For a perfect lead-in to your Halloween experience, head to boo-tiful Providence early for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants nearby, or plan a weekend getaway and check out all the Halloween happenings in the city!
FALL & HALLOWEEN THINGS TO DO IN THE PROVIDENCE AREA
During the fall and Halloween season, Providence, RI, is brimming with ways to scare up some fun. Don’t miss the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo with its scores of illuminated and intricately carved pumpkins. Take a walk (or boat ride) on Providence’s paranormal side on a Providence Ghost Tour and listen to some of the city’s haunted tales.
Visit the grave of famed author of horror fiction, H.P. Lovecraft, in Swan Point Cemetery. Lovecraft lived in Little Rhody for most of his life, working as a literary genius. You will be screaming to discover the mysterious mementos his fans have left behind.
Looking for something a little less spooky? How about a devilish meal and some pumpkin-inspired ales and cocktails at a local haunt.
You can also book an overnight stay at one of the city’s fabulous hotels, and curate a Halloween getaway that is uniquely yours. Pick your wicked Providence experience today.
Below you will find some of Providence’s most popular, annually attended Halloween events and exhibits that offer fang-tastic activities and spook-tainment for the entire family.
Also, check out https://www.goprovidence.com/plan-your-trip/creepy-escape/ to find information about the shocking number of additional 2023 Halloween spell-binding events happening throughout our capital city of Providence.
ROGER WILLIAMS PARK & ZOO
1000 Elmwood Avenue
Providence
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
New England’s favorite Halloween tradition is back! Take a trip around the world at this year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular: Pumpkins Around the World, presented by Citizens. Thousands of artistically carved, illuminated pumpkins will magically transport you on a European vacation, wildlife safari, and a trip down Route 66! From the Pyramids of Giza to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, this nighttime family event will satisfy your case of wanderlust – no passports required! Thursday, September 28 – Sunday, October 31, 2023. This year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, presented by Citizens, takes you around the world. The Spectacular will satisfy everyone’s case of wanderlust…All tickets must be purchased online in advance
@ https://www.rwpzoo.org/event/jols/.
Spooky-ish Scout Family Fun Night at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Roger Williams Park Zoo
October 18, 2023
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
$40
Join for an evening of fun for scouts, prospective scouts, friends, and family! Scouts BSA members, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts will all have a great time during this special after-hours event. Not a scout? Join the event anyway and visit the Zoo after-hours for animal encounters, keeper chats, and a Halloween dance party! Admission includes kid-friendly dinner buffet, access to Faces of the Rainforest, World of Adaptations, the Farmyard, and other specially illuminated zoo exhibits! Attendees will also skip the line as they receive V.I.P. access to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular!
Local scouting representatives will also be on hand to answer questions and to help you find a troop or pack near you if you are interested.
Tickets must be purchased in advance @ https://www.rwpzoo.org/event/scout-family-night-jols/. Walk-in tickets will not be available. Visitors should expect travel delays, especially after 6pm. Please plan accordingly. Visitors are strongly encouraged to check-in between 4:30pm – 5:45pm for the quickest and easiest entry.
Carving with the Masters Class
October 29, 2023
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Join in on the fun with a master pumpkin carver for an all-inclusive carving experience. Learn directly from the artist as they walk you step by step of carving your very own intricate Jack-O-Lantern! They will provide a sample of the techniques and tools they use to create some of the stunning artwork that has enchanted millions of visitors at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. This year’s design will feature one of our resident sloths! Can’t draw? Don’t worry, the pumpkin comes prepared with the carving design pre-drawn for you!
Program registration includes admission to the class, your pumpkin (with artwork pre-applied), carving tool kits customized by the master carvers, and an LED Lamp/Bulb to illuminate your “gourd-eous” artwork. The program also includes light refreshments and front-of-line VIP access to the world-famous Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular!
While finalizing the artwork for this year’s class, view some pictures of past carving classes at https://www.rwpzoo.org/event/carving-with-the-masters/.
Spooky Zoo
October 28th – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm,
Spooky Zoo is back offering daytime outdoor autumn fun for the whole family. Trick-or-treat (while supplies last) with them, beginning at 10:00 am. Kids and adults alike can enjoy a day at the Zoo, along with free trick-or-treat bags, live musical entertainment, costumed characters, fall-fun animal enrichments, and more!
This event is included with Zoo admission and free for RWPZoo members. All activities are weather permitting (rain date: Sunday, October 29) and while supplies last. Non-members must purchase tickets online in advance; RWPZ members please have photo ID and digital card ready for entry.
STAGE FRIGHT
Halloween at PPAC
Featured showing of the silent classic THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1925) preceded by Halloween family fun — all Free and Open, if you DARE!
About this Event
FAMILY FUN @ 5:30 PM
SILENT FEATURE @ 7:00 PM
Beginning at 5:30 PM, kids and families in costume are invited to PPAC for a costume parade, trick or treating, and some family-friendly entertainment, including a showing of the silent short film THE HAUNTED HOUSE (1921) also accompanied by PPAC’s Wurlitzer.
Free and Open to the Public
At 7:00 PM, the Silent Film Era returns to PPAC! Experience the 1925 classic, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, starring “The Man of 1000 Faces,” Lon Cheney, as it was meant to be experienced — in a grand theatre to the improvisational magic of the theatrical pipe organ — PPAC’s 1927 Wurlitzer as brought to life by House Organist Peter Edwin Krasinski. This classic experience will officially open Flicker’s VORTEX 2023 Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Film Festival!
Please join in if you dare at PPAC’s Stage Fright!
