Witches, brews, boos and good times: 28 Halloween events on the South Shore
Get ready for a busy Halloween season filled with thrills and chills, boos and brews all along the South Shore.
Geek out learning about the night sky this time of year or the "vampire panic" of the not-too-distant past. Freak out with zombies and their undead friends at Barrett's Haunted Mansion or on nighttime ghost tours in Plymouth.
Of course, there are plenty of tricks and treats for kids of all ages and haunted houses that are just spooky enough to give them some jumps without sending them into a lifetime of lights left on all night.
Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or something just for the adults, our Halloween listings have you covered.
(And if you're looking for other fall events, not just Halloween, don't miss our story on things to do this fall. Theater, fests and more.)
Barrett's Haunted Mansion
When: Now through Monday, Oct. 30
Where: 1235 Bedford St., Abington
Tickets/admission: $40-65
For more information: Bhmansion.com
Barrett's Haunted Mansion is in full swing as its 32nd season brings back longtime favorite frights with new attractions to kick the fear factor up a notch or 10.
Attractions include the Haunted Mansion and Condemned, where chemical releases have altered a town's appearance and minds – and not for the better.
Events include Bite and Fright, a behind-the-scenes lights-on tour of the mansion; the 18-plus Devil's Night, which includes physical contact; and Darkness Unleashed, another physical contact event in which the brave try to find their way to safety, but this time in total darkness.
Check the Barrett Haunted Mansion's website for times and tickets.
Sauchuk corn maze and Pumpkin Patch
When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sundays now through Oct. 29.
Where: Sauchuk's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, 200 Center St., Plympton
Tickets/admission: $19.95
For more information: Sauchukmaze.com
Visit the maze's website for a full list of its nearly 50 activities.
Walking ghost tours in Plymouth
When: 6-8 p.m. now through Nov. 22
Where: The tour steps off from 65 Main St. (in front of Guilty Bakery).
Tickets/admission: $27
For more information: Plymouthghosttours.com
Get an alternative insight into Plymouth during this interactive historical ghost tour. Listen as your local historian guide tells you things about the city’s past you might not otherwise learn, including ghost stories. Plus, use paranormal investigation equipment to see what lurks out of sight in America’s oldest city for an experience you likely can’t repeat elsewhere.
Hollowed Harvest − thousands of jack-o'-lanterns in Marshfield
When: Now through Oct. 29; check schedule for times
Where: Marshfield Fairgrounds, 33 South River St.
For more info: Hollowedharvest.com/marshfield-ma
From the creators of the Marshfield Holiday Light Show, Hollowed Harvest is back for its second year on the South Shore this fall. The event features thousands of 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 from last year.
When: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10
Where: The New World Tavern, 56 Main St., Plymouth
Tickets/admission: $45
For more information: Visit Coastal Creations on Facebook
Get ready to unleash your creativity and make your own personalized snow globe tumbler.
During this hands-on workshop, participants will learn step by step how to create a unique snow globe tumbler that reflects your style and personality. Experienced instructors will guide attendees through the process, providing tips and tricks.
This workshop is suitable for all skill levels. The organizers will provide all the necessary materials, including the tumbler, a vinyl sticker of your choosing and decorative inserts such as glitter and holiday-themed clay pieces.
'Misery' − from the mind of Stephen King − at The Company Theatre
When: Oct. 13-29: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays
Where: The Company Theatre, 30 Accord Drive, Norwell
Tickets: $36-$42
For more info: Companytheatre.com
In this 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.
Boo in the Barnyard at Weir River Farm in Hingham
The Weir River Farm’s annual Boo in the Barnyard event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. The event will be held in one-hour time slots throughout the afternoon.
A sensory-friendly Boo in the Barnyard hour will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. that day. The hour will offer decreased participant capacity, reduced noise and other accommodations for anyone who might benefit from a sensory-friendly environment.
Visitors are invited to wear their costume and meet sheep, Nutmeg the pony, Ruby the llama, Poppy the goat, Dixie the potbellied pig and a herd of black and white belted Galloway cattle.
There will be a scavenger hunt, a seasonal crafts workshop and treats.
After visiting the barnyard, visitors can hike the woodland trails surrounding Weir River Farm to explore and experience the season.
Advance registration is required for this event. Hourly time slots are available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Infants in carriers are free.
This event will be held rain or shine, and dogs are not allowed on the property. The Weir River Farm is operated by The Trustees of Reservations and is at 140 Turkey Hill Lane, HIngham.
For ticket prices and purchases, visit thetrustees.org.
Halloween Bash Out Cancer Party at Quincy American Legion
When: 7-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14
Where: American Legion, 81 Liberty St., Quincy
Tickets/admission: $30-$35
For more information: Jimmyscaring.org
Join the Quincy American Legion for a spooktacular night of fun at its annual Halloween Bash Out Cancer Party.
Show your support for benefit recipient Jeff Foresta while enjoying a night of music, laughter and spooky surprises.
