It's Spooky Season Witches!
Halloween is just around the corner, and Cortland County has all the thrills, chills, haunts, and happenings you're searching for. Whether you want to scream till you cry, commune with the beyond, or enjoy a little family-friendly trick-or-treating, we've got just the thing!
FALL FAMILY FUN
If you are looking for some Halloween fun that is more treats than tricks, let the gourd times roll!
THE GREAT CORTLAND PUMPKINFEST
Court House Park
Cortland, NY
The Great Cortland Pumpkinfest comes to Cortland October 5-6. The festival features live performances, festival food, hayrides, a craft market, carnival rides, and a pumpkin patch where they can pick out their first pumpkins of the season.
Enjoy the rides, pony rides, games and hay rides. Browse local crafters and artisans. The Kids’ Zone offers games and activities for children of all ages. Delicious festival food can be found, with local favorites honoring the flavors of the season. Don't forget to stop by the Pumpkin Pub for a beverage and love music.
HAUNTED HAY RIDE
Taylor Wesleyan Church
3239 State Route 26, Cincinnatus
October 19, from 6-8 pm Cincy Country Kids 4-H Club along with Cincinnatus Agricultural Education and FFA and Fuller Fields Pumpkin Patch are hosting a FREE, all ages, Haunted Halloween Hay Ride. They kindly ask that you bring an unexpired, non-perishable food donation for Cortland Chenango Rural Services, Inc. The hayride starts at Taylor Wesleyan Church. Parking is available at Munro Trucking.
FOURTH ANNUAL PUMPKINS & PINTS
Homer Hops
700 State Route 90, Homer
TRUNK-OR-TREAT
Downtown Cortland
Court Street, Cortland
Mark your calendars! The City of Cortland Fire Dept. and Cortland Youth Bureau are hosting a Trunk-or-Treat event in historic downtown Cortland. Put on your best costumes and promenade down Court Street on October 26, from 2-4 pm, to fill your bags will loads of treats.
FOURTH ANNUAL HALLOWS & HAUNTS FEST
Artisan Elements
77 S. West St, Cortland NY
October 24-31, Artisan Elements is being taken over by Hallows & Haunts! Hallows & Haunts returns to Artisan Elements for it's 4th year, with a full week of spooky goodness. Each evening, we have a very special guest offering something unique & spooky fun, in addition to the LIVE Haunted House all eight nights! Some of these REQUIRE pre-sale tickets only such as; Cemetery Ghost Hunt, Cleromancy Readings, Mocktails With Maleficent, Astrology Readings, and Palmistry Readings. For more info and tickets email Artisanelementsinfo@gmail.com.
MONSTERS IN THE MUSEUM
Homeville Museum
4386 US-11, Cortland NY
Monsters in the Museum is Halloween fun for the whole family! Visit CNY Living History Center Saturday, October 26 and enjoy an afternoon filled with pumpkin decorating, crafts for kids, snacks, and costume prizes. Special feature: Ghost Stories at 1 pm.
Admission price includes tours of all CNY Living History Center Museums: Homeville Museum, Brockway Museum, Tractors of Yesteryear, and Antique Firehouse. Free for children 5 & under, museum members, & AD military; $15 for adults; $12 for Seniors & AAA members; $7 for youth aged 6-18. Sponsored by the Homeville Museum.
HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN
1890 House Mesume
37 Tompkins St, Cortland
Sunday, October 26, from 1-4pm The 1890 House Invites you to join them for a spooky good time. Crafts and games, theamed rooms, and plenty of tricks or treats makes this an event perfect for the whole family. Enjoy delicious Cider from Hollenbeck’s Cider mill and Apples from Anderson’s Farm Market and other tasty treats. Take a chance on a Custom Raffle Baskets and Pies. There are plenty of tricks or treats for everyone!
