Happy Halloween! The holiday is upon us, and we here at Syracuse New Times wish everyone a safe and responsible weekend.
There is no trick, here are 31 treats for everyone of all ages to enjoy. There is a Harry Potter-themed event in Ithaca. There are performances: “The Producers,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Lizzie Borden Took an Axe,” “Madea,” and more. Let’s not forget about the haunted houses and terror adventures. Let’s not forget the variety of live music. Animals will enjoy costume contests, showcases and pumpkin eating. There will also be coffee.
Sure, that description is rather vague, but the events speak for themselves.
Enjoy!
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Weather Forecast
(Subject to change, of course.)
- THURSDAY
Temperature: 60 degrees / 40 degrees
Conditions: A cloudy, partly rainy start to a mild weekend.
FRIDAY
Temperature: 50 degrees / 30 degrees
Conditions: 20 percent chance of rain.
SATURDAY
Temperature: 53 degrees / 40 degrees
Conditions: Happy Halloween. (Supposedly no rain.)
SUNDAY
Temperature: 58 degrees / 44 degrees
Conditions: 40 percent chance of rain.
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Looking for a scary good time this weekend?
1. The Action!
Looking for free, live music? The Action! are performing for their sixth consecutive year at Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub. See why the area ska/punk rockers are crowd favorites for this local pub’s party.
Where: Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub, 100 S. Lowell Ave., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Oct. 31: 10 p.m.
Cost: No cover.
2. Alto Cinco’s Halloween Party
The Nasty Truth and Hoffman Family Band will bring the grooves to the 2nd Annual party. There will prizes for costume contest winners. DJMJ will top off the night with a dance party.
Where: Alto Cinco, 526 Westcott St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Oct. 31: 11 p.m.
Cost: No cover.
3. The B Side
“Jersey Boys” star Joseph Leo Bwarie and Broadway conductor Debra Barsha will be teaming up to present a show to pay homage to late news anchor Jerry Barsha and the songs of the ’60s and ’70s. Proceeds to benefit the Jerry Barsha Foundation. Follow the link above to purchase tickets, or call (315) 314-4144.
Where: Storer Auditorium, Onondaga Community College, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse
When: Sunday, Nov. 1: 3 p.m.
Cost: $35 (general) | $25 (seniors and students with ID)
4. The Barndogs
Food and Halloween go hand-in-hand. Start your night off with a great meal before listening to the variety of rock and blues tunes The Barndogs offer?
Where: Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, 2246 W. Willow St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Oct. 31: 10 p.m.
Cost: No cover.
‘Tis the season to drink pumpkin ales, and $3 roasted pumpkin ales will be on draft. If you’re not a beer drinker, Poltergeist Punch and Jell-O shots will be available for purchase as well. Music provided by DJ Clockz.
Where: Empire Brewing Company, 120 Walton St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Oct. 31: 11 p.m.
Cost: No cover.
6. Cayo Industrial Warehouse of Horror
Find out what goes bump in the night, in Utica. If you dare, venture into the Warehouse of Biotech, Warehouse of Archana, Warehouse of Biowar or Warehouse of Revelation.
Where: Cayo Industrial Warehouse, 811 Broad St., Utica
When: Thursday, Oct. 29 – Saturday, Oct. 31: 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Cost: $30 (buy three, get one free) | $10 (per attraction)
Creative Concerts is bringing the Philly-born band to Syracuse for a two-night Halloween bash. There are tickets available for Friday night’s show, but Saturday’s has been sold out.
After parties will be taking place both nights at King of Clubs (404 S. Clinton St.), from 11 p.m. – 2 a.m. Tickets are $15 for Friday and Saturday events.
Where: F-Shed at CNY Regional Market | Crouse Hinds Theater at the Civic Center
When: Friday, Oct. 30: 7 p.m. | Saturday, Oct. 31: 8 p.m.
Cost: Friday: $30 – $40 | Saturday: SOLD OUT
Throughout October, head to the New York State Fairgrounds to have the living daylights scared out of you. Venture through the house filled with zombies, animals and other horror movie monsters; dare to tussle with a giant; watch your back for the flying monkeys of Grroz; and maybe barter with Letherface. (If it were me, I’d stay very far away from the clown prison. But the curiosity is still there…)
Where: New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse
When: Friday, Oct. 30 – Saturday, Oct. 31: 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Cost: $10 (house ticket) | $20 (combo ticket, all attractions)
Choose your adventure: Professor Whitaker Estate Tour, The Condemned Mine Trail, Professor’s Labyrinth… Or take a three part adventure. The acclaimed Frightmare Farms is sure to please.
Where: Frightmare Farms, 4816 Rt. 49, Palermo
When: Friday, Oct. 30: 7-10 p.m.
