EVENTS

Witches, brews, boos and good times: 28 Halloween events on the South Shore

David R. Smith
The Patriot Ledger

Get ready for a busy Halloween season filled with thrills and chills, boos and brews all along the South Shore.

Geek out learning about the night sky this time of year or the "vampire panic" of the not-too-distant past. Freak out with zombies and their undead friends at Barrett's Haunted Mansion or on nighttime ghost tours in Plymouth.

Of course, there are plenty of tricks and treats for kids of all ages and haunted houses that are just spooky enough to give them some jumps without sending them into a lifetime of lights left on all night.

Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or something just for the adults, our Halloween listings have you covered.

(And if you're looking for other fall events, not just Halloween, don't miss our story on things to do this fall. Theater, fests and more.)

Barrett's Haunted Mansion

An actor patrols the grounds of Barrett’s Haunted Mansion in Abington.
  • When: Now through Monday, Oct. 30
  • Where: 1235 Bedford St., Abington
  • Tickets/admission: $40-65
  • For more information: Bhmansion.com

Barrett's Haunted Mansion is in full swing as its 32nd season brings back longtime favorite frights with new attractions to kick the fear factor up a notch or 10.

Attractions include the Haunted Mansion and Condemned, where chemical releases have altered a town's appearance and minds – and not for the better.

Events include Bite and Fright, a behind-the-scenes lights-on tour of the mansion; the 18-plus Devil's Night, which includes physical contact; and Darkness Unleashed, another physical contact event in which the brave try to find their way to safety, but this time in total darkness.

Check the Barrett Haunted Mansion's website for times and tickets.

Sauchuk corn maze and Pumpkin Patch

  • When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sundays now through Oct. 29.
  • Where: Sauchuk's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, 200 Center St., Plympton
  • Tickets/admission: $19.95
  • For more information:Sauchukmaze.com

Visit the maze's website for a full list of its nearly 50 activities.

Walking ghost tours inPlymouth

  • When: 6-8 p.m. now through Nov. 22
  • Where: The tour steps off from 65 Main St. (in front of Guilty Bakery).
  • Tickets/admission: $27
  • For more information: Plymouthghosttours.com

Get an alternative insight into Plymouth during this interactive historical ghost tour. Listen as your local historian guide tells you things about the city’s past you might not otherwise learn, including ghost stories. Plus, use paranormal investigation equipment to see what lurks out of sight in America’s oldest city for an experience you likely can’t repeat elsewhere.

Hollowed Harvest − thousands of jack-o'-lanterns in Marshfield

Colorful pumpkin lanterns in all shapes and sizes light up for the Hollowed Harvest walking display at the Marshfield Fairgrounds.

From the creators of the Marshfield Holiday Light Show, Hollowed Harvest is back for its second year on the South Shore this fall. The event features thousands of carved jack-o'-lanterns for families to check out during a 30- to 45-minute walking tour. The second annual event will also feature hands-on pumpkin carving and nearly twice the number of displays from last year. 

  • When: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10
  • Where: The New World Tavern, 56 Main St., Plymouth  
  • Tickets/admission: $45
  • For more information: Visit Coastal Creations on Facebook

Get ready to unleash your creativity and make your own personalized snow globe tumbler.  

During this hands-on workshop, participants will learn step by step how to create a unique snow globe tumbler that reflects your style and personality. Experienced instructors will guide attendees through the process, providing tips and tricks.

This workshop is suitable for all skill levels. The organizers will provide all the necessary materials, including the tumbler, a vinyl sticker of your choosing and decorative inserts such as glitter and holiday-themed clay pieces.  

'Misery' − from the mind of Stephen King − at The Company Theatre

"Misery," one of Stephen King's most popular stories, comes to The Company Theatre in Norwell next month.
  • When: Oct. 13-29: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays 
  • Where: The Company Theatre, 30 Accord Drive, Norwell
  • Tickets: $36-$42
  • For more info:Companytheatre.com

In this play at The Company Theatre, a famous romance novelist is rescued from a car crash in the backwoods of Maine by the self-proclaimed No. 1 fan of his novels. He soon comes to realize that the care he is receiving from this woman is only the beginning of an epic nightmare. 

Boo in the Barnyard at Weir River Farm in Hingham

Connor Burkart and his cousin Arabella Wolfram, both of Weymouth, explore Weir River Farm in Hingham during last year's Boo in the Barnyard event.

