Monsters, Magicians and Masquerades: A Complete Guide to Halloween 2017 in NYC

It’s that time of the year again in New York City when the air is becoming slightly crisper, the leaves are getting ready to change color and goblins and ghouls are beginning to descend on Gotham. From horror experiences that will leave you shrieking in terror, to scary screenings that will keep you up at night our New York City Halloween Guide has you covered with the best events and parties that bring all the spirits out to play.

Beetle House
If you are looking for a unique place to wine and dine this Halloween season, look no further than Beetle House. Dive into the macabre worlds of “Beetlejuice,” “Alice and Wonderland,” and “A Nightmare Before Christmas” at this Tim Burton inspired bar. From wacky and whimsical menu offerings to waiting staff seemingly ripped out of a Burton classic, this bar is guaranteed to give you a unique treat. The original pop-up has locations in both Los Angeles and New York. At Beetle House everyday is Halloween.

The Jekyll & Hyde Club
Jekyll and Hyde is a haunted restaurant and bar where guests can eat and drink in an unusual setting while enjoying interesting performances. Be warned, as the walls like to come alive from time to time. This is not your average restaurant experience. Hot tip: need to find a bathroom? Look behind the bookcase.

Psycho Clan Presents This is Real: An All New Horror Experience | Through Oct. 31
Imagine waking up in an abandoned warehouse, kidnapped, not knowing where you are or who took you there. Well, now you don’t have to imagine this horrifying scene any longer. You can live it. “This is Real” is not your average haunted house attraction. It’s an immersive and authentic experience that will leave even the most adrenaline fueling junkies cowering in fear. Only genuine fear seekers need apply. Tickets are selling out fast.

8Players Horror Immersive Theater | Through Nov. 18
Have you ever wanted to live in the worlds of “Scream” or “I Know What You Did Last Summer”? Well now is your chance to join an immersive theater experience starring you. Enter the world of a late 90’s teen slasher movie in this alarming role-playing experience. This intimate experience is only open to small groups at a time, and you can come alone or as a pair.

The Magician at NoMad Hotel | Oct. 5 – Dec. 22
Experience magic and mystery for an alluring night at the NoMad Hotel. World famous magician Dan White, who has appeared on countless television programs, helms the show. Be sure to grab your tickets to this spellbinding event as they are selling out fast.

Blood Manor | Oct. 6 – Nov. 4
Self-proclaimed as New York’s premiere haunted attraction, Bloody Manor is a terrifying maze filled with special effects and brilliantly crafted ghouls. If you are really feeling adventurous, take a tour through the horrific maze with nothing in hand but a glow stick during special “lights out” nights.

Brooklyn Horror Film Festival | Oct. 12 – Oct. 15
The competitive international film festival shines a spotlight on the best in genre filmmaking, with films that push boundaries and challenge horror preconceptions. After the screenings, don’t miss Q&A’s with the artists involved, panels, food & drinks and more.

New York Haunted Hayride at Randall’s Island Park | Oct. 13 – Oct. 31
Providing a refreshing alternative to all of the amusement park scare mazes, NYC’s Haunted Hayride takes you through the woods on Randall Island for a chilling evening. Enjoy food and drinks over the smell of freshly cut hay. If the eerie atmosphere isn’t enough to send chills down your spine, the “House of Shadows” and “Purgatory” scare zones will make you fear who might open the door next.

The Champagne Ball at GoldBar | Oct. 19
Enjoy a night of elegance at World Masquerades’ 10th annual Champagne Ball. You won’t want to miss the notable anniversary celebration, which includes music, dancing, cocktails, and special prizes. Come dressed in your sharpest masquerade attire.

Gravesend Inn | Oct. 19 – Oct. 21
Looking for something a little more than your typical haunted maze? Look no further than Gravesend Inn. Created by New York City College of Technology theater group, the annual high-tech haunted hotel includes a variety of light shows and illusions that will have you rubbing your eyes and checking things twice.

The Blood Ball at Spring Place | Oct. 26
Get in the spirit of saving lives at the Blood Ball. All proceeds collected from the elite gather go towards DKMS. Their mission is to delete blood cancer once and for all. Enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with dancing, music, cocktails, hor d’oeuvres – all for a worthy cause.

