Updated: 10/5/24
From September through October, fun, spooky, and festive events are happening all over New York State. I have tried to hunt down as many events as possible to make the spookiest time of year even spookier. Here are the family fun and screamtastic events happening in the Syracuse/Central Region.
Tamer Spooky Fun
Zoo Boo
One of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s most beloved family events is back with a safe, fun “kooky, not spooky” daytime Halloween celebration. The zoo becomes a kid-friendly haunt with trick-or-treat stations, creepy-crawly animal encounters, keeper chats, games, activities, and photo ops. Wear your costumes and bring your treat bags for this adorably awesome event!
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, October 12th-27th
Address: 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse
Flash Light Safari & Halloween Nights
Looking for a spooky yet family-fun experience? Head over to the Wild Animal Park to catch the animals at night when they are most active! The Wild Animal Park will dim down the lights to make it a special experience, but don’t forget your flashlights.
Open: Starting September 27th – Runs Fridays and Saturdays in October from 6 pm-10 pm.
Address: 7621 Lakeport Rd., Chittenango, NY
Give Me A Sign – Phelps Mansion
Join us as we take a look at the rise of spiritualism in the 19th century.
Its origins, some of the devices used to communicate with the deceased.
The believers and detractors. How the spirits haunted literature with the
birth of gothic horror and more!
Dates: October 4th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th, & 26th 7pm-9pm
Cemetery Tour – Paths Through History
On Saturday, October 12th the Phelps Mansion Museum will offer a walking tour of Spring Forest Cemetery in Binghamton.
This tour will specifically talk about the symbolism found on many of the monuments in the cemetery, The tour is limited to 15 guests’ reservations.
The tours will begin at 9:30 a.m. and meet at the cemetery.
Please note this tour requires a great deal of walking and standing. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Tour Dates: October 12th & 13th
Address: 51 Mygatt St, Binghamton, NY 13905
Dunkin Spooktacular Stroll
Enjoy a fun Halloween Walk-through that is perfect for everyone by the creators of Lights on the Lake. Follow the half-mile path, and you will see festive Halloween-themed displays along the spooktastic trail! Take an adventure through themed areas, including Witch’s Way, the Ghost Barnyard, the Pumpkin Patch, Skeleton Graveyard, the Spider Forest, Creepy Castle, Villains Village, Mummy Mansion, and more! Each section will include large wooden structures, LED light displays, and more to help the sections come to life!
Open: October 1-31st from 5pm- 9pm
Address: 3813 Long Branch Rd, Liverpool
Enchanted Beaver Lake
Over 400 uniquely carved jack-o-lanterns and luminaria light your way along two trails as you venture through the darkness. The evening will include a wild bird presentation, a magic show, and food to purchase.
Date: October 24th- 27th, 2024 6pm-8:30pm
Address: 8477 E. Mud Lake Rd, Baldwinsville, NY
Halloweenend at Ross Park Zoo
Halloweekend is taking over Ross Park for the Second Annual Halloweekend! The Discovery Center is excited to partner with The Ross Park Zoo for this campus-wide event with fun Halloween-themed activities! Joint admission to the park will enable you to trick-or-treat at both venues as well as participate in all crafts, activities, and performances. Activities will include a special display of painted pumpkins, character appearances, and a costume parade each day. Get your costumes ready for a day of fun and trick-or-treating!
Dates: 10 am Saturday, October 26th, and 3pm – Sunday, October 227th.
Address: 60 Morgan Road, Binghamton
1890 House
Paranormal Investigation at 1890 House
Spend the evening at the 1890 House Museum for a guided paranormal investigation with the experienced team from Dream Seekers Paranormal group. Bring some friends and enjoy this unique experience, exploring a Victorian castle!
Date: Saturday October 28th 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Address: 1890 House Museum – 37 Tompkins St., Cortland
Hyde & Shriek Candlelight Ghost Tours
Lit by candlelight, this guided tour of Hyde Hall takes you within the chambers of the 200-year-old mansion to explore the eerie places where ghostly apparitions have dwelt for over two centuries. You might catch a glimpse of the restless souls confined to the shadows of history as you listen to haunting tales in the old mansion.
