Embracing the Macabre: A Spooktacular Guide to Maine's Halloween Festivities

As the veil between the living and the dead grows thinner, Maine's Halloween celebrations offer a captivating blend of tradition, horror, and community. From the iconic "Rocky Horror Picture Show" to the haunting tales of "Night of the Living Dead," this guide invites you to immerse yourself in the eerie delights that await across the state.

Unleash Your Inner Ghoul: A Thrilling Lineup of Halloween Events in Maine

Reveling in the Cult Classic: "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"

Prepare to be transported to a world of pansexual, Old Hollywood-obsessed weirdos as the gender-non-specific grandparent of all midnight movies takes center stage at the Nickelodeon Cinemas in Portland. This 1975 musical-horror cult classic follows the unsuspecting newlyweds, Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon, as they stumble into a mansion teeming with the flamboyant antics of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, played by the peerless Tim Curry. Expect a night of gloriously fun, magnificently camp, and defiantly inclusive revelry, where seasoned fans and "Rocky"-curious attendees alike can indulge in the interactive experience that has made this film a midnight mega-hit.

Delving into Maine's Macabre: "The Monkey" and "Mars Hill Bait and Ammo"

Prepare to be captivated by a double feature of Maine-centric horror shorts, courtesy of the collaborative efforts of Maine Public Radio and Space in Portland. "The Monkey," based on a Stephen King short story, explores the terrifying power of a wind-up toy, while "Mars Hill Bait and Ammo" follows an insurance agent's investigation of a rural Maine UFO encounter that takes an unexpected turn. Brace yourself for a night of chills and thrills that showcase the unique blend of horror and humor that Maine's creative minds have to offer.

Uncovering the Bloody Legacy: "The Bloody Lady"

Venture into the world of Slovakian animated horror as Space in Portland presents a restored 2K screening of Viktor Kubal's 1981 animated tale, "The Bloody Lady." Delve into the gory history of Elisabeth Báthory, the 16th-century Hungarian noblewoman whose infamous habit of draining virgins' blood to preserve her own youth has inspired the modern vampire legend. Prepare to be captivated by the deceptively colorful animation and the haunting new score from indie musician Claire Rousay, which adds to the chilling atmosphere.

Venturing into the Unknown: "Round the Decay"

Brace yourself for a journey into the woods of one of those insular rural New England towns that you probably shouldn't visit, ever. Director Adam Newman's 2024 indie horror flick, "Round the Decay," follows a young woman as she gets lost in these ominous surroundings, encountering uncommunicative and creepy locals, including Maine's own favorite big screen boogeyman, Damian Maffei. Attend the screening at the Colonial Theatre in Belfast and stay for the post-screening Q&A to ensure that the cast and crew have all survived the experience.

Syncing the Macabre: "Nosferatu" (featuring Radiohead)

Prepare to have your mind opened as the Nickelodeon Cinemas in Portland presents a unique take on the Silents Synced revival series. Experience F.W. Murnau's 1922 silent horror classic "Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror" accompanied by the music of Radiohead's albums "Kid A" and "Amnesiac." Discover if the venerable British rock band had this particular movie in mind when recording these two of their most popular turn-of-the-century albums, and how their music seamlessly syncs with the nightly perambulations of Max Schreck's titular vampire.

Revisiting a Horror Icon: "A Nightmare on Elm Street"

While Freddy Krueger may have been largely de-bladed following a string of increasingly dopey sequels and one misbegotten remake, Wes Craven and star Robert Englund's original 1984 horror classic remains a true terror. Experience the genuine chills as Freddy, the former child-murderer turned teen-slasher, enters the dreams of Heather Langenkamp's character, delivering escalating, mind-bending horrors. Catch this 40-year-old classic at the Strand Theatre in Rockland and witness the birth of a boogeyman for the ages.

Celebrating the Godfather of Zombies: "Night of the Living Dead"

Venture to Space in Portland for a screening of George A. Romero's 1968 low-budget indie horror classic, "Night of the Living Dead." Witness the film that singlehandedly created the modern zombie genre, as a farmhouse full of bewildered survivors cope with the unthinkable. Starring the outstanding late Duane Jones, Romero's film slyly comments on the American racism of the time while delivering atmospheric, creeping terror that has never been equaled. Enjoy the screening in glorious black-and-white 16mm, and don't forget to come in costume for the full immersive experience.

A Haunting Operatic Trifecta: "Phantom of the Opera," Ghost Story Slam, "Opera"

The Strand Theatre in Rockland has your Halloween day/night covered in high-pitched terrors. Start with a 1 p.m. screening of Lon Chaney's 1925 silent classic version of "Phantom of the Opera," then experience the suitably operatic restored theater's 6 p.m. Ghost Story Slam, where local actors perform original ghost stories written by local writers. Cap off the evening with a screening of Italian horror maestro's gory, stylish 1987 film "Opera" at 8 p.m. Prepare to be captivated by the haunting melodies and chilling narratives that will transport you to the heart of the macabre.