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Halloween Frights and Delights in Dutchess

Date Published: September 27, 2023

If you are looking for a frightfully fun time this Halloween, or if you love a spooky ghost story, Dutchess County has you covered!   

There are dozens of Halloween-themed events and attractions throughout the county this season, from haunted mansions to costume parties. Here are some can’t-miss experiences that are guaranteed to send chills down your spine. 

Feel free to share your ghoulish photos here and tag @DutchessTourism on social media. 


Featured in this article: Spooky Attractions | For the Kids | Parties and Nightlife | Haunted Experiences | Historic Events and Cemetery Tours 


Kevin McCurdy Haunted Mansion, Bowdoin Park, Wappingers Falls
Kevin McCurdy's Haunted Mansion, Bowdoin Park, Wappingers Falls

Spooky Attractions 

Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion (Select dates, Sept. 30–Oct. 31 at Bowdoin Park, Wappingers Falls): This Halloween experience is not for the faint of heart! As seen on the AMC show “Fear Fest,” Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion celebrates “47 years of fears!” This year’s experience features The Wicked Woods attraction, which includes the Funhouse, Dark Nature, Deadwood Gulch, Lost Souls Cemetery, Merry Krampus and more, along with the Heaven Hill Hospital and the all-new Carnivorous Creatures attractions. Food, drinks and mini doughnuts are available at The Grumpy Pumpkin. The Kids Day event on Oct. 9 includes arts and crafts, magic shows and trick-or-treating through the trail with some friendly monsters.    


Book Launch and Apple Tasting (Monday, Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. at Rose Hill Winery & Cidery, Red Hook): Apple season and spooky season seem to go hand-in-hand, and this event combines the two for one fun evening on the farm. Enjoy an heirloom apple tasting followed by a discussion and book signing with bestselling author Chuck Wendig to celebrate the launch of his new novel, “Black River Orchard.” Tickets include a discounted beverage in the Taproom and a $5 voucher toward the purchase of “Black River Orchard” at the event, which is presented in partnership with Oblong Books.


“Dracula” on Bannerman Island (Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 4 and 5, 6 p.m. at Bannerman Castle, Beacon): Bannerman Island provides the perfect setting as Theatre on the Road presents the original 1927 Broadway production of the Bram Stoker novel. Tickets include a scenic cruise to and from the island aboard the Estuary Steward tour boat, which leaves from and returns to the dock next to the Beacon Metro-North train station.  


Haunted Fortress of Stanford (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 6–29): Created by Peter Wing (of Wing's Castle fame), the Haunted Fortress has been scaring visitors since 1997, and this season promises to frightfully good! Those brave enough to walk all the way through the creepy swamp will encounter the Train Yard, the Carriage House, the Crooked House, the Caves, the Bottomless Pit, the Village, the Church with its Graveyard, and the Lab. Weather permitting, the attraction will be open on four consecutive weekends beginning Oct. 6 and includes sensory-friendly shows on Oct. 15 and 22 from 2–4 p.m.


Beacon HorrorShow IX (Throughout October at multiple locations): Calling all slasher film mavens! The Beacon HorrorShow, presented by Story Screen, is back for its ninth season and features a variety of events and screenings of horror classics at your favorite Dutchess County hotspots. Get the popcorn ready!


Silent Film "Nosferatu" (Saturday, Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m. at The Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Poughkeepsie): Enjoy this highly influential silent horror film with world renowned organist Juan Cardona Jr. playing his original score for this silent masterpiece on the Bardavon Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. 


Related: Top 10 Hidden Gem Hikes 


Lilymoore Alpaca Farm, Pleasant Valley
Lilymoore Alpaca Farm, Pleasant Valley

For the Kids 

Harvest Hunt (Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 23 through Oct. 31, and Mondays Oct. 9 and 30, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at Locust Grove Estate, Poughkeepsie): Enjoy an entertaining and educational story walk and scavenger hunt for decorated pumpkins that celebrate the people who lived and worked at this historic estate in 1901. Costumes encouraged! 


