From The Field Library to the Peekskill Central Firehouse, over to the Peekskill Elks and onward to the Peekskill Middle School, the Peekskill Herald Halloween Roundup for 2024 is in full effect.  

In this Spooktacular Roundup, the Herald covers events from children to adult activities and everything in between. We even cover not one, but two low sensory and special needs events for those who may need to keep the lights, sounds and distractions to a bare minimum. We also cover a few decorated Halloween homes in the area for those who want to see some spooky houses. Finally, this special Peekskill Herald edition covers Safety Tips to keep in mind so that everyone, no matter the age, stays safe during this upcoming Halloween week. 

C-Town Peekskill – 2024 Halloween Coloring Contest (Ages 1–10)

Submissions due by Sunday, October 27, 2024. Winners announced October 31

C-Town Peekskill is holding a Halloween Coloring Contest for the kids. This coloring contest encompasses three age brackets where a winner from each age group has the chance to win a $25 gift certificate to C-Town Peekskill. Age groups are ages 1-3, ages 4-6, and ages 7-10. 

The top 3 submissions per age group will be posted on their Facebook story on October 28th for voting and winners will be announced on Halloween, October 31.

To download and print the coloring page for this contest click here or visit C-Town Peekskill and ask for the coloring page for the contest. Be sure to drop off the colored page in-store by October 27th to make the entry count for the contest. 

Thursday, October 24

The Field Library – Mini Pumpkin Decorating! (Ages 3–5) 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

It’s mini-pumpkin decorating time at The Field Library! Will your mini-pumpkin be spooky? Will it be silly? Maybe your pumpkin will be artistic? Or maybe your pumpkin will be something else. Either way, the choice is yours. Bring your creativity, and enjoy mini-pumpkin decorating. Space and materials are limited, so please arrive on time.

Friday, October 25

Peekskill Community Trunk or Treat at the Central Firehouse (Family friendly, all ages) 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The City of Peekskill Fire Department, in partnership with the City of Peekskill Police Department and the Peekskill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, are hosting the 3rd Annual Peekskill Community Trunk or Treat at the Peekskill Central Firehouse on Friday, October 25th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Everyone who attends  is encouraged to wear their costumes and show off their scary and not-so-scary faces. This event is free and open to the public. There will be candy, treats, music, and fun activities. 

Teatown – Teatown at Twilight (Adults 21+)

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

As the sun sets over Teatown Lake, join Teatown staff for a haunted hike and experience the spookiness of Teatown at Twilight. Botanical experts Heather Flournoy and Livia Fleming will reveal the poisonous powers of plants found in the Teatown forests. Bare the bones of Teatowns owls’ most recent meals with guided owl pellet dissections and artmaking. Meet one of Teatown’s nocturnal ambassador animals.

Don your Halloween finest costume and have the opportunity to win a prize for best costume. Keep it spooky, but keep it safe by wearing comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. Teatown will provide red flashlights and to acclimate to the dark skies but most of all, everyone will enjoy themselves. This event takes place outside. There is a limited number of tickets, 40 in total limited to four groups of 10. Tickets can be found using this link. They cost $35 for members and $40 for non-members. Ticket price includes refreshments, Halloween treats, and beer and wine.

Saturday, October 26

Peekskill BID Farmers Market Guess the Weight of the Giant Pumpkin Contest + Trick or Treat (Family friendly, all ages) 8:00 a.m. –  2:00 p.m.

While enjoying the Autumn bounty and cornucopia at the Peekskill Farmers Market on Bank Street, visit the Peekskill BID Booth to enter your guess as to how much the giant pumpkin weighs in The Great Pumpkin Contest. The contest is free to enter and the person with the closest guess without going over will win a $100 gift card! While at the Peekskill BID Booth, children who are accompanied by an adult wearing a costume can pick up a free trick or treat bag, while supplies last, and then trick or treat at participating Farmer market vendors. 

​​Peekskill Parks & Recreation + Peekskill BID – Decorate a Pumpkin at Pugsley Park (Ages Pre-k to 6th grade) 8:00 a.m. –  2:00 p.m.

Across the street from the Peekskill Farmers Market, join the Peekskill Parks and Recreation and the Peekskill Business Improvement District at Pugsley Park from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m when they host their annual Halloween Pumpkin Design. The event is open to children in pre-k through 6th grade. This event is free to all Peekskill residents. For more information or to register, contact the Parks and Recreation office at (914) 734-7275.

Peekskill PTO and Peekskill S.E.P.T.O  Trunk or Treat AND Trunk or Treat Quiet Walk 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (First 30 minutes are low sensory) 

The Peekskill Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and the Peekskill Special Education PTO (S.E.P.T.O.) will be hosting their annual Trunk or Treat at the Peekskill Middle School during Saturday Academy. Parents and kids are encouraged to dress up in costume as they walk from Trunk to Trunk trick-or-treating in a safe and responsible manner. Please note, the first 30 minutes of this Trunk or Treat, from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. will be a low sensory experience for those who need it. There will be No DJ or Music and No Flashing Lights. Walk-ins are welcome but pre-registering for the Trunk or Treat Quiet Walk is helpful so that the Peekskill SEPTO can keep track of how many kids need that experience and plan for its success. To pre-register, click here. Then, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. a DJ and music begin keeping a high energy as kids Trunk or Treat. Visit 

Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park – Boo at the Zoo (Family friendly, all ages) 10:30 a.m. –  3:00 p.m.

