Laugh, listen or scream: 15 things to do on the South Shore this weekend
Halloween celebrations are in full swing along the South Shore, with haunted houses, trunk-or-treats and pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins.
Not everything on the calendar involves jack-o'-lanterns and things that go bump in the night, though.
(But if you do like the creepy side of this time of year, check out this story about spooky South Shore legends. Click here if you dare.)
Live music and laughs are popular any time of year, and shows planned for the weekend range from punk to classical to stand-up comedians.
Still need even more live music? Don't miss Jay Miller's full list of live music on South Shore and beyond. (To be exact − a list of 39 live music acts.)
Whether you're looking for something family friendly or a 21-plus night, there's something for everyone's taste this weekend.
Check out the recommendations below to see what might pique your interest or send shivers down your spine.
Final weekend of King Richard's Faire
When: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21 and 22
Where: 235 Main St. off Route 58, Carver
Tickets: $20-$39
For more info: Kingrichardsfaire.net
King Richard's Faire is nearing the end of its 42nd season this weekend. The event offers something for all ages, from performances and shopping to food and drink to games and rides. Even the spontaneous encounters with costumed characters along a footpath can become a memorable experience.
Hollowed Harvest − thousands of jack-o'-lanterns
When: Now through Oct. 29; check schedule for times
Where: Marshfield Fairgrounds, 33 South River St.
Tickets: Kids 3 and under are free; other tickets start at $16
For more info: Hollowedharvest.com/marshfield-ma
From the creators of the Marshfield Holiday Light Show, Hollowed Harvest returns for its second year on the South Shore this fall. The event features thousands of expertly carved jack-o'-lanterns for families to check out during a 30- to 45-minute walking tour. The second-annual event will also feature hands-on pumpkin carving and nearly twice the number of displays than before.
More: Here's what you can see, hear and do on the South Shore this fall
'Misery' at The Company Theatre
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 29
Where: The Company Theatre, 30 Accord Drive, Norwell
Tickets: $36-$42
For more info: Companytheatre.com
In this Stephen King-inspired play at The Company Theatre, a famous romance novelist is rescued from a car crash in the backwoods of Maine by the self-proclaimed No. 1 fan of his novels. He soon comes to realize that the care he is receiving from this woman is only the beginning of an epic nightmare.
Where are the best cider doughnuts in New England? This map has over 250 options to try
Alden Haunted House in Duxbury
When: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20 and 21; check website for times
Where: Alden House Historic Site, 105 Alden St., Duxbury
Tickets/admission: $12
For more info: Alden.org
Ride your broomstick over to the Alden House Historic Site for a spooktacular night of family fun. This year's popular annual Haunted House event includes (mildly) frightfully haunted tours of the Alden House, a haunted maze and trail walk and a scavenger hunt. The event is not recommended for children under 3. Costumes and decorated Halloween masks are encouraged.
(Want to know more lore about the Alden House? Click here.)
Registration is required. Admission to the Alden Haunted House event is for the date and time specified on your ticket only. Late arrivals may be denied entry.
2-day 'Wreck-O'-Ween' at The C-Note in Hull
When: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, and 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: The C-Note, 163 Nantasket Ave., Hull
Tickets/admission: $15 (one day), $25 (both days)
For more info: Cnotehull.com
Punk rules The C-Note in Hull this weekend, with the two-day 'Wreck-O'-Ween" concert event Friday and Saturday organized by local record label Wreckless Wreck Chords. The lineup for the first night includes War Graves, Mitch Kramer, Screams of Hockomock, Witches Tears, Hardwired and Barry Larry. The second night will feature performances from Worm (as the Misfits for Halloween guest singers), Far Above the Ground, Rockin Bob Punk Band, Presidential Disgrace, Dead Low, Dogs in the Woods and Ruffian Dick.
'Haunted South Shore' featuring Greater Boston Paranormal Associates
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20
Where: The James Library and Center for the Arts, Norwell
Admission: $10
For more info: Jameslibrary.org
Learn all about hauntings along the South Shore with Greater Boston Paranormal Associates, which will share its spookiest investigations and experiences. Attendees will join the group as they conduct an investigation at the library.
