Whether you're looking for heart pumping, adrenaline rushing scares, or kid-friendly fall fun, there are endless ways to celebrate Halloween in Cortland County.
For more details, and plenty more great events, check out the Experience Cortland events calendar.
CREATURES OF THE NIGHT
Thursday, Oct. 17 | 5-8 p.m. | Lime Hollow Nature Center | $3-$7; children under 3 are free
This all-ages and family-friendly night offers a guided walk on rails illuminated by jack-o-lanterns to meet some nocturnal creatures along the way. Dan the Snake Man will be on hand with some of his scaly friends, and Paul Speight will tell stories by the campfire.
3277 Gracie Road, Cortland NY 13045
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HAUNTED COASTER RIDES
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18 and 19 | 6-9 p.m. | Greek Peak Adventure Center | $7/single or $20/unlimited
Ride the haunted moonlit Nor'Easter Mountain Coaster at the Greek Peak Adventure Center. Beware the dark and the creatures that come to life as you dip and turn through the woods, and zoom past the ghouls, specters and things that go bump in the night.
1856 NY-392, Cortland NY 13045
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CHILLER HAUNTED HOUSE
Thursday - Saturday, Oct. 24-26 | 6-10 p.m. | Center for the Arts | $5/adult and $3/15 and under
Ghosts and ghouls will be bringing their scares to the Center of the Arts during the county's scariest little haunted house! A special non-scary matinee will take place on Oct. 26 from 1-3 p.m.
72 S. Main Street, Homer NY 13077
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SPIRITS IN THE CASTLE - 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Thursday - Sunday, Oct. 24-27 | Various Times | 1890 House Museum | $12-$18.90
Here's an opportunity to step into the legendary castle after the sun goes down. Join Knightime Paranormal as they lead you on an interactive investigation of Cortland's Victorian-era stone castle. Choose between the Hotspots exploration which focuses on three paranormal hotspots throughout the house, an expanded Spirits in the Castle investigation that explores Victorian wakes and funeral traditions, and the late-night Torch Tour, which allows you explore the 1890 House by flashlight.
37 Tompkins Street, Cortland NY 13045
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6TH ANNUAL CORTLAND COUNTY HALLOWEEN PARADE
Thursday, Oct. 24 | 4:30-8 p.m. | Downtown Cortland
Families can take part in spooktacular fun at the annual Cortland County Halloween Parade. This year's parade theme is 'Nightmare on Main Street' so come dressed as your favorite Nightmare Before Christmas or Halloween character.
Before the procession down Main Street in historic downtown Cortland, children under 18 years of age are invited to participate in the trick or treating hour starting at 4:30 p.m. If you wish to participate in the costume contest, check-in at the Cortland Elks Lodge before 6 p.m. in time for the start of the parade at 6:15 p.m. The tiny frights and little goblins will then parade down Main Street, ending at The Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown, where the costume contest winners will be announced at 7:30 p.m.
9 Groton Avenue, Cortland NY 13045
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NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS PAINT & TRIVIA NIGHT
Friday, Oct. 25 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Instant Artist | $35
Answer trivia questions with your team (1-4 people) to compete for our grand prize while creating your choice of two Nightmare Before Christmas themed 16x20 canvas paintings. Don't forget this is a BYOB event (must 21+ to consume alcohol), and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Advance ticket purchases is required online.
75 E Court Street, Cortland NY 10345
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HAUNTED HOUSE
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25-26 | 7-10 p.m. | J.M. McDonald Sports Complex | $2
Screams and frights galore at the J.M. McDonald Haunted House. There will be early boos on Friday for the younger kids (5-6 p.m.) and extra spooks both nights if you really want to be scared (7-10 p.m.).
4292 Fairgrounds Drive, Cortland NY 13045
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TRINITY VALLEY CORN MAZE AFTER DARK
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25-26 | 6-9 p.m. | Trinity Valley Dairy Farm | $7
Wind your way through seven acres of corn…in the dark! Bring your own flashlight for this late night adventure, and don't forget to wear comfortable, closed shoes. Last tickets are sold 45 minutes before closing.
2847 Route 13, Cortland NY 13045
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CORTLAND ZOMBIE WALK
Saturday, Oct. 26 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Downtown Cortland
The zombies will be invading the streets of downtown Cortland and Homer. You can find the undead gathering at the 1890 House Museum before dragging their haggard bodies down Tompkins Street and Main Street Cortland in search of Delectable zombie treats made from locally sources produce at various establishments. The zombies will then gather at the Village Green in Homer to find more food before joining the Chiller Haunted House at the Center for the Arts.
37 Tompkins Street, Cortland NY 13045
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BOOS & BREWS 5K
Saturday, Oct. 26 | 5 p.m. | J.M. McDonald Sports Complex | $25/person
Come show off your fast feet in costume, or not, at J.M. McDonald's Boos & Brews 5K. Registration starts at 5 p.m., and the run beings at 6 p.m. Admission includes one (1) free beer from Homer Hops Brewing, and one (1) ticket to their Haunted House. The first 25 individuals who register also receive a free t-shirt.
4292 Fairgrounds Drive, Cortland NY 13045
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HALLOWEEN AT BRU64
Thursday, Oct. 31 | 7-10 p.m. | BRU64
Even though Halloween is on a Thursday this year, you can still party! BRU64 on Main Street is throwing down with 64 bewitching beers, and live music by The Ridgeline Duo. Come dressed in your finest costumes for a chance to win great prizes.
64 Main Street, Cortland NY 13045
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