The event is a potluck, so attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite dish for all to share.
Prizes will be awarded for best costumes in the following categories: Crazy Barbie, Scary Barbie, Best Superhero, Most Elegant, Most Creative, Most Authentic, Dark Barbie or Ken, Animal Related, Vintage Masquerade Costume, Best Family Theme, Best Couple Costumes and Best Other Costume.
Spirits with spirits at Mayflower Brewing Company
Enjoy some spirits with your spirits at the Mayflower Brewing Company, as medium Sarah Angley will deliver messages from your loved ones while you enjoy a draft beer or two
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct 18
Where: Mayflower Brewing Company, 12 Resnik Road #3, Plymouth
Tickets/admission: $55 (includes one draft beer)
For more information: Mayflowerbrewing.com
Enjoy some spirits with your spirits at the Mayflower Brewing Company, as medium Sarah Angley will deliver messages from your loved ones while you enjoy a draft beer or two
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 information: 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.
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.
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 information: Seatobelieve.com
Join Sea to Believe for a fun-filled day of creativity and laughter as families gather to decorate pumpkins together.
'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.
Tricks + Treats, an inclusive Halloween experience
When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: City Arena, 708 Washington St., Pembroke
Tickets/admission: $20-$25
For more information: 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 bouncy 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.
The organization is dedicated to supporting families with autistic and neurodiverse children through mentorship, workshops and inclusive programs.
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.
All proceeds will go to Raising Harts and future programs for the autistic and neurodiverse community on the South Shore.
Free Weymouth Trunk or Treat with Spindles Auto Club
When: 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Weymouth High School parking lot, 1 Wildcat Way
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information: 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 information/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.
Massachusetts native Ronny LeBlanc, of the Travel Channel’s “Expedition Bigfoot” and “Paranormal Caught on Camera,” will take participants into a deep dive into paranormal hot spots in New England.
Scituate Dog Park Howl-oween Party at the Scituate Country Club
When: 6:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21
Where: Scituate Country Club, 91 Driftway, Scituate
Tickets/admission: $50
For more information: Scituatedogpark.com
Andrew Boyle is back to DJ/emcee the Howl-oween fundraiser at the Scituate Country Club. There'll be music, dancing, a costume contest, a photo booth, a raffle and silent auction items, food and a cash bar. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
The Celestial Origins of Halloween at Blake Planetarium
When: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24
Where: Blake Planetarium at Plymouth Community Intermediate School, 117 Long Pond Road, Plymouth
Tickets/admission: $7 (online only)
For more information: Email Alison Riordan at ariordan@plymouth.k12.ma.us
Be it ghoulish or ghostly, Halloween is an astronomical holiday. Experience the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a "cross-quarter day."
See how Samhain and All Saints Day would eventually transform into Halloween. Traverse the night sky and learn what planets, constellations and stars will be out on Halloween evening.
This program will also include seasonal stargazing, a brief overview of the current night sky and “Passport to the Universe,” a journey from our solar system to the Virgo Supercluster and back again.
N.E Wildlife Center's Night of 1,000 faces
When: 6:30 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27/Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: New England Wildlife Center, 500 Columbian St., South Weymouth
Tickets/admission: $10
For more information: Newcshalloween.eventbrite.com
Every year we line the trails outside New England Wildlife Center with hundreds of pumpkins carved by professionals and the local community. There will be cotton candy, cookies, cider, costumes, crafts, animal presentations, music and much more.
Free creepy house − Hanover Stetson House Halloween
When: Noon Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Stetson House, 514 Hanover St.
Tickets/admission: Free
For more info: Hanoverhistoricalsociety.com
The 1716 Stetson House will be decorated with ghosts and the popular creepy dolls on the second floor to help spook families into the Halloween spirit.
Costumes, a barn dance and more in Marshfield
When: 4-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Magical Moon Farm & Foundation, 575 Summer St., Marshfield
Tickets/admission: $25 (reservations only). Children 12 and under admitted free
For more information: Magicalmoon.org
The Magical Moon Farm & Foundation will open its grounds for a Halloween-themed fundraiser.
There will be an area outside the barn decorated and staged as well as a display of festive refreshments in the farm stand.
Festivities with a knighting ceremony and a silent auction will be from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be live music by Martin and Kelly in the barn from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Costumes are required for entry to the Trick or Treat Adventure & Barn Show.
Upland Riders' Halloween Party includes a 50/50 raffle
When: 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct 28
Where: Upland Club, 76 Upland Road, Plympton
Tickets/admission: $10, with a requested non-perishable food item donation for the Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless
For more information: Uplandriders.wordpress.com
The Upland Club’s DJ-hosted Halloween Party will include a 50/50 raffle and best costume and best pumpkin contests.
Upland Riders is a family-oriented riding organization established in 1992. The purpose of the group is to promote responsible motorcycling activities by conducting special activities and encouraging participation in events sponsored by other organizations.