Visit the Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park for their annual Boo at the Zoo. Visit the bear den at 10:30 a.m. to make treats for the famous Bear Mountain Zoo black bears. Then, at 11:00 a.m., watch the bears explore their den full of Halloween-themed enrichment finding those very same treats that were made. Families can also learn about vultures, owls, and other animals that make the Trailside Zoo home. In addition, families can enjoy family friendly activities and crafts, such as pumpkin decorating, creating animal masks, leaf rubbing, pumpkin ring toss, games and so much more at the Boo at the Zoo. Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite not-so-spooky Halloween costume from 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The rain date for this event is Sunday, October  27. For more information visit the Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park website or facebook page for updates. Please note, parking at Bear Mountain State Park is $10 per vehicle and admission to Trailside Museums and Zoo is $1 per person as a suggested donation. Allow 15 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the zoo.

Miracle League of Westchester presents A VERY SPECIAL HALLOWEEN: “Field of Screams” in Hartsdale, NY.  (Family friendly – Low sensory & Special needs) 11:00 a.m. –  3:00 p.m.

The Miracle League of Westchester will present a is a very special free Halloween event entitled “Field of Screams” specifically for those who have special needs and their families. This event will include Trick or Treating, Hayrides, Sensory Haunted House, pick-your-own pumpkin patch, stilt walkers, DJ, Dancing, games and more. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase. This event is open to everyone and attendees do not need to be a part of the Miracle League of Westchester. However, registration is required to attend. Be sure to include the name of the child with the special needs and the number of additional guests attending. Register using this link. Organizations and individuals are also welcome to set up a trick or treat table. The caveat is you must provide your own treats for all the kids. To register a table, use this link. It’s guaranteed to be a spooktacular time

This event will happen at Ridge Road Park, 287 Ridge Rd, Hartsdale, NY 10530. For more information, visit The Miracle League of Westchester website.

Town of Cortlandt – Hobgoblin Parade (Ages 2-14) 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

The Town of Cortlandt will be hosting a special Halloween Hobgoblin Parade that is open to everyone in costume from ages 2‐14 at the Cortlandt Youth Center ‐ Skate Rink located at 3 Memorial Drive, Croton on Hudson. The Hobgoblin Parade is free and trophies and candy will be given to all children in costume. For more information contact [email protected] or call 914-734-1053.

Cortlandt Dog Park – Halloween Dog Parade (Dogs only) 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

The Town of Cortlandt will host a Halloween Dog Parade at the Cortlandt Dog Park  at 130 Sprout Brook Road in Cortlandt, NY. Dogs in costumes are suggested, but not required. Treats will be supplied for all participants. For more information contact [email protected] or 914-734-1056.

The Field Library – Grimm’s Grimmest (Adults only) 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Forget Disney’s versions of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Visit The Field Library on October 26 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. to hear master storyteller Judith Heineman present Grimm’s Fairy Tales as you haven’t heard them before, as they were originally intended…for adults. Judith will tell the darker versions of the stories as the Grimm Brothers originally intended them, for an audience of adults, not children. 

Sunday, October 27

Let It Shine Cortlandt – Vendor Market, Trick or Treating, and Trick or Treat Parade (All ages) 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The final Let it Shine outdoor market of the season at the Cortlandt Waterfront Park in Verplanck will occur on Sunday October 27. To mark this very special occasion, Let it Shine will hold Halloween Costume Parades at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. Kids in costume will march up and down the Market Row tricking everyone with their Halloween costumes. In addition, kids dressed in costume can Trick or Treat at every booth.

Verplanck Fire Department – Halloween Parade (All ages) 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

The Verplanck Fire Department is also hosting a Halloween Parade in the hamlet of Verplanck. Children, teens and adults are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes and line up at The Red Schoolhouse on 6th Street at 3:45 with the parade kicking off at 4:00 p.m. Afterwards, refreshments, crafts and games will be available to be had by all. The Halloween parade will occur rain or shine. However, if it rains, all participants will meet at the Verplanck Firehouse.

Monday, October 28

The Field Library – Haunted Maze! (All ages)  October 28 through 31, 2024 

Starting on Monday, October 18, head to The Field Library dressed in your Halloween costume and explore their spooky Haunted Maze in the Children’s Room. There will be plenty of thrills and chills – and some sweet treats too.

Monday, October 28, 2024 – 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 – 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 – 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 31, 2024 – 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Field Library – Cauldron Cakes (Ages 6-11) 4:00 – 5:00pm

At The Field Library, get ready to mix and mash different ingredients together to turn these potions into cauldron cakes! You’ll select your ingredients (cake, frosting, and other tasty treats), add them to your cauldrons, and devour the results. This event is for children ages 6-11. Please note that space and materials are limited and you must visit the Children’s Room to sign in for the program.

