Goblins, ghosts and witches. Oh, my! Or maybe you say, “Goblins, ghosts and witches. Oh, boy!”. No matter your perspective on Halloween, there are lots of activities this season to keep you properly thrilled or chilled…to the bone, that is. After Halloween being on somewhat of a hiatus over the past two years, we are gearing up for a good old-fashioned spooky time here in central Kentucky; there is something for everyone!
For those who love not-so-spooky and more whimsical Halloween fun, here are the kid-friendly events that will have you squealing with delight.
- Transylvania University’s PumpkinMania Carving – Sunday, Oct. 24th, 11:00a, 300 N. Broadway. Families can carve a pumpkin and get treats from 11a-4p, and then the pumpkins will be on display Oct. 25-28th.
- Devine’s Corn Maze – Harrodsburg, KY – until Oct. 31st. Challenge the kids to see who can get out of the corn maze the fastest. Go at night and you can tell ghost stories around the bonfire while roasting marshmallows.
- Jack-O-Lantern Trail – McConnells Springs, Lexington – Oct. 28-30. This first-time event will allow guests to walk the trails as they check out hundreds of jack-o-lanterns. Times are 6:30-10pm and the cost is a suggested donation of $5. You can add your own pumpkin by dropping off your creation Oct. 26-27.
- The Scarefest Horror and Paranormal Convention – Central Bank Centre, Lexington – Oct. 22-24th. Sunday, the 24th, is Kids’ Day with lots of family-friendly activities. Kids 12 and under get in FREE. Adults need to purchase tickets in advance. Check out the complete lineup of celebrities, speakers, seminar and event schedules at TheScareFest.com.
- Halloween Tea with Maleficent and Aurora – The Kentucky Castle – Oct. 31st @ 1pm. Kids can dress in their best costumes and be treated to story time, games and a costume parade. The menu includes evil brownie bites, winged creatures, poison apple wedges, and more!
- The Haunted Mines – The Gorge Underground – Rogers, KY – Daily in Oct. starting at 5p. Descend into the darkness where you will encounter zombie miners that have taken over the Gorge Underground. This tour complete with frightening music, décor and characters will have you on the edge of your seat!
If you are looking for less Casper The Friendly Ghost and more Jason or Michael madness, we got you, Boo!
- Wicked World Scaregrounds – Billed as “one of the freakiest haunted attractions in the United States” by MSN, this place offers three haunted attractions including “Valley of the Dead”, “Nightmare Haunted House”, and “The Hunted”. Going on now through Halloween, Thursday through Sunday, beginning at 7:30p. Halloween week, they are also open on Wednesday. Get your tickets early.
- Fright Nights Kentucky – S. Broadway, Lexington. This event has moved from Jacobson Park to a new location at 1016 S. Broadway near UK campus. Guests will traverse dark corridors to uncover the secrets of Dr. Doom’s laboratory. Tickets can be purchased on-site and they accept CASH only.
- Devil’s Attic – Louisville, KY – Friday and Saturdays in Oct. beginning at 8p. Face your childhood demons as well as encounter horrific twists on some of the classic monsters of Hallows Eve as you enter the Devil’s Attic. The sound alone when you click on the website is enough to scare you! You can save $2 when you bring 2 canned goods. Donations will go to Kentucky Harvest.
For ghouls and guys who just want to have fun, how about a Halloween pub crawl or a dance party? In Lexington, it’s the 4th Annual Halloween Bar Crawl beginning at Tin Roof on Sat, Oct. 23, at 4p. Winchester is having their First ZOMBIE Pub Crawl Sat, Oct. 23, at 7:30p, beginning at the courthouse steps. SoundBar in Lexington is also hosting a Halloween Party on Sat, Oct. 30th, at 8pm if you really want to show off your costume and dance all night long.
Another happening place in Lexington that is offering Halloween revelry is The Grove. Guests can enjoy a craft Halloween cocktail at Harvey’s and dinner in the remodeled Melodeon Theatre Event Space featuring delicious bites from Luna and Fable Charcuterie. Costumes are encouraged!
Finally, we have a few options for those who like a little Halloween drama.
- The Turn of the Screw by Jeffrey Hatcher – 249 E. Main Street, Lexington, Oct. 28-30. Doors open at 6:30 and show begins at 8p. This classic ghost story based on a “provocative tale of suspense, horror and repressed sexuality”, is brought to you by Upstairs At Midnight Theatre Project. Masks will be required and proof of vaccination and ID at door. Free parking and a cash bar.
- A Very Masked Murder Mystery Dinner – Goodwood in Lexington – Oct. 28 @ 7p. Tickets include dinner and the show. Dinner includes a small appetizer, entrée and dessert. Mayhem, masks and murder are the themes for this fun evening. This same show will take place on the 29th at the Historic Boone Tavern in Berea, and on the 31st at Columbia Steak House in Lexington.
And if you’re like me and just want to sit at home with some popcorn and watch a few scary flicks, here’s what’s trending on Netflix according to Thrillist.com.
-Nightbooks
-Squid Game
-Intrusion
-Midnight Mass
-The Chestnut Man
-No One Gets Out Alive
-Escape the Undertaker
-There’s Someone Inside Your House
-Fever Dream
-Night Teeth
That’s a pretty good list to satisfy the freak in all of us. We hope you have a safe, enjoyable, and completely spook-tacular Halloween!