October to bring many spooky (and not so spooky) events to Dartmouth
October brings a variety of events to Dartmouth, some offering chills and thrills for Halloween lovers, while others bid to entertain those looking for an unspooky good time.
From Oct. 1 – 17, Dartmouth Players at 44 Hester Street are performing “The Haunting of Hill House”, a stage adaption of the novel by Shirley Jackson. In this chilly ghost story, a small group of visitors investigate paranormal occurrences at an enigmatic mansion. But Hill House holds darkness within, and whatever walks there, walks alone.
Also Halloween themed, starting Oct. 4, the Bluenose Ghost Festival is taking place at Alderney Landing. The haunted house will be open for visitors, and there is an escape room, the Creighton Crypt Ride (a simulated ride in a casket), spiritual readings and a haunted selfie park set up to test your nerves.
October of course is also the month for Thanksgiving, and the Dartmouth Senior Service Centre at 45 Ochterloney St. is putting on a Thanksgiving Social on Friday Oct. 9, with a full Thanksgiving Lunch at 11:45 a.m.
Barely a week later, the Senior Service Centre is offering an Octoberfest Dinner and Dance on Oct. 15, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and traditional sausage and kraut dinner served at 5:30 p.m.
Oct. 16 sees the world premiere of Frenchy’s – The Thrift Musical taking place at Alderney Landing Theatre. This hilarious new musical comedy is about finding yourself — at a fraction of the retail cost. Frenchy’s: The Thrift Musical follows three generations of an East Coast family searching the aisles for new lives and new wardrobes. The show runs until Nov. 1.
Art lovers should mark Oct. 17 in their calendars: Nocturne Night in Halifax and Dartmouth, with an inspirational and eventful evening of art performances and installations coming to multiple locations, mostly centred around the Halifax Waterfront and Downtown Dartmouth. Be surprised at what you might find along the way, or seek out specific events using the Nocturne website.
Also on Oct. 17, Alderney Landing’s Fire & Water Cultural Festival happens on the Dartmouth Waterfront. Free and fun for people of all ages, the festival celebrates Nova Scotia’s rich cultural diversity through the elements that unite us: fire and water. These powerful elements are found across cultures and traditions, connecting us to one another, the natural world and the stories we share. Gather with the community for an evening of captivating fire performances, traditional cultural performances, interactive activities, food and fun.
A highlight for collectors and enthusiasts, the Halifax Regional Coin Club is hosting its annual fall coin show on Sunday, Oct. 18. This event takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, 35 Shubie Drive, Dartmouth. There will be 22 tables of coin dealers, and the opportunity to learn more about numismatics, coins, paper money, and lots more.
Christ Church on Ochterloney Street is hosting a “Public Theology & Dialogue” series of talks throughout the fall. The speaker for the event on Oct. 18 will be journalist Paul Hollingsworth, and his topic will be mental health. The start time is 1 p.m.
Celtic Music and Dance reign supreme at the Sanctuary Arts Centre from Oct. 22 to 25, during four days of concerts and workshops that form the Rejigged Festival. This festival brings together musicians and dancers from all over the Celtic diaspora, creating a unique cultural experience in Downtown Dartmouth.
As the month nears its end, there are more Halloween events of note. For children aged five to nine, the North Woodside Community Centre offers a pumpkin carving social on Saturday, Oct. 24. Registrations with the centre are required, and children must be accompanied.
On Oct. 30, join witches, Pagans, and magical folk from across Nova Scotia for the Halifax Witches Ball (ignore the “Halifax” bit – it’s at the Sanctuary Arts Centre), a night of celebration and connection where magic and mischief collide. Come dressed in your best witchy, gothic, mystical, or fantastical attire and enjoy an evening surrounded by good people and good energy.
Finally, on Oct. 31, Halloween night, the Riot Dogs play at the Woodside Tavern, giving you an alternative to too much candy with their offering of “psych art rock with a bite.”