Get spooked in South County. Learn the haunted history and local folklore of the region with ghost tours in centuries‑old museums, a visit to Mercy Brown’s grave, or award‑winning ghost walks in downtown Westerly. Trick‑or‑treat at a haunted vineyard, attend a murder mystery dinner, and spend time in Historic Wickford Village for their Wicked WeekS celebrations. You’ll find a mix of spooky, scenic, and unmistakably South County events that make Halloween here one of New England’s most memorable fall celebrations.
Wicked Weeks in Wickford Village (October 17–31)
Wickford Village transforms into a Halloween destination for two spirited weeks. The Wickford Harbor Fire lights up the cove with floating fire pits and live music to start the celebrations. The Witches Paddle sends costumed kayakers and paddleboarders across the harbor, while Sip N Stroll invites adults to enjoy wine tastings throughout the village. The annual scarecrow contest fills Main Street with creative displays, and spooky walking tours share Wickford’s historic tales. Families gather for the Horribles Parade, a festive costume march through the village, and daily trick‑or‑treating, face painting, and food trucks add to the atmosphere. The Octobervets 5K leads into the OktoberVets Festival, featuring food, a beer tent, live music, and prizes.
Ghost Tour and Cemetery Walk at the Paine House Museum
The Paine House Museum offers one of Rhode Island’s most immersive Halloween experiences with its Ghost Tour and Cemetery Walk. Take a guided walk through the nearby cemetery, learn about the individuals buried there, and see the intricate carvings of early New England gravestone art. Return to the Paine House after the walk and explore the museum’s extensive collection of funerary artifacts. The evening concludes with refreshments in the Colonial Tavern. Combined with the museum’s documented paranormal history and preserved 18th‑century rooms, this event stands out as one of South County’s most atmospheric Halloween offerings.
Seaside Shadows Ghost Tours
Seaside Shadows brings theatrical storytelling to downtown Westerly with guided walks that blend local lore, true crime, and supernatural history. The company has earned national recognition, ranking among the top ghost tours in the country in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Tours highlight historic buildings, waterfront streets, and stories rooted in the region’s past, creating a memorable nighttime adventure into the past.
Visiting Mercy Brown’s Grave
Mercy Brown’s story remains one of the most famous pieces of Rhode Island folklore, and visiting her grave in Exeter is a popular stop for history enthusiasts during the Halloween season. Her 1892 exhumation — widely reported as a “vampire” case — was tied to fear surrounding tuberculosis and New England superstition. Chestnut Hill Cemetery, the site of the grave, dates back to the early 19th century and reflects the rural graveyard traditions of the period, with simple slate and marble markers, family plots, and a quiet wooded landscape typical of historic New England burial grounds. Today, Mercy Brown’s gravestone sits within this peaceful setting for visitors to reflect on the historical context behind one of America’s most enduring supernatural stories.
Murder Mystery Dinner at George’s of Galilee
George’s of Galilee hosts an interactive murder mystery dinner with oceanfront dining and a live theatrical performance. Guests become part of the unfolding storyline while enjoying a good meal and views of the shoreline. Book your seats for a Halloween experience that blends suspense and comedy, with South County’s coastal views.
Fayerweather Craft Guild Spooktacular Fun
The Fayerweather House in Kingston hosts its annual Spooktacular, a family‑friendly celebration featuring seasonal crafts, treats, and activities set within the historic property. The event offers a lighter, festive way to enjoy the season while connecting with local history.
Witch Please at The United Theatre
Witch Please is a Halloween‑themed drag show with local performers for an evening of high‑energy entertainment, costuming, and seasonal flair. Audiences can expect a mix of Halloween‑inspired looks, character‑driven acts, and crowd interaction. The show adds an entertaining, creative dimension to South County’s Halloween calendar.
Spooky Sunday at Shepherd’s Run
Shepherd’s Run winery and inn celebrates Halloween with an afternoon of magic, mischief, and seasonal wine. Explore the estate, get a tarot card reading, and visit mystical vendors such as Sacred Flame and Erba Energy Cleansing. Try the hot chocolate bar and fall‑inspired food and drink specials. No ticket or reservation required. The centerpiece of the day is the Haunted Vineyard Adult Trick‑or‑Treat Wine Tasting, a $35 experience for guests 21 and over that includes three Shepherd’s Run wines and a logo glass to take home; sign‑ups are taken on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Weather permitting, Spooky Sunday unfolds throughout the Front Circle and vineyard, creating a festive outdoor atmosphere; in the event of rain, all activities move indoors to the Event Hall and Manor House.
A Spooky and Unforgettable October
South County is perfect for a Halloween season full of historic intrigue, community events, and lively entertainment. From ghost tours and murder mysteries to waterfront festivals and village‑wide celebrations, October offers a mix of events for a spooky and unforgettable Halloween.
