Berea’s beloved Halloween tradition returns for its 24th year this Friday, October 31, bringing families together for an evening of safe trick-or-treating, inflatables, and festive fun at Berea Community Park.

The free event runs from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the park located at 1 Pirate Parkway, behind Berea Community School, offering a welcoming alternative to traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating in a well-lit, supervised environment.

A Quarter-Century Tradition

For nearly 25 years, Halloween at the Park has been a cornerstone of Berea’s fall celebrations. What began as a community initiative to provide safe Halloween activities has grown into one of the most anticipated family events of the season, drawing hundreds of costumed children and their families each year.

The longevity of the event speaks to its importance in the community. Parents who attended as children now bring their own kids to collect candy from local vendors, creating multi-generational memories in the process.

What to Expect

Local vendors and community organizations will set up stations throughout the park, handing out candy to trick-or-treaters of all ages. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes—whether spooky, silly, or superhero-themed—and bring bags or buckets for collecting treats.

An inflatable attraction will be available for kids to burn off energy between candy stops, adding an extra element of play to the evening. The inflatable provides entertainment beyond simple trick-or-treating, making the event more than just a candy collection stop.

A professional photo booth will capture memories of the night, giving families the opportunity to document their costumes and Halloween fun. These photos have become treasured keepsakes for many Berea families over the years.

Community Partnership

The event is organized by Berea Parks and Recreation, which has coordinated the annual celebration for more than two decades. The department works year-round to provide quality recreational programming for Berea residents, and Halloween at the Park represents one of their signature community events.

Local businesses and organizations participate as candy vendors, demonstrating the strong community spirit that makes Berea special. These partnerships ensure the event remains free and accessible to all families, regardless of financial circumstances.

Planning Your Visit

The park offers ample parking, though early arrival is recommended as the event typically draws large crowds, especially in the first hour. The 6:00 p.m. start time allows families to attend before it gets too late for younger children, while the 8:00 p.m. end time gives everyone plenty of opportunity to visit all the vendor stations.

Temperatures on Halloween evening are expected to be cool, so organizers recommend layering costumes over warm clothing or choosing costumes that accommodate jackets underneath. Flashlights or glow sticks can help keep track of children in the darker areas of the park, though the event area will be well-lit.

Parents should bring hand sanitizer and remind children about basic safety rules: stay with adults, don’t run between stations, and check candy before eating.

Beyond the Park

Halloween at the Park is just one of several Halloween activities happening around Berea this week. Earlier on Friday evening, October 31, Berea College will host a Halloween Carillon Concert at 5:30 p.m. in Draper Quad, featuring guest carillonist Simone Browne performing spooky tunes on the John Courter Carillon. The free outdoor concert offers a unique musical experience for families before heading to Halloween at the Park.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, GOKY is hosting a Halloween Electric Joyride on Thursday, October 30 at 6:00 p.m.—a 20-mile e-bike ride through local backroads for adults and older teens.

More Information

For additional details about Halloween at the Park or other Berea Parks and Recreation programs, call 859-986-9402 or visit the Berea Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

The event takes place rain or shine, so come prepared for weather and ready to celebrate Halloween the Berea way—with community, candy, and plenty of smiles.

Berea Community Park is located at 1 Pirate Parkway, behind Berea Community School, easily accessible from downtown Berea and surrounding neighborhoods.

Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before bed this Saturday night! Daylight saving time ends at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025, giving us all an extra hour of sleep but also ushering in earlier sunsets and darker evenings.

The History Behind “Falling Back”

The practice of changing our clocks twice a year has roots dating back to World War I. Germany first implemented daylight saving time in 1916 to conserve fuel during wartime, and the United States followed suit in 1918 with the Standard Time Act. The idea was simple: shift an hour of daylight from morning to evening during warmer months to reduce the need for artificial lighting and save energy.

While the energy-saving benefits are now debated, the tradition has persisted for over a century. Daylight saving time was standardized nationally by the Uniform Time Act of 1966. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 later changed the start and end dates beginning in 2007, establishing the current schedule of the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November.