Tour Dates: October 4,5,11,18,19,25,26
Orange County NY Paranormal
Hear the paranormal team’s evidence and then try your hand at a paranormal investigation with Orange County NY Paranormal in the Hyde Hall Mansion.
Date: October 12 | 7-10 pm
Haunted Mansion For Kids
Enjoy a kid-friendly ghostly walk through the Hyde Hall mansion while listening to fun folklore and collecting candy.
Date: October 26 | 5-6 pm
Address: 267 Glimmerglass State Park Road, Cooperstown
Fly Creek Valley Corn Maze
Corn Maze: Open every weekend from September 21 to October 26.
Wine Walk: September 27th 6pm-9pm
This is the one time we can’t say “There’s no whining at the maze!” Gather your friends or grab a date and walk the maze with some of Montezuma Winery’s delicious wines which will be available for purchase by the glass! Free wine glasses and tickets for free glasses of wine will be hidden in the maze!
This event is ONLY for ages 21+. No one under age is allowed on the property during the wine event. Please bring your ID; everyone’s ID will be checked upon arrival, no exceptions.
Haunted Maze: October 19th and 26th ~ 7-10 pm – Be prepared to be scared! This maze is haunted and full of things that will jump out and scare you!
Address: 1316 County Highway 26, Fly Creek
Utica Zoo Spooktacular
- 13 Trick r’ Treat Stations
- Live Music
- Dancing with the Happy Haggs Dance Troup (Saturday only)
- Food Trucks
- Vendors
- Informational Booths
- Education Station
- Animals on Exhibit
- and More!
Dates: October 19th & 20th from 10 am to 3 pm each day
Address: 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY
Will’s Cackleberry Castle Pumpkin Farm
Halloween-themed displays, hayrides, Spooky walk, Mrs. Pumpkin (the talking pumpkin), live animals, nightly outdoor movies, live music, food, and more.
Dates: September 13th – October 27th
Thursdays: 4 pm – 8:30 pm
Fridays: 4 pm - 9 pm
Saturdays: 10 am – 9 pm
Sundays: 10 am – 8 pm
Columbus Day: 10 am – 8 pm
Address: 1175 Hillsboro Rd., Camden, NY
Fall Fun Days
Fall Fun Days feature Antique Tractor pull rides around the loop of the zoo, Pumpkin decorating and Crafts, a Kid’s Fun Maze, Campfire with S’mores, as well as our Educational Animal Presentations and access to the Wild Creature’s Playland with Pillow bounce. Fall Food Favorites are also available for purchase including: Cider, Fresh Donuts from FERLO’s, Homemade Fudge, Caramel Apples, Chili, Macaroni & Cheese, Pumpkin Bread, and much more! NEW THIS YEAR: We will be adding to the excitement and fun with our Encounter Raffles! Enter one of our 5 animal encounter raffles for only $5.00 per entry and win a chance to get up close to your favorite zoo friends! Encounters will include Capybara petting (12:30pm), Owl feeding (2:30 pm), Wallaby joey snuggling (1:00pm), a ride on Zoey the horse (1:30pm), or a picture with our new 13 foot albino python, “Mango” (12:15 pm). Encounters are limited to 1 winner per drawing (children may be accompanied by 1 adult), age restrictions vary depending on animal, winners will be announced at noon, see raffle desk for details.
Dates: Saturdays & Sundays beginning September 21st and ending October 27th 10am-4pm
Address: 5135 Rome New London Rd, Rome, NY
Oswego Zombie Fashion Show
Oswego’s very own “zombiephile” John Grouber invites you to THE ZOMBIE FASHION SHOW, a perfect way to welcome the fall and Halloween season. Participants and spectators are invited to partake in a frighteningly fun evening at Curtis Manor in Oswego, NY.
From mini-monsters, creepy couples, fiendish families, and more, THE ZOMBIE FASHION SHOW will have at all!