A Very Fluffy Halloween (Saturdays, Sundays and other select days from Oct. 14–31 at Lilymoore Alpaca Farm, Pleasant Valley): Here’s a Halloween event the kids are sure to love — the adults, too! The alpacas, goats and llamas are throwing an all-ages Halloween party and are dressing in their costumes for the occasion. Wear your costumes if you like and head to the farm for a tour. Be sure to stick around for a fun craft.


The YOU Goes Boo (Saturday, Oct. 21, 12 p.m. at Eastman Park, Poughkeepsie): This family-friendly event features music, food, games, performances, a costume contest, trick-or-treating and more! Make sure to visit the artwork on the fencing at the YOU construction site adjacent to the park. YOU — the Youth Opportunity Union — will be a new community center in the heart of Poughkeepsie, a welcoming and inclusive space where children can play, learn and grow. 


Mid Hudson Discovery Museum, Poughkeepsie
Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, Poughkeepsie

Halloween Spooktacular (Friday, Oct. 27, 5–7:30 p.m. at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, Poughkeepsie): Head to the Poughkeepsie Waterfront and go to the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, formerly the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, for some not-so-scary, kid-friendly fun. Enjoy the museum with a spooky twist, including creepy science experiments and Halloween-themed exhibits, as well as an all-ages haunted house, a costume parade and, of course, trick-or-treating.  


Scary Stories in the Barn (Friday, Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m. at Mount Gulian Historic Site, Beacon): The folks at Mount Gulian will open the creaky doors of their nearly 300-year-old Dutch barn so children and their families can hear the delightfully spooky and creepy tales told by master storyteller Lorraine Hartin Gelardi. Appropriate for ages 5 and older. 


Haunted Mill (Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27 and 28, 3–7 p.m. at Maxon Mills, Wassaic): Home to the Wassaic Project non-profit art and art education organization, Maxon Mills is quite a unique exhibition space, an historic, seven-story wooden grain elevator along the train tracks that has been repurposed into a magnificent gallery for contemporary artists to display their creations. This year’s Haunted Mill features plenty of spooky installations and kid-friendly fun. 


Tract-or-Treat Weekend (Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 28 and 29, 11 a.m. at Barton Orchards, Poughquag): There are plenty of Trick-or-Treat and Trunk-or-Treat events out there, but Barton Orchards puts its own, farm-themed spin on a Halloween tradition with this "Tract-or-Treat" candy event. This two-day, family-friendly festival features magic shows, live music, pig races and so much more. Enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, a rock n’ roll-themed corn maze, the wooden ship playground and the new Mega Slide in the fun park. Bring the pups and let them play in the dog park. Pick your own apples and pumpkins, grab some apple cider donuts and a bite to eat from one of the food trucks. Dress your best for the costume contests for kids, adults and dogs, too! 


Mall-O-Ween (Monday, Oct. 30, 3:30–6 p.m. at the Poughkeepsie Galleria, Poughkeepsie): Enjoy a spooky night at the mall complete with Trick-or-Treating, a magic show with illusionist Ryan Dutcher, raffles, costumes and more! 


Related: Dutchess Tourism Connection Finder Family Fun Trail 


Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn, Rhinebeck
Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn, Rhinebeck

Parties and Nightlife 

“Witch Perfect” (Sunday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. at Revel 32°, Poughkeepsie): Come to Revel 32°, a magnificent event space in the heart of Poughkeepsie, to see "Witch Perfect," the hysterical and award-winning parody based on the cult-classic Disney film, "Hocus Pocus." This all-ages, live-singing performance features three Emmy Award-winning stars from "RuPaul's Drag Race." Tina Burner (Season 13) plays Winifred; Scarlet Envy (Season 11, All-Stars Season 6) plays Sara; and Alexis Michelle (Season 9, All Stars Season 8) plays Mary. General admission and VIP meet-and-greet ticket packages are available. 


The Murderous Monster Mash-Up (Wednesday, Oct. 18, 6:45 p.m. at the Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn, Rhinebeck): Figure out whodunit at the "Murderous Monster Mash-Up" murder mystery dinner party at the historic Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn. It's a Halloween reunion of all of your favorite ghouls! Enjoy a three-course dinner and cash bar along with the show, which is presented by Murder Cafe. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes (costumes are encouraged but not required). 


