Halloween 2022: Let’s Go!!!

Halloween Jack O’ Lanterns by Katheryn Laible

Updated 10/27…My mother always felt a main point of Halloween was to scare bad spirits away before winter gave them too many opportunities to wreak havoc. I love the idea, and really everything about All Hallow’s Eve.

You can learn all sorts of things about the holiday at history.com.

Here’s a history of the Celtic holiday Samhain from Time Magazine, which, due to it’s being an Irish word is, in fact, pronounced SAW-in.

This interesting old article from the BBC explores the connection (or maybe not) between All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day, and Samhain. For an even deeper and broader look at such holidays, check out the World History Encyclopedia.

Of course, many folks simply treasure Halloween for the opportunity to express their creativity and enjoy a great party of sweets, cosplay, and the fun of being playfully terrified.

Are You Ready for Halloween?

Here are “159 of the most creative Halloween Costume Ideas Ever” from Bored Panda. If you have to come up with one yourself really fast, Readers Digest offers 102 Easy Halloween Costumes You Can Make Last Minute

Here’s the Ultimate Guide to Pumpkin Picking on Long Island — I still need to get mine. Can’t wait to carve this weekend!

Here’s 100 easy ideas for that from Parade.com. If you want to take it to the next level, check out “111 World’s Coolest Pumpkin Designs” from homesthetics.net.

Let's Make Some Plans!

For a truly spectacular experience, check out The Rise of the Jack o’ Lanterns which is finally returning to LI this year and is now being hosted at USDAN!

Mommypoppins.com offers up 75 Fun Halloween Activities for Kids.

Here’s a list of haunted houses offered by the Long Island Press

Did you know there’s a Long Island Haunted House Calendar?

Newsday’s got the party scene covered, and articles on all sorts of folks getting into the spirit across the Island. (There is a paywall. Please support local papers).

Don’t forget to check out cool local theaters. The Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington will be showing “The Bat” from 1926, “Scared for Your Life 2022: An Indie Horror Film Festival”, as well as “Boardinghouse –
Cult Café – VHS Night.” What shows are going on near you?

Downtown Happenings

This is also a great time of year to check out Long Island’s amazing downtowns, which are filled with treasures. Check out your local Chamber of Commerce, BID, and other local organizations to see what’s going on near you!

Check out The Huntington Arts Council’s exhibition “A Nightmare on Main Street,” an annual exhibition featuring artwork from students grades 6-12. There were 200 pieces from 145 students submitted. Juror Lauren La Bella chose 41 to show. They are eerily inspiring! Check out the website to learn more, including the 2022 statement that prompted them….

My own Firefly Artists Gallery features hauntingly beautiful works and so much more all year long from amazing local artists such as our abandoned space and other spooky scenes specialists John Lazzaro (did you see his new book?!?), Paul Mele (who’s also got “Confinement” going on at fotofoto in Huntington) and now the amazing Kristen Memoli (welcome!!!).

This Thursday evening, we will offer 10% off our entire gallery as part of Northport’s annual Witches & Warlocks’ Night Out.

That’s October 27th  from 5-8pm.

The event unites local businesses in offering promotions and Halloween spirit. Come in costume! Bring your friends! Pick up a free tote bag, map and directory of evening events from our neighbors at the Signature Properties Northport office, 172 Main Street, who wonderfully organize this event. 

Meanwhile the Northport Historical Society is featuring the “Somnia Tarot” an exhibition of works of Nick Bruno, “a 78 image art series which uses photography, sculpture, costume design,
and dream journal recordings to tell the tale of classic Tarot. “

…They’ve also got “Halloween Magic” with Todd Harris coming Sunday 10/30!

Let’s have some fun!

You can see other great Northport/East Northport events (including Halloween Yoga!) in the Northport Journal. Check out your own local resources (which we are SO lucky to have) to see what’s going on in your neighborhood!

However you choose to celebrate (or not!), we wish you all the best!

Be safe, be smart, and enjoy.

Happy Halloween!!!

Window Shopping Witches