The Great Northampton Haunt Promises an Epic October, Turns City into Halloweentown
By Melissa Karen Sances
Published in Northampton Living | October 2025
The Great Northampton Haunt is about to turn the city into Halloweentown. “From our perspective, it’s one of the most magical times of the year,” says Mischa Roy, owner of Spill the Tea Sis and co-conjurer of the month-long event series. “There’s a really thin veil between us and the other side.”
Roy has teamed up with Isaac Weiner, owner of Familiars Coffee & Tea – an ideal pairing, she says, of two “witchy” businesses. Over the summer, when Weiner asked Roy, “What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever wanted to do in Northampton?” she was ready with the answer: to turn the city into an ode to her favorite holiday.
Her vision’s intention? “The idea was to get community and connection to the forefront of how we celebrate fall,” says Roy.
The entire month is meant to be spooky but family-friendly. The first annual haunt will kick off on October 2 at the Hotel Northampton. Kids will get their own kickoff on Main Street on October 4, complete with a parade and fun activities, while all ages can enjoy the Market Street Market Curiosities Fair.
Every Friday in October will be “Fright Bite Friday,” when local restaurants offer Halloween treats, and the Halloween Market – usually a one-Sunday block party – will take place every Saturday and Sunday from October 11 to November 2. See the magazine calendar for more details about each event in the haunt. For more information, visit thegreatnorthamptonhaunt.com.
The Great Northampton Haunt will also be assisting the Downtown Northampton Association with the annual Downtown Trick or Treat, and local businesses, organizations, and residents have joined forces to make the Haunt accessible and welcoming to all. From downtown storefront decorations to special themed activities, the city will be alive with creativity and camaraderie.
The haunt is modeled on established Halloween celebrations like Salem’s “Haunted Happenings,” a 31-day fright fest that draws one million visitors from around the world. Roy hopes to follow in their footsteps. “We want people to come and stay in town,” she says. “This will make Northampton more magical than it already is.”
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