Halloween lands on a Friday this year making it an extended weekend of hauntingly good fun on Long Island with parties, a bar crawl and a scenic walk down a trail of uniquely carved jack o’lanterns. There are also plenty of other family-friendly events going on, including the Edgar Allan Poe Festival, a chocolate festival, a stroll through a state park to enjoy the colors of autumn and other entertainment. Find the events to stay entertained all weekend long right here with Hot Spots: Weekend Watch!
FRIDAY – OCTOBER 31, 2014
Who: Edgar Allan Poe Festival
Info: This festival continues to run through the weekend, taking place in downtown Riverhead along Main Street. Adults and children can come out to enjoy street performers portraying Edgar Allan Poe and other literary characters. Activities are also available, including a haunted boat ride, monster mash music party for children, Vincent Price/Edgar Allan Poe movie double feature at the Suffolk Theater, Thriller flash mob routine, storytelling and more.
Cost: Fee for Some Activities and Events
Time & Place: 12PM to 8PM at Downtown Riverhead, Main Street and along Peconic River, Riverhead – (631) 654-1888
Who: Halloween Party At The Emporium
Info: This is its third annual Halloween party and everyone coming must be in costume. Come out for happy hour, a complimentary buffet with admission, drink specials, music, and cash and prizes for best costume.
Cost: $10
Time & Place: 6PM at The Emporium, 9 Railroad Avenue, Patchogue – (631) 627-8787
Who: Monster’s Ball At Revolution Bar & Music Hall
Info: Looking for a way to party on Halloween? Come in costume and freaky formalwear as DJs spin a special set of synth pop, post punk, dark wave and alternative dance music. Only for those 18 and over.
Cost: $10 Advance, $16 Day of Show
Time & Place: 10PM Doors Open at Revolution Bar & Music Hall, 140 Merrick Road, Amityville – (631) 264-7712
SATURDAY – NOVEMBER 1, 2014
Who: Halloween Bar Crawl in Huntington
Info: Join Long Island Social Events for its first annual Hallween Bar Crawl in Huntington! Come dressed in costume for a crawl to favorite bars in Huntington while also raising money for a good cause – MoRE (Motivational Recovery Environments). There are going to be drink and food specials and prizes for best Halloween costume. Must be 21 or older to participate.
Cost: $25 Online or $30 At The Door
Time & Place: 2PM to 8PM at participating bars (times may vary between bars) in Huntington
Who: RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns at Old Westbury Gardens
Info: Take a walk through a scenic trail of 5,000 hand carved jack o’lanterns at night. Displays may include celebrities and sports figures. Event is rain or shine.
Cost: $18 to $28, Free For Kids Under 2
Time & Place: 5:30PM to 10:30PM (Varies and Tickets Are Going Fast Online) at Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Westbury – (516) 252-3392
Who: Monster of Freestyle Halloween Ball At NYCB Theatre At Westbury
Info: Come enjoy a lineup of performances! The event features Lisa Lisa, TKA, Shannon, Cynthia, JohnnyO, Safire, Rob Base, Coro, Rockell and Giggles.
Cost: $49.50 to $69.50
Time & Place: 8PM at NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury – (800) 745-3000
SUNDAY – NOVEMBER 2, 2014
Who: Long Island Chocolate Festival
Info: Chocolate lovers, this is your special day! Surround yourself with expertly crafted fudge, cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. A large variety of chocolate and treats are available for sale to enjoy on the spot or to purchase as a gift. Kids are also welcome and there are samples to try.
Cost: $10, Free For Children Under 2
Time & Place: 11AM to 7PM at Long Island Sportsplex Sayville, 246 N. Main Street, Sayville – (516) 597-5970
Who: Adult Adventures – Fall Stroll At Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Info: Register and come join a walk through the preserve observing fall colors, plants and wildlife as they prepare for winter.
Cost: $4, $3 For Children Ages 3-17, Free For Children Under 3; $8 Parking Fee
Time & Place: 1:30PM to 3:30PM at Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Sunrise Highway, Oakdale – (631) 581-1072
Who: Shake Your Groove Thing Studio 54 Invitational Combined Showcase And Benefit Disco Dance
Info: Come in your best 70’s/Studio 54 fashion. There’s going to be a 70’s theme buffet, dancing, a cash bar, auction with prizes and more! The event also benefits the Hamptons AARP Community Group.
Cost: $30
Time & Place: 3PM to 7PM at Riverhead Polish Hall, 214 Marcy Avenue, Riverhead – (631) 259-1385
To check out all of the Nightlife Events happening on Long Island, check out the LongIsland.com Events Calendar, or, head over to our Nightlife Section for Happy Hour Happenings all week long! If you're looking for some local insight on the best things to do on LI, or want to share your favorite Nightlife Hot Spots, check out the Nightlife Forum, and see what the locals have to say!
Photo by Nike Goodchild, via Free Images.