What It Means for Berea

The end of daylight saving time brings both benefits and challenges for our community. That extra hour of sleep Sunday morning is welcomed by many, but the earlier sunsets mean darkness arrives by around 5:30 p.m., significantly impacting evening activities and routines.

Local Businesses Adjust

For entertainment venues like The Spotlight Playhouse, the time change coincides perfectly with their Monster Mash Cabaret performances this weekend—Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. The Playhouse’s upcoming productions, including Something Rotten Jr. (November 7-16) and Dracula: The New World (November 7-9), will all take place under the new standard time schedule.

“Theater schedules don’t change, but our audiences do,” notes the reality of live performance venues. Evening shows that once felt like late-night outings now begin well after sunset, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere for fall and winter productions.

Churches and Community Gatherings

Local churches will welcome congregations at their regular service times Sunday morning—though many attendees may arrive feeling a bit more rested with that bonus hour. Wednesday evening services, Bible studies, and community gatherings will now take place entirely after dark, a shift that continues until spring.

The Berea Farmers Market transitions to its winter schedule this Saturday, November 1, moving indoors to 207 N. Broadway Street with new hours of 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The earlier closing time aligns well with the season’s shorter days, allowing vendors and shoppers to complete their market visits while daylight remains.

Outdoor Activities and Safety

For outdoor enthusiasts, the time change means afternoon hikes at The Pinnacles or Indian Fort Mountain require earlier starts. What was once a leisurely 4:00 p.m. trail walk now takes place in fading light. Local hiking groups and outdoor recreation businesses adjust their schedules accordingly, with most group activities moving to morning and early afternoon time slots.

The earlier darkness also brings safety considerations. Pedestrians walking along Chestnut Street or through the Artisan Village should be extra cautious during evening hours, as drivers adjust to reduced visibility. Reflective clothing and flashlights become essential gear for anyone out after 5:30 p.m.

Tips for Adjusting

Health experts recommend several strategies to ease the transition:

Before the change:

• Go to bed 15-30 minutes earlier Saturday night
• Avoid caffeine after 2:00 p.m. on Saturday
• Get morning sunlight exposure to help reset your internal clock

After the change:

• Maintain consistent sleep and wake times
• Use bright lights in the morning to help adjust
• Consider light-blocking curtains if early morning sun disrupts sleep
• Be patient—most people adjust within a few days

Children and pets often need extra time to adapt to schedule changes. Parents may want to gradually shift bedtimes and meal times in the days following the time change.

The Silver Lining

While darker evenings take some getting used to, the time change brings its own seasonal charm. Earlier sunsets mean cozier evenings at home, perfect for fall activities like reading, baking, or enjoying hot chocolate by the fireplace. Local restaurants and cafes often see increased dinner traffic as people embrace the “night comes early” mindset.

The holiday season also benefits from the earlier darkness—Christmas lights and seasonal decorations become visible sooner, extending the hours we can enjoy festive displays throughout Berea’s downtown and neighborhoods.

Looking Ahead

Standard time will remain in effect until Sunday, March 8, 2026, when we’ll “spring forward” once again. Until then, Berea residents can embrace the rhythm of shorter days and longer nights, a natural reminder of the changing seasons in our beautiful Kentucky community.

So set those clocks back Saturday night, enjoy that extra hour of sleep, and remember to check your smoke detector batteries while you’re at it—a time-honored tradition that coincides with the time change twice a year.

BEREA, KY – The Spotlight Playhouse presents “We Are Monsters,” a children’s musical that follows human kids into a monster cabaret where they discover that monsters aren’t so different after all. The show continues through Sunday, October 26, featuring young performers ages 4-11.

The hilarious musical tells the story of four human children—KC, Jade, Westerly, and Sunny—who sneak into the annual Monster Cabaret held in an old abandoned theater. Their initial plan to expose monster secrets quickly changes when they discover vegetarian vampires, rock ‘n’ roll werewolves, and a sweet but slimy monster named Oozy Lumpa who longs for her childhood human friend.

As the humans watch the monsters perform, they realize these creatures deal with the same challenges as people—feeling different, wanting to be accepted, and longing for friendship. The story culminates in a powerful message about celebrating the attributes that make each of us unique.

