Get into the Halloween Spirit: Local Spooky Festivities

Long gone may be the days of trick-or-treating and free candy, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Halloween. From haunted houses to Halloween festivals, don’t skip over the holiday just yet. With October 31st around the corner, Valley has popular local and regional attractions to get you and your friends into the Halloween spirit.

Haunted Valley

Believe it or not, Penn State has a lot of haunted stories of its own to share. On October 21, Lion Ambassadors will be hosting the “Haunted Valley” tours which will take guests around campus as they tell frightening stories of Penn State’s past, and share some haunted facts about our beloved campus. The event will also have free food, live music and pumpkin painting. The tour is free and begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Hintz Family Alumni Center.

Forensic Science Club Haunted Houses

Every year, the Forensic Science Club hosts haunted houses at the cottages on campus, each with their own theme. This year, they have chosen the theme of “Asylum”, including some creepy guests, frightening clowns, and other spooky surprises. The last night to attend the haunted houses is October 23, so make sure to stop by the Pine and Spruce Cottages near the Chemistry Building to get into the Halloween spirit. Tickets are $4.99 and can be purchased at the door. The houses run from 8 p.m. until midnight.

Way Fruit Farm Pumpkin Festival

What better way to prepare for Halloween than pumpkin picking? Just a 20-minute drive away, the Way Fruit Farm is hosting a Pumpkin Festival on October 22nd. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will include pumpkin picking, fresh apple and pumpkin donuts and a DIY candy apple bar. Guests will also be able to enjoy meals at the Way Cafe & Bakery throughout the day. The Pumpkin Festival is a great place to snag a pumpkin to carve and display in your dorm or apartment.

Haunted Camp Anderson

This attraction includes a large haunted house, a spooky walking attraction through the woods and a haunted hayride. Camp Anderson even has a cozy bonfire to top off the night. The attraction runs on October 22, October 28 and October 29. If you’re looking for more than just the haunted attractions, make sure to attend the Halloween Parade on October 22! Tickets for the attractions are $6. Camp Anderson, located in Tyrone, PA,  is a 40-minute drive from State College.

Spook Haven Haunted House

For a more extreme Halloween experience, the Spook Haven Haunted House is sure to scare even the most serious horror fanatics. Celebrating their 10th anniversary, Spook Haven recently opened a new attraction, “6 Feet Under”, to go along with their popular “Old School House” haunted house. Tickets are $13 per attraction, or $22 for both events. Spook Haven will also be hosting their “Light’s Out” attraction where you and five of your friends will navigate the house in complete darkness with only glow sticks in hand. The attractions are open until October 29, each starting at 7 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Spook Haven is a 45-minute drive from State College located in Mill Hall, PA.

Celebrate Halloween here at Penn State, or turn the experience into a fun road trip with friends. Whether you’re carving pumpkins or pushing yourself and your friends through a haunted house, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this spooky holiday. Valley wishes everyone a Happy Halloween!