Spooky Season

Linnea Sheldon

Spooky season is officially upon us! As the crisp autumn air settles in for the season, the region undergoes a spine-chilling transformation. From the streets of Worcester to the quiet corners around Worcester County, October brings with it a haunting array of entertainment, frights and festivities.

Whether you are looking to brave immersive theatrical haunts, rock out at a metal festival, crawl through downtown nightlife or enjoy family-friendly fall weekends, Central Massachusetts is the place to be this Halloween season.

High-Energy Frights & Festivals

If you are the kind of Halloween fan who looks for jaw-dropping thrills, massive crowds and high-energy excitement, you are in luck. Many of the region’s biggest events have returned for another year, bringing together high-level production, incredible cosplay and unforgettable festival atmospheres that will bring out the absolute best the area has to offer.

Kicking off the season early, Silver Scream Con V returns to the DCU Center in Worcester from Oct. 2 through Oct. 4. Presented by local horrorcore icons Ice Nine Kills, New England’s No. 1 weekend of macabre celebration brings together horror fans, cosplayers and some stars of legendary horror franchises, including Linda Blair, Juliette Lewis and David Arquette, for three frightening days of panel discussions, photo ops and live music.

Meanwhile, historic Old Sturbridge Village transforms after dark for Phantoms by Firelight, running Fridays through Sundays from Oct. 3 through Oct. 25. Visitors can experience the newest rendition of Halloween at New England’s largest living history museum. This year’s immersive experience steps directly into the experimental world of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” Visitors walk lantern-lit paths through the 1830s village, where scenes from the 1818 literary classic unfold amid theatrical fog, low lighting and live fire effects. All ages can enter at their own risk.

Outdoor enthusiasts can head to Wachusett Mountain on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 for BooFest, perfect for family-friendly fun and Halloweenies of all ages. Inspired by spooky New England history, the weekend features costume parades, pie-eating contests, trick-or-treating along the scenic Skyride and a peaceful autumn ride up the Polar Express for 360-degree valley views.

In Worcester, Polar Park hosts its massive Boo in the Woo Fall Festival Weekend from Oct. 16 through Oct. 18. The ballpark transforms into a fall wonderland featuring a themed maze, pumpkin decorating, face painting, local vendors and Friday night “Movies on the Field.” This year features a kid-friendly fall festival during the weekend days, followed by adults-only “Fright Nights in the Field” tours through zombie-infested locker rooms, stained batting cages and splintered tunnels after dark!

Immersive Theater & Living History

Central Massachusetts sits on a goldmine of rich, storied history, and October is the absolute best time to peel back the pages of the past. As the autumn leaves fall and the shadows grow longer, local storytellers, actors and historians bring those old legends and restless spirits back to life through gripping theatrical performances and authentic ghost lore that will leave you looking over your shoulder.

Preservation Worcester’s Rural Remains enters its sixth year, offering an unforgettable theatrical experience along the haunting pathways of Rural Cemetery. Running Oct. 9, 16 and 23 (with rain dates the following Saturdays), costumed actors portray notable historical figures buried on the grounds. Executive Director Patrick T. Maloney notes that last year’s tours completely sold out, welcoming nearly 500 attendees, so don’t delay in grabbing your tickets. For those unable to navigate the one-mile outdoor walking path, an indoor seated version takes place at the Ellen Rogers-Kennedy Chapel on Oct. 29.

Edgar Allan Poe fans have multiple opportunities to experience the master of the macabre. On Oct. 24, Blaxton Hall at the Vaillancourt Folk Art studios in Sutton hosts “An Intimate Evening With Poe,” featuring acclaimed performer David Keltz in a deeply atmospheric, costumed one-man show complete with a post-show Q&A.

Later in the month, The Hanover Theatre Repertory brings back its fan-favorite Edgar Allan Poe Double Header to the BrickBox Theater in Worcester from Oct. 28 through Nov. 1. Created and performed by Artistic Director Livy Scanlon, this 60-minute solo show is staged as a séance, conjuring up chilling adaptations of “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Cask of Amontillado.”