The Field Library – Movie Monday – Beetlejuice (Teens & Adults) Monday, October 28  6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Join The Field Library for a special Halloween Week Movie Monday viewing of the great Tim Burton classic, Beetlejuice. Rated PG-13

Tim Burton’s absolutely unique take on the afterlife and the difficulties of haunting a pair of yuppies who can’t even see you stands the test of time. 

After Barbara (Geena Davis) and Adam Maitland (Alec Baldwin) die in a car accident, they find themselves stuck haunting their country residence, unable to leave the house. When the unbearable Deetzes (Catherine O’Hara, Jeffrey Jones) and teen daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder) buy the home, the Maitlands attempt to scare them away without success. Their efforts attract Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), a rambunctious spirit whose “help” quickly becomes dangerous for the Maitlands and innocent Lydia.

Wednesday, October 30

Hendrick Hudson Library – A Ghost Hunter’s Favorite Cases (Teens & Adults only) 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Just in time for Halloween. Paranormal investigator Barry Pirro has investigated hundreds of haunted houses, businesses, and historic sites. He has also been a consultant for paranormal TV shows Ghost Adventures, Ghost Nation, Kindred Spirits, and Paranormal Survivor. Join Barry as he discusses some of his most chilling cases of ghosts, demons, and haunted objects. In addition, hear real ghost voices recorded during ghost investigations, and watch an amazing video of a ghost captured on film. Participants will also have a chance to ask questions about ghost hunting and to share their own true ghost stories. Register here.

Thursday, October 31 – Halloween 

The Field Library – Halloween Coloring! (All ages) 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

It’s time to get creative and spooky as The Field Library is breaking out the crayons and colored pencils for a fun day of Halloween-themed coloring together! Pick out a picture to color, or draw your own.

Peekskill Elks – Free Trick or Treat event (Family friendly, kids 12-under)  3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

On Halloween Night, from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m., the Peekskill Elks will host their 3rd Annual Halloween Free Trick or Treat Event at the Elks Lodge, 1038 Brown Street, a few feet away from the Paramount Theater. The Peekskill Elks Club will provide free candy, snacks, photo opportunities, some tricks and other goodies for kids 12-under to enjoy. 

Town of Cortlandt – Halloween Party (Family friendly, kids through 5th grade) 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. 

Families are invited to Trick or Treat inside at the Town of Cortlandt’s annual Halloween Party at the Muriel H. Morabito Community Center located at 29 Westbrook Drive in Cortlandt Manor. The Halloween Part is open to all children through the 5th grade accompanied by an adult. Activities will include entertainment, games, contests, treats, balloons and a chance to be on cable TV! No registration required. For more information contact [email protected] or 914-736-0498.

Friday, November 1

Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park – Spooky Stories (Teens to adults) 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Have you been looking for a spooky activity to do on a haunting autumn night? Then join the Trailside Museum and Zoo educators at Bear Mountain State Park as they tell spooky stories from the Hudson Valley! From mysterious mountain beasts of the Catskills to the serpents of the Hudson River!Head over to the museum and listen to classic creepy tales told by the campfire.

Space is limited and registration is required. Fore more information and to register send an email to [email protected] 

Locally Decorated Halloween Houses 

If it is just amazingly decorated Halloween houses you enjoy, stroll on over to the corner of Longview and Riverview Avenue any day of the week and enjoy Henry Seger’s superb Halloween display during the day or the night. For over eight years, Seger has assembled a gigantic pirate ship and an array of over 100 skeletons for the community to enjoy and gawk over. Seger’s display caught the eye of Peekskill Herald Publisher and Editor Regina Clarkin back in October 2022 who featured Seger and his Halloween House in No trick here, epic Halloween display is a real treat.

And while you’re riding around looking at houses, you can listen to Happy Halloween by Peekskill’s own band, Dadson. It’s available on Spotify here.

There are many other local houses in and around Peekskill and Cortlandt that are decorated from the ghoulish and outlandish to more family friendly displays. Over the past 2 weeks, Leslie Lawler and the Peekskill Community Network have compiled an ongoing list of decorated houses (and a few I happened to find driving in the area).  They will do so again after Halloween for Christmas. To add your decorated home to the list, visit this link.  And for those who want to travel to neighboring communities, use this map to see locations of decorated houses.

Safety Tips

Whether it be a Trunk or Treat, walking around the block Trick or Treating or driving through the City looking at Halloween displays, safety is of the utmost importance. According to the National Safety Council, “The biggest Halloween danger for children is car accidents.” According to the NSC, “children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween as on any other day of the year.” Therefore the National Safety Council wants everyone to keep these important tips in mind when children are out on Halloween night:A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.

• If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you, and make sure they have their cell phone on their person at all times. 
• Agree on a specific time children should return home.
• Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.
• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home, and take care to avoid any food allergies.
• Look both ways prior to crossing any and all roads. 
• Carry a flashlight when Trick or Treating at night and wear something reflective to help be seen in the dark.

Don’t forget to share this article and tell everyone that you read about these events in the Peekskill Herald.

Happy Halloween

Visit the Peekskill Herald Events Calendar Features and the Peekskill Herald Event Calendar to see more local events.

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