Island’s Embrace Of Halloween Is Welcome Treat

With the advent of fall, some weekends on the Vineyard can seem rather quiet. Not this weekend. The Island takes its holidays seriously and Halloween is no exception.

Monday, Oct. 31, is the big day for trick-or-treats and costumed merriment. And while trick-or-treating is welcome all over the Island, Vineyard Haven tends to draw most of the ghosts and ghouls. The afternoon starts with a costume parade down Main street beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Mansion House. Most of the businesses offer up treats, so don’t forget the goody bags. The parade ends at the Waterside Market with more refreshments.

Also in Vineyard Haven are the Halloween havens at St. Augustine’s Church starting at 4 p.m. and going to 9 p.m. and the Vineyard Playhouse roaring from 6 to 8 p.m. Both offer safe havens and lots of holiday fun.

Later that night, the prime location for trick-or-treating is along William street in Vineyard Haven.

But never fear for those wanting to stay spooky in their up-Island abodes. The West Tisbury library throws its annual Halloween party from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Enjoy crafts, treats, costumes and hayrides. Later that night the town party takes place at the Agricultural Hall. The highlight of this event are the horse-drawn hayrides to the graveyard where live zombies jump out from behind gravestones and send the heart rate soaring.

Across the Island, the Edgartown School is holding a party from 4 to 6 p.m. complete with games, a costume contest, pizza and apple cider.

And for those a bit too old be out trick-or-treating, you know who you are, Tom Tisdale, Nectar’s is filling the void with a concert by the Boogies. Doors open for this 21 and older show open at 9 p.m.

And because sometimes one day is never enough there are a host of activities taking place earlier in the weekend.

Tonight, Oct. 28, the Charter School is hosting a double feature at the Capawock Theatre in Vineyard Haven. First up at 7 p.m. is Young Frankenstein directed by Mel Brooks with the immortal Marty Feldman (not literally immortal but his bug eyes seems as alive as ever) and at 9:15 The Rocky Horror Picture Show hits the stage. Well, the movie hits the screen, it’s the costumed audience that should be hitting the stage and aisles. Remember, it’s just a jump to the left when doing the Time Warp.

On Saturday, Oct. 29, the Oak Bluffs Library gets going early with its party. From 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. enjoy trick-or-treating, a costume parade, crafts, movie, and refreshments. Later in the day the YMCA takes its turn at the ghost corner with a party from 3 to 5 p.m. for members and nonmembers. Enjoy crafts, pumpkin painting, storytelling and more. And for those looking to work off some candy calories, Om of Motion on State Road in West Tisbury is holding a Halloween spin marathon beginning at 2 p.m. First up is Rear Window, then Ghostbusters screens at 4 p.m., Halloween at 6 p.m., and at 8 p.m. The Rocky Horror Picture show. If after four or six hours of spinning you get hungry, the ArtCliff truck will be parked outside from 4 to 7 p.m.

On Sunday, Oct. 30, the Vineyard Haven Library is throwing a Spooktacular Good Time from 2 to 3 p.m.

Please note this list is as comprehensive as possible. But beware, there may be more spooky goings-on around the Island so watch out because word has it both Freddy Krueger and Jason like the healing qualities of the Vineyard off-season.