Spooky Trail – Family-Friendly Halloween Trail in Saratoga Springs
The Spooky Trail returns to Artisanal Brew Works in Saratoga Springs for Halloween 2026, transforming our wooded trail into an evening Halloween experience filled with glowing jack-o’-lanterns, eerie scenes, lights, sounds and spooky surprises hiding among the trees.
The trail has a Soft Opening on Saturday, October 3, then continues to grow during the first week of October as we add new features and scenes. The Grand Opening is Saturday, October 10, during Artisanal Brew Works’ 10-Year Anniversary celebration.
After opening weekend, the Spooky Trail will be available Tuesday through Sunday evenings through Halloween. We’re closed on Mondays.
Spooky Trail 2026 Key Dates
Oct. 3: Soft Opening
Oct. 10: Grand Opening + Witch Way Wanderers
Oct. 24: Night of the Jack-o-Lanterns
Oct. 31: Spooky Trail Closing Night Celebration
Spooky Trail Soft Opening – October 3
The 2026 Spooky Trail begins with a Soft Opening on Saturday, October 3.
Many of last year’s favorite features will be up and running, including jack-o’-lanterns, spooky woodland scenes, lights, sounds and Halloween surprises throughout the forest.
But October 3 is just the beginning. We’ll be adding new scenes and features throughout the first week of October, so the trail will continue evolving as we head toward the Grand Opening.
Spooky Trail Grand Opening – October 10
The Spooky Trail officially celebrates its Grand Opening on Saturday, October 10, as part of Artisanal Brew Works’ 10-Year Anniversary celebration.
The Witch Way Wanderers will perform their friendly witch dance from 4–5 PM, between live music from the Sean Lippin Trio from 1–4 PM and Tiny Planet from 5–7 PM.
After their performance, the witches will head to the Spooky Trail for some extra Halloween fun and friendly interactions with trail guests.
These aren’t scare actors waiting in the woods to frighten unsuspecting kids. Expect playful witches, costumes, smiles, photo opportunities and a little extra Halloween magic for children, parents, couples, friends and anyone else exploring the trail.
A Halloween Trail for Different Comfort Levels
The Spooky Trail is designed so families and Halloween fans can choose the experience that works best for them.
5:30–6:30 PM: Tamer Trail Experience
Our earlier hour is intended for younger children and guests who prefer their Halloween fun a little less spooky.
6:30 PM–Close: Spookier Nighttime Experience
As darkness settles into the woods, the trail’s lights, sounds and creepy atmosphere become more noticeable for guests who enjoy a little more Halloween spookiness.
The Spooky Trail is meant to be fun and atmospheric rather than an intense haunted attraction. There are no actors jumping out to scare guests during the regular nightly trail experience.
Spooky Trail Hours & Admission
Season: Saturday, October 3 through Halloween
Open: Tuesday through Sunday evenings
Closed: Mondays
Tamer Experience: 5:30–6:30 PM
Spookier Nighttime Experience: 6:30 PM–Close
Location: Artisanal Brew Works, 617 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY
Admission is free for guests joining us for food and/or drinks.
For visitors coming specifically to walk the trail without dining or having drinks, trail admission is $5 per person.
Night of the Jack-o-Lanterns – October 24
On Saturday, October 24, the Spooky Trail gets an extra glow during our Night of the Jack-o-Lanterns.
Guests can carve or paint a pumpkin at Artisanal Brew Works from 2–5:30 PM, or bring a creation made at home. Pumpkins will also be available for purchase at ABW.
At 5:30 PM, we’ll begin lining the forest trail with everyone’s creations. Then, from 6–7:30 PM, take an evening stroll through the woods as the Spooky Trail becomes a glowing gallery of jack-o’-lanterns. Battery-operated lights only, please.
At 7:30 PM, prizes will be awarded for Most Creative and Most Spooky designs in three age groups:
- Youth: up to age 10
- Teen: ages 11–18
- Adult: ages 19+
After the awards, participants are welcome to take their pumpkins home.
More details will be available on the dedicated Night of the Jack-o-Lanterns event page.
Spooky Trail Closing Night Celebration – October 31
Celebrate Halloween with us on Saturday, October 31, as we wrap up the 2026 Spooky Trail season with a special Closing Night Celebration.
We’ll have candy for trick-or-treaters, plus fresh apple cider and Saratoga Apple cider donuts for the kiddos as families make their final trip through the Spooky Trail.
The regular Spooky Trail schedule will still apply:
5:30–6:30 PM: Tamer trail experience for younger children and guests who prefer things a little less spooky
6:30 PM–Close: Spookier nighttime experience with lights, sounds and Halloween atmosphere
Come in costume, grab some treats, enjoy dinner or drinks, and take one last Halloween walk through the woods before the Spooky Trail disappears for another year.
Before You Hit the Spooky Trail
Bring a flashlight. A flashlight or your phone’s light will help you navigate darker portions of the wooded trail.
Wear appropriate footwear. This is a real forest trail with natural and uneven terrain, so shoes suitable for walking outdoors are recommended.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. The Spooky Trail is designed to be experienced together, not explored by children alone.
Make a Night of It at Artisanal Brew Works
Before or after the Spooky Trail, enjoy the full Nature’s Edge Bistro menu, including appetizers, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, salads and more.
The bar offers Artisanal Brew Works craft beer, cocktails, wine, mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks, so the Spooky Trail can be part of a full fall evening rather than just a walk through the woods.
With free and easy parking, food and drinks, live music on select nights and a Halloween trail surrounded by forest, the Spooky Trail offers a different way to celebrate Halloween in Saratoga Springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Spooky Trail open for 2026?
The Spooky Trail has a Soft Opening on Saturday, October 3. Additional scenes and features will be added during the following week, leading up to the Grand Opening on Saturday, October 10.
How long is the Spooky Trail open?
The Spooky Trail runs from October 3 through Halloween and is available Tuesday through Sunday evenings. Artisanal Brew Works is closed on Mondays.
Is the Spooky Trail appropriate for young children?
Yes. From 5:30–6:30 PM, the trail offers a tamer experience intended for younger children and anyone who prefers a less-spooky Halloween experience. After 6:30 PM, the lights, sounds and nighttime atmosphere make the trail somewhat spookier.
Is the Spooky Trail a haunted house?
No. The Spooky Trail is an outdoor Halloween experience through our wooded trail rather than an intense haunted attraction. The regular nightly trail does not feature scare actors jumping out at guests.
How much does the Spooky Trail cost?
The Spooky Trail is free for guests joining us for food and/or drinks at Artisanal Brew Works. Trail-only admission is $5 per person.
Do I need a ticket or reservation?
No advance ticket is required for the regular Spooky Trail.
Should I bring a flashlight?
Yes. We recommend bringing a flashlight or using your phone’s light to help navigate darker portions of the wooded trail.
Can children walk the trail by themselves?
No. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
What happens on the Spooky Trail Grand Opening on October 10?
The October 10 Grand Opening is part of Artisanal Brew Works’ 10-Year Anniversary celebration. The Witch Way Wanderers perform from 4–5 PM and then join guests around the Spooky Trail for friendly Halloween interactions. Live music that day also includes the Sean Lippin Trio from 1–4 PM and Tiny Planet from 5–7 PM.
What is Night of the Jack-o-Lanterns?
On Saturday, October 24, guests can carve or paint pumpkins and help transform the Spooky Trail into a glowing gallery of jack-o’-lanterns. The illuminated trail runs from 6–7:30 PM, followed by awards at 7:30 PM for Most Creative and Most Spooky designs in youth, teen and adult categories.
