Being a newbie in Beacon, I was unaware of all of the festivities that go on here the weekend before Halloween. That's how last year found us at the The Roundhouse eating a kid-friendly lunch with friends, while every kid but my own were dressed in costume and trick-or-treating at stores on Main Street, just days before the actual night of real trick-or-treating.

When those friends asked me this year "What is going on this weekend in Beacon for Halloween?" I stared at the computer screen blankly. I didn't know! But I do now. A quick grocery run at Keyfoods exposed me to a full schedule printed on the front page of the Beacon Free Press! Hurrah! So for any of you looking online for 2013, here's what's in store, courtesy of the tireless organizers of the official movement, "A Very Beacon Halloween" (go see their Facebook page).


NOTE: As for the actual night of Halloween Trick or Treating, I'm seeking confirmation on those hours, but in the past, little kids have started at 5pm, and older kids come out until about 8pm.


FRIDAY, October 25, 2013
4:00pm
Pumpkin Hunt along Main Street at designated participating stores (free)
Starts at the Beacon Creamery 445 Main Street maps available there that day

7:00pm
Pumpkin Glow with a performance by the Rivertown Kids
Carved Pumpkin Contest winners ceremony near the Visitors Center on 9D and Main Street

8:00pm
Dinema Theatre (dinner and free movie) at the Cup and Saucer Restaurant 165 Main Street

SATURDAY, October 26, 2013
2:00pm
Children's Story time and music at Echo 380 Main Street

4:00pm
Ghost and Cemetery Walks on Main Street (free)

6:00pm
Halloween Movies at the Beacon Theater 445 Main Street

7:00pm
Guess who's Coming to Dinner/ Group Reading at the Cup and Saucer Restaurant 165 Main Street

8:00pm
Howland Cultural Center an Evening with Edgar Allen Poe

9:00pm
Max's on Main Annual Halloween Costume Party 246 Main

10:00pm
Rocky Horror Picture Show Beacon Theater 445 Main St

SUNDAY, October 27, 2013
12:30pm
Line up for Hocus Pocus Parade at The Visitor's Center on 9D and Main St.

1:00pm
Hocus Pocus Parade down Main Street from 9D to the Roundhouse (free)
followed by trick or treating at designated participating stores displaying orange and black balloons.

2:00pm line up for the 8th Annual Howl-a-Ween Costume Contest for dogs
Registration $8- free treat bag for all registered dogs

Ongoing:
Backroom Gallery antique handmade Halloween gift wrapping exhibit (free)
475 Main Street

THURSDAY, October 31, 2013
Trick or Treat! Still waiting on word and a website update from City Hall as to official Trick or Treating hours, but generally, 5-8pm is a safe bet.