Top Halloween 2022 Events and Activities in Manhattan, Kansas

Halloween Fun in Manhattan, Kansas

Halloween is right around the corner, and Manhattan, Kansas has plenty of spooky and fun events for the whole family. From haunted houses to costume parties, there are many ways to celebrate this spirited holiday in Manhattan. The city really gets into the Halloween spirit, with decorations, activities, and celebrations throughout October. Here are some of the top ways to enjoy Halloween 2022 in Manhattan, KS.

Haunted Houses and Attractions

For those looking for a fright, Manhattan has several haunted houses and haunted attractions to get your pulse racing. The number one haunted attraction is the Brushy Manor Haunted House. This intense haunted house contains terrifying actors, chilling special effects, and maze-like passageways designed to spook you. It's located south of Manhattan, but well worth the drive for horror fans. Another popular haunted house is the Haunted Stadium, held in the KSU Football Stadium. This haunted house takes you deep inside the stadium with ghosts and ghouls around every turn. For family-friendly scares, check out the Enchanted Forest, a haunted forest walk full of spooky scenes and magical creatures.

In addition to haunted houses, many other Halloween-themed attractions pop up in October. Pumpkin patches allow you to pick the perfect pumpkin for carving. The Autumn Oaks Apple Orchard has hayrides, a corn maze, and more fall activities. You can also find Zombie Paintball hunts, haunted history tours of Manhattan, and Halloween carnivals for kids.

Costume Parties and Contests

It wouldn't be Halloween without awesome costumes. You can show off your creative costumes around Manhattan at the many bars, restaurants, and other venues holding costume parties and contests. Some hot spots for costumes include Kite's Bar and Grill, So Long Saloon, The Wareham Opera House Bar, and Auntie Mae's. These bars will be hosting costume contests with prizes for the best, most unique, and funniest costumes. There will also likely be drink specials and other Halloween perks.

For a more family-friendly costume event, check out the Halloween Hullabaloo at City Park. This free carnival includes costume contests for kids and pets, carnival games, crafts, and candy. Families are encouraged to come dressed up. There will be contests and activities for all ages at this lively event.

For some creative costume inspiration, check out these community events:

• Zombie Pub Crawl
• DC and Marvel Heroes Bar Crawl
• Wizarding World of Harry Potter Crawl
• Enchanted Masquerade Ball

Spooky Theater and Entertainment

In addition to costumes parties, Manhattan has plenty of other Halloween entertainment options. For some spooky theater, check out the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Wareham Opera House. Come dressed as your favorite character and participate in the fun movie experience. The Manhattan Arts Center also hosts chillling theater productions and concerts in October like Dracula and Midnight Organ.

Other places to find Halloween fun and entertainment include:

• Halloween Laser Light Shows at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art
• Haunted Ghost Tours around Downtown Manhattan
• Halloween Improv Comedy Shows
• Open mic nights with Halloween themes
• Pumpkin painting parties
• Halloween trivia nights

Kid-friendly entertainment options include magic shows, Halloween carnivals, trunk or treat events, and more. Ask your local library, schools, or community center for kid and family Halloween activities.

Spooky Dining and Bar Specials

Many Manhattan restaurants and bars really get into the Halloween spirit. You can find tasty Halloween treats, creepy cocktails, and festive decorations. For a themed dining experience, check out The Chef Cafe or Carlos O'Kelly's who decorate for the season and add Halloween inspired menu items. Other places to nosh on Halloween treats and drinks include Tubby's Sports Bar, Varsity Donuts, So Long Saloon, and Radina's.

Another fun Halloween dining option is to attend one of Manhattan's many costume brunches. These brunches encourage you to dress up in your Halloween best while enjoying brunch fare and drinks. Some popular brunch spots include The Chef Cafe, The Bluemont Hotel, Henry's on the Hill, and Windmills. It's a fun way to celebrate the holiday with friends and enjoy tasty brunch creations.

Pumpkin Patches Near Manhattan

No Halloween is complete without the perfect Jack-O'-Lantern! Fortunately, Manhattan has several excellent pumpkin patches just a short drive away. Top picks for pumpkin picking include:

• Stonybrook Pumpkin Patch - Fun pumpkin patch with hayrides, corn maze, and kid activities.
• Howie's Pumpkin Patch - Massive patch with thousands of pumpkins and gourds. Lots of photo ops.
• Heartland Harvest - Pick your pumpkin then enjoy farm animals, play areas and more.
• Van Dorn's Pumpkin Patch - Small family-run patch with pumpkins straight from their fields.

Most patches open in late September and close by the end of October. In addition to pumpkins, you can find gourds, Indian corn, apples, and more fall decor. After picking your pumpkins, many patches allow you to stick around and enjoy games, rides, corn mazes, and snacks.

Halloween Events at Kansas State University

Kansas State University really embraces Halloween with a slew of themed events for students and the community. KSU's Student Union Program Council hosts an annual Big Purple Pumpkin festival with carnival games, food, music, a costume contest, prizes and more. Fraternities and sororities also host their own Halloween parties and events.

Other ways KSU celebrates Halloween include:

• Decorating the campus with spooky scenes
• Having students dress up for class on Halloween
• Showing Halloween and horror movie marathons
• Haunted dorm tours
• Halloween themed trivia and game nights
• Halloween baking contests

The town of Manhattan also celebrates with a downtown Trick or Treat event on Halloween so kids can show off their costumes and gather candy. Ask around campus and around town for any other Halloween activities happening at KSU.

Halloween Safety

While enjoying the many festivities, don't forget to make safety a priority so the holiday stays fun. Here are some tips to remember:

• Wear flame-resistant costumes and ensure your child's costume fits properly.
• Use glow sticks, flashlights or reflective tape when trick-or-treating at night.
• Keep costume weapons looking fake and flexible.
• Travel in groups and stick to familiar neighborhoods.
• Check your child's candy before they eat.
• Avoid dangerous pranks and keep Halloween fun.
• Be cautious around Halloween decorations and while at haunted attractions.
• Don't drink and drive and keep a lookout for impaired drivers.

Follow common sense safety guidelines and parent supervision to protect your family and have a ghoulishly great Halloween in Manhattan!

Celebrate a Happy Halloween

Halloween comes but once a year, so take advantage of all the spirited fun in Manhattan, Kansas. With so many spooky and family-friendly events, you're sure to find thrilling ways to celebrate Halloween. Get creative with costumes, explore haunted attractions, show off your pumpkin carving skills, and fill up on Halloween treats. However you choose to celebrate, have a safe and happy Halloween season!

FAQs

Where are the best haunted houses near Manhattan, KS?

Some of the top haunted houses near Manhattan are Brushy Manor Haunted House, Haunted Stadium at KSU Football Stadium, and Enchanted Forest Haunted Woods Walk.

What Halloween events in Manhattan are good for families?

Great family-friendly Halloween events include the Halloween Hullabaloo festival, trunk or treat events, pumpkin patches, haunted history tours, laser light shows, and events at local community centers.

Where can I take my child trick-or-treating in Manhattan?

Downtown Manhattan hosts an annual trick-or-treat event. Neighborhoods around the KSU campus and Aggieville are also popular with students handing out candy.

Are there Halloween events for adults in Manhattan?

Yes, there are many Halloween parties at local bars and restaurants featuring costume contests, drink specials, music, and more. Some popular spots are Kite's Bar and Grill, So Long Saloon, and Auntie Mae's.

What's the best place to get pumpkins near Manhattan, KS?

Some top picks for pumpkin patches near Manhattan are Stonybrook Pumpkin Patch, Howie's Pumpkin Patch, Heartland Harvest, and Van Dorn's Pumpkin Patch.