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Weekend Fun for Westchester Kids: Great Jack-o’-Lantern Blaze, Applefest, Family Campout and More, Oct. 4-5
With October comes the beginning of Halloween season, and all month long there are parties, festivals, parades and haunted houses throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley. We’ve populated our Event Calendarwith a ton of these festivities (as well as a variety of non-Halloween events for when you crave diversity), so take a peak and plan ahead. There’s a lot to take in!
The Rivertowns, with the strong association with Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” go all out for Halloween, with month-long events that start this weekend like The Great Jack O Lantern Blaze and The Legend Behind the 'Legend'. For the older kids there are plenty of haunted happenings including Horseman’s Hollow and Scared by the Sound.
The season of fall festivals continues with Harvest Fest, as well as Warwick Applefest, which returns for an all-day celebration of apples—and much more! If instead of apples you’re in a pumpkin kind of mood, try All Things Pumpkin. Or, while you’re soaking up the remaining days of warm weather, indulge in a Family Campout. Also consult our guide for scenic autumn drives to enjoy the splendor of the season.
Read on for our top weekend picks. Looking for more options? Be sure to check our Event Calendar for more fun happening this weekend and beyond.
OUR LATEST VIDEOS
ALL WEEKEND
The Great Jack O Lantern Blaze - Croton-on-Hudson
See more than 5,000 individually hand-carved, illuminated jack-o’-lanterns in this elaborate walk-through experience. Definitely reserve tickets early! $20 for adults, $16 for ages 3–17; (Saturdays: $25/$20); under 3: FREE
The Legend Behind The 'Legend' - Irvington
Visitors can enjoy a shadow puppet performance of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and experience one of Washington Irving’s spooky tales on a walk through the woods. $14 for adults, $8 for ages 3–17; under 3 FREE.
Scared By The Sound - Rye
Experience for yourself the Crypt Walk, Haunted Wine Cellar, Creepy Morgue and Tunnels of Doom—plus the new Black Out Maze and much more at this haunted house for the older crowd. Recommended for ages 10 and up. $16
Horseman’s Hollow - Sleepy Hollow
Prepare to be scared stiff at Philipsburg Manor, which transforms into a house of horror ruled by the undead, the evil and the insane in October. $20 (Saturdays $25).
Family Campout - Cross River
Camp out with other families, learn some tricks of the trade and enjoy dinner, breakfast and s'mores. Individuals: $10; families: $30
SATURDAY
All Things Pumpkin - Somers
Celebrate pumpkin season with an event that focuses exclusively on the beloved autumn vegetable. Carve your own to take home. $5
SUNDAY
Warwick Applefest - Warwick
The Warwick Applefest is expected to attract over 35,000 visitors, with its children’s carnival, farmer’s market, music, food, craft vendors and entertainment on several stages. Apple pie contest for kids 16 and under. FREE
Harvest Fest at Stone Barns - Pocantico Hills
Support Stone Barns while celebrating the harvest, with hayrides, farm Olympics, music, a farmer’s market, demos, crafting and more. $40 adults, $20 ages 2-14
BEYOND WESTCHESTER
Celebrate honey at Honey Weekend in The Bronx! The agenda varies between Saturday and Sunday, so definitely choose carefully when to go. Options include honey tasting, a candle-making workshop, Family Art Project: Be A Bee; honey extracting demo and more. FREE till noon on Saturday.
For more Halloween-themed fun, the Bronx Zoo's annual Boo at the Zoo kicks off this weekend, with hay mazes, musical theater, magic, 3D carved pumpkins, puppets, winged creatures, the Extinct Animal Graveyard, Jack O ‘Lantern Illumination, a Dinosaur Safari and more. On Sunday, members of the Broadway cast of Pippin will be on hand to lead the costume parade!
Don't forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more events happening throughout Westchester!
