Halloween. It’s the one day of the year where you can dress however you like without repercussions, binge on as much candy as you can handle, and celebrate the Fall season with gusto. From haunted houses to pumpkin carving and eery shows to costumes, we have found the best of the best in New York City for you to ease your way in to Halloween.
HAUNTED HOUSES
Blood Manor – Since last year, Blood Manor has kicked it up a couple notches in terms of scares. Winding your way through the haunted attraction will bring you face to face with some of your darkest fears — from maggot-infested feasts with the living dead to torture chambers and zombie strippers. This haunted house takes you through a huge variety of rooms, making your experience versatile and entertaining. We recommend going on ‘Touch Me Thursdays,’ where you can opt to have the actors in the house touch you, giving you even more thrills and scares than ever before. From the special effects and set decorations to the make-up and costumes, this is one of the most well-done and over the top haunted retreats in the city.
Nightmare NYC – Every year Nightmare changes its theme to delve in to some of the creepiest genres of horror imaginable. This year, the haunted house turned to New York City for inspiration — bringing audiences all of the horrors, myths and urban legends that go hand in hand with our beloved city. From giant rats to creepy subway rides and everything in between, this haunted house takes you through the New York City you don’t want to live in. Opt in to be touched by the actors to crank up the level of fright…after all, if you’re going to get scared, you might as well do it all the way.
Times Scare – While this attraction remains open all year round serving spooky cocktails, food and various shows, its their haunted house that will make you scream. If you are looking for something not quite as hair-raising as Blood Manor and Nightmare NYC, this is your best bet. No touching is involved, but you can expect to be chased by a deranged man with a chainsaw. Unlike most haunted houses where you get the most scares walking in the front of the pack, make sure to stick to the back, where you’ll get the most out of being haunted. Take your time walking slowly through the rooms, which include creepy clowns and mental wards, to make the most of your time.
SHRIEK-INDUCING SHOWS
Things that go BUMP in the Night – On October 29th and 30th at 7pm, Andrew Rothkin and Jay Michaels present a plethora of horror plays, filled with both laughs and scream. From the weird and witty to the terrifyingly shocking, the plays cover a broad range of topics, from kidnapping and aliens to crypts and vampires, they’ve got all the bases covered. Purchase your tickets here.
Bedlam Nightmares: Execution Day – From October 22 through November 1, The Blood Brothers present bring you the final installment of horror stories about two brothers pale as ghosts with blood red eyes. In retribution for their crimes at a mental hospital, the brothers have been sentenced to death, but before their deaths, they recall some monstrous stories. Purchase your tickets here.
HORRIFYINGLY FUN PARTIES
Freak Show – Angel Reed’s Rock N’ Roll Debauchery, along with Jacob Langfelder and Broadway the Hardway will be hosting horrific evening of fun on October 24th at 42West. The evening will play host to sideshow acts, an immersive horror show on a 30-foot LED wall, aerial stunts, a pre-show performance and so much more. Doors open at 8pm and the fun begins at 9pm. You can count on seeing starts such as Justin Sargent, Sean Matthew Whiteford, Alison Cusano, and many more Broadway names in the line up. Tickets can be purchased here.
Night of the Living Drag – Join stars from Rupaul’s Drag Race at Liberty Theater on October 25th at 8pm to celebrate Hallo-queen! Hosted by Sharon Needles, the evening will feature drag zombies, deadly beats and haunting performances by the show’s biggest stars. Purchase your tickets here.
Hocus Pocus Drinking Game – On October 28 at 8pm, KTCHN Restaurant is recruiting fans of the cult hit movie Hocus Pocus, for a night of eating, drinking, laughing and fun. The screening will feature a $35 three course meal, which includes three themed cocktails to start off the game. Guests will be provided with a list of rules for the drinking game, including things like ‘take a drink every time Winifred says “sistahs”‘ and ‘take a shot when someone says “hocus pocus.”‘
SUIT UP
Owl’s Brew Halloween Suite – On October 25th, Owl’s Brew will be hosting a pre-Halloween adult costume pop-up at Riff Raff’s, where guests can get their hands on Halloween accessories, costumes, and make-up, all while enjoying fabulous Halloween-themed Owl’s Brew cocktails. The suite will be open from 12-6pm and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Hunger.
Pierre Michel Salon Make Over – Don’t half-ass your costume this year for Halloween…kick it up a notch and head to Pierre Michel Salon to get glam from head to toe. The salon has experts on staff to help you create your perfect look — whether you want to emulate your favorite celebrity, character or something spooky. Their talented make-up artists can completely transform your face, while their hair stylists can flare your hair with chains, feather, and ribbons, use chalk or Hot Head to add temporary color, or even add extensions or wigs to get your desired look.
Pumpkin Carving Contest – Paulaner will be hosting a fabulous pumpkin carving contest on October 26th from 2-4:30pm. Tickets to the event include a large pumpkin, carving kit and a candle. Participants will have the chance to win surprise prizes and can also enjoy Paulaner’s Oktoberfest specialties while there, including house-brewed beer and food.
Twisted Talk: How are you planning on getting in the Halloween spirit? Which of these haunts are you going to check out? Discuss below!
