Coffin Races, Ghouls Galore Planned For Riverhead Halloween Fest

RIVERHEAD, NY — Downtown Riverhead will come alive with frights a'plenty as a ghoulishly delightful Halloween Fest kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 23.

The annual Halloween-themed weekend, hosted by the Riverhead Business Improvement District, includes coffin races, a grand costume parade, trick-or-treating, music, restaurant and brewery specials, dance, and more.

Day-and-night activities and entertainment are planned for ghouls and goblins of all ages.

Businesses and local organizations will decorate lamp posts with Halloween and harvest decor beginning October 13, the BID said.

The Suffolk Theater will launch the weekend on Friday, Oct. 22 at 8 p.m with the "Return of the Funk" concert by That 70s Band, followed by a Saturday night show at 8 p.m., a Motown concert by Under the Streetlamp.

The Suffolk Historical Society will present "Gory Gallery," a humorous history exhibit; East End Arts will feature the "Mix Tape"exhibit.

On Saturday, the festivities include a Bats, Barnacles and Broomsticks children's party at the Long Island Aquarium and Pumpkin Painting on the Porch at East End Arts.

At 3 p.m., BID-sponsored activities begin with the Coffin Races along Griffing Avenue in front of the courthouse; teams will build coffins and race on the street for a chance to win prizes in "Ghoulies" or "Zombies" categories.

From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., trick-or-treaters will traipse along Main Street, where businesses and community members will hand out candy; the fun is sponsored by Island Federal Credit Union in partnership with the BID.

At 7 p.m., the Grand Halloween Parade will commence, followed by a finale at the Town of Riverhead's Showmobile in the north parking lot. That event will feature performances by local theater groups— including the Peconic Ballet Theater, which will perform "Thriller" — and other performances, as well as parade cash prizes for Best Costume, Best Decorated Car, and more awarded by the BID.

“Island Federal, a long-time member of the Riverhead community, is proud to sponsor the Halloween Fest being held on Saturday, October 23,” John McGregor, certified credit union financial counselor and senior vice-president of business and community development, said. “After a year when most family-friendly events were canceled or suspended, it will be great to see children and their parents enjoying traditional fall activities again. We are pleased to help make that happen.”

In addition to the Halloween fun, Reflextions Riverhead: Art in the Park, a walkable light art display in Grangebel Park, will be available for self-guided tours. Local restaurants and breweries will offer food and drink specials all weekend.

“In downtown Riverhead, we work hard to offer extraordinary events throughout the year. Halloween Fest is a wonderful celebration that delivers a fun and safe Halloween experience at no cost to our community and visitors — thank you to the generosity of our partners and sponsors,” Kristy Verity, executive director of the Downtown Riverhead Business Improvement District, said. “Like all of our events, Halloween Fest aims to give something to everyone, and we invite all to come dressed in their Halloween best for a great day downtown.”

For additional information, go to Halloween Fest on Facebook and Instagram @halloweenfestriverhead