The Weir River Farm’s annual Boo in the Barnyard event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14.  The event will be held in one-hour time slots throughout the afternoon. 

A sensory-friendly Boo in the Barnyard hour will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. that day. The hour will offer decreased participant capacity, reduced noise and other accommodations for anyone who might benefit from a sensory-friendly environment. 

Visitors are invited to wear their costume and meet sheep, Nutmeg the pony, Ruby the llama, Poppy the goat, Dixie the potbellied pig and a herd of black and white belted Galloway cattle.  

There will be a scavenger hunt, a seasonal crafts workshop and treats.  

After visiting the barnyard, visitors can hike the woodland trails surrounding Weir River Farm to explore and experience the season. 

Advance registration is required for this event. Hourly time slots are available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Infants in carriers are free. 

This event will be held rain or shine, and dogs are not allowed on the property.  The Weir River Farm is operated by The Trustees of Reservations and is at 140 Turkey Hill Lane, HIngham. 

For ticket prices and purchases, visit thetrustees.org. 

Halloween Bash Out Cancer Party at Quincy American Legion

  • When: 7-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
  • Where: American Legion, 81 Liberty St., Quincy
  • Tickets/admission: $30-$35
  • For more information: Jimmyscaring.org

Join the Quincy American Legion for a spooktacular night of fun at its annual Halloween Bash Out Cancer Party.

Show your support for benefit recipient Jeff Foresta while enjoying a night of music, laughter and spooky surprises.

The event is a potluck, so attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite dish for all to share.

Prizes will be awarded for best costumes in the following categories: Crazy Barbie, Scary Barbie, Best Superhero, Most Elegant, Most Creative, Most Authentic, Dark Barbie or Ken, Animal Related, Vintage Masquerade Costume, Best Family Theme, Best Couple Costumes and Best Other Costume. 

Spirits with spirits at Mayflower Brewing Company  

Enjoy some spirits with your spirits at the Mayflower Brewing Company, as medium Sarah Angley will deliver messages from your loved ones while you enjoy a draft beer or two  

  • When: 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct 18 
  • Where: Mayflower Brewing Company, 12 Resnik Road #3, Plymouth 
  • Tickets/admission: $55 (includes one draft beer) 
  • For more information:Mayflowerbrewing.com 

Enjoy some spirits with your spirits at the Mayflower Brewing Company, as medium Sarah Angley will deliver messages from your loved ones while you enjoy a draft beer or two 

Alden Haunted House in Duxbury

The Alden House in Duxbury will again be transformed into a spooky place for families to visit this Halloween season.
  • When: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20 and 21; check website for times 
  • Where:Alden House Historic Site, 105 Alden St., Duxbury 
  • Tickets/admission: $12 
  • For more information:Alden.org 

Ride your broomstick over to the Alden House Historic Site for a spooktacular night of family fun. 

This year's popular annual Haunted House event includes (mildly) frightfully haunted tours of the Alden House, a haunted maze and trail walk and a scavenger hunt. 

The event is not recommended for children under 3. Costumes and decorated Halloween masks are encouraged.  

Registration is required. Admission to the Alden Haunted House event is for the date and time specified on your ticket only. Late arrivals may be denied entry.  

Family pumpkin decorating at Marshfield art studio

Join Sea to Believe in Marshfield for a fun day of pumpkin decorating.

Join Sea to Believe for a fun-filled day of creativity and laughter as families gather to decorate pumpkins together.  

'Haunted South Shore' featuring Greater Boston Paranormal Associates 

  • When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20  
  • Where: The James Library and Center for the Arts, Norwell 
  • Admission: $10 
  • For more info: Jameslibrary.org 

Learn all about hauntings along the South Shore with Greater Boston Paranormal Associates, which will share its spookiest investigations and experiences. 

Tricks + Treats, an inclusive Halloween experience

Raising Harts, a group dedicated to supporting families with autistic neurodiverse children, is hosting a Halloween party Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
  • When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 
  • Where: City Arena, 708 Washington St., Pembroke
  • Tickets/admission: $20-$25 
  • For more information: Raisingharts.org 

Hosted by Raising Harts and City Arena, Tricks + Treats is an opportunity to enjoy a safe and inclusive Halloween experience. 

The event will include bouncy houses, immersive art, face painting, balloon artists, games, treats and all kinds of fall activities. Attendees can feel free to wear their favorite costumes or come as they are. All ages are welcome.  

The organization is dedicated to supporting families with autistic and neurodiverse children through mentorship, workshops and inclusive programs.

