Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts

Friday, October 16, 2009

Your Guide to Haunted Happenings and Everything Halloween around Tulsa!

Happy Halloweenie T-Town!!  From pumpkin patches to haunted attractions, I've got you covered, Tulsa!
This is actually a compilation that I'll be adding to as the month progresses and I find out about new events, and as always, I welcome your input/feedback on anything I might be overlooking!

While we haven't gotten ours just yet, here's a guide to some of the area's Pumpkin Patches:
Carmichael's - located in Bixby, they have a free Petting Zoo & Hay Maze as well as pony and camel rides, hay rides, a cane maze, pumpkin pie fudge, and lots of you know what!
Livesay Orchards - in Porter; their Pumpkin Playland includes a hayride to the pumpkin patch where you can pick your very own pumpkin! The kid's play area has a hay maze, learning centers, an observation bee hive, pumpkin games and more!  Admission is $3 which includes the hayride; pumpkins cost extra.
Pumpkin Town - on the corner of 81st and Mingo, check out their calendar for weekend events going on throughout the month! In addition to pumpkins, gourds, and other fall decor, there's also hay rides, pony rides, and other kids' activities!
Pleasant Valley Farms - located at 22350 W. 71st Street, hours are 9am-dark, daily throughout this month.  They also have hay rides, a petting zoo, and of course pumpkins!
Shay's Landscaping, Nursery & Pumpkin Patch - If you're out in Bartlesville and wanting to pick your own, then stop by Shay's where there's mazes, hayrides and pony rides, a gift shop, snacks and more!
Shepherd's Pumpkin Festival - located in Claremore, the free pumpkin patch includes a petting zoo, games, story times, a maze, and a learning center all at an Amish barn and real working farm.  They also have $4 hayrides, and $2 scarecrow making, in addition to pumpkins and fall decor for sale!
Southern Hills UMC - at 6160 S. Lewis, open daily, has pumpkins, crafts and kids activities, with all proceeds going to missions here and throughout the world.
Park Plaza Church of Christ -  located at 5925 E. 51st St., also is selling pumpkins and offering hay rides and kids games with proceeds from the pumpkin patch going to Key Elementary School.
The Great Pumpkin Patch - Red Fork Church of God, 5010 W. 41st St. Admission is free to the pumpkin patch which also includes craft activities, baked goods, storytelling and Christmas decor.
Two other Tulsa churches hosting pumpkin patches are:
St. Peter's Episcopal Church on 21st St., and St. Matthew's United Methodist Church on East 31st St.

If 'fear factor' is your thing, you can definitely get your heart rate up at the area's haunted attractions:

The Haunted Castle of Muskogee - As I've already been to this hauntingly good time, I'll let you read all about my experience.  With 9 different attractions on 60 acres, in my opinion this is one frightful adventure you won't want to miss!
Scream Country - Drumright.  Now in its 12th year, this attraction lives up to its name with 3 haunts deep in over 40 acres of dark twisted forest.  There's the Dead Block Zombie Prison, Night of the Scarecrow Corn Mayhem, and Grimm's Scary Tale Forest.  In addition concession and merchant vendors will be offering ghoulish delights to the brave.  Tickets here are $18, or $35 for a Scream Pass.  A frightfully great time I'm sure!
Psycho Path Haunt - Sperry. Even the name and website are spooky!  Psycho Path features a ride (not your ordinary hayride!) deep into a 'haunted forest', and a walk-through 'haunted' Spybuck Manor.  Tickets for the ride are $17, while the Manor Walk-Thru is $8, or you can purchase a combo ticket for both for $20, or VIP Combo (express line) for $40.  Concessions and souvenirs are also available.  Woah, I just read the 'warning and disclaimer' section on the site - I don't think this is for the faint of heart!!  ; )
Frozen Morgue Funeral Home & Coffin Works - Located in Chouteau (near the intersection of US 69 & 412 south of Pryor).   Beware!  The Mortician awaits you but the moment you enter you'll be walking with the terrorizing undead! There are actually two haunted attractions: Crypt of the Vampires and CarnEvil of Lost Souls.  Tickets for either attraction are $7 or $12 for both haunts. There are also 'Doom Buggy Rides' Oct. 23rd-24th at $5 per person.
The Hex House - located across the street from Woodland Hills Mall, the House features 3 levels of fright, with each level more intense than the last?  Can you survive all three or will you need to escape early?  The Hex House is based on a real legend, and you can read about it here.  This must be pretty scary, as kids under 10 aren't allowed, and ages 10-13 with a parent/guardian. Tickets are $15, or $20 for a speed pass.  Speed pass...that's another sign that this place is popular; usually speed passes are something you see at Disney or Universal Studios.
The Maize - in Broken Arrow.  Open weekends this month, you can do more than get lost in the haunted mazes (there's 2); there's also paintball, campfires, hay rides, and stuff for the kiddies. Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for kids.
Nightmare XVII - at Guts Church.  I haven't been to this, but I must say I am intrigued.  Even the website doesn't really tell you much, but you get a general 'idea.' Admission is $8, for those 12+, and runs weekends in October.
Cherokee Cemetery Tours - What could be ghostlier?  Guided candlelight tours of Ross Cemetery & Fall Cultural Festivities at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill.  Hear stories of generations past as you walk the grounds of Cherokee ancestors and watch historical reenactments.  There will be food and fun for the whole family including storytelling, pumpkin decorating and face painting as well as arts and crafts and concessions.  Admission is $10.
Tulsa Spirit Tours - Speaking of ghostly tours, how cool is this?  Getting to board the Old Time Trolley for tours of some of T-Towns rumored haunts and learning about some of Tulsa's rich history sounds like quite a night.  These tours are so popular, they aren't even advertised and sell out quickly - they may, in fact, be "souled out" by the time you're reading this.  If you're lucky, however, $30 will land you a spot for one of the trolley tours, and keep in mind no one under 16 is allowed without a parent/guardian.  SOLD OUT!
Haunted History Tour - at the Tulsa Garden Center, Oct. 31st, 7-10pm.  If you can't make a Tulsa Spirit Tour, be sure and join the Paranormal Investigation Team as they give you a ghostly tour of the mansion and its spooky history.  For ages 10+, tickets are $5 in advance, $8 at the door.

Musical Events:
Freaktoberfest 2009 - Friday, Oct. 16th, 7pm-2:00am. Costume contest and raffle in addition to great local live music at Tulsa's 'Most Kick Ass Halloween Party!'  Tickets are $10 at the door.  Get freaky Tulsa!
Murderfest Tulsa - Sunday, Oct. 18th, Cain's Ballroom. Doors open at 1pm, and for $13, the event features 16 bands as well as a costume contest!
All Hallows Hangover - Rose Bowl Events Center (7419 E. 11th), Friday, Oct. 30th, 6:30pm.  General admission tickets are $10.  Mischief night celebration with 3 local headliners performing.

Theatre:
Costumes - An Original Hallowe'en Musical, Oct. 22-24th, to be held at Woodward Park (Linnaeus Garden Barn).  You're actually encouraged to come in costume to the performance by local actors and musicians, and the garden will be lit and open during intermission.  Tickets are $10, call for reservations and more info (918) 746-5125.
Finders Creepers - Sapulpa Community Theatre, Sapulpa. Oct. 23-25. Two boys visit their uncle who just happens to be a mortician; before long strange things start to happen! Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and reservations are required so call (918) 227-2169.
The Seven Deadly Sins - Fri., Oct. 30th, 8pm at the Living ArtSpace, Brady District. A costume party with poetry by some of our best locals, followed by a performance by the Portico Dans Dance Troupe.  Tickets are $7. Come dressed as the "sin" of your choice!
Dracula - Tulsa PAC, Oct. 29th-Nov. 1st.  Tickets are $20-70 for the Tulsa Ballet's performance.