Family pumpkin decorating at Marshfield art studio
When: 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20
Where: Sea to Believe Expressive Arts Studio, 10 Marshfield Ave., Marshfield
Tickets/admission: $25
For more info: Seatobelieve.com
Join Sea to Believe for a fun-filled day of creativity and laughter as families gather to decorate pumpkins together.
Slaid Cleaves at Spire Center
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20 (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Where: Spire Center for the Performing Arts, 25½ Court St., Plymouth
Tickets/admission: $27-$30
For more information: Spirecenter.org
Americana/folk stalwart Slaid Cleaves has been putting out highly acclaimed records for 25 years, consistently delivering songs that strike people’s hearts and become part of their lives. Joseph Hudak, of Rolling Stone Country, calls Cleaves “a master storyteller, one influenced not by the shine of pop culture but by the dirt of real life.”
Tricks + Treats, an inclusive Halloween experience
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: City Arena, 708 Washington St., Pembroke
Tickets/admission: $20-$25
For more info: Raisingharts.org
Hosted by Raising Harts and City Arena, Tricks + Treats is an opportunity to enjoy a safe and inclusive Halloween experience. The event will include bounce houses, immersive art, face painting, balloon artists, games, treats and all kinds of fall activities. Attendees can feel free to wear their favorite costumes or come as they are. All ages are welcome.
More: Witches, brews, boos and good times: 28 Halloween events on the South Shore
During the event, 4 to 5 p.m. will be reserved for those who are sensory sensitive. Lights will be on, with no strobes, fog machine or music. Proceeds will go to Raising Harts and future programs for the autistic and neurodiverse community on the South Shore.
Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters at Spire Center
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Where: Spire Center for the Performing Arts, 25½ Court St., Plymouth
Tickets/admission: $43.20-$48
For more info: Spirecenter.org
Legendary blues guitarist Ronnie Earl is a four-time Blues Music Award winner as guitar player of the year, and he is coming to perform in Plymouth this Saturday. He has been an associate professor of guitar at Berklee College of Music and has taught at the National Guitar summer workshop in Connecticut.
Free Weymouth Trunk or Treat with Spindles Auto Club
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Weymouth High School parking lot, 1 Wildcat Way
Tickets/admission: Free
For more info: Spindlesautoclub.com
Kids and adults can come in their costumes and trick or treat at the show cars from Spindles Auto Club. The event is free and open to all. Food trucks and music will add to the festivities. Only show cars from Spindles Auto Club can take part. Registration is required through the club.
The 'vampire panic' of 18th- and 19th-century New England
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Quincy Community United Methodist Church, 40 Beale St., Quincy
Tickets/admission: $5 donation
For more info/advance tickets: Call 617-773-3319 or email qcumc2@comcast.net
Susan Jarek-Glidden will tell haunting stories and legends by candlelight of the New England “vampire panic” of the 18th and 19th centuries. Regarded as a local expert on the subject, Jarek-Glidden has been invited to do presentations throughout Massachusetts. She and her husband have just returned from a trip to Transylvania.
Mad Hatter Comedy Night
When: 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Mad Hatter Restaurant, 969 Washington St., Weymouth
Tickets/admission: $25
For more info: Madhatterwey.com
The Mad Hatter will host Mark Riley, Jennifer Fraser Mauceri and Mr. B (Jimmy Bowes) for an evening of comedy.
Sauchuk corn maze and pumpkin patch
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sundays through Oct. 29
Where: 200 Center St., Plympton
Tickets/admission: $19.95
For more info: Sauchukmaze.com
Visit the maze's website for a full list of its nearly 50 activities.
Borromeo String Quartet
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22
Where: The James Library and Center for the Arts, Norwell
Admission: $20-$40
For more info: Jameslibrary.org
Admired and embraced for fresh interpretations of the classical music canon and championing works by 20th- and 21st-century composers, the ensemble has been hailed for its “edge-of-the-seat performances” by The Boston Globe. Performing artists include Nicholas Kitchen, violin; Kristopher Tong, violin; Melissa Reardon, viola; and Yeesun Kim, cello.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Things to from Quincy to Plymouth this weekend, Oct. 20-22
