Back to All Events

Haunted Hamlet | Essex, NY | October 31, 2026

  • Essex, New York, 12936 United States (map)

Essex Gives Town Hall a Halloween Makeover at Haunted Hamlet

A lively scene on Main Street at the Town of Essex's Haunted Hamlet Celebration.

Halloween fun at the Haunted Hamlet in Essex.

Town Hall has some unusual business on the agenda this Halloween. On Saturday, October 31, 2026, Haunted Hamlet turns Essex Town Hall and Main Street into a community costume party, featuring a haunted house, live music, pumpkin painting, and food trucks from 2 pm–8 pm.

Set in Essex, NY, on Lake Champlain along the Adirondacks’ eastern edge, the annual celebration offers two approaches to Halloween: an afternoon of gentler activities and an evening with considerably more potential for jumping.

S’mores around the campfire provide seasonal sweetness, while Indian Bay Pizza on Point, Irma’s Tamales, and the Willsboro Diner join the food-truck lineup. Between bites, visitors can follow the festivities along Main Street.

For more Adirondack food, stories, places, and events, subscribe to In Good Taste, ADK Taste’s weekly guide.

Essex’s Haunted Town Hall offers two levels of fright.

The Haunted Town Hall is the event’s signature attraction, and admission is free. Its early “no scare” session runs from 2:30 pm – 4 pm, giving visitors a chance to explore without actors jumping out at them.

One important distinction: the lights remain off during that session. Families with children who dislike darkness should weigh that detail before heading inside.

Entrance to the Haunted Hamlet

The regular haunted attraction runs from 4:30 pm–8 pm. That leaves visitors a clear choice between atmospheric exploration and the full Halloween treatment.

Main Street mixes music, pumpkins, and s’mores.

The Main Street Carnival runs from 2 pm – 8 pm, with spooky dance tunes, campfire s’mores, and live music by Those Guys Upstate NY. Pumpkin painting takes place behind Town Hall from 2 pm – 4 pm, sponsored by the Belden Noble Memorial Library.

Haunted hayride tours, sponsored by Essex Community Theatre, add another attraction to the lineup. Organizers have not published their operating times or any charges.

Local businesses also take part, including the Adirondack Art Association, Essex Book & Leaf, the Essex Inn on the Adirondack Coast, the Neighborhood Nest, the Old Dock Restaurant & Marina, and the Pink Pig Café & Cottage Antiques. Their participation gives visitors a reason to explore Essex’s shops and gathering places between Halloween activities.

More Halloween stops in Essex and Willsboro.

The Belden Noble Memorial Library hosts Halloween stories with Rinda the Friendly Witch and Petey the Ball Python from 1 pm – 3 pm. For families interested in stories and a decidedly real reptile, that provides an earlier starting point.

The Old Dock’s Halloween Bash runs from 1 pm – 10 pm. In nearby Willsboro, a separate Trunk & Treat takes place at the old IGA parking lot from 5 pm – 6:30 pm.

ADK Taste recommendation.

Families seeking a gentler version should arrive near 2 pm for pumpkin painting, then visit Town Hall during its 2:30 pm–4 pm no-scare session. Visitors who prefer the scarier attraction should plan around its 4:30 pm opening.

Essex Initiatives and the Town of Essex organize Haunted Hamlet. Check the official event page or Facebook for updates, or email Halloween@townofessexny.gov with questions.

Get more Adirondack discoveries in In Good Taste, ADK Taste’s weekly guide to food, stories, places, and events.

two babies in Halloween costumes being pulled in a wagon.

Frequently asked questions.

When is Haunted Hamlet in Essex?‍ ‍

Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 2 pm – 8 pm. Some additional activities begin earlier or finish later.

Where does it take place?‍ ‍

The main celebration takes place at Essex Town Hall and along Main Street in Essex, NY, on Lake Champlain.

Is the Haunted Town Hall free?‍ ‍

Yes. Organizers confirm free admission to the Haunted Town Hall; they do not specify charges for other activities.

When is the no-scare session?‍ ‍

From 2:30 pm – 4 pm. The lights remain off, but actors will not jump out at visitors.

What else can visitors do?‍ ‍

The schedule includes live music, pumpkin painting, campfire s’mores, haunted hayrides, food trucks, and activities at participating local businesses.


Find the best places to eat, shop, stay and experience near Essex.


America's Story Runs Through the Adirondacks

From Fort Ticonderoga and Teddy Roosevelt to the Miracle on Ice and the birth of the American vacation, the Adirondacks helped shape the nation.


Shop our store for unique Adirondack gifts, clothing, merchandise and cool stuff.


Ultimate Guide to the Adirondacks

Your insider’s guide to exploring the Adirondacks—where to go, what to eat, and the experiences that make this place unforgettable.


ADK Talks Podcast

Love the Adirondacks? You’ll love our podcast. We take listeners beyond the guidebooks and into the heart of the Adirondacks. We share stories from the people behind the best places to eat, shop, stay and explore in the ADK. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.



See the top upcoming events in the Lake Champlain & ADK Coast region.

Navigate to Essex, NY.

 
Previous
Previous
October 30

Downtown Trick or Treat | Saranac Lake | October 30, 2026

Next
Next
November 1

Glens Falls Restaurant Week | November 1-7, 2026