The Halloween season is upon us, and there is an abundance of activities in Syracuse that will give you your fill of the spooky spirit. For those who want a genuine fright, to those who just want to soak in the autumnal atmosphere, there’s a Halloween event for everyone!
Spooktacular Stroll
For those who just want to enjoy the Halloween ambience, take a leisurely walk along the half-mile Spooktacular Stroll. Every weekend in October, you can admire nine themed eerie displays at Long Branch Park, such as the Creepy Castle, Mummy Mansion and the new Dinosaur Dungeon! All exhibits include large wooden structures and LED lights that will leave you in awe. Plus, you can cap off your night with good eats from a local food truck! For a memorable and spooky evening, tickets for one vehicle (you and your friends) are $25.
Fright Nights
Included in USA Today’s list of the best 20 haunted attractions in the Northeast, Fright Nights is bound to be a chilling event. One $30 ticket will provide you access to all five haunted houses: The Monster Movie Matinee, Devil’s Dungeon Slide to Hell, Burgen Manor, Lady Lamson’s Cursed Voyage and Penny’s Playhouse. Think you’re up for the challenge? Fright Nights is open every weekend throughout the month of October, 7 p.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7-11 p.m. on Sundays. Check it out to test your limits and discover if you can really face your fears!
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Want to take a break from the frights of the Halloween season? Check out a concert from the mesmerizing Candlelight series, an orchestral musical experience illuminated by thousands of candles. A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics will include beloved tunes like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” the “Ghostbusters” theme, and Camille Saint Saëns’ “Danse Macabre.” Two candlelit performances will take place on Friday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Palace Theatre. Tickets start at $41 and are selling fast, so don’t wait to secure your spot at this one-of-a-kind event!
2nd Annual Halloween Dog Parade
Get into the Halloween spirit with a parade of Syracuse’s cutest pups! Hosted by the Westcott Neighborhood Association, watch as dogs strut the streets in their finest Halloween attire, accompanied by New Orleans-style brass band Second Line Syracuse. Human costumes are also strongly encouraged. Catch this fun (and free!) event at Petit Branch Library on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m.-noon.
Collegian Hotel and Suite Halloween Masquerade Ball
Have your “A Cinderella Story” moment at this elegant masquerade ball. Wear your best formal attire and a mask and get ready to dance the night away! Listen to music, have some food and drinks, and make incredible memories on a night you won’t forget. The ball takes place on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 7-11 p.m., and tickets are available now.
Written By Chloe Langerman ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This list is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.