Home to an abundance of pumpkin farms, hayrides, and corn mazes, the North Fork is the place to be during the fall.
If you venture “Off the Fork,” however, you’ll find that there’s no shortage of Halloween spirit on Long Island. Here are nine destinations that are worth visiting this spooky season.
1. The Witches Brew Coffee House — West Hempstead
Skip the tricks and get yourself a treat at The Witches Brew Coffee House. This gothic-themed vegetarian cafe is in a haunting century-old house. Twinkling lights, mismatched antique furniture, and red-velvet covered walls give the indie cafe a witchy charm that makes visiting a Halloween-must for many Long Islanders.
You can visit The Witches Brew at 311 Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead. There are no reservations, but you can join a waitlist on Yelp before you get there to save time.
2. The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze — Old Bethpage
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a sight to see this Halloween — 7,000 jack-o’-lanterns illuminate the night sky at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. The pumpkins are designed and hand-carved by local artisans and displayed on an immersive trail with synchronized lighting and music.
The event will take place from Sept. 30 through Nov. 6 and tickets can be purchased online at pumpkinblaze.org. All proceeds will go towards the education and preservation efforts of Old Bethpage Village Restoration and Historic Hudson Valley. The Old Bethpage Village Restoration is located at 1303 Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage.
3. Bayville Scream Park — Bayville
Those looking for a good scare should consider making a trip to the Bayville Scream Park. Named one of the best Haunted House theme parks in the US, it’s “where dreams go to die and nightmares come to thrive.” The park offers seven haunted attractions including a brand new one called Nyctophobia, where those that dare to enter will have to navigate pitch black passageways to get out.
To purchase tickets or learn more, go to bayvillescreampark.com. Bayville Scream Park is located at 8 Bayville Ave. in Bayville.
4. Harbor Haunts Walking Tour — Cold Spring Harbor
During the month of October, The Whaling Museum and Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor hosts walking tours where they share spooky tales of the town’s historic hauntings.
Ticket cost $12 for adults, $8 for children, $10 for Adult Members, and $6 for Children Members. Space is limited, so be sure to register online at cshwhalingmuseum.org/walking-tours.
5. Hocus Pocus Themed Pop Up Bar — Farmingdale
It’s been almost 30 years since a virgin lit the black flame candle and resurrected the 17th-century witches, but this Halloween season, they’re back. Celebrate the new sequel of the cult-classic with an immersive Hocus Pocus pop up experience. Enjoy a performance by the Salem Sisters as you drink cocktails and eat food inspired by the 1993 film.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at $30 per person ($35 during Halloween week) at exploretock.com/witchcraftpopup.
Food and drinks are not included.
6. Halloween Boat Burning at the Long Island Maritime Museum — West Sayville
A unique take on an autumn bonfire, the Long Island Maritime Museum is hosting its 32nd annual Halloween Boat Burning. On Friday, Oct. 28th at 5 p.m., an old boat “whose time has come” will be burned as part of the West Sayville community tradition. There will also be entertainment, food, light refreshments, and a raffle drawing for a boat made by the museum’s shop volunteers.
Admission is $5, except for children 5 and under, who are free. The event is located at 88 West Ave. in West Sayville. Tickets can be purchased here.
7. Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse
For most of the year, visitors to the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport Village are treated to Broadway-caliber musical theater productions. Come October, the 500-seat theater and surrounding property is transformed into an immersive, theatrical haunted house. Tickets are $40 online, $50 at the door, and can be purchased at gatewayshauntedplayhouse.com.
8. Katie’s of Smithtown — Smithtown
Katie’s of Smithtown looks like an ordinary bar, but some swear that there’s something strange going on there. Featured on popular paranormal shows like A&E’s “Paranormal State” and the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures,” the bar is said to have had several occurrences of paranormal activity.
Thrill seekers and those brave enough can try to see for themselves at 145 West Main Street, Smithtown.
9. Halloween Glow in the Park — Wheatley Heights
The Adventure Park at Long Island is offering offer nights of Halloween fun without the haunts. Visitors can climb and zipline through trees filled with neon-colored lights while listening to festive music. Tickets can be purchased at myadventurepark.com.
