With trick-or-treating on hold in much of the area, families on the lookout for alternatives have a few options.

“Phantoms & Fire” brings a new twist to the Halloween season at Old Sturbridge Village with a series of haunting outdoor performances and seasonal activities for all ages Wednesdays through Saturdays Oct. 21-31, OSV said in an announcement.

A cornerstone of the new event is “Nevermore,” a series of six outdoor performances written and directed by P.J. Griffith, specifically for Old Sturbridge Village and partner Coggeshall Farm Museum. “Nevermore” welcomes a professional cast to OSV  to bring to life the short stories and poems of author Edgar Allan Poe,” told from the perspective of characters who have just witnessed these terrors occur.” The stories will play out simultaneously in six different locations around OSV and will be repeated throughout the evening.

For younger guests there is a new 2020 version of Trick-or-Treat called “Clues & Candy.” Making their way throughout the commons, families can collect clues and stamps that can be turned in for a big bag of goodies at the end of their visit. Participation in “Clues & Candy” is open to all ages. Costumes are encouraged at the event, but COVID-safe face masks must still be worn following state and local guidelines.
 
There will also be  live music during “Phantoms & Fire” with the “Mysterious Melodies of Lawrence Trailer,” a “haunting take on the acoustical stylings of local singer/songwriter Lawrence Trailer.” Food and beverages will be available for purchase during the event at “Prospero’s Tavern.” Also a feature of each evening, The Headless Horseman will ride again, making appearances throughout the village.

OSV said “Phantoms & Fire” replaces the theatrical “Sleepy Hollow Experience,” which had played since 2016, and offers guests a safe take on the Halloween season, following the restrictions set forth because of COVID-19.

Tickets are $16 per adult and $12 for youth ages 4-17. Children younger than 4 are admitted free. There are three times for arrival:t 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to stay until the event concludes each night at 8 p.m. Pre-registration is required, with tickets available at https://www.osv.org/event/phantoms-and-fire/. “Phantoms & Fire” is presented by Country Bank.

Meanwhile, 508 International, a sports entertainment venue at 219 Brookfield Road in Charlton, is featuring “Horror at the Drive In,” a pop-up drive-in move theater presenting classic horror films Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through the month of October.

Upcoming this weekend are “Dementia 13” (Friday), “Alice Sweet Alice” (Saturday), and “Bay of Blood” (Sunday). Live actors will also be “lurking around to turn up the haunt factor.”

Patrons will have plenty of room around their vehicles to maintain social distance and follow the state’s COVID-19 protocols. Concessions will be sold on site.  

Pre-purchased tickets are required. Tickets are $35 per vehicle (5 passengers or less). Additional passengers are $5 more per passenger (maximum of 6 passengers per vehicle).

“We are excited to provide entertainment for the community in a safe and family friendly environment,” said Amber Howard of 508 International. “We are sure that this safe and socially distanced drive-in experience with classic horror films will get everyone in the Halloween spirit and give people a chance to get out of the house and have fun.”

For the full schedule, to purchase tickets, and  inquire about group sales and sponsorships, visit www.508.Intl.com/HorrorAtTheDriveIn