Halloween is a child's dream holiday - playing dress-up, eating candy, and telling ghost stories - it can't get better than that. But adults want in on the fun, too! Now is your chance to relive Halloween as you never have before, adult style. We've got the best things to do this holiday season to get you in the mood for All Hallow's Eve, from the spookiest haunted houses, the best shows, Halloween candy cocktails, and everything in between. Check out the must-do events in NYC this year!
Warehouse of Horrors: Gowanus '73: From
October 11th through November 2nd, The Brooklyn Lyceum and UglyRhino will be showcasing an interactive warehouse experience, complete with six stories and curated cocktails. Peek into the true history of the area and explore the seedy underbelly of 1970s Brooklyn. The shows will draw the audience deep into the play as they encounter characters, hear their stories, and get a little boozed up. $20 tickets can be purchased at the door and include 3 free curated cocktails. Try it if you dare.
Times Scare: This three-in-one Times Square spookhouse plays host to the only year-round frightfest in the city. Try some bloody good bites at The Crypt Cafe, which has surprisingly delicious grub, such as the Graveyard Nachos and if you can handle it, The Beast. The Cafe also serves up hauntingly good libations like Black Death (vodka, Southern Comfort, Blue Curacao, cranberry juice) and $5 cocktails during happy hour. Of course, you might want to chow down after your foray through the Haunted House, lest you get too scared. Wander through various rooms of terror as you get chased by...well, we've got to leave some mystery, don't we? Let's just tell you that it's very scary and you might end up running out of it by the end. But if you aren't into frights, grab some tickets to see Silence! The Musical. This uproariously hilarious show is a parody of Silence of the Lambs and will have you laughing through the entire show. However, don't bring the kiddies to this one, it's highly inappropriate, as most funny things are.
Killers: A Nightmare Haunted House: This controversial haunted house is a must-see this Halloween. Steering away from traditional haunted houses, this one plays homage to both real and fictional serial killers. You won't get scary monsters popping out at you at every turn, but you'll get something much more frightening -- a look into the world of real-life killers. Patrons weave their way through trials, executions, feasts, and bloody hallways, inter
Candy Bar: The Empire Hotel Rooftop, along with iAdventure, is hosting a Halloween bash like no other. On October 26th, from 8:30-11:30pm, Pinnacle Vodka will be serving up Halloween-themed candy cocktails. Who needs to go trick-or-treating when you've got boozy candy cocktails? DJs will be spinning all night and costumes are definitely encouraged, with a prize for the most creative costume. A $60 ticket will get you a private section, a flight of three candy cocktail tastes or one full candy cocktail and entrance to the Empire Hotel Late Night Rooftop Party. acting with the likes of Ed Gein, Ted Bundy, Jack the Ripper, and Dexter. A bloody X marked upon your forehead denotes that you permit the actors to touch you, which all should do. The work put into the sets is incredible and truly immerses you right in each scene. As you wait, check out the exhibit featuring actual artwork, execution letters, photos and more of and by serial killers. You'll have a bloody good time!
Corn Maze & Pumpkin Picking: Halloween is not complete without searching for that perfect pumpkin. The Queens County Farm Museum is open on weekends in October for the ultimate pumpkin picking. And if pumpkins aren't incentive enough to head to the outer bouroughs, the farm also has a three acre corn maze, complete with clue and puzzle-solving to get you through the maizey maze. Tickets for The Amazing Maize Maze are just $9.
Ghosts of New York: It wouldn't be Halloween without a little paranormal activity. Choose from a multitude of walking tours, including Maritime Ghosts of Old New York, Ghosts of Times Square, and more. All tours are 90 minutes long and are less than a mile walking distance. Hear bewitching tales of ghostly haunts and learn about historical New York as you pass by haunted places in the city. Maybe you'll even get the chance to spot a ghost yourself! Tickets are just $20.
Headless Horseman Hayride: Stepping hayrides up a notch with spooks and thrills, the Headless Horseman incorporates stops for six haunted houses along its hayride. This bone chilling ride is not for the faint hearted - it lasts almost three hours! Tickets are just $38.95 for the fright fest. Previously voted the World's Best Haunted Hayride, it's safe to say that you're in for a real treat (and trick!).