Cost: $35 (VIP Pass, skip the lines) | $13 (each), $6 (for each additional)
10. Ghost Tours at the Barnes Hiscock Mansion
The mansion has seen quite a bit of history, considering it was built in 1853. It can’t be assumed that spirits still dwell there, but it’s best to find out from the experts. Join Syracuse Area Paranormal Investigators on tours throughout the historic home. Tours will kick off at 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m. Reserve your tickets by going to the website (link above), or by calling (315) 422-2445.
Where: The Barnes Hiscock Mansion, 930 James St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Oct. 30: 3-9 p.m.
Cost: Free (members) | $10 (non-members)
11. Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad
The jam band returns to Syracuse for a Halloween Eve party at The Westcott Theater. The Simpkin Project, Ocular Panther and Heewa open to GPGDS’s set.
Where: The Westcott Theater, 524 Westcott St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Oct. 30: 9 p.m.
Cost: $15 – $18
Eerie stories about the museum’s art, fortune telling, pumpkin designing, and more. Oh, and craft beer. Head over to our local art museum for a satisfying evening, and be sure to dress up — there will be prizes.
Where: Evernson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Oct. 29: 5-8 p.m.
Cost: $10 (members), $15 (non-members)
13. Halloween Masquerade featuring Caravan of Thieves
If you’re looking to do something different and unique this Halloween, head to picturesque Homer for a masquerade party, featuring Caravan of Thieves. The Center for the Arts provides the perfect aesthetic setting for an evening of food, music, dancing and fun. Follow the link for tickets, or call (607) 749-4900.
Where: Center for the Arts of Homer, 72 S. Main St., Homer
When: Saturday, Oct. 31: 8 p.m.
Cost: $20 (general) | $16 (senior) | $10 (students 18 and older)
14. Halloweekends at Sylvan Beach
There are six attractions that will test your tolerance: Zombie Race, Children of the Maize, Bloodbath Haunted House, Spirit Stone Manor, and the Sylvan Beach Scream Park.
Where: Sylvan Beach Amusement Park, 112 Bridge St., Sylvan Beach
When: Friday, Oct. 30 – Saturday, Oct. 31: 7-11 p.m.
Cost: $31.99 (Ultimate Mega Pass) | $26.99 / $99 (Haunted House Mega Pass single/family) | $14.99 (Unlimited Ride Band) | $9.99 (Blood Bath) | $6.99 (Scream Land) | $9.99 (Children of the Maize) | $4.99 (Spirit Stone Manor)
15. Harry Potter Wizarding Weekend
Ithaca will be transforming itself to accommodate Harry Potter franchise fanatics from all over this Saturday. The list of activities is very extensive, and the tentative list of events (listed as tentative) will be finalized on Friday, Oct. 30. There will be plenty of food and craft vendors, there will be live music and various entertainment.
11:00 a.m. — “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” at State Theatre ($6, $5 in costume or student ID)
1:00 p.m. — Event begins (Be sure to go to your House Common Room to Pick Up your Marauder’s Map)
1:00 p.m. — IHS vs. New Roots Quidditch Match (WICB Live Commentary)
2:15 p.m. — Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy
3:00 p.m. — “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” at State Theatre ($6, $5 in costume or student ID)
3:00 p.m. — New Roots vs. LACS Quidditch Match (WICB Live Commentary)
4:15 p.m. — Witches in Stitches (Improv by Comedy Flops)
5 p.m. — Deadline for all House Cup Points to be Submitted to the House Cup Master Tent
Owls deliver invitations to finalists of the costume contest
5:30 p.m. — Winners of Costume Contest Announced
6:00 p.m. — Event ends
Where: Press Bay Alley, Downtown Ithaca
When: Saturday, Oct. 31: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: Free admission, but some activities have a fee. Follow the link above.
Too bad Seymour didn’t have such a green thumb. He would have saved himself all the trouble off having to keep feeding his unique plant, Audrey II blood. Come check out the comedic musical playing at The Central New York Playhouse, which is closing this weekend.
Where: The Central New York Playhouse, Shoppingtown Mall, 3649 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse
When: Thursday Oct. 29 – Saturday, Oct. 31: 8 p.m.
Cost: $22 (Thursday) | $25 (Friday and Saturday shows)
17. “Lizzie Borden Took an Axe”
The Covey Theatre Company’s tale of murder returns to the historic mansion on James St. for six evenings and two Saturday matinees this month. Unfortunately, it’s the last performance the company will put on. This is a remind for ticket holders to enjoy themselves.
As this is the final production for The Covey Theatre Company, we Garrett and the actors all the very best in their upcoming endeavors.
Where: The Barnes Hiscock Mansion, 930 James St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Oct. 29: 8 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 30: 8 p.m.
Cost: SOLD OUT
18. “Medea”
One part Greek tragedy, one part contemporary twist — the recipe that makes the Redhouse production so appealing. The titular character bears two sons in exile, but comes home to find her husband has left her. Hell hath no fury…
Shows:
Thursday, Oct. 29: 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 30: 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31: 8 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 5: 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 6: 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7: 2 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7: 8 p.m.
