Costumes ready? New Haven’s Halloween week starts Saturday, Oct. 24, and most of the family events are free. There’s a kids’ costume day at the Peabody, a nature playdate on a West Rock farm, a backstage trick-or-treat at the Shubert and story times at the library. For grown-ups, there’s a vampire party in the museum and the Yale Symphony Orchestra’s famous late-night Halloween show.
We checked every date, time and price below on the organizer’s own page. Plans can change, so check the link before you head out.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Spooktacular 2026 at the Yale Peabody Museum, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., free. The Peabody suggests its Spooktacular for kids up to age 10. Come in costume (the museum asks for “nothing too scary, please”), learn about “spectacular creatures,” collect fun items and see the collections up close. Peabody admission is always free. 170 Whitney Ave. Details.
“When Music Casts a Spell,” Civic Orchestra of New Haven, 11 a.m., free. During Spooktacular, the Civic Orchestra plays a family concert at the Peabody. The program includes “Rocking Halloween,” Danny Elfman music, selections from Corpse Bride, Harry Potter highlights, Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre and the Addams Family theme. A Musical Instrument Petting Zoo follows, where kids can meet the musicians and try the instruments. RSVPs are optional. Details.
Open Farm Day and Nature Playdate at Common Ground, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free. Costumes are welcome at Common Ground High School’s farm, 358 Springside Ave. Visit the farm animals, taste late-fall garden treats like garlic chives and sorrel in the children’s garden, play in the forest classroom, sit by the campfire or take a self-guided hike in West Rock Park (maps provided). Come anytime between 10 and 2. No RSVP needed. Details.
Sunday, Oct. 25
Free Family Fun Day at the Shubert, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free. Come anytime for a self-guided backstage walking tour of the Shubert Theatre at 247 College St., with trick-or-treat stations along the way. Costumes are encouraged, but the theater asks that kids leave prop weapons at home. The Grinch from the upcoming musical will be there for photos from 11:30 to 12:30. The tour is fully accessible, and strollers are welcome. RSVP is suggested but not required. The day also starts the Shubert’s holiday food and toy drive, so bring non-perishable food or a new, unwrapped toy if you can. Details.
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Halloween week
Tuesday, Oct. 27: After-School Halloween Party, Wilson Branch Library, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Halloween bingo and musical chairs at the Wilson Branch, according to the library’s calendar. Details.
Tuesday, Oct. 27: Spooky Trivia at the Shubert, 7 p.m., free. This one’s for adults: horror movies, creepy creatures, haunted legends and Halloween pop culture, with prizes for the top teams. It’s in Elm City’s Cabaret at the Shubert, with half-price drinks at the bar. Bring food from home or from a local restaurant. Walk-ins are welcome, but the Shubert asks you to RSVP. Details.
Wednesday, Oct. 28: Kidz Kook: Spooky Snacks, Mitchell Branch Library, 4 to 5 p.m. Hear a read-aloud book in Westville and make “spooky and nutritious food art” with Tennille Murphy from Kidz Kook. Details.
Heads up: the library’s calendar says all New Haven Free Public Library locations will be closed from noon on Thursday, Oct. 29, for staff training.
Saturday, Oct. 31 (Halloween)
Fall and Halloween Story Time and Crafts, Ives Main Library, 11 to 11:30 a.m. A seasonal story and craft for ages 3 to 8 with a caregiver. Costumes welcome. 133 Elm St. Details.
Open Farm Day at Common Ground, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free. The farm is open again on Halloween morning, with animals, gardens, a mud kitchen and forts in the woods. No RSVP needed. Details.
Halloween BINGO with The Community Couch, Wilson Branch Library, 2 to 4 p.m. Games, prizes and light refreshments. RSVP to 475-224-5900 by Oct. 29. Details.
Teen Center Presents: Halloween D&D, Ives Main Library, 2 to 4:30 p.m. A “spooooky” Dungeons & Dragons adventure for teens in grades 7 to 12, beginners welcome. Registration is required. Details.
Eternal Night: Halloween at the Peabody (21+), 7 to 10 p.m., $115 plus fees. Grymm Studios turns three floors of the Peabody into a candlelit vampire castle, with performers in the crowd, an open bar, appetizers and desserts from Small Kitchen Big Taste, live animal demonstrations and a DJ and photo booth from FM Productions. “Ghoulish garb” is encouraged. Tickets.
YSO Halloween Show, Woolsey Hall, 11:30 p.m., $18. The Yale Symphony Orchestra’s late-night Halloween show, which the orchestra bills as “the event of the season,” is at Woolsey Hall, 500 College St. It will also be livestreamed at livestream.yale.edu. Tickets.
More on our calendar
These events and more are on the New Haven Courier events calendar. For what Halloween candy costs this year, read our candy price story. Planning a public Halloween event in a New Haven neighborhood? Send the details to news@newhavencourier.com.
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