Get Spooky (and spectacular) in Hampshire County
Surrealist Cabaret
Photo by Candace Hope
From the traditionally scary to the otherworldly and extra special, the pumpkin patches of October have inspired us to get out and find some extraordinary events going on in Western Massachusetts this month. Whether you love Halloween and all of the ghouls that come with it, or prefer the subtle over the scary, we have just the thing for a festive fall weekend. Whatever your October has in store, make sure it’s spectacular.
Make Plans
Friday-Sunday through October: Monster Mash Scream Park at McCray’s Farm — By fall day, take an idyllic hayride to pick your own pumpkins with the little ones. By night, scare yourself silly on the haunted hayride through the scary farm fields of this South Hadley mainstay. This year McCray’s is celebrating 24 years of “fear on the farm,” so you know they have a lot of experience terrifying people. Our suggestion — get there early to avoid a really, really long line.
October 11-20: The Surrealist Cabaret at Park Hill Orchard — The Royal Frog Ballet returns to Park Hill Orchard with their glittering, contemplative, and hilarious performance set in the apple-kissed fields at sunset. The outdoor performance and installation event walks the audience through farm landscape, where they encounter a surreal collection of short stories, dance, installation pieces, and roving characters that explore and celebrate themes of season, place, and what it means to be human in these times. It is a folky, comedic, and deeply thought-provoking evening for all ages.
October 12-November 3: Monster Arts Project IV — This is the fourth installment of the widely enjoyed and heavily attended Monster Arts Project, with opening night occurring during ArtWalk Easthampton on October 12th from 5-8pm. Monster Arts Project was created to explore creativity in the form of monsters and imaginary creatures, and twenty plus talented local artists approach the idea of monsters in their own way. From illustrations to intricate sculpture, each artist captures creatures that have perhaps resided in their minds since childhood. View this show at Eastworks in Easthampton, MA.
October 13-November 6: Mythologies: Rina Goldfield — Traditionally spooky, this work is not. But in Goldfield’s art you’ll find “little worms, agape eyeballs, and goofy vegetables” that will transport you to another place and time. Visit these pieces at the Hampden Gallery at UMass Amherst.
October 25: Hocus Pocus at the Lilly Library — Released in 1993, this cult classic starring Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker (to name a few) has become a Halloween must see. This movie is great for tweens, teens, and of course, adults of all ages. There will be candy, so it’s pretty much a no brainer.
October 26 at 12am: Rocky Horror Picture ‘Halloween’ Show — “Let’s Do the Time Warp, Again!” This time, at South Hadley's Tower Theaters. Get ready for the ultimate cult classic, complete with spooky preshows, live shadow cast, and of course, audience participation. These shows sell out quickly, so get your tickets online!
October 31: Weird & Spooky Stories for Adults Only at Mill 180 Park — Mill 180 Park is hosting a good old fashioned ghost story party. Come and listen to some weird, wonderful, extraordinary ghost stories, or share your own. Apparitions, spirits, ghouls, phantoms, poltergeists, and shadow souls welcome.