While Columbia is the epicenter of Halloween-related activities along the Susquehanna River, Marietta and Wrightsville are equally as spooky at this time of the year. So, get in the “spirit” of the season and head for the river hills … not only for Halloween activities but also for art exhibits, music, food and fundraisers!
Columbia Market House Dungeon Tours
Saturdays
Columbia Market House
According to Columbia Market House’s website, in the late 1800s, six cells were constructed beneath the market house, which dates to 1869 and replaced the open-air market that began operating in 1814. With nearly two dozen bars and an equal number of hotels in the town, a lockup of that size was needed, although most of the infractions were due to over-indulging alcohol and fighting.
Legend has it that a few famous people spent the night in Columbia’s lockup, including John L. Sullivan, the Boston Strong Boy who held the Heavyweight title for bared-knuckle fighting from 1882-1892. Sullivan visited Columbia several times to take part in boxing exhibitions. It is said that in 1893, during a brief stay, he overindulged and had to spend the night in the jail.
Another famous visitor spent the night there because of speeding. In the early days of auto travel, speeding was regarded as anything over 20 miles per hour, which prompted the town’s constable to stop one offender and incarcerate him. During his interrogation, it was discovered that the indignant prisoner was none other than Thomas Alva Edison, the famed inventor of electric lighting, the electric car and the phonograph.
Closed by the Board of Health in the early 1900s, the cells were then used by farmers to store the produce they would be selling on market days.
Over the years, stories of the cell block being haunted only added to its legendary status in Columbia. It’s become a beacon for paranormal enthusiasts and ghost hunters.
Last year, an effort to restore the decaying dungeon was announced. The volunteer-driven project aims to repaint the dungeon, replace flooring and add furnishings and educational panels that convey its history and lore. Fundraising is ongoing.
Guided tours are offered Saturdays at 11 a.m., 12 noon and 1 p.m. Go early for breakfast or stick around and have a post-tour lunch; market hours are 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 15 S. Third St., Columbia. Information: Columbiamarkethouse.org.
Secrets
Through October 26
MH Art Gallery, Marietta
The juried show will demonstrate that artists are also great storytellers, detectives and explorers. The 31 participating artists will reveal the places they’ve discovered, truths or secrets they wish to share with the world or what keeps them up at night. The subject matter was their choice. Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 42 W. Market St., Marietta. Information: Facebook.com
Booo-bies
October 1-31
Switchboard Studios & Gallery, Columbia
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and local artists have been invited to submit work (all mediums) that honors friends and family members who are battling or have battled the disease. The exhibit will end with a Fourth Friday Reception on October 24 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Regular hours are Mon.-Wed., 4-10 p.m. Thur.-Sat., 12-10 p.m. and Sun., 12-8 pm. 40 N. Third St., Columbia. Information: Switchboardstudiosandgallery.com
Paint & Pint Night
October 8
Starview-Brews, Columbia
Connie Higgins of Paint & Enjoy will be on hand to lead participants through an evening devoted to creating your own Halloween masterpiece. Enjoy a brew or a cocktail as you paint. 6:30 p.m. 224 Locust St., Columbia. Information: Eventbrite.com
Dine & Dash 5K
October 11
Marietta
This inaugural event is being sponsored by the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Lancaster, Southern and Central chapters, with proceeds benefiting the association’s educational foundation. The 3.1-mile run, which begins and ends at McCleary’s Pub, will take participants along the Susquehanna River. Wear a costume and be eligible for a special prize. All participants will receive a commemorative beanie and restaurant gift cards. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 130 W. Front St., Marietta. Information: Runsignup.com
Albatwitch Day
October 11
Wrightsville
What is an Albatwitch you ask? Rooted in Native American legend, the furry creature is said to roam the river hills in search of apples. Like its cousin, Big Foot, the Albatwitch eludes capture. Now in its 11th year, Albatwitch Day pays homage to one of the river hills’ most infamous “residents.” The day will feature lectures, appearances by well-known authors, music, vendors, food, trolley tours and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wrightsville Riverfront Park, S. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Albatwitchday.com
