October Casts its Haunted Halloween Spell over Pawtucket

(Pawtucket, RI) When the equinox ushers in the coolness of fall, the ensuing winds carry us through the dusk of October to the ancient Celtic observance of Samhein, All Souls, All Hallows Eve - the playfully wicked season of Halloween. For nine haunting nights in Pawtucket, Rhode Island – the historical center of industry in late 18th century America – Mill City Haunts serves a witches brew of attractions creating a destination in the city, anchored by its downtown and historic Daggett Farm, and open to all residents and visitors.

Scary movies, ghost hunts, haunting hand bells, a ghostly gondolier, tarot readings, macabre art, a haunted tunnel and an experience in Underland are just some of the haunts spooking this mill city, enhanced with lighting, audio/visual, films, and live performances.

The seven o’clock illumination of City Hall, Tower and Bike Path in dramatic lighting and audio on Thursday October 18 sets the spirited tone for an extended week of haunted happenings. Creatures convene on the path, waiting to selfie, as Blackstone River-keeper Charron the Ferryman rows by.

At 7:30 on Thursday, a free movie double-feature of “Hotel Transylvania” (PG), followed by Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” (R) will show on a big screen at the Veterans Amphitheater aside City Hall. A week later, on Oct 25, a second free double-feature will be shown, with Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride” (PG), followed by “The Shining” (R).

Ghost hunters do their thing inside Old Slater Mill on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, leading after-dark investigations of its 18th and 19th century buildings, where chilling speculation about this iconic Rhode Island landmark is brought to light.

On Thursdays, noted paranormalist Carl L. Johnson leads his popular 90-minute Mills & Mysteries tour. His knowledge of Slater Mill is intricate, nurtured by his 12-year tenure as a historic interpreter there. Johnson explores the most spiritually charged places on the campus, starting at 8:00 p.m. $18 per person. Advance reservations at brownpapertickets.com.

On Friday and Saturday, Thomas D’Agostino and Arlene Nicholson lead a History Research Paranormal Investigation at the mill. D’Agostino, an expert on New England haunted lore, and author of Rhode Island’s Haunted Ramtail Factory (among many other titles) will utilize Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) and other means to channel communications in both mills. Nicholson will use Tarot Cards to communicate inside the 1758 Sylvanus Brown House. 60-minute cycle, start times 8, 8:40, 9, 9:20, 9:40 and 10. $20 per person on brownpapertickets.com.

Premier national purveyors of performance art, TEN31 Productions – known colloquially in Rhode Island as “the Living Statues and Gargoyles at Waterfire ” – open their creative showcase Revel Factory at 249 Roosevelt Avenue, for “UNDERLAND: An Immersive Haunted Experience" (a twisted take on Alice’s Wonderland) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, where interactive characters engage with guests in this other-worldly place. Ages 12 and older, 30-minute cycle beginning at 7 p.m. $10 advance, $12 at door. Tickets at underland2018.eventbrite.com.

The Haunted Tunnel at Daggett Farm in Slater Park is a big draw on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the month of October, 6:30 to 9. Many volunteers bring their passion to this popular attraction, whose revenue benefits Daggett Farm. Very intense, 10-minute cycle. $10 per person.

Free performances at the Veteran’s Amphitheater on Friday and Saturday include J.M. Walsh student bands on Oct 19; the electronic music duo Space Heater on Oct. 20; Burbage Theater thespians act up Oct. 26, and the eerie vibe of the Wheeler Hand Bell Ensemble rings out on Oct. 27.

At the Visitor Center downtown, free admission for the exhibition “Monster Masterpieces” by Jennifer Gillooly-Cahoon. Classic Films will be screened in the Visitor Center Theater on Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 pm, $3 per person. Restroom will be open on event nights until 10 p.m.

The curtain closes on Mill City Haunts on Saturday, October 27 following TEN31’s hauntingly mactigal “Underland Ball,” for which guests are encouraged to wear costumes (prizes awarded), and come dance the night away. Doors at 10:31 p.m. $18 per person advance, $20 at door. Tickets at Underland2018.eventbrite.com

More than 30 events – many free, some ticketed – are part of Mill City Haunts, with activities that appeal to families, thrill seekers, and Halloween fans of all ages, tastes, and fright tolerances. The complete calendar of events and locations is posted at millcityhaunts.com, downloadable version via email to info@slatermill.org.

Mill City Haunts is presented by the City of Pawtucket, in partnership with Slater Mill and TEN31 Productions, and with the support of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Pawtucket Library, Pawtucket YMCA, Pawtucket Parks and Public Works Departments, Delin Design, Riverfront Lofts and other partners.