In Hartford, Halloween is steeped in both colonial history and modern festivity, with roots tracing back to ancient Celtic traditions and colonial-era witchcraft beliefs. Today, the city offers a lively mix of events, from the Hallowed History Lantern Tour at Cedar Hill Cemetery to family-friendly celebrations at Pratt Street and the Connecticut Science Center. Candlelight Halloween concerts and haunted performances are among the most anticipated, making early planning essential to savor Hartford’s unique seasonal atmosphere.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Ray Parker Jr.’s “Ghostbusters” theme transformed supernatural encounters into feel-good entertainment, while Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain” depicts the raw, primal power of supernatural forces. Add Michael Jackson’s “Thriller“—the ultimate Halloween anthem—and you have three pieces that approach the supernatural from completely different angles yet somehow work together perfectly.
This chamber ensemble proves that acoustic instruments can capture both the playful energy of ghost-hunting adventures and the epic scope of supernatural gatherings. “Thriller’s” iconic rhythm section translates surprisingly well to strings, while “Night on Bald Mountain” showcases the quartet’s ability to create orchestral-level drama with just four instruments. The intimate glow of candles adds warmth to even the most chilling passages.
Candlelight Halloween at Unitarian Society of Hartford
Unitarian Society of Hartford in Hartford is distinguished by its soaring architecture, which is amplified by the glow of thousands of candles, creating an atmosphere of mystery and warmth. The flickering light casts shadows that highlight the venue’s unique spaces, enveloping guests in a haunting yet inviting glow—perfect for a night of Halloween classics. The 60-minute concert features stirring renditions of Funeral March of a Marionette by Charles Gounod, String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110: II. Allegro Molto by Dmitri Shostakovich, and Der Erlkönig by Franz Schubert.
Doors open 30–45 minutes before the performance, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in this candlelit ambiance. With these concerts among Hartford’s most popular Halloween events, planning ahead is key to securing a spot in this enchanting, spooky celebration.