The spectacle begins shortly after 6:30 p.m. with zombies of all ages, as they stroll down the creepy runway for prizes. The “Lawn of the Dead” will allow for more moldy models to join in and do their best zombie walk or crawl to a “killer” soundtrack provided by the best DJ around.
Be a part of the event, or just come to watch – if you dare!
Date: Friday, October 4th – 5pm Vendor’s Market; 7pm Fashion Show
Address: Curtis Manor -10 Mark Fitzgibbons Drive, Oswego
Candlelight Series:A Haunting Evening of Halloween Classics
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Syracuse. Get your tickets now to discover Halloween-inspired music at The Palace Theatre under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Tentative Program
- Thriller – Michael Jackson
- Funeral March of a Marionette – Charles Gounod
- String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor (Dresden Quartet), Op. 110: II. Allegro Molto – Dmitri Shostakovich
- Tubular Bells (Theme from The Exorcist) – Mike Oldfield
- Stranger Things (Theme) – S U R V I V E
- Beetlejuice (Theme) – Danny Elfman
- The Addams Family (Theme) – Vic Mizzy
- Halloween (Theme) – John Carpenter
- Psycho (Prelude) – Bernard Herrmann
- Ghostbusters (Theme) – Ray Parker Jr.
- Danse Macabre – Camille Saint-Saëns
- Night on Bald Mountain – Modest Mussorgsky
- Der Erlkönig – Franz Schubert
- Medley from The Nightmare Before Christmas – Danny Elfman
- In the Hall of the Mountain King – Edvard Grieg
Date: October 12th, 6pm – 7pm
Address: The Palace Theatre -2384 James Street, Syracuse
Wicked Woods at Green Lake Drive-Thru
Drive through the Green Lake State Park Campground and enjoy spook scenes created by the campers.
Date: Saturday, October 19th 6:30-8:30pm
Address: Green Lake State Park -7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville
Fort Ontario Ghost Hunt with Central NY Ghost Hunters
Ghost hunt alongside Central NY Ghost Hunters, Inc. Hunts last about 2 hours. Dress warm & add a layer! Good footwear is a must. Bring a flashlight & any ghost hunting equipment you have. Call to reserve a time slot. Call during regular business hours or leave a message, 315-343-4711.
Date: Friday, October 18th & Saturday, October, 19th
Fort Ontario Lantern Tours – Murder, Mystery and Mayhem at Fort Ontario
This tour, guided by costumed interpreters, will feature 20 stories from Fort Ontario’s past and will encompass a 1.5 mile walk on uneven terrain around the extended Fort property. It will be held rain or shine. Please wear appropriate walking shoes and bring extra layers. A limited supply of candle lanterns will be provided. You may wish to bring your own lantern or flashlights to aid in walking.
This tour is not recommended for children as it features adult content including death, violence, self-harm, substance abuse, and some gore.
Dates: Wednesdays September 25 – October 30th at 7pm
Address: Fort Ontario State Historic Site – 1 East 4th Street, Oswego
Pumpkin Patch Express
Fun and games for the whole family! Enjoy a scenic train ride in the middle of fall foliage season to O’Neill Station to our Pumpkin Patch! Pick one for your very own and enjoy the ride back to town.
Each Child and Toddler ticket receives one complimentary pumpkin.
Dates: October 19th & 20th 11am – 1pm
Trick or Treat Express
What a great way to celebrate Halloween with a family friendly Trick or Treat train. Enjoy a scenic train ride in the middle of fall foliage season to O’Neill Station for a fun time trick or treating. Each child gets one Trick-or-Treating bag, a variety of non-candy train goodies, and of course candy! Everyone of all ages is encouraged to wear a costume (family friendly please)!
Dates: October 26th & 27th 11am – 5pm
Address: Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad -136 East Main Street, Milford
Haunted Oswego Tours
Do you love ghost stories? Come hear the stories that have flourished by word of mouth – some for hundreds of years to the present day. They will enchant, entertain, and perhaps even scare you. Give us 90-minutes to take you in search of the many ghosts rumored to haunt the Port City. Total walking distance is approx.1 mile, covered at a very leisurely pace so that you can enjoy Oswego’s haunted locations.