“We Are Monsters” features book, music, and lyrics by Denver Casado and Betina Hershey, published by Beat by Beat Press. The show won recognition at the Children’s Musical Theatre Festival in New York City and has been performed by over 690 theater groups worldwide since its debut.

The Spotlight Playhouse production features the Purple Cast this weekend, with performances Friday and Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. The show is performed by students of the Spotlight Acting School, which guarantees roles to all enrolled students and offers programs for ages 4-18.

The musical’s catchy songs include “We Are Monsters,” “Howl at the Moon,” “We Love Lettuce,” and “Be in Touch,” each advancing the story while giving young performers opportunities to shine. The ensemble-focused show features speaking and singing solos for werewolves, vampires, and human characters alike.

Director Chad Hembree, Executive Director of The Spotlight Playhouse and Spotlight Acting School, has guided the young cast through the production. The show’s themes of acceptance and friendship align with the school’s mission to build confidence and celebrate each student’s unique talents.

“We Are Monsters” carries a message particularly relevant for young audiences: that fear and misunderstanding often separate us, but friendship and acceptance can bring us together. The show demonstrates that what makes us different is what makes us special.

Tickets are available at www.ticketsource.com/spotlightactingschool or at the door. The Spotlight Playhouse is located at 214 Richmond Road in Berea. Pay What You Can performances are offered on most Fridays—check the show page for eligible dates.

For more information about “We Are Monsters” or upcoming productions, visit www.thespotlightplayhouse.com or call 859-756-0011.

BEREA, KY – Fall foliage across central Kentucky is expected to peak in late October, offering residents and visitors a chance to experience autumn’s transformation in the Kentucky foothills—though this year’s display may be more subdued than usual.

The August drought has affected this year’s autumn display, causing some trees to drop leaves early before showing their typical vibrant colors. Despite the muted palette, Berea’s trails still offer beautiful opportunities to experience the changing season.

Three locations stand out for fall foliage viewing:

The Pinnacles at the Berea College Forest (Indian Fort) provide some of the area’s most accessible fall hiking. The trails wind through mixed hardwood forests where maples, oaks, and hickories create a canopy of autumn color. The network of trails offers options for all skill levels, from easy walks to more challenging climbs with rewarding views of the surrounding hills. The dramatic rock formations paired with fall foliage make this a favorite destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Owsley Fork Reservoir, located near Berea, offers lakeside viewpoints and informal paths for gentler walks. The reservoir’s waterside setting provides views of fall foliage reflected in the calm surface of the lake, creating a peaceful alternative to mountain hiking.

For the best fall color experience, plan hikes for mid-morning or late afternoon when the light enhances the warm tones of autumn leaves. Even in a less vibrant year, the cooler temperatures and quieter trails make late October an ideal time to explore Berea’s natural spaces.

The Berea College Forestry Outreach Center occasionally offers guided nature walks and educational programs. For trail maps and current conditions, visit the Forestry Outreach Center website or call 859-756-3315.

For trail information and directions to Indian Fort Mountain and other Berea hiking destinations, visit www.visitberea.com or contact the Berea Tourism office at 859-986-2540 or toll-free 800-598-5263.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply looking for a peaceful autumn walk, Berea’s trails offer a front-row seat to the season’s changes—a reminder that even in quieter years, nature’s rhythms continue to inspire.

BEREA, KY – Families looking for safe, fun Halloween activities will find plenty to celebrate in Berea this weekend, starting with Tumbleshine Athletics’ annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 25.

The event runs from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Tumbleshine Athletics, located at 60 Old Wallaceton Road in Berea. Children are invited to trick-or-treat from decorated car trunks in a safe, supervised environment while enjoying games and activities. Trick-or-treating is free; an optional after-hours Glow Party follows (fee required, $10 pre-registration / $12 at the door).

Tumbleshine Athletics, founded in 2010, has grown from serving two athletes in a 600-square-foot facility to over 300 athletes in a 10,000-square-foot space. The gym offers tumbling, ninja, cheer, and trampoline programs for children from preschool through competitive teams, along with after-school care and summer camps.