For lovers of local lore, renowned paranormal investigator Jeff Belanger stops by the Millbury Public Library (hosted under the outdoor tent at Asa Waters Mansion) on Oct. 14 for “Wicked Strange New England,” sharing bizarre tales, monsters and urban legends drawn from his decades of research.

Nightlife, Parties and Live Music

If your ultimate definition of Halloween involves heavy bass, flashing lights and killer costumes, you are going to love what’s in store for October. The area’s vibrant entertainment and nightlife scene pulls out all the stops this season, delivering an unforgettable lineup of high-energy parties, killer live music and epic costume contests that keep the party going long after midnight.

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, metalheads can descend upon the Worcester Palladium for a thunderous co-headlined tour stop featuring Arch Enemy and The Black Dahlia Murder, bringing a night of fierce metal and hard rock to the masses.

On Friday, Oct. 30, the Worcester Art Museum hosts “After Hours: Ghosts in the Galleries” from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Aimed at an adult and college audience, the museum-wide Halloween party features tarot card readings by Suzil Von, a costume contest, music, drinks and light bites. Admission is free for WAM members and local College Partner students with student ID and $25 for the general public.

For those looking for a unique dining experience, The Barn at Wight Farm in Sturbridge presents its Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner: “I Love the 80’s to Death” on Friday, Oct. 30. Guests channel their inner rockstar detectives amidst 1980s neon, big hair and leg warmers to solve a deadly backstage music industry mystery over a multi-course plated dinner. You will have to follow the clues, uncover the secrets and work together to solve the crime in totally awesome ‘80s style.

When Halloween night officially arrives on Saturday, Oct. 31, revelers can take part in the Worcester Halloween Bar Crawl 2026, running from 4 to 11:59 p.m. starting at Bay State Brewery & Tap Room. The crawl features exclusive drink deals, ghoulish cocktails and themed entertainment across top downtown bars.

On Saturday, Oct. 31, over at WCUW’s FrontRoom, DJ The Drifter presents a lively costume party. Featuring an opening ambient and cinematic musical set by Curtis Emery at 6:15 p.m., the night promises prizes for the best costumes, light refreshments and a chance for all ages to let your freak flag fly.

Family Fun, Paws and the Paranormal

The spooky season isn’t just for nighttime parties. There is plenty of daytime magic waiting for you, too! Rounding out the region’s incredible lineup are unique family gatherings, hands-on paranormal investigations and adorable pet-friendly celebrations where even your four-legged best friend can join in on the costumed fun.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, the historic Publick House Inn in Sturbridge hosts a daytime Psychic Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Presented by the Ghost Watchers Team and New England Paranormal, the intimate gathering features metaphysical vendors, spiritual tools, live demonstrations of investigative gear and opportunities to connect with researchers. Guests will even have an opportunity to use paranormal equipment and participate in a real investigation.

Professional wrestling fans can head to the Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center on Saturday, Oct. 10 for Powerhouse Wrestling Halloween Bash 2. Starting at 7:30 p.m., the card features hard-hitting action and special appearances by wrestling legends, including Savio Vega, Wrecking Ball Legursky and Marty Scurll. Get ready for a night of Halloween-themed mayhem and nonstop entertainment for the whole family. Costumes are encouraged!

Candy lovers and maze enthusiasts can check out the Haunted Hillando Halloween Maze, hosted every weekend in October by the Hebert Candy Mansion in Shrewsbury. This elaborate, kid-friendly Halloween maze features a witch hut, skeleton graveyard, spider forest, pet cemetery, scarecrows and jack-o’-lanterns, a swamp infested with man-eating plants and more!

Finally, bring your four-legged friends out on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Klem’s Annual Dog Costume Contest in Spencer. Complete with a doggie trick-or-treat trail, photo booth, puppuccino station and a costume contest judged at 12:30 p.m., with trophies for categories like Scariest and Most Original, it is a tail-wagging celebration for the whole family.

Whether you come for the spooky ghost stories or the historic chills that New England is famous for, this corner of the country is the absolute best place to be in October. From haunted mazes and monster bashes to cozy ghost walks, Halloween fans have endless fun ways to celebrate the spookiest time of the year right here in Central Massachusetts!

What is your favorite spooky tradition or haunted destination to visit in Central Massachusetts during October?