ALL TRICKED OUT
Shocking, swanky or just silly — NYC has something spooky in store for every ghoul and boy
THERE’S a lot more to Halloween than knocking on your neighbor’s door and demanding a fistful of Reese’s. From puppet shows to high-end parties, there are a slew of creative (and less demanding) options. Here are a few of this year’s most intriguing Halloween happenings.
ONGOING Candlelight Ghost Tours
The Merchant’s House has some legit creepy bona fides—seven family members died there, with their funerals held in the front parlor. Hear spooky tales while touring the house by candlelight. New for this year, tours now include the servants’ quarters. Oct. 20, 21, and 26-30, 50-minute tours beginning every half hour from 6:30 P.M. until 9:30 P.M. $40. Merchant’s House Museum, 29 E. Fourth St., 212777-1089, MerchantsHouse.org
Blood Manor
Blood Manor serves up 5,000 square feet of scares. Traverse through themed areas that run down every fear possible—including a killer clown room that would make Pennywise proud. Tickets start at $35. 163 Varick St., 212-290-2825, BloodManor.com
Hansel & Gretel’s Halloween Adventure
This marionette show is no retread of the story your kids have heard a thousand times. No, this show begins with the siblings safely back home for Halloween, where an adventure sees them interact with monsters, pirates, mermaids, vampires, and, yes, a witch. Shows run Tuesday to Sunday through Oct. 31. $12 for adults, $8 for kids 12 and under. Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, 79th St. and West Drive in Central Park, 212-988-9093, CityParksFoundation.org
This is Real
It’s not a haunted house at all — it’s a so-called “horror experience” in which you and a small group are kidnapped and locked up in an abandoned warehouse, complete with a murderous psychopath. Open through the end of the year, with reservations required. Tickets range from $95 to $110. 153 Coffey St., Brooklyn, ThisIsReal.NYC
SATURDAY, OCT. 21 12 P.M. Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
Pups strut their stuff in adorable
Get crazy at the annual Village Halloween Parade, or join in with the kids’ face-painting at the Haunted HIghline (below.)
costumes for this runway show. Last year’s stand-outs included canines dressed as Donald Trump, the members of KISS, Sandy from “Grease,” and sweets from a candy store. $5 suggested donation. Tompkins Square Dog Run, 500 E. Ninth St., TompkinsSquareDogRun.com
SUNDAY, OCT. 22 12 P.M. Howl-O-Ween Bark Block Party
You might find a new furry friend at this adoption event that’s jam-packed with activities. Highlights include slime-making, storytelling, an Elvis impersonator, and a “Hugs & Kisses” booth for some pooch snuggles. Sean Casey Animal Rescue, 153 E. Third St., Brooklyn, 718-436-5163, NYAnimal Rescue.org
THURSDAY, OCT. 26 8 P.M. The Blood Ball
This Black Magic-themed benefit is the best way to do Halloween like a baller, with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, dancing and special performances. Plus, 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the nonprofit DKMS’ mission to end blood cancer. $500 general admission. Spring Place, 6 St. Johns Lane, 212-2096733, BloodBall.org
FRIDAY, OCT. 27 7 P.M. and 10 P.M. Halloween Extravaganza
A chilling screening of the 1925 “The Phantom of the Opera,” featuring live organ accompaniment followed by a procession of the ghouls, performed by the Mettawee River Theatre Company. Keep an eye out for any plummeting light fixtures. $25 general admission. The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave., 212-3167540, StJohnDivine.org
SATURDAY, OCT. 28 11 A.M. Haunted High Line Halloween
Children ages 5 and under can design their own cookies and enjoy a magic show, while kids up to age 12 will love trying out the “Ghost Tunnel,” meeting a few insects, and designing their own model neighborhoods. The High Line, 10th Ave. between 14th and 16th Streets, TheHighLine.org
9 A.M. Gingerbread Haunted Houses
Little ones ages 2 through 8 will love crafting haunted houses with candy corn roofs and gummy window panes. Did we mention orange hot cocoa is included? $75 for one child with a caregiver. Also runs on Sunday Oct. 29. Taste Buds Kitchen, 109 W. 27th St., 10th Floor, 212-242-2248, TasteBudsKitchen.com/NYC
SUNDAY, OCT. 29 10 A.M. Spider Day at Wave Hill
Enjoy spidery tales, costumes
and spider-making fun. Free with admission ($8, $2 children 6 and up.) W. 249th Street, Bronx, WaveHill.org
TUESDAY, OCT. 31 7 P.M. Village Halloween Parade
Back for its 44th outing, complete with 53 different bands, giant puppets, and thousands of costumed marchers. Get there early or, better yet, join the line-up at 6:30 p.m. Avenue of the Americas, between Spring St. and 16th St., Halloween-NYC.com
7 P.M. The Salon: Halloween Stomp
The Venetian Gothic social club outfitted as a 19th century haunted mansion features live jazz, swing, and burlesque dancers. $25, $30 at the door. The Montauk Club, 25 Eighth Ave., Brooklyn, ProhibitionProductions.com