The annual Trunk or Treat has become a beloved community tradition, providing families with a festive alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. The event reflects Tumbleshine’s commitment to serving Madison County and surrounding communities.

For families looking to extend the Halloween fun, The Spotlight Playhouse presents “We Are Monsters,” a children’s musical celebrating differences and friendship, with performances continuing through Sunday, October 26. The show features young performers ages 4-11 and carries a message about accepting others for who they are—a perfect complement to the inclusive, community-focused spirit of Trunk or Treat.

“We Are Monsters” performances this weekend include Friday and Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at The Spotlight Playhouse, 214 Richmond Road. Tickets are available at www.ticketsource.com/spotlightactingschool.

Both events showcase Berea’s commitment to providing family-friendly activities that bring the community together, especially during the festive Halloween season.

For more information about Trunk or Treat at Tumbleshine, visit www.tumbleshine.com or call 859-800-2872.

BEREA, KY – Two of the Midwest’s most beloved folk acts will share the stage at Rebel Rebel Studio & Lounge on Sunday, October 26, bringing stripped-down string band music and heartfelt harmonies to Berea’s intimate music venue.

The Tillers, an Ohio River Valley string band from Cincinnati, have been thumping their distinctive sound of folk music since 2007. Known for their ability to “break your heart with an intangible, timeless pain,” writes Col. JD Wilkes, the band has toured extensively across the country and overseas, building a devoted following with their authentic approach to traditional string band music.

The group’s sound draws from old-time folk and bluegrass traditions, featuring tight harmonies and acoustic instrumentation that transports listeners to another era. Their music has been described as both raucous and reverent, capturing the spirit of American roots music while making it entirely their own.

Joining them are The Montvales, a folk duo featuring Sally Buice and Molly Rochelson. Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, and now based in Cincinnati, the pair spent their formative years busking on street corners before developing their banjo-and-harmony-driven sound. Their shows blend stripped-down instrumentation with powerful songwriting that sticks with listeners long after the final note.

The Montvales have earned recognition for their woman-centric voice in folk music, bringing modern perspectives to traditional forms. Their latest album, “Born Strangers,” showcases their evolution from acoustic duo to full-band arrangements while maintaining the intimate connection that defines their live performances.

Rebel Rebel Studio & Lounge, located at 440 Chestnut Street in downtown Berea, serves as a live music and event venue that runs an Emerging Musicians Incubator, supporting both established and up-and-coming artists in the region. The venue’s intimate setting provides the perfect backdrop for string band folk, allowing audiences to experience the nuances of acoustic performance up close.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with music beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($15 for students), per Eventbrite.

For more information about the show or upcoming events at Rebel Rebel, visit www.rebelrebelberea.com or call 423-794-8632.

BEREA, KY – As fall settles over central Kentucky, the Berea Farmers Market continues to offer fresh, locally grown produce and handmade goods every Saturday morning at the Chestnut Street Pavilion.

The market, Kentucky’s oldest “producer only” market, is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the end of October at 635 Chestnut Street, across the road from Just Love Café. The market will transition to winter hours in November, moving indoors to 207 N. Broadway Street and operating from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Producer only” means that every item sold at the market is grown, raised, or made by the vendor selling it. Farmers offer seasonal fruits, vegetables, plants, eggs, and meats, while value-added vendors provide prepared foods like breads, desserts, kombucha tea, and coffee beans. Local artisans round out the market with handmade soap, jewelry, sewn items, and other crafted goods.

October brings peak fall harvest season, with vendors offering pumpkins, winter squash, late-season tomatoes, apples, and other autumn produce. The market also features live music, creating a festive community gathering spot for residents and visitors alike.

The Berea Farmers Market has served the community for more than 50 years, since 1973, building relationships between local growers and consumers while supporting sustainable agriculture and the local economy. Market President Rene’ Poitra-Riley describes the market as “an authentic grassroots destination” where the community comes together to support local farmers and artisans.

