Barrett’s Haunted Mansion in Abington has been serving up screams for 32 years. | Photo by @worm_like_god
Sometimes watching a horror movie from the comfort of your sofa just won’t do. For those Halloween-heads seeking some in-your-face frights, we’ve compiled a shortlist of haunted houses + attractions around Boston that will rattle your bones — and your mind.
👻 Barrett’s Haunted Mansion, 1235 Bedford St., Abington
~20 miles from Boston
What’s more terrifying? A dilapidated + cursed mansion or a condemned chemical lab crawling with disfigured employees? In Abington, brave souls don’t have to choose. Squeeze two different frights into one night at this well-established attraction, now celebrating its 32nd year. Particularly bold guests can stop by on Monday, Oct. 30 — aka Devil’s Night — for a hands-on haunt that elevates the experience with physical contact and up-close interactions from actors.
🌽 Hysteria at Connors Farm, 30 Valley Rd., Danvers
~23 miles from Boston
Dare to wander through the farm’s 45-minute walking trail, which just so happens to pass through a real 17th century burial ground — that’s crawling with creeps and gruesome creatures. Feeling a little frightened? Head to the corn maze for an actor-free (but equally unnerving) attraction that winds guests through a seven-acre maze with nothing but the flicker of their flashlight. Let’s hope your batteries don’t die.
🦇 Witch’s Woods, 79 Powers Rd., Westford
~35 miles from Boston
This is an everything-but-the-Blair-Witch attraction. Head North to find castles and 3-D crypts teeming with vampires, clowns, and spirits eager to snatch your soul. If your knees get weak, Witch’s Woods offers a haunted hayride that gives a new meaning to “hell on wheels.” Wary travelers are welcome to walk through the family-friendly “Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree” without a ticket.
Pro tip: Upgrade to a VIP pass to skip any scary-long lines at Barrett’s Haunted Mansion + Hysteria at Connors Farm.
Events
Thursday, Oct. 26
Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys Halloween Happening | Thursday, Oct. 26 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston | $20-$25 | Voyage into a seasonal “apocalyptic party in space” with Boston’s best circus of alternative creatives.
For The People Collaboration Beer Release Party | Thursday, Oct. 26 | 5-7 p.m. | Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., Boston | Free to attend | Proceeds from the pours will be donated to the ESOP Association at this special launch event with Democracy Brewing.
Tim Burton Trivia Night | Thursday, Oct. 26 | 8-10 p.m. | Bone Up Brewing, 38 Norman St., Everett | Free to attend | Earn themed prizes as you test your knowledge about Burton’s films like “Beetlejuice” and “Edward Scissorhands.”
Friday, Oct. 27
Lexie Butterfly Grand Opening | Friday, Oct. 27 | 5 p.m. | Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Wy, Somerville | Free to attend | Be one of the first guests to explore the vintage wares at this vibrant new addition to Bow Market.
Phoebe Robinson: “Messy AF” | Friday, Oct. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St, Boston | $33-$49 | The co-creator + co-star of the hit podcast “2 Dope Queens” brings her stand-up chops to the Wilbur.
Saturday, Oct. 28
Author Talk: A Boston Harbor Islands Adventure | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 1-3 p.m. | Boston Public Library, 30 South St., Jamaica Plain | Free | In this illustrated lecture, learn about the history of the anonymous “Merrie Trippers” who explored Great Brewster Island in 1891.
Hocus Pocus Women’s Circle with Bella Guevara | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Coolidge Yoga Brookline, 1297 Beacon St., Brookline | $65 | This candlelit evening blends acro-yoga, aromatherapy, crystals, and tea.
Kick off the ski + snowboard season at Snowbound Expo
The Snowbound Expo is happening 2-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5. | Photo via Pexels
Before hitting the slopes this winter, you’ll want to hit Snowbound Expo — the snowsports meetup of the season. Held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center Nov. 3-5, Snowbound will feature:
The Green Line Extension could be a no-go for up to 14 nights in November. In an effort to repair the too-narrow tracks, MBTA officials are considering organizing repairs on the extension between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. (Boston.com)
Sports
Craig Breslow has accepted an offer to become the Red Sox’ new Chief Baseball Officer. The former home team pitcher and Cubs assistant general manager will succeed Chaim Bloom. (Boston Globe)
Health
Mass General Brigham has pledged $500,000 to help new migrant families in Massachusetts by supporting community-based organizations such as FamilyAid and Wraparound Waltham. The hospital’s funding aims to assist families throughout Greater Boston. (Boston.com)
Announced
Jill Medvedow will be stepping down as the Director of the Institute of Contemporary Art in December 2024. Medvedow was a key player in growing annual attendance by 1,000% and raising $200+ million to fund projects like the ICA Watershed during her 25 years with the museum.
Arts
After eight years with ArtsEmerson + Emerson College’s Office of the Arts, David C. Howse will step down from his leadership position at the end of this November. The college will share its plans for interim leadership + a search for Howse’s replacement in the near future.
Open
Let’s get this bread, Cambridge. PRB Boulangerie has expanded into Kendall Square, marking the bakery’s third location. Located at 295 Third St., the new storefront sells a variety of fresh breads, puffy pastries, and savory sandwiches + meals. (Boston Restaurant Talk)
Community
The Boston Public Library is stocking up the BPL Spice Bank, an initiative that collects unopened spices + dried herbs across 10 different library branches. Branches will accept donations from November to May.
Open
Boston history on display
Visit the Mary C. Beaudry Community Archaeology Center
The new archaeology lab is located within the Boston City Archives in West Roxbury. | Photo Credit: Jeremiah Robinson
Boston is digging deep into its history. Mayor Wu has cut the ribbon for the Mary C. Beaudry Community Archaeology Center, a new 4,000-sqft facility within the the City of Boston Archival Center.
Located at 201 Rivermoor St. in West Roxbury, the new archaeology lab will be home to 1+ million artifacts, some of which will be on display for the public to view during business hours.
A key asset within the facility is an archaeological library of 2,000+ volumes, donated to the City of Boston’s Archaeology Program by the lab’s namesake — local archaeologist Dr. Mary C. Beaudry. Other features include exhibit spaces, two processing laboratories, an artifact digitizing lab with 3D scanners, and an artifact repository for countless relics from ancient and historical sites in Boston.
Pro tip: Look for the exhibit on the 1630s James Garrett house site in Charlestown.
A new report claims that Taylor Swift is the most-searched Halloween costume in Massachusetts this year, but I’m not entirely convinced. Who’s going to tell them that Swifties are simultaneously prepping their “Eras Tour Film” fits this October?
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