spooky storytelling and cinematic artistry.
October 17-20 & 24-27
Lyndhurst After Dark
Presented by Lyndhurst
Experience Lyndhurst Mansion in the eerie glow of candlelight during this special “after-dark” event. Visitors explore Victorian lore and the darker side of the mansion’s history through timed entry tours. The 45-minute experience showcases the architecture, decor and special spooky collections related to 19th-century superstitions. While not exactly a traditional haunted house, Lyndhurst After Dark offers a fresh perspective on this historic property after sunset.
October 17-27
Peek-a-Boo
Presented by River’s Edge Theatre Company
River’s Edge Theatre Company invites audiences to Peek-a-Boo flats, a fictional nightclub that is the setting for its immersive theater experience, Peek-a-Boo (An Immersive Hudson Valley Haunt). Performances transport guests to 1920s Tarrytown and incorporate historical lore from the region. Local historic figures such as Hulda the Witch, John Andre and Sadie the Goat are featured in the show. Peek-a-Boo is intended for mature audiences. Performances take place at Bethany Arts Community.
October 18
Haunted Kill
Presented by Westchester Collaborative Theater
Westchester Collaborative Theater brings Halloween spirit to Ossining’s Sing Sing Kill with “Haunted Kill.” Local actors bring this free event to life with chilling ghost stories. It all happens in a unique outdoor setting along the historic Kill. The performance combines local history with spine-tingling narratives, creating an immersive Halloween experience that’s fit for all ages.
October 19 & 20
Victorian Gothic Tea & Mystery
Presented by Lyndhurst Mansion
Guests can step back in time and solve a Victorian Gothic mystery while enjoying tea and treats at Lyndhurst. Participants, led by Bridget Bray of the Puddings and Biscakes tea collection, will play along to unravel the story behind a missing tea chest. The experience – recommended for ages 16 and up – includes fine teas, sweet and savory items and access to the mansion and grounds. All are welcome to dress in period or seasonal attire.
October 20
Manual Cinema: Frankenstein
Presented by Performing Arts Center at Purchase College
Emmy Award-winning performance collective Manual Cinema brings its reimagining of Frankenstein to the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College. The performance combines the plot of the Gothic novel with the biography of its author, Mary Shelley. A unique blend of shadow puppetry, sound effects, cinematic techniques and live music are used to tell the story. Recommended for ages 12+.
October 25-27
Terror Tales
Presented by Westchester Collaborative Theater
Terror Tales showcases a collection of short plays written by local playwrights. The performances in Westchester Collaborative Theater’s first 10-Minute Halloween Play Festival, the performances feature a variety of spooky characters, including ghosts, vampires and other creatures of the night. fast-paced format provides a haunting evening of theatrical frights and delights.
October 26
Family Movie: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Presented by Philipse Manor Hall
Families will have a chance to experience a true classic Halloween tale while learning about local history at Philipse Manor Hall. Following Disney’s 1949 animated adaptation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, a historian will provide commentary on Washington Irving’s original story and its deeper connections to Westchester County. Visitors will gain insight into the real-life inspirations behind the beloved story.
October 26
Halloween Movie Marathon VIII
Presented by Jacob Burns Film Center
Horror film fans can once again head to the Jacob Burns Film Center for its annual 12-hour movie marathon. The event features seven Halloween-appropriate films, including The Creature From the Black Lagoon, The Thing, Tremors and more, along other movie surprises. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes for a chance to win prizes. The marathon kicks off with a pre-party at Take 3 Wine Bar & Café, followed by a costume contest.
October 26
Children’s Halloween Mask Workshop
Presented by Rye Arts Center
Young artists can unleash their creativity at the Rye Arts Center’s Halloween mask workshop. At this family-friendly event, kids will design and craft unique their own mask while learning about mask-making traditions. This hands-on activity encourages imagination and self-expression while providing a potential new addition to their Halloween costume plans.
October 26 & 27
Gothic Market Weekend
Presented by Lyndhurst
Explore Lyndhurst’s historic grounds during this spooky market weekend. Hudson Valley vendors offer an eclectic mix of gothic goodies, antiques, jewelry and witchy wares. Visitors can expect getting their tarot read, meeting a roving vampire and indulging in seasonal food. The event also includes self-guided tours of the Gilded Age mansion, now decorated for autumn. The seasonal look lets guests experience the mansion’s Gothic Revival architecture in a whole new light.
October 28
Halloween-Themed Stained Glass Workshop
Presented by Bethany Arts Community
This Halloween, it’s time to get crafty. Bethany Arts Community’s spooky stained-glass workshop lets participants create their own eerie decorations or gifts. The class covers basic stained-glass techniques, including cutting, grinding, foiling and soldering. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary.
October 30
Family Storytime: Halloween Stories
Presented by White Plains Public Library
Halloween in Westchester isn’t all scares and frights. It’s for the littles, too. Kids can gather ‘round at White Plains Public Library for a Halloween-themed storytime. This family-focused event features spooky (but not too scary) stories and songs suitable for young children. Visitors can also participate in a take-home ghost craft and enjoy a seasonal snack. This interactive program encourages early literacy skills while embracing the fun and excitement of the Halloween season.
Photos: Top: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze presented by Historic Hudson Valley; Jonathan Kruk performs Irving’s Legend at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside; Ghost Tours at Tarrytown Music Hall (photo source: visitsleepyhollow.com); Peek-a-Boo by River’s Edge Theatre Company (photo credit: Tiffany Hagler-Geard); Manual Cinema’s ‘Frankenstein’ (photo credit: Michael Brosilow); Still from ‘The Thing,’ playing at Jacob Burns Film Center; Ceramic works by artist Liz Stine will be at Lyndhurst’s Gothic Market (photo source: stinesculptureceramics.com)
