Spirits at Stowe: An Otherworldly Tour
Tour Stowe’s home in the dark and learn about 19th century spiritualism and the paranormal in Hartford
Fridays and Saturdays in October
6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.
$15 per person. Make reservations: 860-522-9258, ext. 317 or info@StoweCenter.org.
Appropriate for ages 12+
Graveyard Shift Ghost Tours
The Mark Twain House has been featured on the Syfy Channel’s Ghost Hunters and the Biography Channel’s My Ghost Story; on these tours participants will learn about those investigations and about Mark Twain’s own interest in the supernatural.
On October 16-18, 23-25, and 30 there will be tours starting on the hour from 6-9 p.m. at the Mark Twain House. Tickets are $22.
A Look at Modern Witchcraft with Miss Faith, Founder of Enchantments Center for the Magickal Arts and Witch Shoppe
Just like the title says. This is at the Mark Twain House & Museum on October 17, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour: CHS Gets Creepy
History gets creepy with this spooky look behind the scenes tour on October 18th. Tales of vampires, corpses on ice, death portraits, and even séances haunt the storage vaults of the CHS. Come and get the history scared out of you! Tour beginning at 2p.m. lasts approximately 1 hour and are appropriate for ages 12 and up. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Questions? Call (860) 236-5621×289 or email Jenny Steadman. Tickets: $6 CHS members, $12 non-members. CHS is located at One Elizabeth Street.
Halloween on Vernon Street
Trick-or-treating, 1-4 p.m on October 19th.
Mark My Words 2014: A WICKED Cool Evening!
Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked – The Novel and Stephen Schwartz, composer and lyricist of Wicked – The Musical, will be chatting at the Bushnell at 8 p.m. on October 21st. Tickets begin at $25.
Spooky Fall Social
Join the Bushnell Park Foundation on October 22, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. for appetizers and drinks at Vito’s. Then, walk through America’s first public park to learn about its history and landmarks. You will hear about the witches of Hartford, a disappearing river, the story of the Charter Oak, and more. $25
Ghosts and Ghouls Playshop
October 22 and 29th: “Like the elves’ toy-making workshop at the North Pole before Christmas, only this is a Halloween version, MakeHartford style, with ghosts and ghouls and other costumes in the making. Bring your supplies and work on your Halloween costume along with others. We’ll have some supplies/equipment to share, multiple work tables, plus knowledgeable costumers and generally creative people who might be able to help with brainstorming techniques and solutions to make your wildest Halloween costume ideas a reality. This is also the perfect opportunity to work on an entry for the Trash-O-Ween competition. Please post in the comments below if you are in need of supplies that someone else might be willing to share. The playshop is open to the public three nights in October and happens at the same time as MakeHartford’s Open House nights, so you’ll be able to get your costume ready, see others’ interesting projects (Halloween and otherwise), possibly learn a bit along the way, and definitely have a good time. These events are free, with donations in support of MakeHartford happily accepted. This is also the perfect opportunity to work on an entry for the Trash-O-Ween competition.” 6:30-9p.m. at MakeHartford, 30 Arbor Street, #B7. Free.
SYLLABLE Series
From there, go to 42 1/2 Pratt Street for another round of the reading series, SYLLABLE. Listen to creative pieces that are centered on the theme of decay. There is no cover, but donations will be accepted. This starts at 8 p.m. on October 22.
The Penguin Book of Witches with Katherine Howe
Howe will discuss her new book containing real-life accounts of witches, from medieval Europe through colonial America on October 23 at 7 p.m. This is a free event at the Mark Twain House & Museum but an rsvp is requested.
Masquerade Ball
The Greater Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce presents its Masquerade Ball in Hartford’s City Hall on October 24, 7-11 p.m. There will be a cash bar and raffle, along with best mask contest. A $10 donation is suggested.
