There are plenty of events related to Halloween in and around Darien for kids, kids and adults and even just adults. Here’s a list.
The descriptions below give you an idea about what’s offered in each event, but click on the headlines to get the full description and links:
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS
ON TWO WEEKENDS: OCT18-20 and 25-27
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Becomes a Haunted House for Halloween Tours
—Tour times are at 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. — “Visitors may run into the mansion’s ghosts, who are haunted by the darker memories that are part of the rarely told history of the Lockwood and Mathews families. These ghosts will wander throughout the Mansion, but only during our very special and spooky Halloween tours. […] Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum’s Halloween tours, offered this year on two weekends, Oct. 18 to 20 and Oct. 25 to 27, will focus on ghost sightings as they relate to the house during the 19th century and more recently, and the compelling ghost stories that are part of Connecticut’s legends.” Cost: $10
SATURDAY, OCT. 19
Something Spooky and Fun, the Tokeneke Pumpkin Carnival This Way Comes
—10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — The 2019 Pumpkin Carnival features rides and attractions suitable for a wide variety of ages. For those seeking a thrill, make sure to try The Rock Star, the Scrambler and Zero Gravity. Preschoolers are sure to love the cars, trains and spin rides. The Haunted House, which is replete with spooky skeletons and ghastly ghosts, is not to be missed!
The Carnival will also feature a variety of seasonally-themed field games and activities […] Dance on the DL, a local dance studio, will perform during the event.”
SUNDAY, OCT 20
Spooky Family Films: ‘Goosebumps’
2 p.m. — “Join us from 2 to 4 p.m. for a spooky film for the whole family! Don’t miss out on Goosebumps (2015) as inspired by the beloved books of R.L. Stine. Teens and a horror writer battle the author’s monstrous creations after they come to life and wreak havoc on their small town.” — Free
FRIDAY, OCT 25
DCA Halloween Parade Takes Place at 10 AM Friday, Oct 25
10 a.m. — At the 25th annual Mom’s Morning In Halloween Parade, Parents, caregivers and grandparents can bring their costumed little characters for trick or treating at the doors of local merchants in Darien. The parade then wanders down to Tilley Pond for snacks and a special show with our favorite magician and juggler, “Amazing Andy.” Bring your goody bag — there will be treats for all! — Cost: $5 per child
SATURDAY, OCT 26
Darien Arts Center’s First Halloween Family Fest
—9 a.m. to 12 noon — “Children of all ages will have fun and get in the spirit of Halloween with crafts, treats, storytelling, sing-alongs and drop-in dance classes at the complementary family-oriented event, where all are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes. Most activities are geared for those ages 3 and up, but children of all ages are welcome.” — Free
SUNDAY, OCT 27
Trick or Treat the Terminal on Sunday Afternoon
—12 noon to 3 p.m. — As of Oct. 17, the management says details will be provided later. In past years it was a daytime event. You could check here (for Sunday, Oct. 27). Here’s what last year’s announcement said, to give you an idea of what to expect.
Haunted House at Post 53
—1 to 4 p.m. — The afternoon will be filled with exciting events and fun games for kids of all ages. The Haunted House offers three different levels of fright. There will also be ambulance tours, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and many more games and treats! — Free, but donations gratefully accepted
Halloween Hoot & Howl at Darien Nature Center
—4 to 6 p.m. — Hoot & Howl features not-too-spooky fun including crafts, a magic show, s’mores and storytelling around a campfire, face painting, a fall hike, refreshments and animal encounters. Costumes are encouraged (but not required) and membership isn’t required to attend. Cost: $5 per person
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30
Halloween Storytime at Darien Library
—9:30 to 10 a.m. — Join the Darien Library Children’s Library for a special Halloween-themed Toddler Tales. Come in costume and trick-or-treat in the library afterwards! (No registration required.) — Free
FOR ADULTS
SUNDAY, OCT. 27
Vampires in New England: A Talk at Darien Historical Society About a Colonial Vampire Scare
—3 p.m. — Dr. Nick Bellantoni, Connecticut’s archaeologist emeritus, will talk about past belief in vampires in Connecticut. “Vampire folklore was rampant in New England from 1780 to the 1890s, and a combination of disciplines helps archaeologists to discover more about this period in New England history, said Bellantoni.” Cost: $20 for members, $40 for non-members, $10 for students and First Responders, $10.