Halloween preparation is in full swing all across the Island. From pumpkins and scarecrows, to cornstalks and hay bales, Martha’s Vineyard is eagerly awaiting the scariest holiday of the year. Some may say our quaint New England Island is quite haunted, so this time of year is extra exciting for us.
If you plan to be on-Island for Halloween or the days leading up to it, here’s some spooktacular events you’ll want to check out. Don’t be scarred, most are family friendly and fun for all!
Saturday, October 22
Halloween at Long Point, Long Point Wildlife Refuge, Edgartown, 5–7pm
Games and activities for all ages in the Visitor Center and along the woodland trails of Long Point
Activities include a Halloween scavenger hunt, with tricks and treats along the trails; a chance to learn about owls, bats and other nighttime animals; crafts, snacks and refreshments for all; a pumpkin competition. Bring your carved, painted or decorated pumpkin along for the chance to win some prizes. Meet the wizard of the woods at the Visitor Center to start your adventure and arrive dressed in your Halloween costume with a bag for treats. Member Child: $5; Nonmember Child: $10; Adults: FREE.
Friday October 28
Creatures of the Night, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown, 5–7pm
A host of family-friendly activities that promise not to frighten! Kick off with a hayride at 5:15 pm, take a self-guided night walk, create animal masks, roast marshmallows by the fire, and take a walk through the “Trunk or Treat” hosted by the Oak Bluffs School PTO. Members: $10/car; Nonmembers: $15/car.
The Ghosts of Edgartown Package, the Kelley House, Edgartown
Spend the whole weekend venturing through Edgartown’s haunted graveyards, buildings, churches, inns, and other spirited spots with the Kelley House, one of the Island’s oldest and most iconic hotels. The Ghosts of Edgartown Package invites brave guests to experience the supernatural side of Edgartown and perhaps go home with a scary tale or two of their own. The package includes overnight accommodations and two tickets to the Edgartown Ghost Walking Tours. Guests will also receive a welcome amenity of the novel Haunted Island: True Ghost Stories of Martha’s Vineyard by local author Holly Nadler, and fudge from Murdick’s fudge. Available Oct. 28 and Oct. 29, rates start at $275 per night. Reservations can be made online or by calling 800-225-6005.
Saturday October 29
Happy Haunting, downtown Edgartown, 11am–3pm
Annual Halloween celebration in downtown Edgartown. Trick or treat around town and be sure to enter the costume contest hosted by Backwater Trading Company, and enjoy the family Dance-O-Rama and Spooky Kids Crafts at the Kelley House. Hosted by the Edgartown Board of Trade.
Halloween Party, Oak Bluffs Library, Oak Bluffs, 10–11:30am
Come in costume to a haunted Children’s Room. Join the library for tricks, treats and spooktacular fun and games in the stacks. Walk or crawl through our spooky tunnel, make a spooky craft, and enjoy Halloween treats. For kids of all ages.
Halloween Party, Aquinnah Library, Aquinnah, 1pm
Come in costume for tricks, treats, and more.
Haunted Barn with the Yard, The FARM Institute, Edgartown, 5–7pm
Listen to ghost stories while enjoying a hayride through the fields of this 162 acre working farm. Afterwards walk through the FARM Institute barn to see three installments of “Silo,” a new dance piece by the Yard, Martha’s Vineyard’s contemporary artist and dance residency. Cider around the fire will be available. Free.
Monday, October 31
Trick or Treat at the Vineyard Haven Library, 4–8pm
Take a break from trick-or-treating and enjoy cider and candy provided by the Friends of the Library.
