Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, so you can get a whole weekend of costumes, not just one night. Maybe you want to scream your way through a haunted house. Maybe you just want to paint a pumpkin and call it a night. Either way, Syracuse has a plan for you. We sorted this year’s local Halloween events so you can find yours fast.
For the Thrill Seekers
Fright Nights: Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m.-midnight, and Sundays, 7-11 p.m.
If you want a real scare, start here. Fright Nights packs five haunted attractions into one giant warehouse on James Street. Tickets cost $35 online and $45 at the door.
13th Hour Rising: Fridays and Saturdays, 7-10 p.m., and Sundays, 7-9 p.m.
13th Hour Rising in Fulton, N.Y., features a haunted hayride and a walk-through haunted house called The Passage. Tickets are $40 at the door until closing.
For Halloween Weekend
#SYRFoodTrucks Monster Bash: Friday, Oct. 30, 5-11 p.m.
This costume party with Syracuse food trucks gives you a shot at more than $5,000 in cash and prizes. Bring your best costume and an empty stomach.
Orange Football vs. Southern Methodist University (SMU): Saturday, Oct. 31, kickoff at noon
Spend Halloween at the “Loud House” (JMA Wireless Dome) when the Orange host (SMU), with Halloween activities planned at ’Cuse on the Quad and during the game. Wear your costume or wear orange. Both work!
Halloween: R&B Edition: Saturday, Oct. 31, 6-11 p.m.
Want something a little fancier on Halloween night? This R&B party takes place at the New York State Fairgrounds features live music and delicious food.
For a Night Out With Friends
Beak & Skiff’s Sixth Annual Halloween Bash: Saturday, Oct. 24, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Beak & Skiff’s sixth annual Halloween Bash in LaFayette, N.Y., comes with live music, a costume contest and seasonal food and drinks. If you’ve already been apple picking there this fall, this is your excuse to go back.
Halloween by Candlelight: Saturday, Oct. 24, show begins at 7 p.m.
Picture a dark hall lit by hundreds of candles while an orchestra plays the scariest movie themes you know. At Halloween by Candlelight, the Syracuse Orchestra plays music by John Williams and Danny Elfman and ends with “Monster Mash.” The show is at Inspiration Hall on James Street, and costumes are welcome. It makes a great date night or a fun night with friends.
For All Ages:
Zoo Boo: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24 and 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is putting on a kooky-not-spooky daytime Halloween celebration, Zoo Boo. Open to all ages and included in the price of admission, the event features trick-or-treat stations, creepy-crawly animal encounters, keeper chats, games, activities, photo ops and a costume parade. Wear your costume and bring your treat bag for this fall-favorite event!
The Haunted Orchestra: Saturday, Oct. 24, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Look for more family-friendly fun? If your family is visiting, or you just love a costume parade, the Syracuse Orchestra’s Haunted Orchestra plays spooky classical pieces and film music at Inspiration Hall. It includes a costume contest with prizes.
New events pop up all week, so keep checking the Syracuse University Events Calendar and ’Cuse Activities for last-minute plans. Whatever you choose, have fun, stay safe and take a picture of your costume. Happy Halloween, ’Cuse!
Written by Ava Swidler ’27, College of Arts and Sciences
Please note, the above is provided for your information only. Inclusion should not be interpreted as an official Syracuse University endorsement.