A Jack-o’-Lantern’s Guide to the Haunted City

Hey there, my pumpkin-headed pals and frightful friends! It’s your favorite grinning gourd, Jack-o’-Lanterns, back for the grand finale of our Albany adventure series. We’ve journeyed through “Albany with Echoes of the Past” chuckled our way through “Albany the Present” and now, prepare yourselves for a trip into the very near future: “Albany of the Near Future,” all about the spooktacular season of Halloween! And let me tell you, this city is a haunted hoot!

As a connoisseur of all things eerie and orange, I’m here to guide you through the next few weeks, from today Oct 5th, 2025, all the way to October 31st, 2025. You might think, “Jack-o’-Lanterns, what could be so haunted about Albany?” Well, my glowing friends, you’re about to find out!

Starting Our Spooky Sojourn: Three Significant Events

We’re diving headfirst into the haunted happenings with three truly delightful (and slightly silly) events

Mid-Autumn Festival from the Asian Community:

Yes, you heard me right! While perhaps not “haunted” in the traditional sense, there’s a certain spectral beauty to the moon, don’t you think? Imagine the spirits of ancestors gazing down from that full moon. Plus, who knows what delicious, potentially pumpkin-flavored, treats you might find? It’s a gathering, a celebration, and a chance to get your ghost-hunting belly full!

Oktoberfest Haunted Tour at Hudson River?!?

Ah, the Hudson! A river with secrets as deep as its currents. Board the Dutch Apple Cruise for a leisurely (or is it… ghostly?) 90-minute tour. You might even hear the ghostly echoes of old Dutch sailors complaining about their wooden shoes. “My clogs are wet!” they’d wail. Hilarious!

Albany Historic Early Ghost Tours:

Now THIS is where things get delightfully chilling! Join an early ghost tours and let the knowledgeable (and probably slightly spooky) guides lead you through the cobblestone streets of Albany. You’ll hear tales of forgotten souls, spectral sightings, and maybe even feel a cold breath on your neck. Don’t worry, it’s probably just a draft… or the ghost of a particularly silly squirrel who lost his nuts. Either way, it’s a laugh and a shiver!

Why Albany is still Halloween’s Dreamland: Five More Events!

You might be thinking, “That’s it, Jack-o’-Lanterns? A few events and a slightly damp cruise?” Oh, my sweet, naive, human friends, Albany has so much more to offer in its haunted repertoire!

Monday Date Nights:

Who says haunted can’t be romantic? Imagine holding hands with your boo as you explore a dimly lit, historic Albany establishment. Maybe a ghost will try to photobomb your selfie! Or perhaps, a spectral waiter will accidentally spill ectoplasm on your pasta. Now that would be a memorable date night! Just try not to get too spooked to share your dessert.

Fall Walking at Thacher State Park:

As the leaves turn to fiery reds and oranges, mimicking my glorious complexion, Thacher State Park becomes a truly magical (and possibly haunted) place. Imagine hiking along the trails at night, the crisp autumn air on your face, and the rustling leaves sounding suspiciously like whispers from beyond. Are those just squirrels, or are they the tiny, acorn-loving spirits of the forest? You decide! But don’t trip over any phantom roots; that would be just plain stupid.

Murder at Cherry Hill

 Cherry Hill, a historic estate, is practically begging to be haunted! I’m talking creaking floorboards, flickering lights, and the undeniable scent of old-timey potpourri.

Keep an eye out for apparitions of former residents, perhaps still looking for their lost spectacles or complaining about the cost of carriage repairs. Imagine a ghost tripping over a dustpan – pure comedic gold!

Step into a real-life whodunit where you become the detective. Explore the dimly lit halls and hidden corners of Cherry Hill, interviewing suspects (actors, of course!) and uncovering the truth behind a fictional murder that once shook the estate.

Mulled Wine and Murder also at Cherry Hill

 Unravel a chilling mystery while sipping on warm, spiced mulled wine. This immersive event combines historical intrigue with a touch of the macabre, as you help piece together clues from a bygone era.

Candlelight Tribute to Taylor Swift

Now, you might be wondering, “Jack-o’-Lanterns, how is a Taylor Swift tribute haunted?” My dear friends, have you ever considered the sheer spirit of her music? The heartbreak, the triumphs, the legions of devoted fans whose collective energy could surely conjure a spectral sing-along! Imagine a ghostly remix “Shake It Off” chorus echoing through the hallowed halls, or a phantom “Love Story” playing on a loop. It’s less “haunted house” and more “haunted harmony.” And who doesn’t love a good candlelight tribute? It’s practically an invitation for friendly specters to join in.

A Moment of Reflection

As your faithful, glowing guide through Albany’s haunted near future, I feel it’s important to pause our spectral silliness for a moment of quiet reflection and for safety. 

As October 29th approaches, we remember the tragic Halloween crowd crush at Iteawon, Seoul, South Korea, in 2022. It’s a stark reminder that even in our pursuit of fun and frights, safety and community care are paramount. Let us hold those lost in our thoughts and strive to create safe and joyful celebrations for everyone.

So, there you have it, my magnificent mortals! Albany, a city where the past, present, and near future are interwoven with threads of history, community, and, of course, a delightful dash of the haunted. From the solemn beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival to the ghostly giggles on a historic tour, Albany promises a Halloween season that’s both spirited and (mostly) safe.

Now explore Albany’s All-Hallow E’en Festival !

Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for me – I’ll be the one with the silly grin, illuminating the way! Happy haunting!