October in the Finger Lakes is the month for spooky and scary fun, so if you’re looking for some frightful entertainment around Ontario County, there are plenty of tricks and treats to be found!
From haunted history, to eerie encounters, and family fun, here are some events and places guaranteed to add something special to your Halloween season.
Haunted Events
Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises
Step aboard the Canandaigua Lady (205 Lakeshore Dr., Canandaigua, N.Y.) for its Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise on Oct. 4, 2025. Blending a classic whodunit with interactive theater, this dinner cruise offers an evening filled with suspense and comedy set against lakefront views. Immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind Finger Lakes experience while enjoying the stunning scenery of Canandaigua Lake.
Civil War Themed Cemetery Walk
History enthusiasts can enjoy a blend of history and mystery at the Civil War Themed Cemetery Walk in the South Farmington Cemetery (4899 Shortsville Rd, Shortsville, N.Y.) on Oct. 4, 2025. Hosted by the South Farmington Friends Cemetery Association, the walk features a glimpse into the past of this historic cemetery, encountering reenactors portraying Civil War soldiers and learning about the lives of local veterans who served during the conflict.
Mansion Mysteries at Sonnenberg Gardens
Play detective during Mansion Mysteries at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park (250 Gibson St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) on Oct. 17, 18, 19, and 24, 2025. This live investigation invites guests to step inside the historic mansion and help solve a whodunit. Blending theater and mystery, the event delivers an immersive Halloween experience perfect for those who love the intrigue of the season.
Phelps Haunted House
Feel your heartbeat race at the the Phelps Haunted House (15 Church St., Phelps, N.Y.) every Friday and Saturday from Oct. 10–25, 2025. Visitors can creep through the former Phelps Art Center, encountering sinister characters lurking around corners, including scary clowns and murderers, as well as rooms filled with chilling décor, and immersive Halloween surprises.
Haunted Stroll at Sonnenberg Gardens
If the unexpected is part of what makes Halloween your favorite holiday, don't miss the Haunted Stroll through Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park (250 Gibson St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) on Oct. 26, 2025. On this haunted stroll, explore the grounds and encounter eerie sights, sounds, and stories that will leave you with goosebumps long after you leave. This family-friendly experience includes surprise encounters with characters such as the Headless Horseman, witches, goblins, and more—because you never know what might be waiting around the corner.
Haunted Stays
The Naples Hotel
Part of the Haunted History Trail of New York State, The Naples Hotel (111 S Main St., Naples, N.Y.) is a local staple. Built in 1895, the hotel has been home to countless travelers over the years, some of whom apparently never left, according to a few witnesses. Today, the hotel’s rooms are haunted by at least six friendly spirits, including a woman and her children, as well as a gentleman named Topper. They are said to move pictures, turn on lights, and lock doors! This Halloween season, have dinner in this historic hotel, or better yet, book a room to experience the Naples landmark yourself.
Belhurst Castle
With a past filled with love affairs, mystery, and tragedy, Belhurst Castle (4069 West Lake Rd., Geneva, N.Y.) has earned its reputation as one of the Finger Lakes’ most haunted destinations. From its early days marked by fatal accidents and crumbling houses to the legendary ghost of Isabella, the opera singer said to wander the grounds in white, the castle is steeped in chilling tales, making it another local stop on the Haunted History Trail of New York State. Guests and staff alike report eerie happenings—showers turning on by themselves, glasses flying in the bar, lullabies sung at night, and even apparitions of long-gone caretakers. Whether you encounter Isabella or another spirit from its storied past, an overnight stay at Belhurst—or a visit to its in-house winery, where you can enjoy award-winning wines and browse books about the castle’s history—this is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
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