Things to do at New England Halloween Fest

Gather round, Halloween lovers, and watch a true professional turn ordinary pumpkins into jaw-dropping works of art right before your eyes. Each carve is a live performance, where sharp tools and creative vision transform simple gourds into detailed, spooky masterpieces. From the first cut to the final reveal, the process is just as exciting as the finished pumpkin, making it impossible not to stop, stare, and soak in the Halloween spirit.

As the carving unfolds, the artist keeps the crowd engaged by interacting with the audience, chatting about all things Halloween, and sharing helpful carving tips along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned pumpkin carver or picking up a knife for the first time this season, you’ll walk away entertained, inspired, and ready to bring a little professional-level magic to your own jack-o’-lanterns.

Star of Syfy Channel’s Haunted Collector and the nephew of legendary paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, John Zaffis has become one of the most respected figures in the world of the supernatural. With decades of experience investigating haunted locations and cursed objects, Zaffis is known for his deep knowledge of the paranormal and his commitment to preserving dangerous artifacts rather than destroying them. His work has taken him across the country, uncovering chilling histories and unexplained phenomena that continue to fascinate and unsettle audiences.

At the show, John Zaffis will be bringing over 30 of his most haunted items for fans to see up close and learn about firsthand. Each object carries its own dark history, and Zaffis will share the stories behind them, explaining why these artifacts are considered so dangerous—and why they must be handled with extreme care. This rare opportunity allows fans to step into the world of The Haunted Collector, hear true paranormal accounts directly from Zaffis himself, and experience an unforgettable, spine-tingling encounter with the unknown.

Do you have a passion for witch history and early American folklore? Step inside our Witch History Museum, a powerful and immersive exhibit dedicated to the story of Alse Young of Windsor, Connecticut. Long before the infamous Salem witch trials, Alse Young became the first person executed for witchcraft in the American colonies, tragically hanged in Hartford on May 26, 1647. Her story offers a sobering look at fear, superstition, and injustice in colonial America.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of local historian Beth Caruso, who authored a book titled One of Windsor, detailing Alse Young’s case, her legacy was revisited centuries later. On February 6, 2017, the Windsor Town Council passed a resolution symbolically exonerating Alse Young, restoring her name and acknowledging the grave injustice she suffered.

Artist Stephen Murzin and his team are putting together an art exhibit illustrating the life and death of Alse Young. Visitors to the museum can relive Alse’s remarkable journey through evocative paintings, artwork, and historical displays that bring her story to life—honoring her memory while shedding light on a crucial, often overlooked chapter of American history.

Ready to wander through a space overflowing with intricately carved pumpkins? Prepare to be amazed by an immersive display that illuminates every side of Halloween. Mischief makers like Beetlejuice, The Ghostbusters, and the Hocus Pocus witches mingle with horror legends such as Ghostface, Dracula, and Freddy Krueger. You’ll see glowing symbols of the season, like black cats, grim reapers and The Headless Horseman, appearing alongside modern favorites from Terrifier, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and Stranger Things.

Presented by the talented team at Zombie Pumpkins, every pumpkin is carved using their signature hand-drawn patterns, pulled from a massive collection of hundreds of designs dedicated to horror, fantasy, and Halloween culture. Whether playful, nostalgic, or terrifying, these pumpkins transform simple jack-o’-lanterns into true centerpieces of the season.

Discover a lively marketplace filled with dozens of one-of-a-kind vendors, each bringing their own spooky flair and festive creations. Wander through rows of creatively curated booths featuring haunting decorations, scary collectibles, and delightfully dark treasures.

Whether you’re a seasoned Halloween enthusiast or simply love a touch of the unusual, this marketplace promises a fun and festive shopping experience around every corner.

We’ll even have some celebrities from your favorite Halloween-themed films hanging out all weekend long, ready to snap photos and sign autographs. Fans can meet their horror heroes up close, share a laugh, and capture spine-tingling moments they’ll treasure long after the weekend ends.

Pricing varies depending on the celebrity. We will keep our Celebrity Guests page updated as soon as we get that information.

No Halloween celebration is complete without a chilling dose of fear—and our scare zone delivers it in full. Dare to enter if you have the nerve, because once you step inside, there’s no telling what awaits. From sudden shocks to lurking terrors, frights are waiting around every corner, turning each moment into a pulse-pounding thrill you won’t soon forget.

What’s Halloween without amazing costumes of every kind? We’re inviting guests of all ages to join the fun with two separate costume contests—one especially for kids and one for adults. It’s a celebration of imagination and Halloween spirit, where creativity takes center stage and every participant becomes part of the magic.

Information about time and prizes will be announced in the upcoming months.