The nights are getting longer, the pumpkins are glowing and Halloween is officially in the air. It’s time to embrace the spooky season. Let’s get started!
Follow the glow: The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns
Pumpkin patches have their moment. But a pumpkin trail? Now that’s a Halloween tradition worth following.
This fall, the wooded grounds of Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts in Wheatley Heights once again become a glowing autumn wonderland for The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns. The 4,200-foot loop winds through the property, surrounded by more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins and illuminated objects — 10,000 glowing elements in all — creating a dazzling nighttime spectacle that feels part art show, part Halloween celebration and part magical mystery tour.
Now in its 13th season on Long Island, Rise has become a seasonal favorite for families, pumpkin enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a little October magic. Along the trail, pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and personalities light the way, joined by colorful inflatables and other illuminated creations. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s even a spot to stop and show off your dance moves, complete with disco lights and music. Because what Halloween adventure would be complete without a little dancing?
Longtime fans may remember Rise from its first eight seasons at Old Westbury Gardens. Its current home at Usdan offers something new: a longer trail that allows visitors to wander deeper into the woods and enjoy a more immersive experience.
“We found this trail to be perfect,” says Mike Pollock, executive producer of Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns. “The entire trail is wooded which allows us to deliver the most gorgeous show we've ever done! The trail is longer than in the past so your experience will be longer! This is the spookiest walk on Long Island.”
Spooky, yes. Frightening, no. There are no creatures lurking in the shadows, no actors jumping out along the path and no surprise scares. As Pollock puts it simply: “No scares.”
Instead, the magic comes from the pumpkins themselves. A team of 100 handpicked artists carves each one individually, giving the jack o’lanterns an impressive range of personalities and expressions — from eerie and sinister to goofy and downright adorable. Taken together, the thousands of glowing creations turn the trail into an enormous outdoor gallery of Halloween art.
The spectacle certainly has a following. About 40,000 visitors make their way through the trail each year, taking in the glowing pumpkins, snapping photos and soaking up the sights, sounds and spirit of the season. Walk at your own pace — it takes anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour and 15 minutes — to enjoy it all.
“The artistry of these pumpkins is spectacular and you will not see anywhere else,” Pollock adds.
So grab a sweater, gather the family and follow the glow. The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns is open weekends and select weeknights through Nov. 1. Tickets must be purchased online at jackolanterns.com; no tickets are available on site. The trail is located at 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights.
Ready for some slime?
Who ya gonna call? Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, of course. The LIU Post campus gets a serious dose of supernatural fun when Ghostbusters in Concert arrives Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m., bringing the beloved 1984 comedy classic to the big screen — with a live orchestra, plenty of ’80s nostalgia and a whole lot of Halloween spirit.
The film screening may be the highlight, but Families are encouraged to arrive at 4:30 p.m. for Halloween-themed festivities in the Goldsmith Atrium. Expect ’80s hits performed live, a costume contest judged by the Tilles Cabaret Company — made up of LIU musical theater students — plus prizes, photo opportunities, snacks and plenty of chances to get into the spirit before the ghosts take over.
And yes, there will be an Ectomobile. An on-site replica of the Ghostbusters’ iconic vehicle will be on display, courtesy of Roger Browner, vice president of Hicksville-based AutoMat Custom & Restoration. It’s the perfect backdrop for a family photo before heading into the main event.
Adding another special touch, guests can meet the Long Island Ghostbusters, a cosplay charity group appearing on behalf of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Bellmore resident and Ghostbusters actor Joe Cirillo will also be on hand. Cirillo, who spent 20 years as an NYPD officer before launching a second career in film, was originally scouted by director Mike Nichols. That eventually led to his role as the Police Captain in the original "Ghostbusters" — his on-screen debut. He went on to portray numerous police officers and authority figures on screen, operate film security companies and publish his autobiography.
Then it’s time to cue the proton packs. The classic “Ghostbusters” starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and the rest of the unforgettable crew, is presented on a large HD cinema screen, synchronized with a live performance of Academy Award-winning composer Elmer Bernstein’s score. The result promises to be a larger-than-life way to experience the comedy, ghosts and supernatural mayhem of the classic film.
Costumes are not just welcome — they’re encouraged. Those hoping to compete in the costume contest should arrive and register by 5:30 p.m.; everyone else can simply come dressed for the occasion and enjoy the festivities.
So grab your proton pack, perfect your best ’80s look and get ready for some supernatural fun. Visit tillescenter.org for tickets and more. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.
