Halloween is more than just a holiday, it’s an entire state of mind.
It seems like this was the week the fall foliage really popped, the chill came into the air at both dawn and dusk, and the streets were eerily quiet… well, maybe that last part was welcome for those of us that live here year-round. And while Halloween certainly falls right in the middle of, well, the fall season, there’s a little more to it than just the tricks and the treats with some pretty-colored leaves in the background.
On this exact day last year, Matt Hussey from The Brink — a website featuring long-form essays about psychology, technology, and the emotional undercurrents of modern life for readers who want to “feel something real” — wrote:
“Halloween isn’t just about sweets and screaming — it’s a collective therapy session. Exploring how confronting darkness through ritual, fear, and play helps us integrate the ghosts within. Somewhere between the crunch of leaves and the shriek of a motion-sensor skeleton, the world feels a little more alive — which is ironic, considering it’s a night about death. Halloween is that one evening a year when adults willingly stand in line to be chased by teenagers in clown masks, children gleefully collect sugar from strangers, and entire neighbourhoods compete to build the most realistic graveyard on their lawns. It’s chaos – and yet, it feels good.”
So, for this weekend, even if you loathe the idea of celebrating Halloween and there is in fact a small amount of palpable chaos around you, don’t despair. We’ve got plenty of action for all to enjoy. And don’t forget: the fall installment of Long Island Restaurant Week starts on Sunday, so be sure to check out our guide on who’s participating here. Because even if you didn’t spend the whole time tricking and treating, you and yours still need to eat!
Park Place goes to Spain
On Thursday, Oct. 29, Park Place Wines & Liquors (84 Park Place, East Hampton) hosts “Spain After Dark,” a by-the-glass tour through the country’s most exciting wine regions. Attendees will have a chance to explore the grapes, places and traditions behind some of Spains most irresistible wines, and discovery why the old-world wine country feels more exciting that ever. Runs from 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person and are available here.
A two-day Halloween happening at Cedar Point
Cedar Point Pizza & Brunch at Cedar Point Park (5 Cedar St., East Hampton, 631-908-9028) celebrates Halloween on Friday from 4 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday from 3 to 10 p.m. (Quick side note: Saturday will be their last day of the season). There’ll be free ice cream both days, with music by Jake Lear and the Kings from 5 to 8 p.m., with Hampton Tarot by Veronica from 5 to 8 p.m. (both on Saturday). Prizes for best costumes include a night of glamping, dinner for four and special merch.
Calissa celebrates Halloween
Calissa (1020 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, 631-500-9292) hosts a special Halloween celebration on Saturday beginning at 9 p.m. Action includes a music from DJ Oli Benz, dinner and dancing with fall specialty drinks served ‘till the witching hour. Best costume wins complimentary drinks for the remainder of the year, plus a special gift from Charlie Fox. Minimum purchase of one bottle per table. For more Halloween action all for adults, check out our recent write up here.
Mariachi and movies at Southampton Playhouse
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with an all-ages classic animated film “The Book of Life” screening at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1 Southampton Playhouse (43 Hill St.). The film will be introduced by a mariachi music performance and special treats will be provided by De Jesus Grocery. There’s a ton more ghoulishly good Halloween happenings for kids in store. Click here to check out what’s up.
Attend an artist talk in Springs
A sit down conversation with East Hampton-based painter Susan Vecsey is at the Pollock-Krasner House (830 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton, 631-324-4929) as she discusses the boundaries between abstraction and representation, her interpretation of the Color Field approach, working as an abstract painter today, and much, much more. Starts at 2 p.m.
Get to an open jazz gathering at SCC
The East Meets West Jam Session is back with East End Jazz this Sunday at Southampton Cultural Center (25 Pond Lane) at 2 p.m. The free afternoon jazz gathering features local jazz guitar players, with each musician playing two songs with the house band and two songs with musicians and/or vocalists that want to sit in. For more info visit eastendjazz.org.
Open mic at Rams Head
Shelter Island’s Rams Head Inn (108 S Ram Island Drive, 631-749-0811) hosts an open mic every Sunday at 4 p.m., hosted by Sara Mundy. Instrumental, vocal, stand up comedy, readings, whatever, are all welcome to be shared. Drink specials will be available from 4 to 5 p.m.
Cars & Conversations at Canoe Place
Canoe Place Inn & Cottages (239 E. Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, 631-763-6300) invites all to a Sunday morning gathering celebrating the art of design — on four wheels and beyond. Set in the historic Front Courtyard, “Cars & Conversations” will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., offering a curated display of rare and distinguished automobiles, accompanied by coffee, whole-leaf iced teas from Plain-T, light bites and cool conversation. Perfect for fellow car enthusiasts, the event presented in collaboration with Hampton Classic Motor Cars. The event is free to attend, but you can RSVP here.