“Tomb With a View” Murder Mystery Dinner (Saturday, Oct. 21, and Friday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m. at Mahoney’s Irish Pub & Steakhouse, Poughkeepsie): Mahoney’s serves up a dinner theater experience that is simply to die for. Tickets include the show along with salad, a buffet dinner and dessert. Costumes encouraged! 


Halloweekend at The Academy (Oct. 27, 9 p.m. at The Academy, Poughkeepsie): A thousand bucks goes to the winner of the costume contest, so be sure you dress to impress! Food will be provided by Sundaze Burgers and Cornerstone.


Halloween Costume Bash (Saturday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m. at JB's Bar & Grill at James Baird State Park, Pleasant Valley): Best costume wins dinner for four, so come dressed in your best costume for a spooky dance party with DJ Johnny Mac.  


Mahoney’s Halloween Party (Oct. 31, 7 p.m. at Mahoney’s Irish Pub & Steakhouse, Poughkeepsie): DJ Parag keeps the records spinning and the party hopping. $1,000 worth of prizes and giveaways. Dress your best for the costume contest. 


Maxon Mills, Wassaic
Maxon Mills, Wassaic

Monster’s Ball (Saturday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m. at The Lantern, Wassaic): After two days of creepy, crawly fun at the Wassaic Project’s Haunted Mill, the grown-ups head across the street to The Lantern for the Monster’s Ball, featuring live music and a costume contest. All tickets to the ball must be purchased in advance — no tickets will be sold at the door. And, most importantly, all attendees must wear a costume. Must be 21 or older. 


Night of the Living Dead Halloween Dance Party (Saturday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m. at the University Settlement Camp, Beacon): Join the living dead in the woods for a terrifying dance party featuring DJs Vick The Bruiser and Meatball Jack. Proceeds support the Compass Arts Creativity Project. 


Hudson Valley Boo Ball (Saturday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m. at the Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center, Poughkeepsie): Dress up, come out, and party at the Hudson Valley’s biggest Halloween bash! Enjoy live music, food, drinks, a costume contest and more. If time allows, make a weekend of it; The Poughkeepsie Grand hotel is right next to the MJN Convention Center (formerly the Mid-Hudson Civic Center). 


Halloween Party at Revel 32° (Saturday, Oct. 28, 8 p.m. at Revel 32°, Poughkeepsie): Come to Revel 32° for a party featuring Jungle Love, voted the 2023 Best Party Band in the Hudson Valley by Hudson Valley Magazine! Compete in the costume contest for a chance to win a cash prize. 


Jessica Lynn’s "Decades" Halloween Bash (Saturday, Oct. 28, 8 p.m. at Daryl’s House, Pawling): Who better to host an unforgettable party than Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer Daryl Hall? Every Halloween, contemporary country music star Jessica Lynn and her band put away their cowboy boots and host this themed party. This year, they’ll take you on a musical trip back through the “Decades.” 


A Hippie Halloween (Saturday, Oct. 28, 8:30 p.m. at the Towne Crier Cafe, Beacon): Come as you are or come dressed as your favorite 1960s personality and enjoy a live performance by the Woodstock tribute band Back to the Garden 1969. 


“Costumes, Cocktails and Candy” (Saturday, Oct. 28, 9:30 p.m. at the Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn, Rhinebeck): Costumes and cocktails and candy — oh my! The Tavern at The Beekman Arms hosts a Halloween party featuring costume contests, live entertainment, dancing, delicious food, treats and cocktails. Make sure to take advantage of the discounted hotel rates for party guests. 


Related: Top 10 Places to View Fall Foliage 


Wings Castle, Millbrook
Wing's Castle, Millbrook

Haunted Experiences 

Wing’s Castle (Millbrook): Spend the night and take a tour of this unique — and purportedly haunted — medieval-style castle tucked away in the Dutchess countryside. Husband-and-wife artists Peter and Toni Ann Wing began building the castle in 1970 as a “live-in art project” on land that had been in the Wing family since the 1800s. They have used mostly recycled and repurposed materials in its construction and decoration. Visitors can choose between the Annex Suite, the Dungeon Room, the Chamber Room or the Cottage and enjoy plenty of modern amenities during a quiet getaway – along with, perhaps, a ghostly encounter! The castle overlooks the fields at the Millbrook Vineyards and Winery, which offers daily tastings of its award-winning wines and hosts special events like weekend food trucks from May through October and jazz concerts in the summer. 


