Family friendly Fall Spooktacular set for downtown Schenectady on Saturday

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Pumpkin carving will b part of Saturday's Fall Spooktacular.

SCHENECTADY – Downtown Schenectady is getting into the Halloween spirit this weekend with the Fall Spooktacular, set to run from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The event, organized by the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp., brings together pumpkin carving and hay rides, with arts activities offered by community organizations.

“It’s really [about] trying to get the community involved and have it all be community-led activities and keep it free for people to enjoy,” said Amy Sonder, promotions manager at DSIC.

The first Spooktacular was held in 2019, as a way to build on the success of the Wing Walk and other popular downtown events.

“We wanted to find something that would bring in those families and people who may not always spend a lot of time in downtown, who may live in the neighborhoods or in the surrounding community and we wanted to give them a unique day in Schenectady and really showcase the beauty of it in the fall,” Sonder said.

It was held at Gateway Plaza and around 1,200 people attended, a much higher figure than organizers expected. This time around, the festival will be in front of City Hall and on Jay Street.

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“Part of the reason we’re moving it in front of City Hall and Jay Street is that there’s already so many incredible downtown businesses located in that area,” Sonder said. “We hope that people will come down and enjoy Simone’s Kitchen, Whistling Kettle and Bud’s on Jay and Pizza King. But we’ll also have Mike’s Hot Dogs and Sprinkleista will come back with her cookies and pastry truck. Nine Pin Cider and Great Flats will be down here for those looking for some beer or cider.”

Beyond the food, there will be a giant pumpkin bounce house and hayrides, with photo opportunities along the loop. People are encouraged to come in costume.

Kids’ Art Fest, CREATE Community Studios and Hamilton Hill Arts Center will have booths and arts activities. MiSci will also have a booth set up with an educational activity for attendees of all ages.

There will be live music from Red Haired Strangers and MVP Healthcare will host a football toss. Attendees can also enter to win free tickets to see Disney’s “Aladdin” at Proctors.

Sonder said that the DSIC has been reaching out to schools and community organizations to get the word out about the Fall Spooktacular. They’ve also been cross-promoting Harry Potter Day at the Schenectady County Public Library, which is also set for Saturday.

“It’s going to be another incredibly busy day in downtown,” Sonder said.

The Friends of the Schenectady County Public Library’s Harry Potter Day will run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and features a Diagon Alley set up, tea leaf readings, a sorting hat, photo booth, and a Harry Potter-themed escape room. Admission is free.

“We hope that people of all ages from all throughout the city and the region are able to come out, support the businesses, enjoy a day, enjoy free crafts and live music,” Sonder said.

For more information on the Fall Spooktacular, visit downtownschenectady.org.