Halloween things that’ll shock & awe
Compiled by Scott Stiffler
GHOST PREVENTION TOUR
The Lower East Side Preservation Initiative celebrates East Village history with this tour highlighting the area’s threatened architecture and heritage. You’ll hear stories about the buildings and green spaces where history and culture happened — and happen. The hope is you’ll emerge from the experience inspired to advocate for local preservation, before the sites you’ve seen become ghosts of the past. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 31. The tour begins at Ave. A & 9th St. (Park Side and ends at the haunted St Mark’s Church). Suggested donation, $25. For info, visit www.lespi-nyc.org.
BOO(ZY): AN EVENING OF STORYTELLING AND SPIRITS
Does the drinking of spirits give one the ability to more effectively channel the spirit world? Keep telling yourself that, buddy. At least nobody at this event will debate that wonderful new excuse for being a little blotto while enjoying the legitimate theater! “Boo(zy)” features stories by five Chicago-based writers as performed by five NYC actors. Each one of their stories will be paired with a drink that “best embodies” the theme. Oct. 28 and 29, 9 p.m. at the DR2 Theatre (103 E. 15th St.). For tickets ($18, $15 for students/seniors), call 212-868-4444 or visit www.smarttix.com. Specialty cocktails are $4-$8. No drink minimum. Drinks will be allowed in the theater.
MIKE DAISEY: BARRING THE UNFORRSEEN
Storyteller Mike Daisey’s ultra-seasonal monologue delves into the reasons why we tell ghost stories — by telling ghost stories! Along the way, the graveyard-fresh ground covered by Daisey includes nuggets from the history of spiritualism, dirt on the tortured life of H.P. Lovecraft as well as more than one Maine ghost story. Nightly at 8 p.m. Oct. 26 through Oct. 31, at IRT (154 Christopher St., #3B). For info and tickets ($25), visit www.brownpapertickets.com or purchase at the door one hour before curtain. Also visit www.irttheater.org or www.mikedaisey.com.
HAUNTED HOUSES
NYC HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE
The scary freaks from Vortex Theater think they have a surefire way of scaring you — by making you walk, ALONE, through their haunted house (while you’re grabbed and groped by various monsters and psychos). There’s a “safe word” which, when uttered, will result in you being escorted outside — but who wants to live with that mark of shame? Those under 18 will not be admitted, and ALL patrons are required to
read the rules and sign the waiver before entering. Sounds pretty ominous, huh? At 115 W. 27th St., Tues. through Sun. For times, prices and more info, visit www.nychalloweenhauntedhouse.com.
BLOOD MANOR
What does it take to earn the self-proclaimed title of “New York’s Premiere Haunted Attraction?” They start with gallons and gallons (not just buckets) of blood, then add to the mix theme rooms where you encounter vampires, zombies and other seasonal icons who do a whole lot more than just jump out unexpectedly and yell “Boo.” Legend has it that only the very, very brave exit the house and live to tell without crying, vomiting or wetting themselves. Think you have the goods to emerge mentally unscathed? Think again! At 542 W. 27th St. Thurs. through Sun. For times, prices and more info, visit www.bloodmanor.com.
STEAMPUNK HAUNTED HOUSE: BEAUTIFUL DREAMER
Immerse yourself in a neo-Victorian experience that’s more about terrifying dreamscapes and elegant horrors than temp workers dressed like blood-soaked zombies. This edition of the Steampunk haunted house has the theme “Beautiful Dreamer.” Audiences will wander the premises until one by one, they find themselves alone. From that point on, you’re on your own. Will you be able to figure out how to navigate the twisting hallways, looming balconies and labyrinthine cellars? We hope so, because every manner of mechanical apparitions, wraithlike sleepwalkers and powered beasts will be trying to prevent your escape. Children under 8 won’t be admitted. It would probably damage them for life. Oct. 23, 29 & 30, 8-11:30 p.m. and Oct. 24, 27, 28 & 31, 6-9:30 p.m. at Abrons Arts Center of Henry Street Settlement (466 Grand St. at Pitt St.). Prices vary according to date (and student status). For info and to purchase tickets, visit www.steampunkhauntedhouse.com.
KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
20th ANNUAL CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARADE
It was already a tradition ages ago. But this time around, the annual Greenwich Village Children’s Halloween Parade celebrates its 20th year. As always, costumed children (ages 3-12) and families will march around Washington Square Park — then enjoy candy, face painting and rides. The NYC-based children’s band Jeremy Plays Guitar will perform, followed by entertainment from NYU music groups, cheerleaders and dance teams. Sun., Oct. 31. The parade starts at 1:15 p.m. (marchers start gathering at 1 p.m., and the festivities end at 4 p.m.). The parade assembles along Washington Square North, near the Arch — and ends at LaGuardia between Washington Square South and W. 3rd St. (where various activities await the children).
LOWER EAST SIDE KIDS TRICK OR TREATING TOUR
City Food Tours is sponsoring this excursion that dispenses fantastic treats that aren’t usually dropped in your bag by the neighbors. Curious? Of course you are. That sweet tooth will be tamed with creamy cupcakes, gourmet donuts, birthday cake cannoli, yummy cookies and good old-fashioned candy. This 1-hour walking tour is for kids 5 through 12 — in costume — who are accompanied by an adult. Oct. 31, at 12 p.m. The price is just one penny per kid, and $35 for adults. For more info, visit www.cityfoodtours.com/newyork or call 212-535-TOUR.
FEAR: R.L. STINE & FRIENDS
Before there was J.K. Rowling, there was R.L. Stine — whose “Goosebumps” series of books have inspired a generation’s worth of sleepless nights. Meet the author (along with fellow creepy lit authors Jennifer Allison and Ryan Brown) when they appear (out of thin air) to promote the release of “Fear: 13 Stories of Suspense and Horror.” Stine edited the anthology, and all three authors contributed a story. Each of them will read their contribution, and all will be available to take questions from the audience and sign copies of their books. This event is appropriately frightening — and appropriate for ages 12 and up. This free event takes place Thurs., Oct. 28, 5-7 p.m. at Books of Wonder (18 W. 18th St.) For more info, call 212-989-3270 or visit www.booksofwonder.com.
FREE CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN COSTUME WORKSHOP
The name of the event says it all. Sat., Oct. 23, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Tompkins Square Library, third-floor Art Room (331 E. 10th St.).
HALLOWEEN HI-JINKS
ON THE HIGH LINE
This Halloween celebration for families comes with a warning: Watch out for the giant spider that’s taken over the High Line! Even as you read these words, a group of mad scientists and schoolchildren from P.S. 3, P.S. 11 and P.S. 33 are working to create a 12-foot long spider puppet made of recycled materials. That gruesome creature will be installed in the rafters of the Chelsea Market Passage just in time for the Friends of the High Line Halloween event (a free party at which families can decorate spooky animal masks and dance to bluegrass music by the Cleek Schrey and the High Line Dance Band). Coming in costume is encouraged! Oct. 31, 1-4 p.m. at the Chelsea Market Passage (on the High Line, at W. 16th St.).
HalloWHOA!
Manhattan Youth and the Story Pirates present this silly and scary interactive haunted house. The 30-minute show (with special performances for both adults and kids under 5) will frighten and amuse, as you explore a world of secret passages and mind-bending puzzles. The audience will determine such plot points as whether the Wolfman howls at the moon or pours everyone tea and tells a story! Through Oct. 31, at the Manhattan Youth Downtown Community Center (120 Warren St.). General admission is $40, with special packages available at $60 & $100. For tickets, visit www.hallowhoa.com or call 347-8-STORY-8.
