SHARE

Stratford Square Becomes Stratford 'Scare' For Halloween With Fright Haven

STRATFORD, Conn. -- Fright Haven is back from the dead this year, and it's taken up residence in Stratford. It opens for a preview night this Saturday and will then have six weeks of extended weekend events.

Crazed clowns are but one anticipated feature of Fright Haven.

Crazed clowns are but one anticipated feature of Fright Haven.

Photo Credit: dondraper YouTube screenshot

Fright Haven was spawned in West Haven nine years ago, but closed its doors several years ago. Promoters hope to resurrect its acclaimed reputation here in Stratford.

The new attraction is located in the old Bally's building in Stratford Square, that's been vacant for years. The cavernous building hosts over 20,000 square feet of frightful fun -- three distinct attractions, all included in the price of admission.

"Dead End Manor" is an old-school classic haunted house, a seemingly deserted Victorian mansion infested with vampires, zombies and ghosts. Next is the "Frightmare Fear Institute," a pitch-black haunt preying on people's primal fear of the dark.

Fright Haven promoters note that people aren't so much afraid of the dark, itself, but rather what might be lurking there. There may be encounters with snakes, insects, rats, floating masks, sound effects and other sensory scares.

The third attraction is the "3D Carnival of Evil," inhabited with crazed clowns in every shape and form.

Fright Haven is a gory, no-holds-barred event meant to truly scare. There are no age restrictions, but parents should be certain their children are mature enough to handle the intensity of the experience. Folks under 14 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

"Due to the intensity and fear factor of Fright Haven, those with weak hearts, health conditions, young children and pregnant women are advised that you may enter under your own risk," said Bobby Arel, one of the event promoters. "We only take responsibility for future nightmares."

Advance tickets are $20. There's also a skip-to-the-front-of-the-line VIP ticket for $35, or a VIP ticket plus Fright Haven t-shirt for $45. Buy them here.

All tickets at the door are an extra $5.

The attractions are all indoors, under one roof, so it will be open rain or shine. Fright Haven is smoke-free and alcohol-free, and accessible for people with disabilities.

This year, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Stratford Police Athletic League. In past years, the attraction has benefited organizations including MADD and the United Way.

Saturday's opening run will begin at 7 p.m. After that, it will be open every Thursday through Sunday evening, starting at 7 p.m., through Halloween, Oct. 31. Click here for the full calendar.

There will be three kid-friendly "Lights On!" matinees, from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, Sunday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 29.

Fright Haven is located at 411 Barnum Ave. Cutoff, next to L.A. Fitness and Ninety Nine Restaurant. For more information, visit Fright Haven's website or call 203-799-FEAR.

to follow Daily Voice Newtown and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE