Best Halloween Happenings in New England

New England sure knows Halloween, and each year events and festivals throughout the region draw crowds in search of all things spooky, ranging from tricks and treats to horror and gore. While Salem, Massachusetts takes top honors each year with its packed calendar of Haunted Happenings, below are a few additional top picks for Best Halloween Happenings in New England. We’ve gone with chills and thrills over terror, so if your taste runs towards the macabre, consider this a starting point! Happy Haunting!

Roger Williams Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular – Nightly, October 4 – November 3
Wander among nearly 10,000 carved and lighted pumpkins (some with spectacular designs) displayed on the quarter-mile Wetlands Trail at the Roger Williams Zoo. On Thursday through Saturday nights, performers add to the festive environment and entertain the kids. Costumes encouraged!
1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI. 401-785-3510; www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org

Lake Compounce Haunted Graveyard – October 25, 30-31
Closed for the season, the popular Connecticut amusement park turns spooky and colorful for Halloween, featuring nearly twenty adult amusement park rides, six haunted houses, and a haunted graveyard. Frights lean towards the horror and gore angle, so leave young children at home!
217 Enterprise Dr., Bristol, CT. 860-347-3829; www.hauntedgraveyard.com

Mystic Seaport Frights and Sights – October 19-20, 26-27
This family-friendly haunted Halloween event at the museums 19th century seafaring village features fortunetelling, storytelling, face painting, nightly costume parade, horse and wagon rides, crafts, and much more. Bring a flashlight and keep your eyes peeled for spooky sailor ghosts while you’re on the haunted walk!
75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, CT. 860.572.5302; www.mysticseaport.org

Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival – October 25-28th
This annual event is a spook-tacular salute to the horror genre, screening several world premieres (both shorts and features) of top horror flicks from all over the globe. Take the H.P. Lovecraft Walking Tour, check out special free screenings, settle in for the Saturday night double bill, and more.
Statewide theater locations. www.film-festival.org/Horror_ri.php

Haunted Boston Ghost Tours – Ongoing
Enjoy a lantern-lit 90-minute walking tour of Boston’s most historically haunted places led by a costumed professional. Hear chilling tales of Boston’s most famous ghosts and spooky sites, while learning more about the city’s rich past. This family-friendly tour is both entertaining and just the right amount of spine-chilling.
617-605-3635; www.hauntedboston.com