With Halloween approaching, local festivities are popping up on the calendar as quickly as Halloween candy is popping up in every store. Whether you want to get spooked or just take a fall stroll through the color-changing leaves, Syracuse has much to offer to get you in the Halloween spirit. From haunted houses to apple picking, you should be able to check one event off your fall festivities bucket list (since we all have one!).
This Is Halloween Downtown Market
Lunar Art Events is hosting a Halloween market in downtown Syracuse to get you in the spooky mood. A short drive from campus will lead you to the market, featuring different vendors catering to the Halloween festivities with food, art and spooky music. The pop-up event will occur on Oct. 20 from 1-5 p.m. at City Hall Commons Atrium.
Frightmare Farms
If you’re in the mood to scream, Frightmare Farms has your back! Grab a group of friends (you will need moral support) and explore all the scares the farm has to offer under the moonlight. The scream park has a variety of haunted houses that will keep your entire group on your toes all night!
5K Halloween Run
The Syracuse Track Club is putting the fun in the run this Halloween! The paths of Green Lakes State Park will be an appropriate misty backdrop for this spooky fun run scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 27 . Runners and spectators alike are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes to win an award for best costume! While the 5K trail race is available, there is also a fun run that children can participate in.
Pumpkin Picking at The Pumpkin Hollow
If you need a break from the spooks of the season and are instead just trying to embrace the fall vibes, grab a warm apple cider and head to the pumpkin patch. The Pumpkin Hollow has free parking and free admission; you only need to pay if you decide to bring a pumpkin home with you! With pumpkins in all different shapes and sizes, it will be hard not to fall in love and bring one home for carving. The farm also includes hay rides and a corn maze to top off the festivities.
Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards
Whether you’re a Syracuse local or new to the area, you can’t miss a visit to Beak and Skiff this fall! They offer a tractor ride that takes you deep into their apple orchards, where you can pick and eat your own apples. When I took a trip out to the orchard, I was lucky enough to be able to pick some Honeycrisps, and ended up leaving with 20 apples! Before I left, I grabbed a slice of apple pie from their on-site bakery. You can enjoy a bite to eat from their cafe or snack on some apples straight from the tree at one of the many available outdoor tables!
Written By Emily Rutkowski G’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.