Perhaps no other holiday creates the event schedule flurry that Halloween does. From a trick-or-treating event sponsored by the WPD to nature walks to a ballpark trip, there are plenty of options in Worcester to celebrate Halloween
WORCESTER – With Oct. 31 fast approaching there are many spooky — and not so spooky — ways to get into the Halloween spirit. We’ve pulled together some of the best happenings around Worcester. Many are family focused and others just for adults, but they’re all bound to delight.
1. Halloween Themed Story Hour, Flower Arranging and More
The Worcester Public Library has more than a dozen Halloween-themed programs for kids, teens and adults scheduled through the end of the month. There’s Spooky Origami at the Frances Perkins branch (Oct. 18, 3:30-4:40 p.m.) and Witches Hat Decor at the Great Brook Valley branch (Oct. 24, 3:30-4:30 p.m.) to name a few. For teens ages 12-17, the Zombie Prom is a chance to don your best zombie costume and dance the evening away (Oct. 25, 6:30-8 p.m.). Adults (18+) can join Halloween flower arranging (Oct 22, 1:30-2:30 p.m.) and Explore the History of Your Haunted House (Oct. 21, 4:15-5:15 p.m.) which might mean a sleepless night or two. Check out all of the library offerings for kids and teens here and for adults here.
2. Party Like It’s 1929
The historic Bull Mansion is transformed into a Haunted Speakeasy, during which all visitors (21+) are asked to dress in vintage cocktail or ghostly attire. No modern themed superheroes or characters will be allowed! The mansion becomes host to floor performers, burlesque dancers, live music and Prohibition Era cocktails. Saturday, Oct. 21, 9 p.m, $40, at 55 Pearl St.
3. Tory Fort can be Terrifying (in a Good Way)!
What started as a simple backyard Halloween party with a few decorations has turned into one of the most elaborately decorated spots in the city, complete with pirate ships and a recreated Western ghost town. Erin Giza says she and her family have been working on Terror on Tory Fort for about eight years and each year her husband Dan adds more and more to the western front, the lawn, and the skeleton garb.”
There’s so much detail you don’t see from the car,” says Giza, who recommends parking and walking along Tory Fort Road. Plus, the Giza family relies mostly on recycled materials “which makes it really unique.” The lights are on nightly from 6-9 p.m. through Halloween at 87 Tory Fort Lane, Worcester.
4. Good, Old Fashioned Trick-Or-Treating
Follow the spotlight in the sky to the annual Hill-o-Ween, organized by the Worcester Police Department, where each kid is guaranteed to go home with pounds of candy. Officer Sean Lovely Sr. started the event in 2015 when, “I felt like the kids weren’t going to have a safe Halloween.”
Thanks to a partnership with Worcester Academy and St. John’s Food for the Poor, there are local candidates for office, businesses and nonprofits hosting one of more than 50 tables lined up around the courtyard at the private school. Lovely expects more than 3,000 people to attend – and buys about $10,000 in candy each year – so kids can trick-or-treat from table to table. Balloons, toothbrushes and other non-candy treats always make an appearance. Oct. 31, 5-8 p.m. Worcester Academy, 81 Providence St.
5. Festive (But Not Scary) Nature Walk
Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary becomes Boo Meadow Brook for two nights this month as the nature trails are lit by pumpkins and luminaria while visitors of all ages are greeted by creatures, costumed critters and nature-themed skits. The festive, but non-scary, event includes crafts and refreshments. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20 and 21, from 6-8 p.m. Tickets: members (adults/kids) $10/$6 and non-members (adults/kids) $14/$8. 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester.
6. Carve the Gourd
This one is for adults only (21+) at The Mercantile, where a $30 ticket gets you a pumpkin, carving material, a tea light and one pumpkin themed beverage. The best part? No pumpkin guts or seeds scattered all over your house. Mercantile takes care of the cleanup so you can work on carving the best pumpkin of the night. The winner goes home with a $100 gift card to the restaurant. Guests are welcome to order off the menu separately. Wednesday, Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m., 2 Mercantile St., Worcester.
7. Take Them Out to the Ballpark
Expecting nearly 3,000 visitors like last year, Polar Park is hosting a Halloween extravaganza with entertainment, trick or treating, and costumes galore. The staff dresses up, visitors are encouraged to as well. The event is free. Saturday, Oct. 28, 2-7 p.m. 100 Madison St. (Canal District), Worcester.
8. Spooky Science
Costumes are welcome at this annual Halloween themed weekend at the EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature. Science Tricks & Animal Treats is a combination of fun science, an opportunity to meet creepy crawlies and grab a treat as well. Standard admission applies and visitors are welcome to explore the whole museum. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 28 and 29, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 222 Harrington Way, Worcester.
9. Halloween Make-Up for Teens and Tweens
Make-up artist Geovanny Sanchez leads this fun, inventive workshop for teens and tweens. Learn different techniques for Halloween make-up, such as creating “bloody wounds,” pop-art, skeletons and monsters. This is geared for kids 10-17, and is free. Make-up is provided, too (but you’re welcome to bring your own). It all takes place on Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square, from 3:30-5 p.m.
10. Halloween Lights Tour
More than 30 homes around the city are decked out for the holiday and this detailed map guides you on a fun-filled, self-guided driving tour of all of the best spots. Grab some snacks, crank the Monster Mash and start touring the many neighborhood lights. Be sure to check out the Cornwell Holiday Display and the Santos Family Light Show, both of which grow bigger every year.
Bridget Samburg is a freelance editor, reporter and ghostwriter. She has written for Boston Magazine, The Boston Globe and Yankee Magazine, among other outlets. She can be reached at bsamburg@comcast.net
