Halloween is the spookiest time of the year, and if you’re truly in the spirit, South County, Rhode Island, has some events for you. These unique tours provide the opportunity to learn about the region’s rich history while celebrating this late-October holiday in style. You might even get to meet some of the area’s past residents in ghost form.
You’ll need to book your tickets early if you want to attend because they typically sell out. Here are some spooky events to check out while vacationing in South County this October.
Spirits of the Courthouse
If you’ve ever seen Ghost Hunters or another paranormal investigation show on TV, Spirits of the Courthouse might be right up your alley. This event is more than a tour; you’ll get to try your hand at the investigation using all the tools and gear you’ve seen on these shows.
Alias Paranormal hosts Spirits of the Courthouse, which takes place at the Courthouse Center for the Arts in South Kingstown. You’ll be in the building from 7:00 PM until midnight on October 28, 2023, making this experience even spookier.
Tickets are $45, with all proceeds going to the Courthouse Center for the Arts. Book your tickets early because this rare opportunity is sure to sell out fast.
Ghost Tour Cemetery Walk
Also on October 28, the Western Rhode Island Civic Historical Society will host the Ghost Tour Cemetery Walk in Coventry, Rhode Island. This tour starts at Paine House Museum and continues to Manchester Cemetery, stopping along the way to investigate potential hauntings and meet some of South County’s past residents. http://www.westernrihistory.org/events/ghost-tours/
The tour runs from 3:30 until 4:30 PM, so you don’t have to stay up too late to participate and is hosted by the team from RISEUP Paranormal. This group will also share some results from their past investigations of the property, adding to the spooky factor as you head out.
Tickets cost $20 and include refreshments at the conclusion of the tour. All proceeds go to benefit the Western Rhode Island Civic Historical Society.
Downtown Westerly Ghost Tour
Downtown Westerly is known as one of the most haunted locations on the East Coast to the point its downtown ghost tours run all year. However, there’s something special about taking one of these tours around Halloween and learning about the town’s tragic and spooky past.
Over the years, Westerly has seen multiple shipwrecks and been the home of cursed pirate treasure and real-life witches. Many hauntings have been reported throughout the town, too, some of which date back to the 19th century.
This walking tour of downtown Westerly covers much of this history and takes you to some locations where spirits have been seen over the years. You’ll never look at Westerly the same way after departing on this adventure.
Tickets are $30 per person, and the tour takes about two hours. You can book your tickets for pretty much any day leading up to Halloween or even for Halloween night itself.
Spooky Historic Walking Tour of Wickford
Wicked Weeks in Wickford is a two-week Halloween celebration that kicks off in the middle of October. It features parades, runs, and a light festival, giving you plenty of opportunity to check it out. The event runs until October 29, which is when you can participate in the Spooky Historic Walking Tour of the town’s Main Street area.
Town historian Tim Cranston hosts this walk and will take you to some of Wickford’s oldest and most haunted locations. The event is free to attend, and organizers will set a start time closer to the date.
Getting to Know South County
If you’ll be spending your October getaway at a South County vacation rental, it makes sense to learn a bit about the area. This region is full of history, although it should be noted that not all of it is pleasant.
You’ll find out about the good and the bad if you embark on one of these tours, and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Book your tickets early to ensure you do not miss out on any of these Halloween 2023 tours and events.