The spirit of Halloween is descending upon Cambridge with a host of events tailor-made for ghosts, ghouls, and the little monsters in your life. From nocturnal orienteering to movie marathons, city departments have orchestrated a gamut of activities spanning October 29 to 31, designed to celebrate the ghoulish festivities in a family-friendly fashion.
The vibe kicks off with "Vampire Orienteering" on October 29 at Danehy Park. You'll need a flashlight and a penchant for adventure, as teams will embark on a mission to locate checkpoints, all while evading the lurking "vampires." Teams of 2–4 can form, and you're encouraged to don a costume. According to the City of Cambridge, preregistration is required a day prior. The next day, October 30, demands a costume turnout on the City Hall Lawn for treats, and then it's movie time. "Join us for a special Halloween screening of Hocus Pocus (rated PG) on Central Square Library’s big screen and eat free popcorn!" says the city's announcement, no registration required.
For the bookish goblins, the city's libraries are holding Halloween parties with stories, music, and activities. And on the evening of All Hallows’ Eve, the Cambridge Police Department has an open house, as do most Cambridge fire houses – but don't expect to swing by the headquarters, that's unavailable due to reconstruction. Here, kids can get a scoop of ice cream from JP Licks and glow sticks, perfect for the night wanderers.
The local officers and firefighting heroes won't just be doling out treats at their respective dens; they'll be roaming, engaging with the community. And the Cambridge Police offer a reminder, "All children are reminded to wear reflective colors, carry a flashlight when it gets dark, and use extra caution crossing streets," as mentioned on the City of Cambridge. Keeping safety at the forefront, officials also urge the checking of treats by adults and the wearing of a costume sans trip hazards. In an emergency, keep a cell phone on hand – or find the nearest fire alarm box if you need immediate assistance.