Cedar Hill’s Haunted History Lantern Tour
October 24th is the only night the cemetery is open to the public after dark. Led by lantern light, attendees will visit the final resting places of some of Cedar Hill’s residents. Character actors will share their true-yet-darker-tales. To ensure your participation in this tour, reservations are required for specific time slots. Book your reservations early by calling 860-956-3311. Please note: This tour may not be suitable for children under 13. Wear appropriate walking shoes and bring a flashlight. Refreshments will be available for purchase.” The tours are from 6-9:30 p.m. and admission is $15.
Liquid Lounge: Trick or Treat, Halloween Edition
From 6-10 p.m. on October 24th, play at the Connecticut Science Center without any kids around. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. 21+ only.
Tom Sawyer’s Trick or Treat
October 25th from 2-3:30 p.m. will be the inaugural Tom Sawyer’s Tricks & Treats at the Mark Twain House & Museum. There will be magic tricks. Artie Bennett, author of Belches & Burps & Farts, Oh My!, Poopendous and The Butt Book will make an appearance. The Mark Twain Players will give a spooky performance. Costumes encouraged for trick or treating at Mark Twain’s house. $10 for adults, $5 for youth 16 and under.
Campfire
Hot Cocco Productions presents Campfire: “a group of campers spin terrifying true stories into horrifically funny campfire tales in this long-form improv show.” Performances will take place on Thursday, October 24th and Friday, October 25th at 8:00pm at the Carriage House Theater, 360 Farmington Avenue. Tickets are $10. Box office opens one hour before show time.
Dracula at MakeHartford
Watch the 1931 classic Dracula and discuss blood diseases and behaviors that can underlie historical myths about vampirism. Feel free to bring your dinner or a potluck contribution to eat during the lecture or film.” 6-9 p.m. on October 26th at 30 Arbor, #B7.
Capital Classic’s performance of Dracula
October 28 & 29: Watch as the performers and a sound effect specialist put on a show made for radio. Performances are at 7 and 9 p.m. each evening, with ASL interpreting during the October 29th 7 p.m. show. Tickets are $20. Mark Twain House & Museum.
Science on Screen: Edible Insects
Is insect-eating a way to reduce the strain on the world’s food supply? How do you know you aren’t already eating bugs? On October 29 at 6 p.m. come to Real Art Ways for a screening of Soylent Green, featuring entomophagy expert David Gracer and Chef Michael Fuller of T.J. Buckley’s in Brattleboro, VT, who will prepare some insects for the audience to enjoy. Get tickets in advance or at the door.
Horrible Halloween
Sea Tea Improv will take to Real Art Ways to fix up a bad movie. They will pick five of the worst horror movies they can find, and the audience will vote on which one to play. They will mute the film and Sea Tea Improv will improve this film by voicing over the entire movie – on the spot! This is October 30 at 8:30 p.m. Admission prices vary, but RAW members get in for $5.
Thriller and Beyond
The Hartford City Ballet will be hosting this family friendly event, appropriate for children ages 5-12. Youth can learn the Thriller Dance, decorate a treat bucket, be transformed with theatrical makeup, visit the haunted studio, and earn candy and prizes in the scavenger hunt. Wear a costume to participate in the costume parade. Prizes will be awarded for the funniest, scariest, most creative, and most Thriller. Tickets are $3.00 and available at the door. This event is from 3-5 p.m. on October 31st at 224 Farmington Avenue.
Holly and Harvest Fair
On November 1st from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. shop the handmade Christmas decorations, bake sale, attic treasures, hand knitted scarves, sweaters, crochet goods and more at the Emanuel Lutheran Church, 311 Capitol Avenue.
Day of the Dead Ride
Meet at the carousel in Bushnell Park at 2 p.m. on November 1st and prepare to take part in a casual bicycle ride.
Día de los Muertos Fiesta
A colorful celebration of the dead that will include circus and burlesque performances, macabre costumes, music, dance, commemorative altars, giant walking skeletons, and more.
Dirt Salon, 50 Batholomew Avenue.
November 1, 9 p.m. until November 2, 1 a.m.
$15 in advance, $20 at the door. Ages 18+