Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
From ghost tours to brew fests and family bashes, Connecticut's Oct. 24–25 weekend is packed with spooky fun. CONNECTICUT — Halloween weekend has arrived early in Connecticut — and the Nutmeg State is going all out. From lantern-lit ghost tours to owl encounters, beer-filled hangars, and family-friendly bashes, October 24–25 brings spooky fun for every kind of ghoul and goblin. Whether you’re ready to party in costume, sip craft brews among airplanes, or just watch the kids parade in pumpkin hats, this weekend is frightfully full of fun. Downtown Storrs transforms into a Halloween wonderland for the Downtown Boo Bash! on Saturday, Oct. 25. This family-friendly festival features trick-or-treating at local businesses, costume parades, crafts, games, and live entertainment. It’s a perfect way for little ones to get their candy fix early — and parents can grab coffee (or courage) for the weekend ahead. TheHobgoblin Fair at Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton, also on Oct. 25, blends Halloween magic with nature fun. Kids can explore the enchanted forest trail, meet woodland “hobgoblins,” and enjoy games, crafts, and sweet treats. It’s a gentle introduction to spooky season for younger children — more fairy-tale than fright-fest. For those who prefer their Halloween with a dose of history, the Hallowed History Lantern Tour returns to Hartford’s Cedar Hill Cemetery on Friday, Oct. 24. Guides with lanterns lead visitors through the historic grounds while costumed actors share stories of notable residents. It’s eerie, educational, and atmospheric — perfect for a crisp fall night. If you like your scares with a side of hops, the Halloween in the Hangars Brew Fest at the New England Air Museum is the weekend’s high-flying highlight. On Saturday, Oct. 25, dozens of local breweries will pour seasonal beers and ciders among vintage aircraft. Costumes are encouraged, and the hangars take on a spooky glow after dark. Expect food trucks, games, and live music, too. Dare to walk the haunted halls of the Lock Museum of America during the Terryville Ghost Tour on Saturday. Visitors will hear ghost stories and paranormal accounts tied to the historic building — and maybe even experience something unexplainable themselves. Not for the faint of heart. Nature meets Halloween at Owl-O-Ween, held Saturday at Hammonasset Beach State Park’s Meigs Point Nature Center. Guests can meet live owls up close, learn about nocturnal wildlife, and enjoy crafts and games under the autumn sky. It’s equal parts spooky and educational — and perfect for families looking for a non-scary outdoor adventure. Families can light up their Halloween spirit at the Jack O’Lantern Jamboree hosted by the EverWonder Children’s Museum on Oct. 25. The event features pumpkin decorating, costume contests, and science-themed activities with a Halloween twist. It’s playful, hands-on fun for kids who love to create and explore. For a different kind of fright night, head to the Fairfield Theatre Company on Friday, Oct. 24, where the cult classicThe Rocky Horror Picture Show celebrates its 50th anniversary. Expect costumes, singalongs, and plenty of audience participation — doing “The Time Warp” is basically mandatory. From cemetery lantern tours and ghost stories to owl meetups and pumpkin parades, Connecticut is buzzing with haunted happenings this weekend. So grab your costume, charge your phone for photos, and get ready for a Halloween weekend filled with both chills and charm.
