The Weekender: October 24 to 27
Trick or treat at Fenway Park, take a spooky tour of Beacon Hill, grab some warm apple cider donuts before the season ends
Photo courtesy of David Menidrey
October 24 to 27
As the leaves continue to change, there’s a hot debate on campus: When should we celebrate Halloween? October 31 is next Thursday, but many people feel strongly about celebrating this weekend rather than next. If you’ve got your costumes ready, you’re in luck, because there are plenty of spook-tacular festivities happening in and around the city this weekend.
Sea Monsters Exhibition at the Harvard Museum of Natural History
What lurks in the deep? The museum’s new exhibition, Sea Monsters: Wonders of Nature and Imagination, explores the allure of serpents, krakens, and other mysterious ocean creatures. Visitors can browse ancient mariners’ maps, literature, works of art, and natural history specimens, and peer into the minds of scholars from centuries past. This Thursday is the museum’s ArtThursday, which means free admission and lots of activities related to the exhibition, including a DIY craft (make your own felt sea monster!), talks by scientists and artists, and a scavenger hunt. Drinks are available for purchase, too.
Thursday, October 24, 5 to 9 pm, Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St., Cambridge. The event is free, but RSVPs are encouraged.
Fall Festival on the Greenway
The Rose Kennedy Greenway is hosting a fall festival, with food trucks, crafts like pumpkin painting (led by MassArt students), local artisan pop-up shops, a live DJ, and drinks at the Trillium Beer Garden for those 21-plus. Take a break from the fun to watch the original Beetlejuice (1988) on Rowes Wharf Plaza at 6:30 pm.
Thursday, October 24, 5 to 9 pm, Rose Kennedy Greenway, 74-8 Milk St., Boston. The event is free, but bring money for food, drinks, and shopping.
Scary Movie Trivia at Short Path Distillery
Head to Everett’s Short Path Distillery to test your knowledge of iconic Halloween and horror movies. Teams of up to six are allowed, so choose your friends strategically—winning teams will be awarded gift cards. While you ponder questions like, “What title is Dani crowned in Midsommar?” enjoy food and seasonal cocktails from the distillery’s menu. Attendees can also bring their own food.
Thursday, October 24, 8 to 10 pm, Short Path Distillery, 71 Kelvin St., Everett. The event is free, but make sure to RSVP at the Eventbrite link ahead of time.
Inmanween 2024
Cambridge’s Inman Square is hosting its annual Halloween festival on Friday. Dress up and trick or treat at local businesses, get some exercise in at “Zomba,” or stroll around and enjoy the live music and attractions, including a photo booth.
Friday, October 25, 3 to 9 pm, Inman Square, Cambridge. The event is free, but bring money for any shopping, food, and drinks.
BU’s Liquid Fun Presents “HallowFE!Ntown”
Looking for a laugh to celebrate the end of midterms? Stop by BU Central (in the George Sherman Union basement) for an on-campus improv show hosted by BU’s own Liquid Fun. The theme of their show this month is (appropriately) “HallowFE!Ntown.” Come prepared with scene suggestions and dressed for a costume contest.
Friday, October 25, 8 pm, BU Central, 775 Commonwealth Ave. The event is free.
A Midnight Showing of Frankenhooker at the Coolidge Corner Theatre
The nearby Coolidge Corner Theatre is showing Frank Henenlotter’s Frankenhooker at midnight on Friday. Loosely inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic gothic tale, Frankenstein, this 1990 black comedy horror film is all camp: it’s about a medical student who attempts to re-create his decapitated fiancée using body parts from other women. The property was renovated this past year, so be sure to check out all the new amenities the theater has to offer, including an updated concessions stand and bar.
Friday, October 25, midnight, Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Buy tickets here; if you’re a regular movie-goer, consider purchasing a student membership to cut costs.
Trick or Treating and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice at Fenway Park
Baseball season may be over for the Red Sox, but fans can visit the ballpark for a special screening of the long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice, starring Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder, and for some early trick or treating. The movie begins at 6:30 pm, but if you’re in the mood for some Halloween candy, head into the park through Gate B starting at 3:30 pm for trick or treating and a costume contest!
Saturday, October 26, 3:30 to 8:30 pm, Fenway Park, 4 Jersey St., Boston. Tickets are $10 for adults and can be purchased here.
Wilson Farm Pumpkin Wall
Though a bit of a trek from campus, Lexington’s Wilson Farm is worth the journey. There’s a good chance you’ve seen the iconic pumpkin wall on your Instagram feed. This Saturday and Sunday are the final days to enjoy “Fall on the Farm,” with seasonal treats like apple cider, candy apples, and warm cider donuts. Wander inside the store to browse the fresh produce (many are organic) and prepared foods, although everything tends to be on the pricey side.
Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, October 27, 10 am to 5 pm, Wilson Farm, 10 Pleasant St., Lexington. The event is free, but bring money for food.
Beacon Hill with a BOO! Walking Tour
The picturesque, tony Beacon Hill neighborhood is one of the best places to see some high-quality Halloween decor. Hosted by Boston By Foot, this 90-minute-long one-mile walking tour brings you past some of the most decked-out houses paired with stories about the neighborhood’s spooky past.
Sunday, October 27, 4 to 5:30 pm. Meet at the entrance to Boston Common, by the Park Street T stop. Tickets are $25.
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