Hometown Haunts & Hops Horror Convention at Mayflower Brewing Co.
When: Noon-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Mayflower Brewing Co., 12 Resnik Road, Plymouth
Tickets/admission: $5-$35
For more information: Mayflowerbrewing.com
Get ready for a spine-chilling day of terror and hops at the Hometown Haunts & Hops Horror Convention at Mayflower Brewing Co. on Oct. 28.
Come dressed in your best Halloween costume and explore the convention, where you'll find an array of horror-themed vendors, spooky decor and frightful fun. Sip on Mayflower Brewing Co.'s offerings while you browse the booths and maybe even find some ghoulish treasures to take home.
There will also be a costume contest with a grand prize for the spookiest and most creative costume. Check out panels and live podcasts from America's Hometown Horror Podcast or just sit back with a cold one and watch a movie.
Mischief & Mayhem 7 Halloween Bash at the Marina Bay Water Club to benefit animal shelter
When: 9 p.m.-1.a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29
Where: Marina Bay Water Club, 319 Victory Road, Quincy
Tickets/admission: No cover; $20 suggested donation to Quincy Animal Shelter
For more info: Mischiefandmayhem7.eventbrite.com
Enjoy a night of ghosts, goblins and merrymaking at Marina Bay, all while helping the Quincy Animal Shelter.
Stories from Stones: A History Tour of Hanover’s Center Cemetery
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: First Parish Church, 17 Silver St., Hanover
Tickets/admission: Free
For more info: Hanoverhistoricalsociety.com
Nothing says late October more than an old New England cemetery a few days before Halloween. Join Hanover Historical Society Executive Director and cemetery expert Stephen O’Neill for a tour of Hanover’s Center Cemetery. Learn the history of Hanover’s oldest burying ground, its grave markers and memorials and the stories found among the cemetery’s stones.
Monster Bash Halloween Dance Party at Kingsbury Pub
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28
Where: Kingsbury Pub, 186 Summer St., Kingston
Tickets/admission: $15
For more information: Kingsburyclub.com
The area’s self-proclaimed biggest and best Halloween party will be held in the newly renovated Kingsbury Pub inside the Kingsbury Club and Spa.
DJ Mike Casano will serve as master of ceremonies for the event, which includes a costume contest with winners named for best overall and best couple costumes.
There will also be door prizes, a selfie area with Halloween-themed backdrops and a pumpkin-painting contest.
Light appetizers will be served from 6 to 7 p.m., and guests will enjoy a selection of fall seasonal offerings from local breweries.
JB’s Indoor Dog Park free Barktoberfest and Halloween party
When: 1-4 p.m. Oct. 29
Where: JB’s Indoor Dog Park, 106 Longwater Drive, Norwell
Tickets/admission: Free
For more information: JBsindoordogoark.com
Bring Fido out to celebrate the spooky season at this fun Halloween event. Humans and their pups are invited to dress in Halloween costumes. The event will include vendors, food and beverages.
All ages are welcome, and parking is free.
This October 29th from 12-2pm Granite City Church will throw our amazing annual fall party for our neighbors in the Quincy community and surrounding towns. This year's Hoedown will have a trunk-or-treat, bouncy house, petting zoo and a mechanical bull, seasonal games, crafts and more.
Little Hands in Hanover Halloween grand opening party
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: Little Hands Crafts Corner and Studio, 409 Columbia Road, Hanover
Tickets/admission: $20; adults and infants are admitted for free with a ticket purchased for children 1 and older
For more information: Littlehandscrafts.com
Prepare for a spine-tingling experience with fun decorations, a haunted photography backdrop perfect for pictures and interactive Halloween games. Dress up in your most creative costumes for a chance to win exciting prizes. Each "Little Hand" will receive a take-home goodie bag while supplies last.
Knit a pumpkin at Stellwagen Beer Co.
When: 7-9 p.m. Oct. 30
Where: Stellwagen Beer Co., 100 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield
Tickets/admission: $70
For more information: Southshoreblanketparties.com
South Shore Blanket Parties will lead a workshop in making knit pumpkins.
Experienced knitters (any knitting experience or if you've attended a blanket event) can make two or three stuffed pumpkins. Less experienced knitters can make two or three wrapped faux pumpkins.
Bags will not be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring a large tote to carry their project and materials home.
Plymouth’s annual Halloween on Main Street
When: 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31
Where: Main Street, downtown Plymouth
Tickets/admission: Free
For more: PlymouthChamber.com
Halloween on Main Street takes place with a trick-or-treat walk through downtown Plymouth and visits to the 70-plus participating merchants.
The event starts at Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., with free Halloween activities, face painting, pumpkin decorating and more.
Free Parking at St. Peter’s Church and the bottom deck of the parking garage on South Russell Street. The event is geared toward children 10 and under.
Do you have an event to add to this list? If so, email reporter David R. Smith at Drsmith@patriotledger.com.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Halloween things to do on the South Shore
