It’s that time of the year again: whether you’re a bonafide fanatic of all things spooky and macabre, love handing out candy to mini-skeletons and mini-Spider-Mans trick-or-treating, or just want to spend the night partying and eating loads of candy, Halloween weekend is finally here.
If you haven’t decided on Halloween plans yet, or are looking for something new and interesting to do in town, there are several ways to celebrate from Friday, Oct. 30, through Sunday, Nov. 1.
Here are some events to check out this weekend.
Multi-day events
Thursday, Oct. 29 & Friday, Oct. 30
Experience thrilling ghost radio theatre
Revisit the golden age of radio plays with haunting tales at the Shaw Festival’s “Ghost Radio Theatre for Adult Ghouls”: dialogue is delivered live and sound effects are created with live foley, creating a rich tapestry of sound and frightening fables sure to send a chill up your spine.
Hosted at the Shaw Artists’ Village digital lab both days at 9 p.m., tickets are $30 each plus tax. For tickets, visit shawfest.com/event/ghost-radio-theatre.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 30 to Nov. 1
Celebrate Samhain at the Irish Harp
The Irish Harp Pub, at 245 King St., is hosting a three-day Samhain Halloween weekend with two costume parties, live music, food, drink and more — with admission free all three days.
The weekend celebration draws on Samhain, the Gaelic festival marking the transition from summer to winter.
On Friday, the evening includes live music from Patsy & The Muscle and a costume party, with prizes for Irish-themed costumes. The party starts at 8 p.m., with music beginning at 8:30 p.m.
Then, on Saturday, Halloween night, the celebration continues with a second costume party and live music by Jack Van Ginger. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume and best couple costume. The party starts 8 p.m. with music at 8:30 p.m.
Finally, the festivities wrap up on Sunday, with live music by Hedley & Walker, specialty hot beverages and Irish food. Music begins at 2 p.m.
All events are 19-plus. Reservations are recommended: reserve a seat or table at theirishharppub.com/events/halloween-weekend.
Single-day events
Friday, Oct. 30
Cackle with glee at Exchange Brewery
Enjoy “Boos, Brews & Banter,” a Halloween comedy night at the Exchange Brewery, at 7 Queen St., featuring Aaron Wry and Andrew Chapman, with Trevor Cumming as special guest and David Green as host.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with the show running from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $34 for the show or $90 for a dinner-and-show package.
For tickets, visit exchangebrewery.com/event/boos-brews-banter-halloween-comedy-night.
Saturday, Oct. 31 — Halloween
Join the Queenston Firehall Halloween Party
Families looking for Halloween fun can head to the Queenston Firehall, at 5 Dumfries St., for a community celebration featuring a barbecue, refreshments, candy, prizes and a costume parade.
The event is being held in partnership with Huebel Grapes Estates in support of Project SHARE Niagara. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations.
Doors open at 7 p.m., with the costume parade beginning at 7:15 p.m.
Or, join the St. Davids Firehall Halloween Party
It’s not just the Queenston firefighters that plan to get down Halloween night: the St. Davids Firefighters Association has its own family-friendly party planned at its firehall at 745 Warner Rd.
Come dressed in your best Halloween costume and get ready to take part in costume contest, along with prizes and refreshments.
Doors open at 7 p.m., with the costume contest starting at 7:15 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 1
Experience the famous Ghost Walks tour
While tickets are sold out for all October dates of the highly popular Ghost Walks in Niagara-on-the-Lake, there are still a few available for the Nov. 1 tours happening at 7 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is known as one of the most haunted towns in all of Canada, with plenty of hidden legends passed down over the years.
This walk will take you through downtown Old Town as you learn about the spirits that are said to haunt establishments like the Prince of Wales Hotel, the Niagara Apothecary and the Olde Angel Inn.
Scoop up those coveted tickets before they sell out at ghostwalks.com/niagara-on-the-lake.
