Heading to Sleepy Hollow for Halloween? Here's what to see and do
Come October, this Westchester village along with its neighbor Tarrytown, becomes Halloween central, based around its long history and as the setting for Washington Irving's famed "Legend of Sleepy Hollow," the tale of the hapless school teacher Ichabod Crane and his nemesis the Headless Horseman. There are myriad things to do in both villages, from walking tours of its historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and Old Dutch Churchyard, to ghost tours of the historic Music Hall in Tarrytown to experiencing a Gothic mansion after dark!
While you're there, check out historic sites such as Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate and Philipsburg Manor, a historic 17th century farm and gristmill located across the street from Sleepy Hollow cemetery. Go to historichudson.org for more info on these sites.
There's enough listed here to keep you busy for an entire weekend, but be aware, some dates sell out quickly, so check websites for availability:
Glass Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 14-16
For the first time, visitors can walk through a maze of hay bales featuring special hand-blown glass pumpkins displayed at Kingsland Point Park. Proceeds from the sale of the glass pumpkins benefit the Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley Chapter. Food trucks will be available. The event is free to the public, although a parking fee will apply. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 14 - 16. Kingsland Point Park. Visit glasspumpkinpatchfundraiser.com for more information.
More scares:Halloween haunt opens in vacant Yorktown department store
Dining:Old-school Italian restaurant opens in Peekskill
Fall fun: Grab your bike for 11 easy rides in the Hudson Valley
'The Legend,' thru Oct. 16
Audiences will be treated to a cirque/theatre noir production of Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," with narration by Washington Irving himself – in hologram form, commemorating the 200-year anniversary of Irving's spooky tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. Tickets are on sale now at SleepyHollowLegend.com. The show will run through Oct. 16 in the “Legend” Circus Tent on the East Parcel at 60 Continental Street in Sleepy Hollow. Showtimes: Fridays, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m., and Sundays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Shows run for an hour and a half and include an intermission. Tickets are $30 online and $40 at the door. Recommended for ages 10 years old and up. For more information, contact Westchester Circus Arts at 914-275-5711.
'Hulda, The Other Legend of Sleepy Hollow,' Oct. 15,-16, 22-23, 29-30
Once shunned as a witch, Hulda of Bohemia is now remembered as an 18th-century patriot and healer. This one-woman story telling experience was written by Carla Lynne Hall and Jim Keyes and is performed by Hall with original music performed by Keyes. Performances are held at 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. at the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow, Oct. 15-16, 22-23, 29-30. Tickets are $25 adults; $20 children. The Old Dutch Church is located at 430 Broadway, Sleepy Hollow. Find tickets at tickets.hudsonvalley.org/events
Sleepy Hollow Haunted Hayride & Block Party, Oct. 21,22
The Haunted Hayride legend rides again into the dark night where ghosts and goblins loom. The block party begins at 5 p.m., however, the hayrides have already sold out. Dates: Oct. 21, 22. Block party begins at 5 p.m. For more info, go to sleepyhollowny.gov. No fee for the block party on Beekman Avenue that features food for purchase, music and bouncy castles.
Hulda's Night, Rockefeller Preserve, Oct. 21,22
Hulda’s Night is an adventure into the history and legends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve through live performance. As guests hike through the dark woods with lanterns guiding the way, they will encounter various people, from The Storyteller, who recounts legends by fireside to the “witch” herself. Hulda, lonely and gravely misunderstood, awaits to tell you her side of the story. Tickets are $30. For more information, visit: friendsrock.org
Tarrytown Halloween Parade, Oct. 29
Expect floats, costumed revelers, and bands along Broadway and then down Main Street to a the reviewing stand where prizes will be awarded. Begins at 5:30 p.m. Rain date is Oct. 30. Go to tarrytownhalloweenparade.com
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Tours, thru November
This historic cemetery is the final resting place for author Washington Irving, who wrote "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," as well as the historic 17th century Old Dutch Church. There are several events planned around Halloween, from cocktails with the dead, to a murder mystery, along with daytime and evening walking tours, some led by lantern light. Events take place in September, October and select dates in November. For the complete schedule, a link to purchase tickers and more information, go to sleepyhollowcemetery.org/walking-tours or call 914-631-0081. Events, tours begin at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery North Gate, 540 North Broadway.
'The New York Grimpendium,' Oct. 28
A special treat for Halloween, Lyndhurst welcomes author J.W. Ocker who will give a special talk on all things grim in our region! Based on his bestselling book, "The New York Grimpendium," Ocker will regale visitors with a personalized itinerary of the best grim and spooky sights nearby, including Lyndhurst itself! Talks at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. For tickets, more info go to lyndhurst.org/events. Lyndhurst is located at 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown.
Ghost Tours of The Music Hall, thru November
If you've been to a performance or show at this historic theater, this is a fun event to experience all its glories and its past! Storyteller Jonathan Kruk leads the 45-minute tour of the historic theater, built in 1885, and home to events as wide ranging as President's speeches to women suffrage rallies; roller skating to movie screenings of "Gone With The Wind." It is a vessel through which many people pass. And some don’t leave … The building is an official site of the Haunted History Trail of New York. Gotham Paranormal Research Society has investigated the Music Hall several times and has consistently detected paranormal activity including intriguing EVP (electronic voice phenomena) audio files and EMF (electromagnetic field) readings. Tours may be led by Chant Macleod. 13 Main St., Tarrytown. For dates and ticket reservations, sold online only, not at the box office, go to https://tickets.tarrytownmusichall.org.
Lyndhurst After Dark, Oct. 21-23, 29-30
Tour the mansion once home to Gilded Age financier Jay Gould by candlelight, see rarely viewed special collection pieces on display surrounded by festive Autumnal decor. Performers will relate in-depth stories regarding Victorian mourning practices, customs, and spiritualism, a popular social pastime of the era. All visitors must have a pre-purchased ticket for this performance. A limited number of tickets are available and time slots do sell out. For tickets and more info go to lyndhurst.org. 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown
SUP Witches Festival at Horan's Landing, Oct. 16
If you are searching for a wicked sight, come to Horan's Landing for the 3rd Annual SUP Witch Paddle. Witches will gather and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," will be told. Join the witches on the water or stroll along the riverwalk. Vendors, food, brews and spooky views are available. Costumes encouraged! All paddlers must register in advance to participate at rivertownssupyoga.com. Noon - 4 p.m. (Rain date October 23.)
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, thru Oct. 31
Irving’s ‘Legend’ returns reimagined this fall. Performed for the first time ever outdoors under the stars at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, master storyteller Jonathan Kruk will cast a spell with dramatic performances of the classic tale. Live music and an appearance from the Headless Horseman himself make this a spooky spectacular experience for all ages. Fridays-Sunday thru Oct. 31. Find tickets at hudsonvalley.org/events/irvings-legend/
Tour The Home of the Legend, thru Nov. 13
At this family-friendly happening, visitors can tour Washington Irving’s house — decorated for the season — watch an original shadow puppet short film, and enjoy games on the lawn. A special exhibit highlights how the Legend has lived in the imagination of popular culture through the centuries since its publication. Friday-Sunday through Nov. 13. Find tickets at hudsonvalley.org.
Sleepy Hollow 'Run For Your Life' Halloween 10K, Oct. 29
Experience historic and scary sites along the scenic Hudson River course. A best costume prize will be given. Advance registration at rivertownrunners.org. Kids race beings at 9 a.m., 10K at 9:30 a.m. at Morse School on Beekman Avenue.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Sleepy Hollow Halloween: Ghost tales, cemetery tours and more events
