From silly to scary: Eight Halloween activities in Eastern Connecticut

From young to old, Halloween is always a fun time of the year. It can be an excuse to dress up as a monster or a character and let loose, a time to find a joyful fright, or an excuse to indulge in favorite childhood sweets. However, there are so many options for Halloween activities, it could make a headless horseman’s head spin! We’ve compiled a list here of just some of the Halloween fun in Eastern Connecticut.

Activities range from family-friendly parades and shows, to pub crawls and a haunted house for the grown-ups. Here’s a list of eight upcoming Halloween activities in Eastern Connecticut.

NorWITCH Halloween Strut, Broadway and Bath Street, Norwich

Part of downtown Norwich’s streets will be closed off on Oct. 28 for a safe and fun Halloween experience. The second NorWITCH Halloween Strut will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. The downtown will be covered in Halloween decorations. Visit downtown establishments and restaurants, while the little ones get to visit Norwitchtown Playhouse Village. Other activities include a family-friendly movie, a magic show, a judged costume parade, and a witch dancer.

For the grown-ups, there will also be a Halloween Pub Crawl by the Norwich Events Organization. It will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Strange Brew Pub, and the final stop will be 9:45 p.m. at Billy Wilson’s Ageing Still. There are a total of eight stops, including a 9 p.m. group photo outside Norwich City Hall.

Halloween Dance Party, Marie’s Fitness and Massage Center, 661 Norwich Road, Plainfield

Marie’s will be hosting an all-ages Halloween Dance Party at the Plainfield Square on Oct. 20 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Non-alcoholic refreshments will be provided, and there will be costume contests for all ages.

Spinning Disc DJ Service will DJ the event.

Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for kids. At the door, tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for kids. Children 6 and under are free.

Haunted Trail of Lights, 169 Black Hill Road, Plainfield

A fundraiser for the Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, The Haunted Trail of Lights will be held on Oct. 21 and 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. There are multiple spooky trails people can go down, totaling a half–mile.

All ages are allowed at the event, so it’s up to parental discretion. Please note that strobe lights are used.

Guests are encouraged to wear costumes and meet the resident equines.

Killingly Spooktacular Lights and Sights, Killingly

The Killingly Spooktacular takes place in and around Danielson on Oct. 28. The first event of the day is trick-or-treating, on Main Street, sponsored by the Killingly Business Association, from 3 to 5 p.m. Then, there is a block party at Davis Park from 4 to 6 p.m. Activities include a drumming circle, a bonfire, a DJ, and face painting.

Next is the first Spooktacular Halloween Light Parade. Starting at 6:15 p.m., cars will proceed from the Old Killingly High School on Westfield Avenue, travel along Main Street, and turn onto Water Street, ending at the St. James School parking lot.

If you want to participate in the Light Parade, the cost is $20 for a commercial entity, and $10 for nonprofits and families. All funds raised go toward the Friends of Assisi Food Pantry. The sign-up link is https://killinglypr.recdesk.com/Community/Program?category=7, and a mailable entry form can be found at https://www.killingly.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif4581/f/uploads/skonica_cop23080116070.pdf.

Sing-ups close on Oct. 16. For more information, contact Killingly Park and Recreation at 860-779-5390, or email blohbusch@killinglyct.gov.

Pumpkin Passage, Nature’s Art Village, 1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Montville

If you like your Halloween activities with a few more dinosaurs, then this event fits the bill. The Pumpkin Passage features pumpkins, mythical creatures, and dinosaurs covered in lights. There are also slides and bounce houses. This all-ages Halloween event also features other entertainers and activities, depending on which day you go, from face painting to circus performers, and more.

This event is running Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until Oct. 30. It’s also open on Oct. 19 and 26. Admission is $26 for adults and $28 for children. Children under 2 are free, except for those participating in Trick-or-Treat night, Oct. 29.

Attendees must register online. More information can be found on the Nature’s Art website.

The Flour Girl Bakery, 14 Main St., Hebron

While hearing about haunted things during Halloween isn’t unusual, a haunted bakery is a bit different. The Flour Girl in Hebron is housed in two historic buildings, one built in 1784 and the other in 1814. The bakery had the presence of supernatural activity recently “confirmed” by the Eastern CT Paranormal Society. While the bakery’s “Dining with the Departed” dinners have sold out, there are still spots open for the Spooky Paint and Sip on Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Great Pumpkin Festival, Downtown Putnam

On Oct. 21, downtown Putnam will be full of vendors, activities and Halloween fun, as the Great Pumpkin Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature the Official Great Pumpkin by the Putnam Congregational Church, a scarecrow contest, live music, vendors, and more.

The Dark Manor Haunted House, 25 Main St., Baltic

Voted the scariest haunted house in Connecticut, The Dark Manor is a favorite with locals in Eastern Connecticut. The building is an old school, converted into a haunted house full of thrilling, gory and horrific scenes, actors and surprises. It’s recommended that people who are under 13, or are pregnant, or have medical conditions, not attend.

The Dark Manor is open between now and Oct. 29, so visit the website for days and times. Ticket prices range from $12 for the daytime matinee, to $35 for Peak Days VIP admission.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Halloween events in Eastern Conn.: Dark Manor, Killingly Spooktacular