“The Rocky Horror Show” Performance: A live musical directed by local actress/director Lanni Luce West, and features a cast and crew who represent some of the Upper Valley’s finest talent. Performances are Oct. 23, 24 and 30, 31 at the Woodstock Town Hall Theatre. For more information and tickets go to pentanglearts.org or call 802-457-3891.
“The Weir” Performance: This play is contemporary in its delivery — pulling the audience along in storytelling from the five performers. From within an Irish pub, stories are shared — each one more eerie than the other. Recommended for mature audiences. Performances continue Oct. 23-24 at 8 p.m., Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. at Damon Hall in Hartland.
VINS Hoots and Howls Event: On Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Vermont Institute of Natural Science at Route 4 in Quechee, this fun, educational and non-scary Halloween event is great for families and people of all ages. Guided tours lead you along trails lighted by pumpkins as you enjoy storytelling, live animals, skits, activities and more! Wrap up the evening with delicious Tricky Treats and the chance to meet a bird up close. Come in a costume or just be part of the fun. Reservations encouraged, walk-ins welcome.
Opening Reception: Lynn Graznak, A Fine Art Exhibit: Friday Oct. 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at ArtisTree in Pomfret. Through works of sculptural narrative assemblage and a room-sized installation, Lynn Graznak explores memory, folktales, childhood, and heartbreak. Though sometimes macabre, these poetically surreal pieces complement this season, when the veil between the worlds of reality and magic is most thin. This multi-media exhibit will best be experienced by bringing your smart phone and a pair of headphones.
Spooky Woodstock Halloween History and Crafts Party: On Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2 p.m., the Woodstock History Center will host a Halloween party with crafts, games, and more for pre-school to grade 3. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required as space is limited. Program held at the Woodstock History Center, 26 Elm St. To register call (802) 457-1822.
Billings Family Halloween: Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Billings Farm and Museum. A family Halloween event will be held, Halloween fun for all ages! Doughnuts-on-a-string, pumpkin carving, Halloween tales, wagon rides, and lots more. Costume parades at noon and 2 p.m. Children in costume admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
Halloween Flick and Float: Watch a movie while floating in the pool. “Hotel Transylvania” (PG) will be showing starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. Doors open at 6:30. The Climb Fitness Center at Mount Ascutney on Friday. Free.
Barnard General Store Costume Contest: BGS Costume Contest will be held on Halloween day from 2-3:30 p.m. at the store.
Bentley’s Rocky Horror Halloween Bash: Saturday, Oct. 31 starting at 10 p.m. there will be a costume contest, fantastic prizes, dancing, spooky giant high-def music video and more held at Bentleys Restaurant in Woodstock.
The Exorcist (1973 – R): Pentangle presents “The Exorcist” at Woodstock Town Hall Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. The film received a theatrical rerelease in 2000, in a special edition that added 11 minutes of footage trimmed from the film’s original release and digitally enhanced Chris Newman’s Oscar-winning sound work.
Pumpkins In The Park: On Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Hartland Recreation Center from 5-8 p.m. Free. Come early for some traditional favorites…bring your own carved pumpkin for the carving contest, storytelling, fun music and hayrides! Don’t worry about a trick or treat bag — you can decorate one here! Head out to trick or treat anytime but make sure you’re back for the famous costume parade at 7 p.m.! Decorations are not scary! This event is geared to all ages!
Graveyard Gala: Hartland Drama Club presents the Graveyard Gala, a community dance and fundraiser, Oct. 31 from 7-10 p.m. at the Hartland Elementary School gym. The event will feature a DJ and dancing, haunted hunt, special dance and costume contests and much more… sweets and other wicked treats will be available by donation. Costumes encouraged. Open to all ages, admission is $5 per person, $20 family maximum. No drop offs. You must come in the company of a parent or other adult who is willing to assume responsibility for you and will be attending the event.
Reading 9th Annual Fright Night: Saturday, Oct. 31, 5 to 9 p.m. Join a night of fun, food and games at Reading’s ninth annual Fright Night! Starting at 5 p.m. Town Hall is pizza in the downstairs dining room. At 6 p.m. is the parade to the library for costume and carved pumpkins judging. At 6:45 p.m. is Fright Night upstairs in the Town Hall. At 8 p.m., rock the night away with DJ Funky, Matt and the Gang. All ages welcome! The town hall will be transformed into a frightful maze with even more new activities and games. This is a free event and we welcome children of all ages. Make sure carved pumpkins get to the steps of the library and don’t forget to put your name on it. Prizes will be handed out at the library.
Library Events
Halloween Story Time at Norman Williams Public Library: Saturday, Oct. 31. Wear your costume and join Melissa and Clare for a special just before you hit the streets to trick or treat! Spookiness of stories will be tailored to the audience. Two “seatings,” 4:30 and 5:15 p.m., lasting about 20-30 minutes. This program is recommended for children 3-10 with caregiver. Light refreshments served.
Quechee Library Halloween Events: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m.: Halloween Witches Storytime. Friday, Oct. 30, 3 p.m.: Halloween Program at the Quechee Library. Holiday crafts and fun. Costumes are welcome. Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Children are invited to visit the Quechee and Wilder Libraries in costume for trick or treating. Holiday fun and the treat is a free book.
Wilder Library Halloween Events: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. Halloween Story time. Thursday, Oct. 29, 3 p.m.: Halloween Program, Holiday crafts and fun. Costumes are welcome.
Hartland Library: Harvest, Halloween And Haunts: Grownup “Show And Tell,” Thursday, Oct. 29, 4 p.m. Hartland Library Community Room. Bring your mementos, photos or letters and share the special stories behind these items — or just come to listen! It’s like elementary school without the gerbils. Co-hosted by Aging in Hartland and the library.
Are you hosting an event that we missed? Let us know, email calendar@thevermontstandard.com
For a complete calendar listing go to the community calendar.