Sticky frat basements filled with hundreds of sweaty college students may not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially while dressed in layers of Halloween makeup and heavy costumes. Fortunately enough, there are alternatives for students who want to get away from the typically crowded HalloWeekend scene and instead explore the more offbeat events the Binghamton area has to offer this weekend.
Freakshow Party
Spool Mfg., a contemporary art space, is holding its 4th Annual Triple Cities Scareousel Fantasmagorical Freakshow Ball, and it’s an event you don’t want to miss. It will take place at 140 Baldwin St. at 8 p.m. on Oct. 28. Tickets are $25, and all proceeds go to “Triple Cities Carousel,” a monthly local arts and culture publication. The space will be decked out to the max in festive Halloween decor along with visual art, drinks, music and a complimentary light buffet provided by The Belmar Pub and Grill, Mi Casa authentic latin cuisine, Callahan’s Sportsmans Club and Grotta Azzurra Italian Restaurant. A ouija lounge is fully equipped for paranormal enthusiasts who want to make their Halloween night the scariest it can be.
Hellstead Manor
For those looking to really get their spook on this weekend, try a haunted house called Hellstead Manor, located in Hallstead, Pennsylvania. This haunted house features creepy children’s rooms, impressive face makeup, live actors and tons of indoor decorative work. Located about 30 minutes from the city of Binghamton, this haunt is open from 7-11 on Friday and Saturday night and 7-10 on Sunday and Monday.
Live Horror Readings
Relax with a free cup of hot apple cider and donuts in hand while listening to six Binghamton area authors share their original horror stories, hosted by RiverRead Books on Court Street this Saturday. “Shiver Reads” is a great way to support local Binghamton authors, which include C.W. Briar, John Brhel, John Koloski, Kevin Lucia, Dan Padavona and Michael J. Sullivan, who will terrify you with their frightening tales. The reading, which begins at 3 p.m., is free of cost, and afterward you can choose to purchase a signed copy of any of the authors’ books.
Late Nite Binghamton
On-campus students who want to avoid taking a crowded bus Downtown or frantically calling for a taxi this weekend can stay on campus and visit Late Nite Binghamton in Old University Union. Late Nite is hosting numerous Halloween-themed activities this Friday and Saturday, ranging from artsy DIYs to a live performance in The Undergrounds coffee house. A few of Friday’s festivities include making DIY Play-Doh, Halloween-themed candy, a game show and a musical performance by singer-songwriter Dan Henig. Saturday night consists of easy arts-and-crafts activities like DIY stress balls, mini piñatas, flannel coasters and Popsicle-stick pumpkins.