Just for Kids:
5th Annual Hogwarts on the Hill Party - at the Hope Unitarian Church, 8432 S. Sheridan Rd, Sat. Oct. 24th, 6-9pm.  A FREE Halloween Party & Family Fun Night, come in costume, play games & win prizes, and there will also be a special magic show!
Halloween Bass Pro Style - Oct. 24-25th, 30-31st (times vary).  Free crafts, marshmallow roasting, apple cobbler samples.
Hallowmarine at the Oklahoma Aquarium, Jenks - Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for kids, and features a trick-or-treat trail, haunted feed shows, carnival games, and pirates.
HallowZOOeen at the Tulsa Zoo -General admission is $7, and features a trick-or-treat trail, haunted train ride, games, and more.
Camp Cute & Spooky at Discoveryland.  Lots of activities for the kiddies, including a "Monster Mash" dance stage, a trick or treat trail through an 'enchanted forest', a haystack jump, bonfire and more. Admission is $6.
Nightmare on Yale Street - Kingspointe Village, 61st & Yale, Oct. 29th, 5pm. A family fun-filled evening of a fun run/walk, trick-or-treating, costume contests, food & drinks, with proceeds going to LIFE Senior Services.
BooHaHa - Brookside.  Starting at 8am on Halloween, this free event will have a Kids' Zone, trick or treating, a pet costume contest, followed by a children's costume contest, and Parade.
Family Fun Fest - First United Methodist Church, 1115 S. Boulder Ave., Oct. 31st,  6-8pm.  Carnival games, food, music, giant inflatables and more. Costumes are encouraged, but nothing scary please!  Game & concession tickets are $.25 each.


Tulsa Parks/Community Centers/Libraries:
Spook-A-Rama - at Kiddie Park, Bartlesville, Oct. 16th & 17th, 6-10pm. Featuring the Great Pumpkin Contest, Costume Parade, trick or treating and the 6th Annual Fall Fun Fest, which offers game booths, candy and prizes.
Annual "Pumpkin" Hunt - Central Park, Broken Arrow, Halloween 5:30pm.  What a great idea:  You've got your Easter Egg Hunts, why not have a pumpkin hunt?!  Imagine 4,000 plastic 'pumpkins' filled with candy, and kids are encouraged to come out in costume for this free event, to be followed by the Main Street Merchants Night Out Against Crime, which promises more treats for the kids.
Hey, I'm all for it, but this candy addict dreams of the day when they have one for ADULTS!!!  4,000 eggs, I mean, pumpkins!  I want to go trick or treating, who's with me?!?!?
Tulsa area Parks will be holding various events Halloween weekend, everything from pumpkin painting and parties, to Halloween carnivals, to spook hunts, games, crafts, and contests; even a flashlight candy scramble (I remember doing that back in Tampa for the neighborhood kids!) and parades!  Check the Park link for event locations & times.
Also check out the Tulsa City-County Library, where your local branch will be presenting everything from story telling to plays, games, pumpkin decorating and much more!

Other Events:
Barktoberweenfestivary at the Dog Dish - The Farm Shopping Center, 51st and Sheridan. Sat., Oct. 24th, 1-3pm.  Celebrating its 7th anniversary, the Dog Dish will be having a party for four-legged guests and their owners.  There will be a costume contest, and Oktoberfest canine fare as well as door prizes!  Maybe I should dress my kitty up as a dog for this!  Meow, ahem, I mean, Woof!
Vampire Prom Nite Murder Mystery - at the Whispering Vines Vineyard & Winery, 7374 W. 51st St., Oct. 24th & 31st. Tickets for the 3 hour interactive dinner show are $59.95, and if you're lucky enough to solve the mystery, a bottle of award winning Oklahoma wine!  There will also be a haunted scavenger hunt in the orchard!  Don't forget to wear your costume!
"A Knight of Murder" Spooky Hallowine Dinner Party - Vinita, Oct. 31st, 6-9pm. Halloween must be popular for wine murder mystery parties; here's another one!  Tickets are $30, and after making your reservation, you'll be sent an invitation, your "character", and suggestion for your costume.  There will be prizes too!

