Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, and Milford, Orange and West Haven are filling the whole day, from a 9 a.m. costume 5K at the harbor to a dance party that runs until midnight. Here’s what’s happening Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31, every item checked against the organizer’s own page this week.
If you made it to last weekend’s Hall-O-Weekend on the Milford Green or one of the Trunk or Treats, this is round two. Grab the costumes and a bigger candy bag.
Friday, Oct. 30
Storytime Costume Parade, West Haven
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. · West Haven Public Library, Connie Sacco Room
The littlest trick-or-treaters get their own parade. The library’s Children’s Department is holding a storytime, then a costume parade through the library, followed by mini pumpkin decorating, according to the library’s listing. It’s for kids up to age 4. No registration is needed and drop-ins are welcome.
Last day of the Halloween Story Walk, West Haven
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. · Ora Mason Branch Library
Friday is the last chance to follow the outdoor story walk of “Halloween Scare in CT” by Eric James at the Ora Mason branch. Pick up a question sheet at the circulation desk, follow the story, and turn in the finished sheet for a prize, the library says. It’s recommended for ages 4 and up. Costumes are welcome, but the library asks for no spooky masks.
“The Poe Show,” West Haven
7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday · Bucknall Theater, Dodds Hall, University of New Haven
The University of New Haven Theater Program’s fall show, “The Poe Show” by Jonathan Yukich, brings “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Black Cat,” “The Raven” and more Edgar Allan Poe to the stage with a mix of comedy and gothic suspense. The last two performances are Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets are sold at the door, cash only: a suggested $10, or $5 for students, according to the university’s event page.
An Evening at the Haunted Manor, Milford
7:30 to 9 p.m. · First United Church of Christ, Meetinghouse Sanctuary, 34 West Main St.
First UCC on the Milford Green is throwing a family-friendly Halloween concert in its historic Meetinghouse sanctuary, with organist John Abdenour, tenor Brenten Megee, soprano Diane Phelan, the Chamber Singers and the Adult Choir. All ages are welcome and costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $20, or $10 for seniors and children under 12, and they support the church’s concert fund, according to the church’s event page and flyer. Call 203-877-4277 for details.
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Saturday, Oct. 31 (Halloween)
Milford Trick or Trot 5K, Milford
Kids dash 8:30 a.m., 5K 9 a.m. · Lisman Landing, Helwig Street
The 15th annual Milford Trick or Trot 5K run/walk benefits the Beth-El Center, Milford’s shelter and soup kitchen, and all proceeds go to the center, according to the race’s registration page. Costumes aren’t required, but there are prizes for the best ones. Kids 10 and under can run a free Halloween dash at 8:30 a.m.
- Registration is online only, with no cash sign-ups on race day. Online registration closes at 10 a.m. Saturday. Adult entry is $43.40 with fees, and youth 18 and under is $27.50.
- Early bib and shirt pickup is Friday, Oct. 30, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Beth-El Center, 90 New Haven Ave. Race-day pickup starts at 7:30 a.m. at Lisman Landing.
- Organizers say to park at Lisman Landing or behind the restaurants up the road, and not at the apartments across the street, which tow.
- The race is held rain or shine.
Coastal Bird Walk at Milford Point, Milford
Noon · Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point
Not a costume person? Local birder Frank Mantlik leads a two- to three-hour walk around the sanctuary’s salt marsh, woods and sandbar. Beginners are welcome, and the center has a few binoculars to lend. Registration is required through Connecticut Audubon. It’s $15 for members and $20 for everyone else.
Halloween in the Library, Orange
10 a.m. to noon · Case Memorial Library, 176 Tyler City Road
Staff will hand out treats in the Children’s Room all morning, including some non-food options for kids with allergies. Costumes are optional but encouraged, and no registration is needed, according to the library’s calendar.
UNH football vs. Duquesne: the City of West Haven Game
Noon · Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium, University of New Haven
The Chargers host Duquesne in a home game the university has named the City of West Haven Game. Tickets are sold through the UNH box office, according to the university’s listing.
20th annual Walnut Beach Halloween Parade, Milford
5 to 7 p.m. · Walnut Beach Creamery, 17 Broadway
This is the big one at the beach. The Walnut Beach Association lists candy starting at 5 p.m., costumes, a DJ and dancing. It’s also the creamery’s last day open for 2026, and anyone in costume gets free ice cream while supplies last, according to the association’s event page. The Walnut Beach Creamery presents the parade.
The Spooky Social: Trick-or-Treat on the Green, Milford
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. · Bay View Green, Bayshore Drive Extended
The Bay View Improvement Association is turning its neighborhood green into one big trick-or-treat stop. Organizers ask the adults to bring a lawn chair and their own supply of Halloween candy to hand out, according to the association’s event page.
Halloween Dance Party at the MAC, Milford
8 p.m. to midnight · The MAC Downtown, 40 Railroad Ave. South
For the grown-ups, the Milford Arts Council’s Halloween Dance Party returns to the old train station with DJ Sonja, a swirling disco ball and “a winged giant dragon” watching over the dance floor. There’s food, the MAC’s Speakeasy is open as a cash bar, and there are prizes for the best costumes. Tickets are $20, or $25 at the door, and MAC members get in free, according to the MAC’s event page.
One more thing
Don’t forget that the clocks fall back an hour early Sunday, Nov. 1, so you get an extra hour of sleep after the party. Here’s how early it gets dark once it’s done.
Plans can change, especially if the weather turns, so check the organizer’s page before you head out. Know of a Halloween event we missed? Let us know.
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