CHILLER HUNTED HOUSE
Madison Street, Cortland NY
(If you can't find it, you ain't trying)
The Chiller Haunted House returns to Madison Street on October 26 (7-9pm) and October 31 (6-10pm) with The Skeleton Shack! Be afraid, very afraid. All the boos you've been searching for. Special children's hours on October 13 from 5-6pm, where ghosts, monsters and scary noises will temporarily be exorcised from the haunted house. Admission is free, donations accepted.
BOOS FOR BIG KIDS
Ready to scream, laugh, and commune with the dearly departed? This list is for the more adventurous souls among us. Proceed with caution.
SCREAMS! Find your frights in Cortland County. Be sure to check with the venue to see if it's appropriate for your young ones.
MURDER SHE ROOT!
M Guarden on James
5 James Street, Homer
On October 18, in historic Homer, in a 100 year old shop, a mass murder has unfolded. It’s victims, a variety of rare, precious plants. It’s up to you, the soon to be soil sleuths to solve this devastating crime. Explore the clues while you sip deviously delicious cocktails and unfurl the mystery. Is it a serial killer, or has each been brought to its gruesome demise by the madness of many? Try not to lose you head, while you utilize your murder kit to discover who has dirt under their nails.
After you crack the case, you will concoct a plant potion to prevent future murders. Your murder kit will include a small plant, a murderous plant sign for a plant (phrases like, “my next victim”, “please don’t die”, and “I’m literally dying”), a plant mister with the custom plant potion, a soil scoop, fungus gnat traps, mini top secret note pad, and magnifying glass. You’ll also receive a coupon for the store that you can use that evening.
Each guest will receive a deviously delicious murder themed cocktail (or mocktail upon request), spooktacular snacks and murder kit with ticket price. Seating is limited to one dozen, including your host that makes for an unlucky 13.
FREAK AT THE PEAK: ZOMBIE ZIP LINE
Greek Peak Adventure Center
2000 St-Rt 392, Cortland
October 11 & 12, fly through the trees and survive high in the sky on the Zombie Zipline. This 2 Line Zip tour will take you through the woods, braving the undead that wander below. You'll have to decide which you're more afraid of... heights or zombies. Reservations are required.
FREAK AT THE PEAK: HAUNTED COASTER
Greek Peak Adventure Center
2000 St-Rt 392, Cortland
We've all heard of a haunted house, but have you heard of a haunted roller coaster?! October 18-19 and 25-26 take a spin on the scariest mountain coaster around. Flying through the forest filled with freaks and creeps is sure to get your heart racing! Want to take your young ones? Greek Peak offers a less spooky version from 6-7 pm. But once darkness descends, beware! Reservations are required.
CHILLER HUNTED HOUSE
Madison Street, Cortland NY
(If you can't find it, you ain't trying)
The Chiller Haunted House returns to Madison Street on October 26 (7-9pm) and October 31 (6-10pm) with The Skeleton Shack! Be afraid, very afraid. All the boos you've been searching for. Special children's hours on October 13 from 5-6pm, where ghosts, monsters and scary noises will temporarily be exorcised from the haunted house. Admission is free, donations accepted.
SCREENS! From cult classics to spooky history we've got it all!
NOSFERATU W LIVE SCORE BY THE MAGNETIC PULL
Center for the Arts of Homer
72 South Main St, Homer
October 31, at 7pm, is your chance to do the time warp again! Come dressed in any costume for discounted admission and concessions. Mingle over wine and beer at the bar before the show. Tickets are general admission can be purchased in advance or at the doors.
SPIRITS! From ghost hunts to communing beyond the veil, Cortland County is your place to discover the otherworldly.
GHOST HUNT AT THE 1890 HOUSE
1890 House Museum
37 Tompkins St, Cortland
This year the 1890 house is offering two chances to attempt to reach through the veil after dark in a haunted Victorian mansion. October 5 and 26, spend the evening at the 1890 House Museum for a guided paranormal investigation with the experienced team from Dream Seekers Paranormal group. Bring your own investigation tools or utilize the teams cutting edge technology. You better bring a friend, because no one will believe the wild ghost stories you come back with.