You will hear of the spectors that haunt the streets, tunnels, homes, & businesses of our fair city. Oswego’s rich history and proximity to water keep the spirits active and sometimes obvious! We have ghosts that dictate remodeling and and one that has made appearances in broad daylight! The identity of some of our ghosts are well known, while others remain a mystery….
Dates: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays in September and October.
Address: Downtown to Franklin Square District -West 1st and West Cayuga Street, Oswego
CNY Pumpkin Festival
The CNY Pumpkin Festival returns to the City of Oswego’s Washington Square Park. This two-day Fall festival will feature a variety of live music throughout the weekend in addition to marketplace vendors, kid’s activities, amusements, food, beverages, games, bounce houses, build a scarecrow, and all the fall favorites including apples, pumpkins & more!
Dates: Saturday, October 5 & Sunday, October 6 from 11am to 5pm daily
Address: Washington Square Historic Park – 25 E Oneida St, Oswego, NY
Baldwinsville Ghost Walk
Get ready for the 6th Annual Ghost Walk. The tour features ghost stories told at eight spots around the village and performed for you by live actors and narrated by tour guides. By popular demand, these stories are more scary, more spooky, and ton more creepy than in year’s past. This year’s Ghost Walk will reach back into past and remind us all that sleepy Baldwinsville has had its fair share of the unexplained. Of course, many a local can tell you of the legends of the Witch of Whiskey Hollow and many more can share a story or two of their own frightening encounters.
*Due to the intense scary nature of these stories and the creepy atmosphere created by the actors, this event is not appropriate for children under 11.
Dates: Oct 11 – 13, 2024 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Address: Baldwin Canal Square, Denio St. Baldwinsville
Orange & Olive’s Spooky Hollow Festival
Join us for our annual Halloween Celebration at Lysander Town Park in Baldwinsville!
***COSTUMES WELCOME!!!
***FREE entrance to our NEW Haunted Trail
***FREE entrance to a 400sqft haunted house
***Local craft vendors
***FREE trick or treating with your local vendors
***Raffles!!
***FREE meet & greet with Frankenstein’s Monster
***Food Vendor (not included in admission)
Westside Roadhouse BBQ
***$2 per person to enter!
Fee includes 1 ticket for raffles!
Tickets sold night of event at the gate entrance.
OR
***Beat the lines and get an additional raffle ticket for FREE
when purchasing a pre-sale ticket at our store location!
Cash Only, $2 per ticket
Date: Oct 19, 2024 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Address: Lysander Town Park – 8439 Smokey Hollow Rd, Baldwinsville
Spirits in the Woods
Join Experience Cortland on October 25 from 6-9pm for Spirits in the Woods at Lime Hollow Nature Center, a spine-chilling celebration of the Cortland Curiosities Trail. This 21+ event promises an evening of live music and a haunted selection of craft beverages from Dragonfyre Distillery, Brand Y Distillery, and Cherry Knoll Farm. Sink your teeth into wickedly good snacks from Sinfully Sweet Café as you mingle, explore and dance the night away.
Wander the woods after dark, down a haunting trail, lined with jack o lanterns. Search for spirits within the forest, poured by some of Cortland County’s finest craft beverage makers. Careful not to summon disembodied spirts instead. Be on the lookout for the infamous Truxton Beast as you make your way to the meadow for bonfires, live music and dancing, and maybe a little ghost story telling.
Come dressed in your most creative costume—extra raffle tickets will be awarded to those who embody characters from the Cortland Curiosities Trail, such as Betty Crocker, Ronnie James Dio, or a circus performer. This eerie affair doubles as a fundraiser for Lime Hollow, with all ticket and raffle sales supporting the center’s mission to ensure accessibility for all.
