Excellent Blog By Julianne Palazzo
It’s that time of year when all things creepy and crawly come out to play. Don’t be left out of the fun! From terrifying tours to kid-friendly costume parades, Cape Cod is the place to be this Halloween season.
October 4-7, 11-13, 18-19, 25-27 and 29-30
Mutant creatures of the deep, malevolent mermaids and zombie pirates await all those who are brave enough to visit Capt. Lazarus’ Haunted Harbor. Untold surprises and frightful ghouls are around every corner in this deadly labyrinth, housed at the Cape Cod Community Media Center in Dennis Port. Those who heed the warnings of the lost-soul guides through the maze just might make it back to safer ports. 6 to 8:30 pm. (Added bonus: The $10 admission fee benefits scholarships for local high school students.)
Friday, October 25
Follow the lantern-lit trail through the non-scary Enchanted Forest at Mass Audubon’s Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable. En route, guides will point out fascinating and zany creatures, some whom call this magical place home. Tours leave every 10 minutes from 5:30 to 10 pm.
At dusk, nature’s most intriguing creatures also take over the Haunted Forest at Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Discover them firsthand on an illuminated stroll. Walking tours begin every fifteen minutes between 5:15 and 7:30 pm. Head to the Halloween-themed game room before or after your spook-tacular tour for face painting and games; costumes are encouraged!
There’s plenty to do at Heritage Museums & Gardens’ (not too spooky) Halloween Family Fun Nights, from Monster Mashing on the dance floor to taking a spin on the vintage carousel. Show off those inner mad-scientist skills and conduct STEM-focused experiments with The Hundred Acre School. Bring some extra gold doubloons (cash works as well) to take part in additional activities, such as carnival games, a haunted house and face painting. The festivities happen from 5 to 8:30 pm. on both Friday and Saturday.
Saturday, October 26
Don your Halloween duds for a Halloween Celebration at Mashpee Commons; arrive at 2 pm on the green across from the Mashpee Public Library to enjoy spooky tunes, refreshments and fun giveaways. Afterwards, kids can trick or treat at the Mashpee Commons shops until 5 pm.
Come in costume to the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History’s Green Halloween, where no tricks, just treats are in store (10 am to 2 pm). The fun includes the Local Scoop Pop Mobile, the Agway Maze, a Pirate Ship, and activity stations with crafts, games, and scavenger hunts.
Sunday, October 27
The Dennis Police Department’s annual 5k Halloween Hustle may not be spooky, but it certainly is festive. Beginning at 11 am at Mayflower Beach, this lovely fall jaunt takes runners along the ocean and ends with an after-party at Chapin’s Restaurant in Dennis. Runners, walkers and observers are encouraged to wear costumes (and compete for prizes). Funds raised from the race will benefit the police department’s scholarship and community programs.
Thursday, October 31
Mischief and mayhem can usually be found in Provincetown, and Halloween Weekend is no different. From a family-friendly costume parade to more grown-up events like a 21+ haunted hotel, live shows, themed parties and the Black & Gold ball at Provincetown Town Hall—spooky good times are lurking in every corner of town. The fun continues from Thursday through Sunday! Find a complete list of Provincetown Halloween happenings here.
Safe trick or treating events can be found across Cape Cod on Halloween night, including downtown Hyannis, at Provincetown’s Pilgrim Monument, and at the Cape Cod Church in East Falmouth. Several libraries also join in the fun with daytime events, including the Brooks Free Library in Harwich and Mashpee Public Library.
Friday, November 1
Dance the night away at Cotuit Center for the Arts’ annual Art and Souls Masquerade Ball (7:30 pm). Celebrating classic time trekkers and historical figures, the evening includes costume contests, a DJ, dancing, and “bone-chilling” refreshments.