During the event, 4 to 5 p.m. will be reserved for those who are sensory sensitive. Lights will be on, with no strobes, fog machine or music.   

All proceeds will go to Raising Harts and future programs for the autistic and neurodiverse community on the South Shore.

Free Weymouth Trunk or Treat with Spindles Auto Club

Spindles Auto Club members will use their classic cars for the Weymouth Trunk or Treat event Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
  • When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
  • Where: Weymouth High School parking lot, 1 Wildcat Way
  • Tickets/admission: Free
  • For more information:Spindlesautoclub.com

Kids and adults can come in their costumes and trick or treat at the show cars from Spindles Auto Club. The event is free and open to all.

Food trucks and music will add to the festivities.

Only show cars from Spindles Auto Club can take part. Registration is required through the club.

The vampire panic of 18th- and 19th-century New England

Learn about the New England vampire panic of the 18th and 19th centuries during a Saturday, Oct. 21, talk at the Quincy Community United Methodist Church with Susan Jarek-Glidden.

Susan Jarek-Glidden will tell haunting stories and legends by candlelight of the New England “Vampire Panic” of the 18th and 19th centuries.  

Regarded as a local expert on the subject, Jarek-Glidden has been invited to do presentations throughout Massachusetts.  She and her husband have just returned from a trip to Transylvania.  

Massachusetts native Ronny LeBlanc, of the Travel Channel’s “Expedition Bigfoot” and “Paranormal Caught on Camera,” will take participants into a deep dive into paranormal hot spots in New England. 

Scituate Dog Park Howl-oween Party at the Scituate Country Club 

Canine companions frolic at the Scituate Dog Park.
  • When: 6:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21  
  • Where: Scituate Country Club, 91 Driftway, Scituate
  • Tickets/admission: $50
  • For more information: Scituatedogpark.com

Andrew Boyle is back to DJ/emcee the Howl-oween fundraiser at the Scituate Country Club. There'll be music, dancing, a costume contest, a photo booth, a raffle and silent auction items, food and a cash bar. Costumes are encouraged but not required.

The Celestial Origins of Halloween at Blake Planetarium

The Blake Planetarium in Plymouth.

Be it ghoulish or ghostly, Halloween is an astronomical holiday. Experience the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a "cross-quarter day."

See how Samhain and All Saints Day would eventually transform into Halloween. Traverse the night sky and learn what planets, constellations and stars will be out on Halloween evening.  

This program will also include seasonal stargazing, a brief overview of the current night sky and “Passport to the Universe,” a journey from our solar system to the Virgo Supercluster and back again.  

N.E Wildlife Center's Night of 1,000 faces

  • When: 6:30 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27/Saturday, Oct. 28
  • Where: New England Wildlife Center, 500 Columbian St., South Weymouth
  • Tickets/admission: $10
  • For more information:Newcshalloween.eventbrite.com

Every year we line the trails outside New England Wildlife Center with hundreds of pumpkins carved by professionals and the local community. There will be cotton candy, cookies, cider, costumes, crafts, animal presentations, music and much more. 

Free creepy house − Hanover Stetson House Halloween

The 1716 Stetson House will be decorated with ghosts and the popular creepy dolls on the second floor to help spook families into the Halloween spirit.

Costumes, a barn dance and more in Marshfield

Martin and Kelly will perform as part of the Magical Moon Foundation's annual costume and barn dance fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 28.

The Magical Moon Farm & Foundation will open its grounds for a Halloween-themed fundraiser. 

There will be an area outside the barn decorated and staged as well as a display of festive refreshments in the farm stand.   

Festivities with a knighting ceremony and a silent auction will be from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be live music by Martin and Kelly in the barn from 6 to 8:30 p.m.  

Costumes are required for entry to the Trick or Treat Adventure & Barn Show.  

Upland Riders' Halloween Party includes a 50/50 raffle

The Upland Club’s DJ-hosted Halloween Party will include a 50/50 raffle and best costume and best pumpkin contests.

Upland Riders is a family-oriented riding organization established in 1992. The purpose of the group is to promote responsible motorcycling activities by conducting special activities and encouraging participation in events sponsored by other organizations. 

Hometown Haunts & Hops Horror Convention at Mayflower Brewing Co.

  • When: Noon-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
  • Where: Mayflower Brewing Co., 12 Resnik Road, Plymouth
  • Tickets/admission: $5-$35
  • For more information: Mayflowerbrewing.com

Get ready for a spine-chilling day of terror and hops at the Hometown Haunts & Hops Horror Convention at Mayflower Brewing Co. on Oct. 28.