Date: October 25 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Address: Lime Hollow Nature Center – 42 Main Street, Cortland
Haunted Mansion Tours
This October, take a peek into the rumored history that lies within Roberson Mansion. With a mix of mansion history and hidden lore, you’ll learn the stories of Alonzo and Margaret Roberson – and the paranormal tales that suggest these the souls who still walk the halls today. Maybe you’ll even encounter a wandering soul along the way…
Dates: Oct 04, 2024 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Oct 05, 2024 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Oct 11, 2024 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Oct 12, 2024 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Oct 18, 2024 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Oct 19, 2024 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Oct 25, 2024 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Oct 26, 2024 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Address: The Roberson Mansion (Museum & Science Center) -30 Front Street, Binghamton
Count- Trackular’s Spooky Halloween Tour
The Charlotte Valley “Count-TRACK-ula” Haunted Express
An 8 mile round trip, “The Charlotte Valley Haunted Express” meanders alongside the Susquehanna River, past fields and lakes and over the majestic 200 foot long Portlandville Trestle. Expect ghostly sightings along the track and TRUE spooky ghost stories of Milford hauntings at the turn around. (This tour will return in the dark.) All Rail Explorers are fitted with the ‘REX Propulsion System’ – a custom built electric motor that makes the 8 mile round trip journey truly effortless and a hand held lantern to light your way. Bring a light refreshment to enjoy at the 20 minute break at the Forest Glen Turnaround picnic nestled among the trees, surrounded by twinkle lights.
Dates: Oct 10, 2024 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Oct 11, 2024 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Oct 12, 2024 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Oct 17, 2024 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Oct 18, 2024 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Oct 19, 2024 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Oct 24, 2024 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Oct 25, 2024 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Oct 26, 2024 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Address: Rail Explorers Cooperstown – 136 E Main St, Milford
Fright Night at Franklyn’s Field
Join us at Franklyn’s Field for an outdoor movie, food trucks and a Trick or Treat Street! Head down to Frankenstein’s Field for a Fright of a Night!
Date: Oct 25, 2024 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Address: Franklin Field -1100 N James St, Rome
The Vampire Circus
Heralded as a mix of circus cabaret and theatre, The Vampire Circus is a mysterious, tantalizing, fun, dark, cutting-edge production guaranteed to amaze the senses. The Vampire Circus has been called a mix of circus cabaret and theatre and is the result of a fusion of Tim Burton and Cirque Du Soleil. Enjoy a phenomenal night of live entertainment, based on the multidisciplinary skills of International performers showcasing theater, dance, and gymnastics. This amazing show pushes the physical boundaries of human performance and leaves audiences amazed, astounded, and astonished.
Mortal spectators will experience horrific feats of Cirque acrobatics, comical audience interactions, contortionists, jugglers, acrobats, and clowns. Tantalizing sounds, and mesmerizing illusions catapult audiences into an emotional roller-coaster of fear and joy, laughter, and wonder with raving cheers for a Mad Graveyard Clown
Date: Oct 26, 2024 7:30 PM
Address: The Stanley Theatre – 259 Genesee St, Utica
Scary Stuff to Make You Scream
Frightmare Farms Haunted Scream Park
This scary destination has lots of attractions to give spine-tingling chills to visitors. Frightmare Forest Haunted Hayride as well as three frightening experiences; The Bog, Overgrowth: The Gourd Lords, and The Reckoning: The Return of Miriam Whitaker
Dates: Every Friday & Saturday, beginning September 28th thru October 26th
Address: 4816 State Route 49, Fulton, NY
Trail of Terror
Deep in the desolate woods, The Trail of Terror features our classic haunted walking trail as well as the most intense indoor haunted house around.
Dates: TBD
Address: 475 Clifford Rd, Fulton
Demon Acres
Demon Acres is considered one of the best-haunted attractions in the country. Experience the Depths of the Dark Forest Extreme Hayride, two walk-through Haunted Houses; Demon’s Den and Jail Break, as well as an escape room, Insane Asylum. Visitors can visit each individual haunting experience or purchase a combination. You will definitely get the most bang for your buck at this haunted attraction.
