PREVIEW: nightmare on jay street
10/19/2024 on Jay Street in Schenectady
“watch the site of the popular Sunday morning farmer’s market turn into a menagerie of spooky stalls and attractions.”
Red, yellow, and brown leaves fill the trees and blanket sidewalks, pumpkin spice coffee flows daily at Stewart’s, ten-foot tall skeletons grace the front yards of houses across the Capital Region: it’s time for Halloween.
If you’re looking to get in the spirit, but aren’t the kind to hit up a haunted hayride or house, then Schenectady has just the thing for you. Welcome to Nightmare on Jay Street.
On Saturday October 19, from 5:00-9:00 PM, watch the site of the popular Sunday morning farmer’s market turn into a menagerie of spooky stalls and attractions. While you wait for the fire performer to light up the night at 7:30, you can visit The Henna Dojo outside City Hall, or strike a pose with a coffin in Jay Square. Personally, I think I’m going to give into temptation and finally have my tarot cards read, because what could be more scary than thinking about the future? The only thing I can think of is birds (don’t judge me) and don’t worry, those will be there too: the wildlife assistance nonprofit Whispering Willow Wildcare will bring their flying fiends for you to view and learn more about.
If you’re looking for a more lowkey haunt, you’re welcome to stroll between vendors and shop all your scares away. Heart and Heather features Halloween-themed pottery, Bear & Bird Boutique/Gallery will host a button-making station outside their shop alongside the six local artists showing their artwork inside, and The Golden Sickle will feature some incredible woodworking and creepily crafted pieces. That doesn’t interest you? Try candles with embedded crystals, animal bone jewelry, hand-crafted fans, beautifully made resin objects of all shapes and sizes, vintage home decor, whimsical polymer clay jewelry… I’m out of breath just writing this!
Finally, perhaps my favorite attraction of all will be the food. Apple, cinnamon, and pumpkin flavored sips and snacks galore are around each corner. All your favorite Downtown Schenectady cafes and restaurants have cooked up delectable concoctions for your dining pleasure. Unbeetable crafted a “poison apple” cocktail and mocktail, Bittersweet Candy Co. is whipping up caramel apples, Sandye’s Cakes will bring out their best treats, and Storied will provide all your coffee and tea caffeine needs for the night.
With over 50 vendors/attractions, there’s no way to truly capture all the weirdness and excitement that will descend on the city this Saturday night. The only way to find out is to go, so we hope to see you there for a scary good time (come on, it wouldn’t be a Halloween-themed article if I didn’t make that joke at least once).
Nightmare on Jay Street is happening this Saturday, October 19th in downtown Schenectady. For more information on the event, check out https://www.nightmareonjaystreet.com/