EXPREIENCE PSYCHIC FAIR
Cortland County Music Park
75 Clinton Ave, Cortland
Unleash your destiny and dive into the mystical at Experience Psychic Fair on October 12 & 13 (Saturday 11-6 and Sunday 10-5) Journey into the unknown and experience the thrill of the psychic realm. Weekend admission is only $10, and kids 12 and under get in free! Every attendee receives a free gemstone to kickstart their journey. Unwrap the mysteries of your future. Engage in psychic readings, aura photos, numerology, astrology, and more. The event is a treasure trove with vendors offering crystals, jewelry, tarot cards, candles, and more. Your adventure begins
SPRITIS OF THE 1890 HOUSE TOUR
1890 House Museum
37 Tompkins St, Cortland
In conjunction with Curiosity Trails Cabinet of Curiosity Market, ON )CTOBER 18 only, the 1890 House will hold a special tour!
The 1890 House Museum was the home of Chester Wickwire, his wife Ardell and later his son Fredric and his wife Marion. Guests often wonder if their spirits remain in the home. In 2016 Ghost Hunters investigated the home and since then several paranormal teams have explored the House. Our tour of the House will include information on the people who lived in the home, history of Cortland’s early industrial era, and findings of the paranormal investigations through the years.
Do the spirits of the Wickwire family linger? Who is the little girl that plays tricks on the 3rd floor? Why were the mirrors above the fireplace removed in the 1920s? Who is still playing billiards and smoking cigars?
Admission $10(adult), Children (12+under) $5, under 5 years old(free). Tours offered at at 12:00, 1:30, 3:00 Guided tours only- you may purchase tickets on our webpage/events or day of the tour.
GRAVEYARD TOUR
Virgil Town Hall
1175 NY-392, Cortland
Come for the Fourth Annual Historic Cemetery Tour...if you dare! Walk with Virgil Town Historian Marsha Powell on Saturday, October 26, 10am, through the rolling hills of the Virgil Cemetery. Learn the stories buried within the graves of some of Virgil's most notorious, mischievous, and even murderous citizens. Hollenbeck's cider and doughnuts will be provided. A $5 donation to the Historical Society is requested. (Tour begins at the Virgil Town Hall)
PSYCHIC READING
Cortland Corset Building
75 E. Court, Cortland
October 16, Josh Kisner local Reiki Master/Teacher and renowned psychic, will deliver messages from beyond the veil. This group reading promises to be ghoulishly good fun! Join in this group (gallery) setting to receive a general reading and/or ask for clarity and guidance on a specific topic such as finances, relationships and more! Ancestors and guides may have a message for you. Reservations are required and tickets are limited.
SOIREES! Mix and mingle and explore the wonderfully wired. From spooktacular fashion shows to curiosity markets and creepy cocktail hours, we know where to find the frightening fun!
Prepare for a day of delightful oddities and eerie enchantments at the Cortland Curiosities Market! Join us on Friday, October 18, from 11am to 5pm at the Cortland County Visitors Center to explore the wonderfully weird and whimsically wonderful.
Dive into a world of eerie curiosities, preserved bones and taxidermy, chillingly beautiful pottery, tarot readings, spellbinding jewelry, haunting antiques, deviously detailed macramé, captivating art and so much more. Sip on a coffee or explore a unique tea flavor from Common Grounds while you wander through the eclectic mix of goods.
Unveil the secrets of Cortland County’s Strange & Forgotten History Trail at this free event—perfect for those with a taste for the macabre and a curiosity for the unknown.
Come dressed in your most creative costume—extra raffle tickets will be awarded to those who embody characters from the Cortland Curiosities Trail, such as Betty Crocker, Ronnie James Dio, or a circus performer. This eerie affair doubles as a fundraiser for Lime Hollow, with all ticket and raffle sales supporting the center’s mission to ensure accessibility for all.
DARK CARNIVAL AND COSTUME PARTY
Cortland Corset Building
75 E. Court Street, Cortland
Share your spooky Cortland County adventures with us for a chance to be featured! Tag @experiencecortland and use hashtag #experiencecortland.