Dates: Weekends in October
Address: 341 Co Rte 36, Hannibal, NY
13th Hour Rising Haunted Hayride
Get ready for a ride in Multiple Dimensions!
the Fires are stoked, Sirens Scream,
Spirits Stalk You…
Then, they enter your dreams!
Prepare yourself…
for a FEAR-FILLED SENSORY OVERLOAD!
Next is our Indoor Haunted Maze “The Passage”
Sheltered against the elements
you’ll walk our infested halls…
dread filling every thought.
This is a place like no other.
Is it a mind game?
a delusion?
or created disfunction..
Test your Fate!!!
Dates: Open Fridays and Saturdays in October
Also Open Two Sundays October 13th & 27th
Address: 84 Merrit Road, Fulton, NY
The Last Ride Haunted Hayride
Are you brave enough for the Haunted Hayride? Come ride the winding path through the cursed woods and see what awaits you in the dimness of the moonlight.
Do you dare travel through the twists and turns of the Haunted House? Who knows what is lurking around the unseen turns of its 2000 square feet of hell!
Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays Beginning September 27th through October 26th
Address: 291 Johnson Rd, Parish, NY
Fright Nights
This is a massive 82,000 sq. ft. Halloween attraction that will blow your mind. Fright Nights features 5 distinctly different frightening experiences; Devil’s Dungeon Slide to Hell, Jurassic Dark, Burgen Manor, Lady Lamson’s Cursed Voyage, and Penny’s Playhouse, which reach into your worst nightmare and bring them into reality.
DATES: Opens Friday, September 27th and runs every weekend in October.
Fridays and Saturday 7 PM-12 AM
Sunday 7 PM–11 PM
Address: 1 LePage Place, Syracuse, NY
The Syracuse Walk of the Dead
Greetings, daring souls! Your infamous favorite, The Walk of the Dead, has been unearthed at the unsettling expanse of Wonderland Forest for three haunting weekends in October! Come between 6pm and Midnight and traverse over half a mile of serpentine trails that will leave you trembling with terror! This is a half mile walk through the woods. Winding Trails, of dirt and stone.
Dates: October 4 & 5 | 730pm-Midnight
October 11 & 12 | 730pm-Midnight
October 18 & 19 | 730pm-Midnight
October 25 & 26 | 730pm-Midnight
Address: 7192 Oswego Rd, Liverpool
Cayo Industrial Horror Realm
Industrial’s labyrinth of twisted walls exhibiting horrific encounters and thought-provoking imagery. A representation of horror, conspiracies, conflicts, pandemics, and hidden agendas of the real world.
Open: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays beginning September 21th from 6:30 pm-10:30 pm.
Address: 530 Harbor Way, Rome
CMC’s Haunted House 2024 – Trails of Terror & Twisted Tales
The CMC Haunted House is a long-standing tradition in Cicero and was named by Scarycuse.com as the Bronze Medal Winner in 2019 & “Best Boo for your Buck” in 2018. CMC’s Haunted House has earned a reputation as one of the scariest haunts in Central NY.
– 2 Barns & Haunted Outdoor Trail
– Photo Opportunities
– Food & Snacks
– Outdoor movie & bonfire
Dates: Fridays & Saturdays in October 7pm-10pm
Address: CMC Dance Company 6092 State Route 31, Cicero
Freak at the Peak:Haunted Coaster
Halloween has taken over the mountain for the month of October, filling the hills and woods with zombies, ghouls, and goblins. For a limited time, you can join the excitement for yourself and enjoy a night of frightening fun for the whole family.
For 2 weekends each year, the Mountain Coaster is taken over by the creatures within. Not only will they spook you through the journey up the mountain, look out behind you while you wait to board the ride as well! (Less scares 6 to 7pm.) Control your speed as you twist and turn your way down the mountain in individual carts. Top speeds around 30MPH!
Dates: Oct 18, 19, 25, 26, 2024 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Address: Greek Peak Mountain Resort – 2000 St Rt 329, Cortland
If you know of any destination we have missed or want to share your destination with us, please email us at Info@AdventuresNY.com