Get ready for costumes, contests and trick-or-treating on Main Street this weekend, as Riverhead’s annual Halloween Festival promises spooky events that will appeal to adults and kids looking for a spooky good time.
This Saturday is packed with free events sponsored by the Business Improvement District, starting with coffin races at 3 p.m. on Griffing Avenue, in front of the courthouse. Teams of five — four runners and one rider — build their coffins and race down the street for a chance to win prizes.
Trick-or-treating at downtown businesses takes place from 4 to 6 p.m.
The big Halloween parade on Main Street starts at 7 p.m.
Once the parade ends, cash prizes will be given out to those who embrace the Halloween spirit the most, including prizes for best costume, best decorated car and more. Local theater groups will perform, featuring Peconic Ballet Theatre performers with their rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
For information about parking, restrooms, registration, parade lineup and more, visit the BID’s DowntownRiverhead.org website.
The rain date for the day’s events is Sunday, Oct. 24.
“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 Riverhead Business Improvement District Management Association.
Several other Riverhead businesses and organizations are also having events earlier on Saturday:
East End Arts is hosting “Pumpkin Painting on the Porch,” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a suggested donation to the organization of $5.
The Long Island Aquarium is hosting the Bats, Barnacles & Broomsticks Halloween Party, which is free with the purchase of an admission ticket to the aquarium. Kids in costume get a discounted half-off admission.
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