Fun & Freight
Everywhere you turn, you see witches, warlocks and werewolves. Shelves are overflowing with black-and-orange themed candy. Streamers! Decorations! Party favors! Lights! Streets lined with princesses, superheroes, cartoon characters, animals, and even vegetables.
And somewhere, a DJ is spinning “The Monster Mash.”
Again.
Yes, it’s time for Halloween.
There’s no need to knock on the Lehigh Valley Marketplace office door; we’re giving you a bagful of treats right now – a round-up of fun, but sometimes little known, activities that celebrate this congenially creepy holiday.
Stephen King’s tale of a bullied, telekinetic teenager – and her seething revenge – comes eerily to life in “Carrie: the Musical” at Allentown’s Civic Theatre. October 7–22. For tickets and other information: civictheatre.com, or call 610.432.8943.
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Explore the darker side of Grimm’s fairy tales at the Red Mill Museum Village, October 14, 15; 21, 22; 28, 29. starting at 7 p.m. Its 10 acres of thrills include the Vortex, two mazes, a “terror trail,” a haunted hayride, and the Red Mill itself – home to many restless spirits and other creatures of the night. The mill also offers “Happy Haunting,” a toned-down version for the younger crowd, on October 22 and 29 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Although the lights will be on, parental discretion is advised. Visit theredmill.org or call 908.735.4101. 56 Main Street, Clinton, New Jersey.
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ArtsQuest’s “First Saturday Horror Series” brings Ash Williams, his chainsaw and his broomstick to battle the evil dead in (what else?) the “Evil Dead” trilogy: “The Evil Dead,” October 1; “Evil Dead 2,” October 8; “Army of Darkness,” October 15. Other creature features include “Young Frankenstein,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Teen Wolf.” Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. For showtimes, tickets and other details, call 610.297.7111, steelstacks.org.
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Gorgeous ghouls that bump’n’grind in the night will take over the Mauch Chunk Opera House during the 7th annual “Boolesque” show on October 29 at 8 p.m. Hosted by Madame Corsetiere, the performance will feature Angelique D’Vil, Holly Ween, Scarlet Starlet, Dulce Devine, and others. Tickets range from $20 – $35 and all seats are reserved. 14 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe. paburlesque.com or call 570.807.8891.
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Even miniature golf isn’t safe from goblins! The course at Spring Hill Miniature Golf, Schnecksville, features glow-in-the-dark balls, a 50’ cave with a double waterfall, six ponds, three streams, fog, a laser show, spooky lighting and Halloween-themed inflatable decorations. The kid-friendly venue also offers fireworks displays at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (weather permitting). The creepy course is available Thursday through Sunday evenings, dusk to 10 p.m. Spring Hill Miniature Golf, Sand Spring Road, Schnecksville. 610.769.7900, springhillgolfandbattingcages.net
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Join the ranks of the living dead during Easton’s annual Zombie Pub Crawl as it lurches through the alleys of the historic downtown on October 15. T-shirts, drink specials, food (no brains, I think), stories and lots more. Easton Main Street Initiative, 35 S. Third St. 610.330.9940, eastonpubcrawl.com.
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Or skulk through Easton’s labyrinthine streets during one-hour Haunted Walking Tours on October 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. You’ll hear tales of the city’s sordid past, and see costumed re-enactments of chilling events. Tickets are $13 in advance $20 onsite. For info: hauntedeastontour.com/tours.html or info@hauntedeaston.com
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“Haunted Hugh Moore Park” returns on October 21–22 and 28–29 from 6p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The mule-drawn canal boat “Josiah White II” begins its 30-minute trek at 6:30 p.m., with a bonfire, pumpkin hunt, ghost walk to the locktender’s house, light refreshments and more fun afterward.
Seating is limited, and reservations ($15 each) are necessary. Tickets and other info: Loretta Susen, 610.923.3548 ext. 22. Hugh Moore Park, 2750 Hugh Moore Park Road, Easton.
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All aboard! All aboard for Kempton’s Halloween Spooktacular! The Pumpkin Patch Train pulls out of the Kempton railroad station on October 8 and 9. Kids also get free pumpkins to decorate at the station. Trains depart at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. each day. Adults and children $10; infants (2 and under), $2. And the Imagination Express Train chugs along on October 21 and 22, with a goodie-bagful of fun, including the train ride, a hay maze, face painting and lots more. Trains depart continuously beginning at 7 p.m. each night. Adults $7; children (3-11) $15; infants (2 and under) $2. (Yes, adults pay less for this special event!) Kempton Railroad Station, Route 143, Kempton. 610.756.6469, kemptontrain.com
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Instead of going house-to-house, costumed kids can “trunk or treat” from car-to-car at Becky’s Drive-In at 5 p.m. on October 8–9 – but only at cars with decorated trunks! Kid-friendly double-features start at dusk, and the three best-decorated trunks each night will win prizes for their owners. Becky’s Drive-In Theatre, Route 248, Berlinsville. Call 610.767.2249, or visit beckysdi.com for details.
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McCoole’s Arts & Events Place, Quakertown, becomes a haunted house this month, with ghost-themed rooms designed to shiver your spine. Is a “ghost tour” more to your liking? Then traverse the streets of historic uptown Quakertown to hear some blood-curdling tales. The haunted house runs October 21 and 22, and October 28-30, from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Ghost Tours take place on October 21, 22, 28, 29, and 30 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Or celebrate the season with McCoole’s Halloween party on October 29 from 8 p.m. – midnight. Buffet dinner, live music, cash bar, and a costume contest. Tickets for these events are available singly, or in various combinations (with varying prices, of course). For details, call 215.538.1779 or visit mccoolesredlioninn.com
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Mad scientists will feel right at home in the Da Vinci Science Center throughout October. Visit Jack-o-lantern Lane, a spooky town, a haunted forest, a candy house (we know how THAT story turns out!) and lots more. The family-friendly exhibit includes several hands-on activities involving dry ice, bioluminescence and the different properties of candy. Admission: $14.95. Through November 6 at the Da Vinci Science Center, 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown, 484.664.1002, davincisciencecenter.org
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As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, the Promenade Shops will host a day of fun on October 29. Highlights include a costumed dance party from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., and face painters, giveaways, and entertainers from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 2845 Center Valley Parkway, Center Valley. 610.791.9707 thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com.
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You say you want more? Then check out some of these supposedly real haunted spots in the Valley:
If you dare.
