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Beware, October in Albany brews up tales of spine-chilling spirits, historic hauntings and frightening folklore. Whether you desire an immersive walk-through experience or a ghostly guided tour, Albany County offers a variety of ways to enjoy the most haunted time of year. Scroll on for the details about how to get in on the hocus pocus.
Photo Credit: Amityphotos
New York State Capitol Hauntings Tour
Varying dates between October 2 and November 1
The popular Capitol Hauntings Tour returns! If you dare, dive into the urban legends and famous hauntings connected to the historic New York State Capitol Building on this eerie guided tour. Tour guides regale brave guests with spine-chilling tales about the "lost" Capitol murals and their eccentric artist, two United States Presidents who visited the Capitol after they died, and a secret demon carved into stone with a Capitol curse. Keep an ear out for jangling keys and locking doors! These mysterious sounds are often attributed to the spirit of the nightwatchman still making his nightly rounds. The tour is free, but registration is required.
Special Capitol Hauntings Open Houses offered in place of the walking tour on October 4 and November 1! This self-guided experience is offered to all, no reservations required!
Paranormal Report with Tri-City NY Paranormal Society
October 3
Centuries ago, America's first Shaker settlement was founded on the grounds where Shaker Heritage Society stands today. Over the years, the historic property has been the site of various paranormal experiences. Attend this event hosted by the Tri-City NY Paranormal Society and uncover their findings from investigations of the Shaker property. View audio and video recordings and discuss what these findings might reveal.
The Dark Side of Center Square
Varying dates between October 4 and October 26
Embark on a sinister tour exploring the "Dark Side of Center Square!" This guided tour will delve into the stories behind the buildings you see every day in the Center Square area of Albany, peeling back the layers of history to discover tales of true crime, spooky stories, and murderous mysteries. Follow in the footsteps of the infamous Silent Stalker, and uncover the stories previously told only in lost newspapers and hushed whispers. Find out more about the Dark Side of this historic neighborhood, including the assassination attempt of Albany’s Halloween Queen and the best spectator’s view of the notorious Gallows Hill. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly for this guided tour with Historic Albany Foundation and Discover Albany. Tours meet at New Scotland Spirits.
Nine Pin & Eerie Albany
October 5
Sip on Nine Pin cider and listen to tales of Albany's sinister past with Discover Albany's own Maeve McEneny-Johnson. This ghost talk will feature the hauntings of Olde English Pub, the New York State Capitol Building and more.
Eerie Albany Historic Ghost Tours
Sundays, October 6 to October 27
If you dare, embark on the Eerie Albany Historic Ghost Tour! This guided walking tour through historic downtown Albany is not made for the faint of heart. Your tour guide will regale you with spine-chilling stories about the mysteries surrounding the enchanting homes lining Ten Broeck Triangle and the ghostly figure lingering past closing time at the historic Olde English Pub.
City Séance Ghost Tour
Varying dates between October 8 and October 30
Roam the streets of the capital city with theREP and Discover Albany's Maeve McEneny-Johnson, your guide into the ghostly history that lurks in the nooks and crannies of the Capital Region. Together, we’ll cross the veil in search of historic Albany specters like Legs Diamond and his flamboyant paramour Kiki Roberts or the cursed couple who shared Lincoln's ill-fated theatre box - Henry and Clara Rathbone. We may even encounter other nameless specters, who have been known to appear without introduction.
Mulled Wine & Murder
October 9
Travel back in time to an eerie event in Cherry Hill's history. This event will tell the story of an infamous murder that took place at the historic site in 1827. Sip on mulled wine and taste foods from that year by the glow of jack-o-lantern light. Then trace in the footsteps of the crime on a murder-themed tour of the house. This tasting event is in collaboration with the Siena Beverage Institute.
Murder at Cherry Hill
Wednesday to Saturday from October 10 to October 26
Trace the footsteps of a murderer at Historic Cherry Hill this October. Murder at Cherry Hill, a popular historic walk-through experience, returns! Step back in time to May 7, 1827, and relive the night of a frightening murder that resulted in Albany's last public hanging and two sensational trials. Murder at Cherry Hill tends to sell out faster than you can say "BOO!", so purchase your tickets today!
Manifestations: A Shaker Ghost Tour
Varying dates between October 12 and October 24
The Shakers never saw the spirit world as frightening, instead they embraced visions, dreams, and communication with those who have departed. Dive into the spirit world and pull back the veil between our realm and the next at America's First Shaker Settlement. Learn stories of Shakers who once walked in the world of the living.
Another Ooky Spooky Musical Showcase
October 18
In one of Albany County's most notable haunted sites, Cohoes Music Hall, prepare for an evening of macabre melodies telling the stories of the region's eerie past. In between musical performances, the Cohoes Historical Society will tell tales of the haunted Hall.
Haunted Tales from the Crow's Wood
October 19
Gather around the campfire at the Crailo State Historic Site's Riverside Park to hear haunted tales like those of the 18th century used to tell. Enjoy mulled cider and donuts during this ghostly evening. Younger children and those of the faint of heart are welcome to join in on the fun at the pumpkin painting station that will be set aside.
Stories from the Past with Psychic-Medium Michele Lyons Polito
October 20
Join local psychic medium and ghost rescuer Michele Lyons Polito on a tour of the historic Albany Rural Cemetery. Learn local history and hauntings, visit a number of graves and tombs where Michele will share the history of those who rest there and connect with their spirits to share their stories.