All Hallows Macabre Market
October 11
Mount Bethel Cemetery, Columbia
It’s time to decorate for Halloween! Who knows what treasure – or oddity – you’ll find at this market that is being hosted by Columbia Curiosities. Event features unique vendors, spirited tastings, flash tattoos and a display of “Last Ride” hearses. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 700 Locust St., Columbia. Information: Mtbethelcemetery.org
Blues, Brews & “Boos” Music Festival
October 11
Marietta
The open-air festival will feature live music on four stages, artisans, food trucks, adult beverage stations (must be 21+) and a ghost-themed costume contest. Free admission, but a $5 donation will support Marietta’s Front Street Cherry Tree Restoration & Monarch Habitat and provide you with a wristband that unlocks discounts on drinks. 1-6 p.m. Front Street, Marietta. (Note: rain date is October 12.) Information: Discovermariettapa.org
Columbia Animal Shelter Concert Series
October 11
Columbia
Salt Hill will be performing in support of the shelter. Comprised of veterans from different corners of the Central Pennsylvania music communities (guitar rock, Celtic fiddle and Eastern European bow), Salt Hill has found a home writing original songs that feel like old friends and bending covers into nearly unrecognizable, yet stunning, images of their former selves. Admission by donation; food and beverages available for purchase. This is an outdoor event that will pivot to a nearby warehouse in case of rain. 7 p.m. 265 S. 10th St., Columbia. Information: Columbiaanimalshelter.com
Chief Uncas Boat Tours
October 17-26
Zimmerman Center for Heritage, Wrightsville
Haunted Heritage is the theme of this one-hour excursion that delves into the strange happenings, creature sightings and tragic endings that are connected to the river area. Then, continue the adventure at a local restaurant (some of which are purported to be haunted!). Fri., Sat. and Sun. at 2 & 4 p.m. 1706 Long Level Rd., Wrightsville. Information: Susqnha.org.
Haunted Lantern Tours
October 10, 12, 17, 18, 19
Columbia
This annual theater-in-the-streets event, which is presented by Rivertown Theatre Productions and a cast of volunteers, explores the history and lore of Columbia. This year’s theme, Fatality’s Last Stand, will take patrons on a one-hour, lantern-lit journey through Mount Bethel Cemetery. The tour weaves together fragile threads of life and death, as each character embodies a moment in time shaped by illness, misfortune or the invisible forces of public health crises, giving voice to the silenced and forgotten. Hear the stories of souls claimed by typhoid, tuberculosis, diphtheria, Spanish flu and tragic misfortune – each revealing the heartache, fear and resilience that shaped their final days. Through grief and grace, this tour explores the cost of epidemics, the stigma of disease and the quiet strength of human compassion. Groups depart from St. John’s Evangelical Church every half hour, beginning at 6:30 p.m. 616 Locust St., Columbia. Information: Columbiahlt.com
Black & White Gala
October 18
Columbia Market House
Come dressed for the occasion in black-and-white attire, formal or casual. Music, small bites and beverages are included in the $30 ticket price. There will also be a silent auction and a cork pull. 6-9 p.m. 15 S. Third St., Columbia. Information: Createcolumbia.org
Columbia Mardi Gras Parade
October 23
Columbia
The annual parade, which is sponsored by the Columbia Lions Club and the Sunsnappers, features high school and community bands, floats, baton groups, fire departments, community organizations, local businesses and more. By all means, wear a costume! This year’s theme is Villains Unleashed. 7 p.m. The route follows along major streets, including Manor, Locust, Union and Cherry. Information: Facebook.com
The Rocky Horror Show
October 23-November 1
Susquehanna Stage, Marietta
In this cult classic (it’s celebrating its 50th anniversary this year), sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Complete with sass from the audience, cascading toilet paper, and an array of other audience participation props, this deliberately kitschy rock ’n’ roll sci-fi gothic musical is more fun than ever! 7:30 p.m. except 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 1. 133 W. Market St., Marietta. Information: Susquehannastage.com
Fourth Friday
October 24
Columbia
Sponsored by the Merchant’s Association of Columbia, the organization invites you to visit the borough’s restaurants, breweries, art enclaves, shops and antiques/vintage venues, many of which offer discounts/promotions during the evening. With it being the Halloween season, who knows what treats they may have in store! 6-10 p.m. Information: Columbiamerchants.com and discovercolumbia.com.