New York City Horror Film Festival at the Cinepolis Chelsea | Oct. 26 – Oct. 29
What better way to ring in the Halloween weekend than to screen some of the latest screams to hit the big screen? The festival lineup includes the premiere of Lou Simon’s “3,” as well as “Close Calls,” “The Night Watchmen,” “Our Evil,” “Diane,” “Ruin Me,” and more. The event concludes with an awards ceremony celebrating the weekends top honors.

Night of 1,000 Jack O’Lanterns at Governors Island | Oct. 26 – Oct. 29
Returning for the sixth year in a row is one of the most unique Halloween events around. Gaze over 1,000 hand-carved illuminated jack o’lanterns creatively arranged along a scenic walking path set to a musical score destined to get you into the fall spirit. If you are down for a bit of a drive, you can venture out to the Old Westbury Gardens on Long Island to see over 5,000 carved jack o’lanterns. Now that’s a lot of pumpkin seeds.

Cirque Noir: Freakshow Edition at House of Yes | Oct. 27
Step right up and enter the dark side behind the magic of the carnival lights. This special Halloween edition of the Freakshow peals the curtain back and exposes audiences to a night of macabre mischief and sensual splendor. The variety show features a sharp mix of freaks and fantasies. Welcome to the freakshow.

Day of the Dead at St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery | Oct. 27 – Oct. 29
Dia de Los Muertos, the celebration known as Day of the Dead, returns to St. Mark’s Church. The event features the best of Mexican culture, workshops, crafts, entertainers, food, and musical performances, as it revolves around the culturally significant holiday. Dia de Los Muertos attire is strongly encouraged.

Inferno: A Halloween Masquerade at McKitterick Hotel | Oct. 27 + Oct. 28 + Oct. 31
Inspired by the mysterious world of the legendary hotel, the McKitterick Masquerade is the hotel’s evocative dance party. Each night involves a unique and exclusive nightlife experience, inviting guests to explore the many rooms of the historic hotel. What happens at the Mckitterick will certainly stay there.

A Nite to Dismember at Nitehawk Cinema | Oct. 28
Are you ready for an all-night marathon of some horror cult classics? Sponsored by the horror-streaming site, Shudder, NiteHawk will be screening films from midnight until after dawn. The selection consists of five films based on classic books you love, including “The Masque of the Red Death” (35mm), “The Old Dark House,” “Ringu,” “The Babadook,” and “The Manitou” (35mm). Finish your all night fright fest with a complimentary eggs + tots breakfast.

BangOn! NYC Warehouse of Horrors | Oct. 28
Join the party at a secret massive warehouse with soaring ceilings and two fright filled stages located in Williamburg. The evening promises a night to remember with performances by Detlif, Fatboy Slim, MAXIMONO, CloZee, and more. Whether you came to dance, or enjoy the freaky performers, Bangon!NYC is a hair-raising experience.

Halloween at Dream Downtown NYC | Oct. 28
To say that the Dream Hotel Downtown transforms during the Halloween would be an understatement. The hotel hosts three separate alluring parties. The Freakshow Halloween Party hosted by Weworewhat takes over the Penthouse features music by Mike Tully & Cam Smalls. Get in touch with your wild side at The Animal Party in the Electric Room hosted by Travis Wild and Roger Silver. Lastly, you can join DJ Chuckie for Halloween at Gallery. If you are looking for a variant one-stop-shop, Halloween at the Dream is your place.

The Monster Ball at Stage 48 | Oct. 28
High fashion meets Halloween in the cities wildest celebration. If you find yourself in Times Square on Halloweenend, The Monster Ball is the perfect party destination filled with some of the best DJ’s and entertainers the Big Apple has to offer. Come dressed to impress, as the best costume will be awarded $1,000!

Phantasmagorey: The Haunted Ballroom at Prospect Hall | Oct. 29
Celebrate Samhain at this sophisticated and spiritual soiree. Dance the night away under colossal cobwebbed chandeliers, opulent French Renaissance balconies, and arching ceilings. The setting is created to transport you and a guest back in time to a charming era of suaveness.

Village Halloween Parade | Oct. 31
Ring in the autumnal harvest with the 44th annual Village Halloween Parade. This year, the theme is based on the cabinet of curiosities: an imaginary menagerie. Spanning from 6th Avenue North and Canal Street to 16th Street, the parade features hundreds of artists, bands, dancers, puppets, and costumed walkers.