Salem, Mass.
Although Salem, Mass. is famous for its campaign to eliminate witches in 1692, the townspeople must not have been too successful. The witches’ modern counterparts can still be seen around town today during Halloween—although they are sporting the more stereotypical hooked noses, green faces, and pointy black hats. Salem boasts an extravaganza of activities for its visitors, from ghost tours to séances and costume balls. This tourist magnet that continues to attract the living (and, supposedly, the dead) is a must-see for at least one Halloween during your college career.
Events take place all month. Salem, Mass.
Ghosts and Gravestones Tour
Once you hop on the “Trolley of Doom,” there is no going back. The tour takes you throughout Boston to explore the city’s darker facets: century-old burying grounds, haunted hotels, and murder sites. Your ghoulish guide will tell you all about the city’ s most infamous citizens, from the Angel of Death to the Boston Strangler. Easily scared? Not to worry; the tour is more entertaining and humorous than spine-chilling. It’s pricey, but the money goes toward the noble cause of maintaining Boston’ s historical sites.
Saturday, Oct. 30, tours depart from 7-9 p.m. $38 per ticket ($34.30 if purchased online). Boards from 200 Atlantic Ave., Boston.
Hogwarts at the HMNH
We already knew that Annenberg is really the Great Hall, but the Harvard Museum of Natural History has taken our Hogwarts resemblance to the next level. This weekend, the HMNH is treating its visitors to a more practical class schedule, with offerings ranging from Magical Creatures to Potter’s Potions. So grab an owl (or squirrel), brandish your wand (or HUID), hop on your Nimbus 2000 (or the shuttle), and head to Hogwarts—er, the HNMH.
Friday, Oct. 30, 2-5 p.m. Free admission for Harvard students.
GoreFest VIII: “Cirque du Slaughté”
“Cirque du Slaughté” is what you get when you combine one of Boston’ s top-rated comedy clubs with Halloween: a show overflowing with satire, innuendo, and red corn syrup. Billed as the “number one slasher-comedy-gore-musical in the world,” GoreFest—now in its eighth year running—spins the tale of a Depression-era circus. If you would rather laugh than scream, this is the event for you. But be warned if you sit up front: “Don’t wear your good clothes; you might just get splattered.”
Saturday, Oct. 30, 8-9:30 p.m. $19 for students. ImprovBoston, 40 Prospect St., Cambridge
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”
One of the most iconic movies of the 1970s, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is infamous for its parody of science fiction and horror films. The film is a series of twists and turns that leaves many viewers praising it—even for an intentionally terrible film. From the scandalous leather outfits to the clever songs, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has made its mark as a piece of Hollywood film history and Halloween culture.
Friday, Oct. 29 and Saturday, Oct. 30, 12:01 a.m. $10 admission. AMC Loews Harvard Square 5, 10 Church St.
“Psycho” at Emerson College
Even if you hate horror movies, “Psycho” is a classic. The brilliantly edited psychological thriller, which ushered in an era of horror and slasher films, sets the perfect mood for Halloween. On Friday and Saturday nights, Emerson College is screening the film at the Paramount Center’s Bright Family Screening Room. From master of mystery Alfred Hitchcock, “Psycho” will torture you with suspense and chill you to the core. Once you see it, you might never leave your bathroom door unlocked again.
Friday, Oct. 29, and Saturday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m. $10 admission. 559 Washington St., Boston.
The All New Scarier and More Interactive
2010 Boston Ghost Cruise
If Halloween on land is not scary enough for you, maybe taking it to the water will help on the Boston Ghost Cruise. Aboard the cruise, strange characters narrate tales of terror while the boat steers toward the sites where they occurred. Whether you find yourself shivering from the blood-curdling stories or amused by the personas of the narrators, you will probably come off the boat with an experience to share.
Friday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 31 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. $32 per ticket. Leaves from Long Wharf, Boston. Blue Line to Aquarium Station.
Trick-or-Treating
Contrary to popular belief, trick-or-treating is not just for children. Starving college students need candy, too. Luckily for you, Cambridge is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Boston to scour for candy. If you’ve never trick-or-treated before, this is the perfect opportunity to start. And if you’re a trick-or-treating veteran, why not continue the tradition?
Sunday, Oct. 31, after sundown.