Runners World Halloween Party - 4329 S. Peoria, Brookside, Oct. 29th, 5:30 pm. Free event including a   costumed run followed by a costume contest, food & drinks and prizes!
Tulsa Run - Starting off Halloween bright & early at 7am, the 31st annual Tulsa Run Downtown includes 15km, 5km, and 2km (fun run) runs.  At 8:00 am, the Finish Line Festival begins with award ceremonies at 11:30am.
TU Homecoming - Fri & Halloween, at Tulsa U Campus/H.A. Chapman Stadium. Pep Rally & Bonfire followed by fireworks Friday night; on Sat., there will be trick or treating, food & music before the Golden Hurricanes take on SMU at 1:00pm.


Parties:
El Guapo's 1st Annual Halloween Extravanganza - Fri., Oct. 30th, 10pm-2am. Promising lots of fun with drinks, music, costume contests, and prizes!
It's all happening downtown at the Brady District: The Brady Fall Art Festival starts the party off at10am, with the Brady Merchants Association 'Grown-up Trick or Treating' from 6-8pm.  Crossland takes the stage at 8pm, followed by the Rocky Horror Show at 10pm, and the After Party at Club Majestic/The Hunt Club/
along with the Brady Theater Halloween Party!!
Halloween TGS Style - While you're in the Brady District, stop in at Tulsa Glass Blowing from noon-6pm where you can make your own pumpkin or witch ball for $45 per person.
2nd Annual Halloween Ball - at the Marquee, 222 N. Main St., Brady District, Oct. 31st, 8pm, Admission is $5 (in costume), $7 (without costume).  Party it up, dance the night away with DJs and costume contests!
35th Annual Freaker's Ball - Cains Ballroom, Oct. 31st, 7pm.  Featuring a $1000 Costume Contest, and Monster Mash with over 20 local bands; tickets are only $10!
1st Annual Spider Ball - IDL Ballroom & Enso's (1st & Detroit), Oct. 31st, 8pm-2am.  Free mega dance party in TWO clubs! For ages 21+ only, not only will there be music, but a full liquor bar! And this is a costume party, so don't forget to dress up! (or you can wear black & white).
PlayDate Halloween - Allen Chapman Activity Center, Oct. 31st, 8pm.  Admission is $10, and don't forget to dress in costume!
Also, as I'm sure you already know, lots of bars & clubs around T-Town will be hosting their own Monster Bashes, including everything from the Hard Rock down to Elote - be sure and check this week's Urban Tulsa Weekly for your favorite pub!


After Halloween:
Dia de los Muertos Arts Festival - Brady District, Sunday, Nov. 1st, 2-11pm. Continue the Halloween festivities into Sunday with this family arts fest.  Altars will be set up to remember those who have passed on; there will be bands, entertainment, food & beverages and souvenirs. Admission is $5, 12 & under free.

Costumes & Party Supplies, Decorations:  
Top Hat Magic & Costumes - located at 4016 S. Yale, Top Hat Magic has been family-owned and operated for over 30 years!  And, they have rental costumes as well as accessories, props and much more!
Spirit Halloween - 8518 E. 71st St., Suite A (next to Incredible Plaza), (918)-459-6973.
Halloween Express - with two Tulsa locations to serve you, the site has 10% off downloadable coupons.

Whether you're out & about town scaring up some fun, or throwing your own 'Boo Bash', be safe and:





"Oh, the weather outside is frightful...." (well, not really!)

