Haunted happenings on the South Coast

The nights are cooler, the pumpkins brighter, and there’s a spooky howl in the air that can mean only one thing: Halloween season has arrived. 

October doesn’t stick around for long, so make the most of it. From family-friendly frights to midnight dance floors, there’s no wrong way to get into the Halloween spirit. 

Whether you love a good scare, prefer cider over screams, or want to make memories, the South Coast has you covered. Here are some haunted – and not so haunted – happenings over the next two weeks.

• HalloWizz, Water Wizz — Fridays through Sundays to Nov. 2

A new fall tradition blending cozy fun with spooky thrills. Features Freddy’s Pumpkin Patch, carnival games, photo ops, the Haunted Hellgate House, and a corn maze. Advance tickets at waterwizz.com/hallowizz.

• Boo at the Zoo, Buttonwood Park Zoo — Weekends to Oct. 31

Family fun and mild frights with trick-or-treating, carousel rides, and animal encounters. New this year are an inflatable corn maze and roaming fairies.

• FallFest, New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center — Saturday, Oct. 18, noon to 5 p.m.

Free afternoon with live music, performers, and trick-or-treating. Kids can create sea monsters and explore museum exhibits.

• C. Lima Foundation Halloween Banquet, Cultural Center of Fall River — Saturday, Oct. 18, 6 p.m. to midnight

Dinner, dancing, and raffles to support a young girl named Ari’ella. Crafts, games, and treats for kids.

• Sugar Skull Pumpkin Painting, New Bedford Arts and Cultural Emporium — Sunday, Oct. 19, 1–3 p.m.

Paint your own sugar skull pumpkin while enjoying cookies and cider. Tickets are $20.

• Phantom of the Opera, Unitarian Memorial Church — Thursday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m.

The 100th anniversary screening of the silent film classic, complete with live organ accompaniment by Tim Evans.

• Boos & Booze, Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery — Saturday, Oct. 25, 5–8 p.m.

Lantern-lit tours, hayrides, pumpkin carving, and local wine under the stars. Admission $15, ages 21 and up.

• Factory of Terror, Fall River— Select nights through Nov. 2

A walk-through haunted experience filled with monsters, screams, and surprises. Details at factoryofterror.com.

• Halloween Karaoke Party, Ying Dynasty — Wednesday, Oct. 29, 7–10 p.m.

Karaoke, costumes, and contests at this spirited Halloween party.

• Baby Boo, Buttonwood Park Zoo — Friday, Oct. 31, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Designed for kids under 5 with music, meet-and-greets, and performances by the Toe Jam Puppet Band.

• Deep Sea Monsters, New Bedford Whaling Museum – Friday, Oct. 31, 3–5 p.m.

Explore sailor tales of sea monsters, make crafts, and join a costume parade aboard the Lagoda.

• Halloween Parade, Marion Music Hall — Friday, Oct. 31, 4 p.m.

March through downtown Marion with the Sippican Elementary drummers. Candy and teal pumpkin treats at the end.

• A Nightmare on Union Street, Play Arcade  — Friday, Oct. 31, 9 p.m.

A night of metal and mayhem with local bands: Wish, Innervein, and Mister 33. Free admission.

• Halloween Bash at Ryan’s Sports Pub — Friday, Oct. 31, 9 p.m.

 Costume contest, karaoke, and plenty of themed drinks and desserts.

• Corpus Halloween Party, Co-Creative Center– Saturday, Nov. 1, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

A downtown dance party with underground beats and creative costumes.