Haunted Marietta
October 24 & 25
Union Meeting House, Marietta
Marietta resident, Willis Boyles, has loved Halloween for as long as he can remember. His “Haunted Marietta” Facebook page has a telling post: “Halloween Isn’t a Holiday, It’s a Lifestyle.” Fortunately, his family is equally into Halloween and for years they hosted a “Haunted Marietta” event in their backyard. In 2019, Marietta Restoration Associates (MRA) saw the benefits of what had become a community event and offered Boyles the use of the Union Meeting House and its grounds. Six years later, it’s grown to include food trucks, giveaways and vendors. Boyles continues to attend Halloween conventions in order to learn what’s new and buy the latest props. Admission ($1) and donations benefit MRA. And, it has become a community-supported event, as work parties help Boyles begin the process of building sets, etc. Volunteers also support the “production” through serving as actors and fulfilling behind-the-scenes roles. Non-scary hours are 5:30-6:30 p.m., with the scary fun taking over 7-9 p.m. 80 N. Waterford Ave., Marietta. Information: Mariettarestoration.org.
Halloween Party in the Park
October 25
Locust Street Park, Columbia
The theme for this year’s annual Halloween Party in the Park is Hip-Hop Halloween. The event will feature DJ Madastrophic; a costume contest (categories: Adult 18+, Kids 1-17, and Couples); local vendors; live Hip-Hop performances from local dance studios; safe Trick-or-Treating; face painting; food trucks and more. 3-7 p.m. 550 Locust St., Columbia. Information: Switchboardstudiosandgallery.com
Halloween Scooptacular
October 26
Turkey Hill Experience, Columbia
Now in its fifth year, the event features Halloween-themed ice cream floats, trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, games and other activities, plus goodie bags. Costumes encouraged! Reservations required. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 301 Linden St., Columbia. Information: Turkeyhillexperience.com
Columbia Halloween House Tour
October 26
Columbia
Residents of Columbia will be sharing their creativity where decorating for Halloween is concerned, and you won’t believe the extent to which some of them go! The tour will take you to homes, the Mount Bethel Cemetery and other points of interest in the borough. 2-7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Columbia Market House (15 N. Third St.) on Oct. 23 (4-6 p.m.), 25 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and 26 (Mount Bethel Cemetery). Information: Createcolumbia.org
Casey’s Ultimate Tailgate
October 30
John Wright Restaurant, Wrightsville
October also means we’re in the thick of the NFL season and John Wright is throwing the ultimate tailgate that will pay homage to 14 teams. The first course will feature an East Coast trio of pork, crab and oyster. That will be followed by a Mid-States trio of brisket, pierogi and burnt ends. The South will feature stuffed poblano and grits. The cocktail: The Buffalo Bill. The second course will have a West Coast connection: Cioppino. Cocktail: Chicago’s NY Sour. The third course returns to the East, as it entails bourbon peach cobbler and salted caramel brownies. Cocktail: The Detroit Hummer. 6:30 p.m. 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. Information: Jwrpa.com
Halloween at the Market
October 31
Columbia Market House
Spend Halloween in the historic market house, where you can enjoy music, costumed characters, ghost stories, tarot readings and book signings by Rick Fisher, Nicole Collins, Cory Van Brookhoven and Adam Zurn. Food and refreshments available for purchase. A ticketed Dinner in the Dungeon event is also being planned. 5:30-9 p.m. 15 S. Third St., Columbia. Information: Columbiamarkethouse.org.
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