About the Free Halloween Festival
The Northeast’s Largest FREE Halloween Celebration – Where Monsters, Makers, and Mayhem Collide
Our Spooky Origin Story
For over a decade, the Free Halloween Festival (also known as the Catskills Halloween Festival & Oddities Market) has been the ultimate no-cost escape into Halloween chaos. Born from a love of all things macabre, we started as a small gathering of oddity lovers and grew into the largest free Halloween festival of its kind in North America.
Every October, thousands descend on the misty Catskills mountains at the legendary Blackthorne Resort in East Durham, NY. Expect gothic treasures, steampunk gadgets, cursed curios, handmade horrors, live rock bands, dark performers, panels, dancing, spooky cocktails, a haunted house, and pure unfiltered Halloween energy — all without a single ticket or gate fee.
We’re not a stuffy corporate event. We’re run by passionate weirdos who believe Halloween should be accessible, inclusive, and gloriously over-the-top. Whether you’re a vendor slinging oddities, a performer breathing fire, or just here to wear your best costume — you’re family.
What Makes Us Different
100% Free Admission
No tickets. No cover. Just show up and dive into the madness. We keep it free so everyone — locals, travelers, families, fiends — can join the fun.
Massive Oddities & Vendor Market
Curated for diversity: limited spots per category so your unique booth stands out. From gothic jewelry to steampunk contraptions to taxidermy art — buyers come ready to spend.
Live Entertainment & Immersion
Rock bands, dark cabaret, panels on villainy and monsters, dancing till dawn, spooky cocktails, and surprises around every corner. Rain or shine — the party rages on.
Community-Driven Chaos
We listen to vendors, performers, and attendees. Suggestions become features. This is your festival — we’re just the ones summoning the fog machines.
Explore More of the Madness
- → Back to Homepage – Full event details & updates
- → Vendor Application – Spots starting at $150 (limited!)
- → Live Shows & Performances – Bands, acts, and dark delights
- → Official Catskills Halloween Festival Site – Deeper lore & history
- → Book Rooms at Blackthorne Resort – Call 518-634-2541 (fills fast!)
- → Join Our Email List – Never miss a lineup drop
- → VIP Tickets (Limited) – Perks & early access
Join the Horde for 2026
October 23–25, 2026 | Blackthorne Resort, East Durham, NY
Free admission. Massive crowds. Unforgettable Halloween energy.