It's not just a bunch of Hocus Pocus - Halloween is almost here!

Don't get caught in a spell!  The nights are getting longer, the air is getting cooler, and there is a strange feeling lurking inside.  It's NOT just a bunch of Hocus Pocus - It's Halloween! 

Here are the upcoming family friendly places to go and events to participate in (see below for adult and scarier places/events to go):
1. Pumpkinville - A day at Pumpkinville is a fall family tradition for most families in this area. 

2.  Salamanca-Seneca Falling Leaves Festival - Salamanca's celebration of the changing leaves offers free entertainment for families including carnival rides!  The event goes all weekend long and includes a live wrestling event, a dance, a grand parade and so much more!

3. Rock City Park's Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show - the first weekend of October you can view, purchase and learn about rare and common rocks from around the world!  Items for sale may include rocks, minerals, fossils, shells, jewelry, cut and uncut stones, mining paraphernalia, tools and more, all relating to our natural earth!   This event is not to be missed and in the perfect setting for watching the leaves change and fall from the trees onto the large rocks. 

4. Pfeiffer's Fall Fest for families - Bring the kids or grandkids to this event that offers plenty of fun!  Decorating pumpkins, face painting, "train" rides, cider and donuts, arts and crafts and even trick or treating along a trail.  Bring your costume and prepare for an afternoon of Fall Fun!  Call 716-933-0187.  Pfeiffer also hosts a star lit stroll to learn about the mysteries of the night woods and tell stories by a campfire on Oct 26th.

5. Fall Foliage Weekends at Sprague's Maple Farm - Each weekend in October, Sprague's Maple Farms offers visitors even more fun with wagon rides up to the Ol' Sugar Shack!   There will be hot mulled cider, donuts and other samples to warm you up!  Plan on having one of their delicious meals, all with Maple Syrup as an ingredient!

6. Ellicottville's Fall Festival - One of the largest Fall Festivals around, thousands of festival goes make their way to the Village for a lively weekend of food, crafts and night life!  Take part in the Mountain Bike Races, 5k up at Holiday Valley, Chairlift Rides, and so much more!  View all the details, schedules and alternate routes at Ellicottville's website.

7. Halloween Party at the Olean YMCA - Get your costume on and head over to the Olean YMCA on October 21st for Halloween fun!  Kids age 12 and under can participate in costume contests, play spooky games, jump in the inflatables or swim.  Free!

8.  EVL Halloween Half Marathon and 5K - runners of all abilities are welcome to get their costume on and get ready to run!

9. Scary Stories at the Cultural Center -hear scary stories, make some crafts and participate in kids activities!

10. Family Art Day with the Tri-County Arts Council - see the new studio in Olean while you make Dia de los Muertoes "Day of the Dead" crafts!  All crafts are FREE, including supplies!  This is a great way to spend an afternoon with the family!

11. Besecker & Coss' Great Pumpkin Shoot - Get your team of three together and get ready to see the pumpkins soar as Besecker & Coss' Great Pumpkin Shoot returns.  Register the day of at noon, then try and hit the targets with your team on a giant slingshot.

Here are the upcoming scary places to go and adult events to participate in:
1. Haunted Hinsdale House - There will be plenty of Ghost Tours (with special guests), Public Hunts and even overnight stays at this real-live haunted house.  The house has a mysterious history, is known for strange sightings and unexplainable events and even an exorcism was performed there.  ​Events are happening October 6th, 11th, 13th, 20th, 25th, 26th, 27th and Nov 10th.

2. Wildwood Sanitarium - go on an eerie ghost hunt of the Wildwood Sanitarium in Salamanca, a new hotspot for paranormal activity.  Already it is gaining a lot of attention, already the TV hit "Paranormal Lockdown" has made it's way there.  Discover for yourself!

3. Tickletown Unhinged - this haunted fundraiser will let you explore the historic Humphrey general store which is turning into a community center.  Sure to have some great fights along your path, this Haunted House will run Fridays and Saturdays in October. 

4. Nightmare Hayrides on Sommerville St.  - Hop aboard the scariest hayride of your life!  Your path will be covered with creepy characters, but you're not out of the woods yet!  You will have to make your way through the Gothic Chamber, Haunted Wooden Maze and Haunted barn.  This operates Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Halloween!

5. Halloween Wine Walk and Party at Woods at Bear Creek - the fun returns as you walk through the haunted halloween woods at the glamping resort in Franklinville.  There is a 2 mile walk where not only do you get scared, but you get to sample some wines!

6. Four Mile Brewing's Halloween Party!