But, it is kinda fitting as we are in the frightful season, AND...since I heard this might be the coldest winter Tulsa's had for over 100 years, "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!"
Let's not get ahead of ourselves, though, guys and ghouls, because it's not even the end of October yet and there are lots of things going on this weekend, between Halloween, and Sweetest Day (Saturday the 17th, for those romantic minded sweethearts out there!)
In fact, because there are soooooo many Halloween goings on, from pumpkin patches to party/costume shopping to haunted houses, I've devoted an entire post to all of that good stuff!
Meanwhile, here's your sneak peek at what non-scary things lie waiting for you around the corner this weekend:

Friday
Chili on the Square @ Bartlett Square, 5th & Main St., 11am-1pm. Benefitting BlendedLove.Org,
for only $5 you get chili and live music, with a special appearance by Mrs. Oklahoma.  What better way to spend your Friday lunch hour?


Saturday
Pancake Breakfast & Fall Bike Show - From 9-11am, the Brookside Lion's Club will be serving up free pancakes & sausage, followed by the Bike Show, where you can enter your motorcycle to be eligible for $1500 in prizes and trophies! Celebrating 95 years of Harley in Oklahoma, the event will be held at the Myers-Duren Harley-Davidson at 4848 S. Peoria, Brookside.  I've gotta go to this, it's actually being held at the same time as Daytona's Biketoberfest.  Daytona Beach, (where I lived before I became a Tulsan!), is famous for quite a few things: spring break, the Indy 500 and NASCAR, not to mention the annual Bike Week in February, and Biketoberfest.  Even though I'm now out here in Tulsa, and no longer own my sweet Ninja, I have really great memories of both bike events (as well as Daytona), that I'll save for sharing in a future post.  Let me just say that there's nothing like driving down Main Street, with thousands of onlookers, party-goers and fellow bikers cheering you on!  It's like YOU are the Parade!!!  But I'll be there in spirit this weekend as I celebrate locally!    :)

The Sea of Orange takes Oklahoma by storm Saturday led by none other than OSU alumni Garth Brooks as he Grand Marshals, (along with outstanding ball players Barry Sanders and Robin Ventura), the OSU Homecoming parade.  Being from Bulls Country and alumni of USF myself, I know what a big deal these homecomings and the subsequent games usually are, and even though a lot of friends and people I know are OSU grads, shamefully I have not been to a Cowboy game yet!  I must find out what all this "Go Pokes!" is about!!  The parade will be held in Downtown Stillwater of course, at the corner of Main and 12th, starting at 2pm.  It will even be simulcast online!  Then OSU takes on Missouri starting at 8:15pm, which will not only be broadcast on ESPN2, but there are plenty of 'watch parties' going on all over as well; just check out the current issue of Urban Tulsa Weekly!
Hopefully the Cowboys will follow up the Sooners' earlier game win in Texas!!  I'm excited already!!!

Fall Wine Festival - Another wine fest this weekend, this one is at Roberdes Family Vineyards & Winery, 20505 E. 460 Road in Claremore.  Featuring wine from four local wineries, food & live music.  For more info call (918) 342-1038.  I did mention that today is Sweetest Day, didn't I?  ; )

Looks like Saturday is also going to the dogs!  (sorry, couldn't resist!)
Dogtoberfest - Sat., 11am-5pm, at the Village Vet Animal Clinic, 2026 W. Houston St., Broken Arrow.  There will be a pet costume contest, pet & owner look-alike contest, visit from Safari Joe's, and activities for the kids at this free event.
Paws in the Park - RiverWalk Crossing in Jenks, 9am-noon. On the other end of town, there's going to be more pet costume contests, entertainment by Radio Disney, works of art, pet supplies and more, for this benefit for the Humane Society of Tulsa.
I'm an animal lover, but I currently have a cat...so I'm anxiously waiting for the feline events to come to town! In all fairness, we all know how much our Tulsa kitties want to participate in costume contests!  And how much would they love a "cat park"?!  (Although Woodward  is pretty nice, considering it's currently chock full of squirrels for the hunting!)  Sigh, in the meantime I suppose I can attempt to bring Mischief along to one of these events.  I don't even need to dress her up in a costume; I'm sure she'll turn plenty of (canine) heads!!  Hmm...on second thought, that might not be a good idea!  :D

For more ideas on stuff to do this weekend, see my special Halloween post!
Hope to see you around T-Town!  :)