Where: The Redhouse Arts Center, 201 S. West St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Oct. 29 – Saturday, Nov. 7
Cost: $30
The fundraiser will be supporting Multiple Sclerosis Resources, and it will feature five comics. Matt Clark will be hosting the Nick Marra-headlined comedy night, and the evening will feature Gomez, Grant Fletcher, and Steven Rogers.
Where: Bridie Manor, 1830 Bridie Square, Oswego
When: Thursday, Oct. 29: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 (advance) | $20 (door)
20. “Pericles, Prince of Tyre”
The Shakespearean romance follows the hero and his travels and adventures, his falling in love. For tickets and info: (315)445-4200, visit www.LeMoyne.edu/VPA.
Where: W. Carroll Coyne Center for the Performing Arts, LeMoyne College, 1419 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse
When: Thursday, Oct. 29: 8 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 30: 8 p.m. | Saturday, Oct. 31: 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Cost: $5 (student) | $10 (senior) | $15 (adult)
21. “The Producers”
The Mel Brooks — the name speaks for itself — comedy about two showmen, who are trying to pull off one of the greatest Broadway scams ever. Tonight is the final showing at the Civic Center.
Where: The Crouse Hinds Theater, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Oct. 30: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $30 | $45 | $60
22. Recess Coffee Grand Opening
The local coffee roaster has been open, but its holding a grand opening tomorrow. They’ll be punching coffee cards for any purchase of coffee (of course), but with any wrap, panini or cold sandwich.
Where: The Courier Building, 241 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Oct. 30: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Cost: Just come on by.
If you have anxiety about singing in front of people, how will they know it’s you when you’re dressed up? Stop on down to the karaoke club for a night of fun, costume contests and cash prizes.
Where: Singer’s Karaoke Club, 1345 Milton Ave., Solvay
When: Saturday, Oct. 31: 9 p.m.
Cost: No cover.
24. Sophistafunk and Our Friends Band
Syracuse-based Sophistafunk and Oswego openers Our Friends Band will be the music you hear while roaming around Armory Square. Follow your ears to the sounds, because a Halloween night out on the town is incomplete without upbeat music.
Where: Funk ‘N Waffles (Downtown), 307 S. Clinton St., Syracuse
When: Saturday, Oct. 31: 9 p.m.
Cost: $10
The 10th Annual pumpkin distribution allows visitors to check out the zoo’s animals play and eat with their food. It’s pretty adorable.
Where: Funk ‘N Waffles (Downtown), 307 S. Clinton St., Syracuse
When: Sunday, Nov. 1: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Included with zoo admission.
26. Ted and Amy’s Pet Costume Contest
Best of Syracuse winners and longtime morning show cohorts, Ted and Amy are holding their annual pet costume contest. What’s a Halloween without dressed up animals? Every pet in costume will receive a door prize.
Where: Billy Whittaker’s Cars and Trux, 309 Route 11, Central Square
When: Saturday, Oct. 31: 10 a.m.
Cost: Free admission.
27. Trick or Treat at the Mansion
The 2nd Annual trick-or-treating event at the historic mansion will be happening tomorrow evening. Tickets are free, and families will be venturing, exploring and learning about the history of this mansion on James St.
Where: The Barnes Hiscock Mansion, 930 James St., Syracuse
When: Friday, Oct. 30: 5-7 p.m.
Cost: Free admission.
28. Turning Stone Resort’s “3 Nights of Horror”
Choose your own adventure as you hit up Turning Stone this weekend. Everywhere you turn will be decked out in celebration of Halloween. The Gig, Tin Rooster, Turquoise Tiger, and LAVA Nighclub will be holding special events and performances each of the evenings. If live music doesn’t entice you, how about costume contests with more than $10,000 in cash prizes to be awarded?
Where: Turning Stone Resort and Casino, 5218 Patrick Road, Verona
When: Thursday, Oct. 29 – Saturday, Oct. 31
Cost: $15 – $60 (varies by venue)
29. The Underpants
Steve Martin’s comedy takes place in Germany and focuses around a wardrobe malfunction pertaining to said article of clothing. Shows run Thursdays to Sundays. For the first five people coming through the door on-the-hour sharp
Where: Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Oct. 29 – Sunday, Nov. 8: 7 p.m.
Cost: $18 – $50 | Box office: (315) 443-3275
30. Westcott Halloween Extravaganza
Dieselboy will be headlining the 5th Annual electronic, bass-filled evening with Direktor, Quazarr, DJ Isis, Peeps and Captain Munch. Dress up and enter the costume contest.
Where: The Westcott Theater, 524 Westcott St., Syracuse
When: Thursday, Oct. 29: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $20
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This weekend at the Fairgrounds
31. Trick-or-Treat Horse Show
Where: Toyota Coliseum
When: Friday, Oct. 30 – Sunday, Nov. 1
Cost: Free