Staten Island Halloween Events
Halloween: a day most commonly celebrated by children who dress in costume and solicit candy or other treats door-to-door. To me, Halloween is less about the candy and more about connecting with the community. I love seeing the same familiar faces at my door year after year; and having the opportunity to briefly chat with my neighbors about how much the children have grown in just one year. This year, I get even more of a thrill by being able to bring my granddaughter out in costume. I can’t wait!
All season long, Staten Island parks, businesses and organizations have been busy hosting fall events, all celebrating the harvest and leading up to October’s most popular day, Halloween. However, the Halloween events on Staten Island aren’t over yet. Since Halloween falls on a Friday this year, there are plenty of events taking place throughout the weekend that you’ll definitely want to check out.
Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries of Staten Island (FACSI) Cemetery Tour
This event was a huge hit last year! What better way to get a thrill on Halloween night than to spend the evening on a tour of the largest abandoned cemetery in New York City? As a FACSI fundraiser, the cemetery tour at Fountain Cemetery in West New Brighton (Richmond Terrace and Alaska Street) will host an All Hallows Even Ghost Tour. Torches will be placed throughout the 8-acre site, and FACSI staff will introduce the 19th century Staten Islanders who may not be at rest on the historic grounds. After the tour, visitors will be allowed to explore the grounds, on their own.
There is an admission fee for this tour, which is scheduled for 7:30pm on Halloween evening. Contact the Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries at SICemetery@gmail.com or at 917-545-3309 for more information.
Brews & Boos at Flagship Brewery
Come celebrate with Flagship Brewery as they host their very first Halloween party in their tasting room (40 Minthorne St) from 9pm to 1am on Halloween night. Free food, open bar for four hours, music and fun is included with your ticket, which can be purchased here. Wear your costume for a chance to win a brewing lesson with head brewer, Patrick Morse.
Phunky Elephant Halloween Bash
Join the Phunky Elephant for their second annual Halloween bash taking place this Friday night at 1271 Bay Street. Admission includes live music by the John Neilson Trio, a drink ticket and complimentary snacks throughout the night. The party starts at 10pm and continues into the early morning hours with Halloween music and dance jams from a live DJ. For more information call 718-448-4282 or visit their website at http://www.thephunkyelephant.com.
Deep Tanks Costume Party
Deep Tanks Studio, Deep Tanks Butoh, the Unitarian Church of Staten Island, ASPECT RATIO FILM FEST Ann Marie Selzer (ARFF), ISLA Gia Dupree, Staten Island OutLOUD and visual designer OLLIE OXEN are all partnering to throw an entertaining evening of sculptures, performance art, live music, film screenings, costume contests, photographed by Kristopher Johnson photo booth and dancing. Admission is $10 at the door, which includes a drink and finger food. Proceeds go to Doctors without Borders. It all takes place at the Unitarian Church of Staten Island, 312 Fillmore Street from 6:30 to 11pm.
The Haunting of Billhop House
Watch the premiere of this new thriller in the basement of the historic Conference House in Tottenville, which is believed to be one of the most haunted houses in New York. “The Haunting of Billhop House,” written by Staten Island playwright Joe Simonelli, will play on Halloween night starting at 7:30pm, November 1st at 8pm and on November 2nd at 4pm. Seats are $18 for general admission and $15 for seniors and students. For reservations, call 347-355-8989.
Halloween Hoopla
Come on out for some Halloween fun at Bloomingdale Park, as it is transformed into Boo!mingdale Park on Halloween Day from 2-5pm on Halloween evening. Activities include a hay maze, pony rides, inflatable rides and more, including a photo spot and costume parade.
A Haunting We Will Go
Join the City of New York City Parks and Recreation before dusk on Halloween evening for one more kid-friendly event, A Haunting We Will Go. Fun for all ages, this event will take place at Cedar Grove Avenue at Waterside Street from 3:00-6:00pm. Come out and enjoy various Halloween crafts, haunted events and games. There will also be a costume contest. For more information, visit the NYC Parks Department website at www.nycgovparks.org.
NYC Pumpkin Smash 2014
Not sure what to do with that old pumpkin that’s been sitting on your front porch? “Smash it, don’t trash it!” is the logo of this community pumpkin smash and composting event. Bring your pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, and leaves to PS 9 (1055 Targee Street) on Saturday, November 1st from 11am to 3pm and make them flip, launch, roll, cannonball and ultimately smash before they are added to PS 9’s compost bins. This family-friendly event also offers games, contests, raffles, refreshments, music, face-painting and more. Staten Island Makerspace will also be there to help the children build trebuchets to launch their pumpkins with. For more information, visit the PS9 PTA website.
Art Lab’s Masquerade
Art Lab will host their masquerade and cocktail party on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens from 7-11pm on Saturday, November 1st. Get a preview of “The Scream Exhibition,” inspired by expressionist painter Edvard Munch, before its opening on November 8. The party also includes jazz music by the Lou Hoff Quartet from 8 to 10 p.m., refreshments, raffles and a mask contest. Tickets are $70 at the door. For more information, visit here.
The Halloween House
Lastly, get in the Halloween spirit by visiting the Halloween House, at 278 Caswell Ave. located in the community of Westerleigh. Ralph Payson has hosted this North Shore tradition since 2000. Halloween day check out the live show 7-9pm. For years, this family has decorated their home in anything and everything spooky, and even puts on “Live Action Shows” featuring favorites such as Michael Myers, Pinhead Freddy Kruger, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Chucky. Your Halloween isn’t complete unless you visit this house at some point during the season.
Needless to say, no matter what you’re in the mood for, there is no better day than Halloween to get out and meet your neighbors. If you do get out there, chances are, candy isn’t the only thing you’ll come home with at the end of the day. Perhaps you’ll run into some old friends, spend time catching up with a neighbor, or even meet someone new who lives down the block.
Either way, if your Halloween adventures take you through Staten Island’s North Shore and you happen to see any Staten Island homes or real estate for sale that interest you, don’t hesitate to contact me. As always, you can contact me on Facebook or Twitter, and my website is full of helpful information about the different North Shore neighborhoods , local businesses, news and events. Don’t forget to check out North Shore Buzz for video interviews and home-buying tips. Have a happy and safe Halloween!
Look forward to meeting up with you soon!