'Nightmare Before Christmas' and 'Hocus Pocus'-inspired Halloween pop-up bars coming to Long Island
September is here, which means Halloween is soon upon us and fall festive pop-up experiences are starting to appear. These are three that will kick-start spooky season.
The formerly announced Beetlejoose Halloween Pop Up Experience, which was slated for Alibi Lounge in Farmingdale, has been canceled "due to unforeseen issues," according to Unique Social Events. It will be replaced by a returning "Nightmare Before Christmas"-inspired experience.
JACK’S NIGHTMARE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE & PUMPKIN KING, FARMINGDALE
Inspired by "The Nightmare Before Christmas," Jack’s Nightmare is a 90-minute pop-up experience at The Ainsworth in Rockville Centre from Sept. 27-Nov 3, which contains a moonlit hill back drop with an interactive visit and photo-ops from Jack Bones, Sally Doll and Oogie Boogeyman.
"The story line follows Jack Bones, the Pumpkin King of Halloween, as he discovers another holiday plus all the joy and splendor that comes with it," says Michael Marra, president of Unique Social Events. "The décor will showcase imagery from Jack’s experience in both Halloweentown and Christmastown with hanging LED lights, spider webs, creepy cloth, Christmas wreaths and more."
A full menu of food and cocktails are currently in development and will be unveiled in the near future.
Everyone who attends gets to take home a souvenir black cup with a Jack’s Nightmare logo to commemorate their experience.
A similar event called the Pumpkin King Halloween Pop Up Bar at the Alibi Bar & Lounge in Farmingdale will also utilize "The Nightmare Before Christmas" theme from Sept. 20-Nov. 3.
The Witch Craft Halloween pop-up will be held at The Edgewood on the Green in Brentwood. Credit: Unique Social Events
WHEN | WHERE "Jack’s Nightmare," Sept. 27-Nov 3, The Ainsworth, 210 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre; "Pumpkin King," Sept. 20-Nov 3, Alibi Lounge, 230 Main St., Farmingdale
COST "Jack’s Nightmare," $22-$33 per person, "Pumpkin King," $18-$28 (food & drinks are a la carte)
MORE INFO uniquesocialevents.com
WITCH CRAFT HALLOWEEN POP UP EXPERIENCE, BRENTWOOD
Get out your broomsticks and be ready to fly with the Salem Sisters as the Witch Craft Halloween Pop Up Experience returns to The Edgewood on the Green Sept. 20-Nov. 3. Guests can immerse themselves in a world of witches inspired by the Disney classic, "Hocus Pocus."
"The cool thing about this iconic movie is that it has stood the test of time and reached three generations," says Marra. "We invite witches of all ages from one to 99 years old. Fans of the film will want to check out this experience."
The Salem Sisters, a takeoff the Sanderson Sisters from "Hocus Pocus," are set to perform a series of songs and spells. Each table will get a personal interaction with the trio as well as a photo-op near backdrops including a potion shelf and spell book, illuminated bubbling caldron and an old burial hill cemetery.
During the 90-minute seating, guests can order from an a la carte menu of appetizers, like the cranberry barbecue chicken wings ($17), salads, such as the autumn harvest salad ($17) and entrees, including pumpkin ravioli ($26) and chicken alla vodka ($30).
For those 21 and older (with valid ID), the bar will be serving themed cocktails like the Witches Brew Sangria for two containing a melon liqueur and dry ice ($45), plus the Winifred made with vodka and passion fruit, the Sarah filled with tequila, jalapeño and pineapple and the Mary packed with vodka, lime and lavender all served with a sugar rim and dry ice ($17).
Everyone goes home with a souvenir cup donning the pop-up logo and a depiction of the characters.
WHEN | WHERE Seatings at 6 and 8 p.m. (weekdays) and noon, 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. (weekends) Sept. 20-Nov. 3, The Edgewood on the Green, 600 Long Island Ave., Brentwood
COST $22-$32 (food & drinks are a la carte)
MORE INFO witchcraftpopup.com
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.