Claire Weng

As the leaves in the trees begin to change color, hoodies are brought back out from the depths of Harrisites’ closets. It is officially Halloween season: the streets are filled with spiders peeking through doors and skulls waiting by the porches of homes. With the arrival of spooky season this October,  here are three NYC Halloween events that are guaranteed to leave goosebumps on anyone’s skin.

Bayville Scream Park (October 6 – November 5) 

For Harrisites who enjoy the adrenaline rush of a scare, Bayville Scream Park is the perfect area to visit this Halloween. Located on Long Island, the park contains six haunted attractions, with a side of mini golf and ax-throwing. Each of the haunted attractions come with a different horror theme, so even the pickiest of guests are bound to find an event that sparks their interest. The six main attractions are the Haunted Asylum, Funhouse Of Fear, Temple Of Terror, Evil In The Woods, Spooky Mansion, and The Cage, allowing everyone to experience a horror-filled night to remember. 

Freshman Harrison Zhu said, “My friends [and I] went here together and it was very fun. We visited [the] Temple of Terror, where we had these clues from the main character Brewster Bay. [To save the world], we needed to collect stolen jewels and lift the curse. The jumpscares and suspense made us scream a lot, but it was very fun.” Tickets for the event start at $39, however, the cost depends on the ticket bought by the visitor, as they offer both VIP and Speed Passes, which reduce the wait time and therefore cost more. All ages are welcome, so go ahead and bring friends and family to join in on some spooky fun.

Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest (October 28)

October isn’t only an exciting month for humans, but one for dogs as well. The Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest allows our furry friends to be included in the Halloween spirit that continues to excite Harrisites. Located in Fort Greene Park, the contest has been held annually since 1998 and is considered one of Brooklyn’s largest dog costume events. The event is hosted by the non-profit organization, PUPS, which strives to protect both animals and the environment. During the contest, the dogs and their owners can present their outfits to a panel of judges and a large crowd; the winner is determined by the applause of the crowd as well as the judges’ own ratings. These contestants will be awarded with ribbons for first, second, and third place as well as a feature on the cover of Time Out magazine. 

Junior Valerie Villalba said, “I entered the competition last year, and it was an unforgettable experience. The [community] was very supportive and although my dog and I didn’t win the contest, it was fun to dress my dog up.” If you want to compete in the dog costume contest, participants must pay a $15 fee. However, if you want to watch the show, it’s free of cost. Make sure to drop by and appreciate the magnificent costumes displayed by these dogs.

Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla (October 26)

For Harrisites who enjoy the arts and crafts aspect of fall, Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla provides a variety of artistic activities for the whole family. Located in Central Park, the event features parades, story-telling, scavenger hunts, and crafts that are suited for all ages. As night approaches, the well-known pumpkin flotilla begins as hand-decorated jack-o-lanterns float throughout the parade, illuminating the sky with the candles lit inside the pumpkins. Those planning to participate in this late night parade, must bring a carved pumpkin and use materials that are environmentally- friendly, ensuring that the Harlom Meer’s wildlife remains unharmed. 

Sophomore Bella Chen said, “My cousins and I watched the pumpkin flotilla festival and it’s so beautiful. It was almost [like] that scene in Tangled with the floating lanterns that [streak] the sky with vibrant gold. It truly was a magical experience. I recommend everyone to take the opportunity to visit this [attraction] this upcoming Halloween season.”