With cornfields, mansions, and centuries of history behind us, it's safe to assume that the Hudson Valley is brimming with activities for all ages this Halloween season. We even have our own Haunted History Trail of New York running through the Catskills and Hudson Valley. Every weekend is crammed full of old favorites like Kevin McCurdy's Haunted Mansion, and new fear-fests like the dark train ride of Rails of Terror along the Catskill Mountain Railroad. Make sure to do your research before bringing your kids along for the ride, as some events are not suitable for young eyes and ears. Not to worry, from hayrides to zombie tag, from costume parties to haunted silos, there's something for all ages against the backdrop of our valley's foliage display. Here are some October events to check out, for all you ghost gurus.
Rails of Terror
The Catskill Mountain Railroad is premiering Rails of Terror this October for teens and adults. Dare to find what terror lurks along the tracks on this 45-minute ride from Kingston station with your spook-tacular hostess Lady Eloise. Guests should arrive 15 minutes before the train departure. Tickets can be purchased at the door.The Halloween Journey, an artistic and educational adventure for all ages on October 26 and 27, is returning for its ninth year. The journey, at the Catskill Interpretive Center in Mount Tremper, begins with a bonfire and seasonal treats and moves on to an immersive theatrical experience that includes a candlelit walk through the a fairy-filled forest incorporating history, ecology, and folklore.
More than 30 acres of ominous farmland in Lake Katrine await as the living face the undead in barns, silos, root cellars, mineshafts, cemeteries, derelict houses, and corn mazes in "the disaster zone." Visitors are advised to take extreme caution. Open weekends October 5-28.
Presented by Chronogram and BSP Kingston, guests ages 21+ are welcome to a costume dance party at BSP on 10/27. Prizes are offered for best costumes, including a $250 cash prize and a new bike cruiser courtesy of event sponsor New Belgium Brewing. Tickets are $12 early bird, $15 in advance, $20 at the door. The party begins at 10 pm.
Open Friday through Sunday nights during October, TerrorDome Haunted Scream Park in Newburgh has three haunted attractions to keep guests in a state of pure fear. A new attraction this year is TerrorDome Zombie Tag, complete with a smart badge that will blink green for healthy, yellow for infected, or red for zombie. There are only five minutes to survive in this haunted house! TerrorDome is suitable for children 12 years or older.
The Wassaic Project Haunted Mill & Monster's Ball
A dozen artists transform Maxxon Mills into a spooky wonderland. The Kids' Haunted Mill will run from 3-5 pm with free hay rides, face painting, costume contests, carnival activities, and more. Next, head over to the Adults' Haunted Mill at 5 pm for those 13+ where "seven flights of chilling frights" await. The event is topped off with adults flocking to the Lantern at 9 pm for some creepy cocktails and spooky spirits, live music, and DJs at the Monster's Ball. This is a costume-only event! Non-residents must purchase tickets ($20) in advance for the Monster's Ball. Wassaic residents can pick up $5 tickets at the door.
Kevin McCurdy's Haunted Mansion
Entering its 42nd year as a sinister staple, this classic fright fest is bringing three new events to its 2018 season at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls. Check in at Hotel Ravenscroft, find your way through the Forest of Evil, or face your nightmares head on as a test subject in The Experiment. The Mansion is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October (with additional dates of October 30 and 31) and Children's Day on October 8.