Miss Fanny’s Victorian Party House (Wappingers Falls): Named after the last member of the Van Wyck family who lived there, Miss Fanny’s is a 19th-century farmhouse that has been decorated with an enormous assemblage of antiques — and a twist of the macabre. The home has been featured on several paranormal TV shows, including “Haunted Collector” on the Syfy Network and “My Ghost Story” on the Biography Channel. The current owners reportedly share the space with spirits who have made their presence known with doors opening and closing, voices, footsteps — and even apparitions. Events are held year-round, including ghost hunts, medium readings and psychic Halloween parties. 


Related: Dutchess Tourism Story Finder History and Heritage Trail 


Legends By Candlelight, Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown
"Legends By Candlelight," Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown

Historic Events and Cemetery Tours 

St. James Episcopal Church Graveyard Tours (By reservation only at St. James Episcopal Church, Hyde Park): Tour this 200-year-old churchyard during their seasonal graveyard tours by lantern light and "meet” some of the iconic people who are buried there! Characters dressed in costumes appropriate to their times tell their stories through interactive dialogue. Each year features new stories with connections to local history. This year’s “cast” includes Sara Delano Roosevelt (1854-1941), the second wife of James Roosevelt and mother of President Franklin D. Roosevelt; Ruth Livingston Mills (1855-1920), Gilded Age society matron and the great-granddaughter of New York Governor and war hero Morgan Lewis; and Nathaniel Pendleton (1756-1821), a lawyer and Revolutionary patriot who is most famous for his friendship with Alexander Hamilton and for being Hamilton’s second in his duel with Aaron Burr. Appropriate for ages 5 and older. 


Red Hook Cemetery Crawl (Self-guided tours, Sept. 23 through Oct. 29 at multiple locations in Red Hook): This year-round, self-guided tour of six Red Hook cemeteries details the lives of interesting people and their memorials. It’s an interesting and innovative way to study local history. The Crawl also includes a seasonal scavenger hunt, which will conclude with an award ceremony on Oct. 29 at the historic Elmendorph Inn at 3 p.m. 


Graveyard Walk with the Millbrook Historical Society (Thursday, Oct. 12, 5 p.m. at the Nine Partners Meeting House and Cemetery, Millbrook): The Millbrook Historical Society will lead you through Nine Partners Cemetery and discuss some of the prominent figures buried there.


Historic Murders in Dutchess County (Thursday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m. at Wappinger Town Hall, Wappingers Falls): Historian Shannon Butler discusses some of Dutchess County’s most gruesome murders from the 18th to the early 20th centuries at this presentation, which is part of the Wappingers Historical Society’s Speaker Series. 


Dutchess County Historic Tavern Trail: Ghost Stories (Friday, Oct. 13, 6 p.m. at Foster’s Coach House Tavern, Rhinebeck): Join Dutchess County Historian William P. Tatum III in the Foster’s Coach House Tavern basement and explore some local ghost stories. Be sure to book your dinner reservations for before or after the program. 


Stones & Bones Living History Tour (Saturday, Oct. 14, 2:30 p.m. at Wappingers Rural Cemetery, Wappingers Falls): Presented by Dani Masterson in collaboration with the Wappingers Historical Society, this event will introduce you to some of the notable cemetery “residents” who tell their stories through interactive dialog. 


Legends by Candlelight (Oct. 20, 21, 27 and 28, tours every half hour from 6-8 p.m. at Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown): Come face-to-face with “ghosts” of Clermont’s past and hear their tales of love and loss, failure and success. Some will be funny, others scary, but all the stories are true! Visitors will be led to the house through a landscape covered in flickering jack-o-lanterns, then into the mansion for a haunting experience. Space is limited and advanced tickets are required. 


Haunted Beacon Ghost Walk (select dates in Oct. and Nov.): These one-hour, all-ages tours explore Beacon's haunted history reaching back more than 400 years. Hear stories of local legend and paranormal activity.

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