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By Bill McCann

It’s fall. Time to get out and enjoy the warm days and cool nights. From haunted houses and haunting plays this is a great time to get out and enjoy the arts.

Hauntings 

In Campton, not much more than 30 minutes from Winchester is the Haunted Barn. Located at 120 Campbell Ridge Road, it is only about a mile off the Mountain Parkway. Follow the signs . . . if you dare. Cost is $8.00. Proceeds benefit local charities. Open Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 8 pm.

Fright Nights at Jacobson Park has moved to downtown Lexington this year. Now called Fright Nights Kentucky it is located at 1016 South Broadway and bringing frights and thrills until 10 pm or later Thursdays through Sunday nights in October. Admission ranges from $30 to $50 per person. (Medical) masks and other Covid protocols are in place this year. Visit their website for information or to purchase tickets in advance: https://www.frightnightsky.com

Two Turns of the Screw

Dueling versions of Jeffrey Hatcher’s script of Henry James’ novella The Turn of the Screw are being performed this October in Louisville and Lexington.

Kentucky Shakespeare in Louisville is performing an intimate two-person version of The Turn of the Screw at their new venue in Old Louisville at 616 Myrtle Street now through 31 October. The play features Zachary Burrell and Mollie Murk directed by Matt Wallace in a script by Jeffrey Hatcher and based on the novella by Henry James.

The play is a phycological horror and suspense piece that will have you asking—is she crazy or is she seeing ghosts? Tickets are available on line for $22.85. A trailer for the event, tickets and more information can be found at kyshakespeare.com

The Upstairs at Midnight Theatre Project is hosting Lexington’s production which is directed by Joe Farrell and features Laurie Preston Genet and Ryan Case. Performances begin at 8 pm and will be at 249 East Main Street October 28, 29 and 30.  Masks and Covid protocols in effect for all performances. Visit the group’s Facebook page for more information.

A no-scare nature trail

If you just want to get out and enjoy a nice fall day—accompanied by guest musicians—check out Reed Valley Orchard at 239 Lail Lane, Paris. You can pick fresh fruit—apples, pumpkins and pears (including Asian pears)—wander along through the woods to see old rock fences and find evidence of old stagecoach and buggy routes. The walking trail and music are free of charge though you will have to buy your own ice cream, oven fried pies, and fruit, of course. More information at their website: https://reedvalleyorchard.com

Howling at the Moon

The Gateway Regional Arts Center in Mt. Sterling is hosting its annual outdoor concert with craft vendors—including woodworkers, specialty soaps, and more—and food trucks.  Featured musical artist this year is Luna and David of Luna and the Mountain Jets. This is a free event, open to the public. However, reserved tables are available for parties of from  2 to 8. For more information about this and other programs and events visit: https://www.grackentucky.org/

A Halloween (costumed) 5k 

Put on running shoes and (an optional) costume to take on the challenge of running about the beautiful Shaker Village as part of the Harrodsburg Kiwanis Club’s i5K run at on Saturday 30 October.   

The Halloween 5k is on paved surfaces, and begins near the Village’s Welcome Center, going out and back from the historic West Lot. According to the Village’s website “runners are encouraged to wear (and run in!) costumes for our costume contest.”

Runners, by age group, are eligible for awards given to the top male and female runners. After the 5k, beginning at 10:30, children can do a one mile “Wizard Chase” around the Historic Centre of the Village. More information about this and other fall activities at https://shakervillageky.org/event-calendar/