Come dressed in your best Halloween costume and explore the convention, where you'll find an array of horror-themed vendors, spooky decor and frightful fun. Sip on Mayflower Brewing Co.'s offerings while you browse the booths and maybe even find some ghoulish treasures to take home.

There will also be a costume contest with a grand prize for the spookiest and most creative costume. Check out panels and live podcasts from America's Hometown Horror Podcast or just sit back with a cold one and watch a movie.

Mischief & Mayhem 7 Halloween Bash at the Marina Bay Water Club to benefit animal shelter

Enjoy a night of ghosts, goblins and merrymaking at Marina Bay, all while helping the Quincy Animal Shelter.

Stories from Stones: A History Tour of Hanover’s Center Cemetery

Nothing says late October more than an old New England cemetery a few days before Halloween. Join Hanover Historical Society Executive Director and cemetery expert Stephen O’Neill for a tour of Hanover’s Center Cemetery. Learn the history of Hanover’s oldest burying ground, its grave markers and memorials and the stories found among the cemetery’s stones. 

Monster Bash Halloween Dance Party at Kingsbury Pub 

Get your monster on at the Kingsbury Pub's Monster Bash Halloween Dance Party on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023.
  • When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 
  • Where: Kingsbury Pub, 186 Summer St., Kingston 
  • Tickets/admission: $15 
  • For more information:Kingsburyclub.com 

The area’s self-proclaimed biggest and best Halloween party will be held in the newly renovated Kingsbury Pub inside the Kingsbury Club and Spa.  

DJ Mike Casano will serve as master of ceremonies for the event, which includes a costume contest with winners named for best overall and best couple costumes.  

There will also be door prizes, a selfie area with Halloween-themed backdrops and a pumpkin-painting contest. 

Light appetizers will be served from 6 to 7 p.m., and guests will enjoy a selection of fall seasonal offerings from local breweries. 

JB’s Indoor Dog Park free Barktoberfest and Halloween party

Dogs and their people are encouraged to get in the Halloween costume spirit during JB’s Indoor Dog Park Barktoberfest and Halloween party in Norwell on Oct. 29.

Bring Fido out to celebrate the spooky season at this fun Halloween event. Humans and their pups are invited to dress in Halloween costumes. The event will include vendors, food and beverages.  

All ages are welcome, and parking is free.  

This October 29th from 12-2pm Granite City Church will throw our amazing annual fall party for our neighbors in the Quincy community and surrounding towns. This year's Hoedown will have a trunk-or-treat, bouncy house, petting zoo and a mechanical bull, seasonal games, crafts and more.

Little Hands in Hanover Halloween grand opening party 

  • When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
  • Where: Little Hands Crafts Corner and Studio, 409 Columbia Road, Hanover 
  • Tickets/admission: $20; adults and infants are admitted for free with a ticket purchased for children 1 and older
  • For more information:Littlehandscrafts.com 

Prepare for a spine-tingling experience with fun decorations, a haunted photography backdrop perfect for pictures and interactive Halloween games. Dress up in your most creative costumes for a chance to win exciting prizes.    Each "Little Hand" will receive a take-home goodie bag while supplies last.

Knit a pumpkin at Stellwagen Beer Co.  

Why grow a pumpkin when you can knit one?

South Shore Blanket Parties will lead a workshop in making knit pumpkins.  

Experienced knitters (any knitting experience or if you've attended a blanket event) can make two or three stuffed pumpkins. Less experienced knitters can make two or three wrapped faux pumpkins.  

Bags will not be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring a large tote to carry their project and materials home. 

Plymouth’s annual Halloween on Main Street  

Plymouth police decorated their emergency response vehicle and handed out candy during last year's Halloween on Main Street event in Plymouth.
  • When: 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31 
  • Where: Main Street, downtown Plymouth 
  • Tickets/admission: Free 
  • For more: PlymouthChamber.com 

Halloween on Main Street takes place with a trick-or-treat walk through downtown Plymouth and visits to the 70-plus participating merchants.  

The event starts at Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., with free Halloween activities, face painting, pumpkin decorating and more. 

Free Parking at St. Peter’s Church and the bottom deck of the parking garage on South Russell Street. The event is geared toward children 10 and under.

Do you have an event to add to this list? If so, email reporter David R. Smith at Drsmith@patriotledger.com.