There is nothing quite like the feeling of being outside on a cool, crisp autumn day. The beautiful foliage and chill air perfectly complement the many activities and holidays that “fall” within autumn’s boundaries. Whether it’s pumpkin picking, escaping a tricky corn maze, or dressing up for Halloween, there are many fun things to do and experience this season.
Milford has a range of activities and events for people of all ages: something for everyone to enjoy. From outdoor movie nights and Halloween parades to spooky story times, here are some great ways to embrace the cooler days and nights and enjoy some frightful fun.
2024 Hall-O-Weekend Festival
The Downtown Milford Business Association (DMBA) is hosting its annual Hall-O-Weekend Festival on October 25th and 26th. The festival features a variety of family-friendly, not-so-scary activities. It begins Friday, October 25th, at 6:30 p.m. with Outdoor Halloween Movie Night at the gazebo on the Green.
It continues on Saturday with a number of scheduled events including:
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- 10:00 am: Not-So-Scary Storytime with The Milford Public Library at the Gazebo.
- 11:30 am: Spooky children’s yoga with Just Be Yoga and Wellness at the Gazebo
- 12:00 pm: Costume Parade led by Milford’s Brian Smith (a.k.a Captain Kidd!)
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Hay Bale Maze, face-painting, arts & crafts, vendors, and activities on the Green.
- 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Trick-or-treat through participating downtown businesses
Walnut Beach Halloween Parade
The annual parade is a staple that has been a fan favorite in Milford for many years. It begins at 5:00 p.m. on Halloween night and includes candy, costumes, a DJ, and lots of dancing. The Walnut Beach Creamery is also giving away free ice cream to anyone in a costume! At 6:00 p.m., the Walnut Beach Witches arrive to lead the Walnut Beach costume parade around the block. This is a free event that is great for kids and adults and really gets everyone in the Halloween spirit!
Walnut Beach Halloween Pet Parade
While there are many events for humans, this one is for our four-legged friends. The First Annual Walnut Beach Halloween Pet Parade will be held Saturday, October 27th, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. A panel of judges will decide which furry friend has the best costume, and prizes will be awarded to winners in multiple categories.
Milford Horror: Fall Movie Showings
Looking to see a good horror movie to get into the Halloween spirit? Milford Horror is the perfect place to go. The group does showings of multiple horror movies across different venues in Milford. Past events have been held outdoors at Eisenhower Park and the Milford Public Library. While their full fall schedule is still in the works, a showing of the classic 1976 supernatural horror film (ital)The Omen is scheduled for Friday, October 11th at the United Presbyterian Church. Whether someone is a horror fan, or just wants to get into the spooky Halloween spirit, Milford Horror is the place to be.
Milford Trick or Trot 5k Walk/Run
The 13th Annual Milford Trick or Trot is back for another year of fighting homelessness and hunger. The 5k benefits the Beth El Center and is a way to give back to the less fortunate in the community. The event is sponsored by the law firm Harlow, Adams, and Friedman, P.C., and Sikorsky Credit Union, and all proceeds go to Beth El Center and food services. Scheduled for October 26th, registration begins at 7:30 am, with the race starting at 9:00 am. The course takes runners and walkers from Lisman Landing on a scenic route through Milford Harbor and Fort Trumbull before ending back at Lisman Landing. All registrations prior to October 13th get a free t-shirt. Register at milfordtrickortrot.com.
— Kaitlyn Garrity
