This October, Historic Hudson Valley invites visitors to step into the shadows for An Audience with Poe, a brand-new event featuring an immersive evening of storytelling and cocktails inspired by America’s master of gothic literature, Edgar Allan Poe, at Raven’s Nest at Historic Hudson Valley’s Library.
From October 3 through November 1, professional storytellers conjure the “powerful graphic effect” that Washington Irving once praised in Poe’s writing, immersing audiences in haunting renditions of The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat, and The Masque of the Red Death.
The tales are paired with complimentary themed cocktails, mocktails, and treats, designed to capture the spirit of the story. Handcrafted cocktails include:
The Midnight Cat, our take on a whiskey mule paired with The Black Cat
Prospero’s Toast. a bubbly drink with cranberry and orange juice, paired with The Masque of the Red Death
Nevermore Nogg, our version of one of Poe’s favorite drinks, paired with The Tell-Tale Heart
The evening begins in the Library’s grand foyer, where visitors sip their first drink while standing among the historic volumes and enjoying the first chilling story. From there, the experience deepens in an intimate theater setting, where three more of Poe’s masterpieces unfold. Guests enjoy drinks, a pretzel, and fine chocolate along with Poe’s deliciously dark tales.
An Audience with Poe is recommended for ages 14 and up. (Proper ID a must for consuming alcohol.)
Also debuting this year on Friday is The Headless Horseman Files: An Immersive Sleepy Hollow Whodunit, a daytime theatrical mystery walk at Philipsburg Manor where visitors gather clues and uncover what really happened to Ichabod Crane.
Events returning this year are The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic where illusionists conjure the supernatural with spellbinding tricks, Irving’s ‘Legend,’ a dramatic retelling of Irving’s classic tale, and Twilight Village at Sleepy Hollow an outdoor experience filled with fire performers, storytellers, a pop-up market, and a dramatic sound-and-light show recreating the Horseman’s midnight ride.
All events are held rain or shine. Proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based non-profit educational organization that owns and operates these National Historic Landmarks.
Ticket and Date Information
All events have limited capacity and regularly sell out, so advance ticket purchase is required.
An Audience with Poe dates are Oct. 3-5, 10-13, 17-19, 24-26, 31-Nov. 1. Tickets are $60 and Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount.
The Headless Horseman Files: An Immersive Sleepy Hollow Whodunit dates are Oct. 3-5, 10-13, 17-19, 24-26, 31-Nov. 1. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for children (3-17), and free for children 2 and under. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount.
The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic dates are Oct. 3-5, 10-13, 17-19, 24-26, 31-Nov. 1. Tickets start at $65 and Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount.
Twilight Village at Sleepy Hollow dates are Oct. 3-5, 10-13, 17-19, 24-26, 31-Nov. 1. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for children (3-17), and free for children 2 and under. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount on tickets.
Irving’s ‘Legend’ dates are Oct. 3-5, 10-13, 17-19, 24-26, 31-Nov. 1. Tickets start at $45 for adults and $40 for children (3-17). Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount on tickets.
Buy tickets online at www.hudsonvalley.org.
Details: An Audience with Poe
The Historic Hudson Valley Library, reimagined as Raven’s Nest, opens to the public with An Audience with Poe, a new event pairing live storytelling with seasonal indulgences. Professional storytellers perform The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat, and The Masque of the Red Death in intimate spaces, with complimentary cocktails or mocktails, fine chocolate, and other treats.
The Historic Hudson Valley Library is at 639 Bedford Road, Sleepy Hollow.
Details: The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic
Featuring nationally renowned illusionists Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace, this back-by-popular-demand event features these conjuring masters communicating with the spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country like Hulda, Major Andre, and the Headless Horseman, delighting and thrilling audiences, who have multiple chances to participate in the experience. The event takes place at Philipsburg Manor in the heart of Sleepy Hollow. Snacks and drinks, including local wine and beer, will be available to purchase. Premium tickets include a complimentary beverage and cabaret style seating.
Details: Twilight Village at Sleepy Hollow
At Philipsburg Manor in the heart of Sleepy Hollow, Twilight Village features traveling musicians and performers, a robust market with food, drink, and souvenirs, and plenty of photo-ops, including with the Headless Horseman.
Details: The Headless Horseman Files: An Immersive Sleepy Hollow Whodunit
On this 45-minute walk through the historic grounds of Sleepy Hollow’s Philipsburg Manor, visitors encounter suspicious townsfolk—each with their own tale and motive for causing the demise of Ichabod Crane. Visitors work together to mine the clues and decide who they think the Headless Horseman really is.
Philipsburg Manor is at 381 North Broadway in Sleepy Hollow. Details: Irving’s ‘Legend’
Performing amid the lush landscape of Washington Irving’s estate, master storyteller Jonathan Kruk, accompanied by professional musician Jim Keyes, brings to life the story of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in this outdoor, evening event, a perennial favorite. Snacks and drinks, including local wine and beer, will be available to purchase.
Washington Irving’s Sunnyside is on West Sunnyside Lane, off Route 9 in Tarrytown.
