The Municipality of Port Hope, in partnership with community organizations and businesses across the community, is thrilled to launch its first ever Spooky Season.
Running from September 16 through November 1, the campaign celebrates Port Hope’s reputation as a destination for all things eerie, mysterious, and frightfully fun.
The season kicked off with an info session at the Port Hope Public Library, where volunteers were confirmed as “Spooky Season Certified” tourism ambassadors. Over the coming weeks, they’ll help showcase Port Hope’s lineup of Spooky Season events and eerie locations tied to ghostly tales.
Later in the month, visitors and locals alike are encouraged to explore Port Hope’s spooky offerings, including an array of themed events and creatively decorated local shops offering exclusive merchandise tied to the season’s theme – a certain notorious grinning clown and his ominous red balloon. Notably, the season will highlight Port Hope’s popular “IT Walking Tour,” promising an unforgettable experience for horror enthusiasts.
“Spooky Season is a time when Port Hope really comes alive with creativity, community spirit, and a touch of the supernatural,” says Mayor Olena Hankivsky. “We look forward to welcoming visitors and locals alike to experience all that’s in store.”
Spooky Season stretches through October with special screenings of 2017’s IT on October 5 and 2019’s IT: Chapter 2 on October 12 at the Capitol Theatre. Tickets are offered as Pay-What-You-Can, with proceeds of ticket sales being donated to the Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario-Northumberland. Port Hope is also abuzz with the anticipation of the release of “Welcome to Derry,” a series partially filmed in Port Hope in 2024. The series premieres on Crave in Canada on October 26.
Spooky Season also features two newer but much-loved traditions. Trick-or-Treat Night, hosted by the HBIA, is a perennial favourite for Port Hope’s youngest residents and will take place on October 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. The celebrations will culminate on November 1 with Critical Mass Art’s annual downtown Pumpkin Parade – a tradition that has quickly become a community favourite. Explore the full lineup of events and promotions at visitporthope.ca/spooky.
The campaign brings together the creative efforts of community groups and local businesses under one umbrella. Locals may hear radio ads on their favourite stations and spot eerie branded balloons floating throughout the Municipality, while the community-distributed Artzie zine, produced by Critical Mass Art, offers a fun guide to events and activities in the downtown.
“Spooky Season is such a fun way to showcase Port Hope’s imagination and community pride,” says Councillor Adam Pearson, whose downtown business, Queenies Bake Shop, is also joining in the festivities.
“From local shops to our arts and culture groups, everyone gets involved in making the season memorable for visitors and residents alike.”
The success of the Spooky Season campaign owes much to the generous contributions and commitments from community partners, including Critical Mass, the Heritage Business Improvement Area, the Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce, the Port Hope Public Library, Capitol Theatre, The Nooks Realty, Big Brothers Big Sisters Second Helpings, On 2nd Thought Upcycling, and Queenies Bake Shop.
For full details and event listings, visit visitporthope.ca/spooky.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