The market participates in the Kentucky Double Dollars program, which provides a dollar-for-dollar match up to $20 daily for participants with EBT, PEBT, food stamp, senior, or WIC cards. This program helps make fresh, local food accessible to more community members.

The pavilion provides covered shopping rain or shine, and free parking is available nearby.

For more information about vendors, special events, or becoming a vendor, visit www.bereafarmersmarket.org or find the market on Facebook and Instagram.

BEREA, KY – The Spotlight Playhouse’s Bluegrass Players are bringing one of America’s most notorious unsolved mysteries to the stage with “Lizzie Borden of Fall River,” running October 17-25 at The Spotlight Playhouse.

The production tells the story of Lizzie Borden, accused of brutally murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in Fall River, Massachusetts, in 1892. The case divided public opinion and remains one of the most debated criminal cases in American history. Lizzie was ultimately acquitted, but the question of her guilt has captivated audiences for over a century.

Tim Kelly’s dramatic adaptation blends historical detail with theatrical storytelling, creating a suspenseful courtroom drama that allows audiences to examine the evidence and draw their own conclusions about what really happened on that fateful August morning.

Director Kyrsten Daugherty leads a cast of 15 local actors in this gripping historical drama. Erika Howard takes on the title role of Lizzie Borden, with Matthew Ridout as her father Andrew Borden, Ali Corson as stepmother Abby Borden, and Faith Worley as sister Emma Borden. The ensemble cast includes Wrenn Arevalo, Rebecca Fanshier, Keith Wynn, Kat Davis, Luke Madden, Iris Jaxon, Adalynn Coleman, Jarrod Mills, Brady Sexton, Tiffany Reed, and Rachel Wade.

“Lizzie Borden of Fall River” features mature content and carries a parental advisory rating, making it appropriate for adult audiences interested in historical drama and true crime stories.

Performance Schedule:

• Friday, October 17 at 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 18 at 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 19 at 4:00 p.m.
• Friday, October 24 at 8:00 p.m.
• Friday, October 25 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.ticketsource.com/spotlightactingschool or at the door. The Spotlight Playhouse is located at 214 Richmond Road in Berea. Pay What You Can performances are offered on most Fridays—check the show page or ticketing for eligible dates.

For more information, visit www.thespotlightplayhouse.com or call 859-756-0011.

BEREA, KY – Since opening in 2018, the Berea College Planetarium has provided families and students across the region with an immersive journey through space, right in the heart of Berea.

Located on the fourth floor of the Margaret A. Cargill Natural Sciences and Health Building at 271 North Main Street, the state-of-the-art digital planetarium features an approximately 35-foot dome. The facility replaced the original Weatherford Planetarium, which served the community from 1984 until 2018 in the Hall Science building.

The new planetarium uses fully digital 4K projection technology capable of displaying stars, planets, exoplanets, nebulae, and full-dome shows covering topics from solar activity and asteroids to black holes and the formation of the universe. Unlike its analog predecessor, the modern system can transport viewers anywhere in space and time, offering perspectives impossible to experience from Earth.

Public shows are offered twice weekly throughout the academic year on Fridays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. Each presentation includes a featured planetarium show followed by a tour of the current seasonal night sky led by the planetarium operator. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors, making it an affordable educational experience for families throughout the region.

The planetarium is part of the Yahng Discovery Center, which promotes science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health education for students in Madison County and beyond. School groups can schedule weekday visits, and the facility is available for private events and scout programs.

The Margaret A. Cargill Natural Sciences and Health Building, which houses the planetarium, is a 125,000-square-foot, $72 million facility that opened in August 2018. The building was designed to create an interactive, technology-rich learning environment while complementing Berea’s traditional Georgian Revival architecture. Special features include the Discovery Center, the digital theater/planetarium, and a 3-D visualization lab.

Parking is available in the Seabury lot behind the Farm Store on campus, with handicap parking accessible at the building’s north entrance.

For updated show schedules and reservations, visit planetarium.berea.edu or call 859-985-3351.

BEREA, KY – Families looking for fall fun can help Sally Scarecrow find her missing pumpkins this week during a free scavenger hunt at Berea Community Park.

The Sally Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt runs Monday, October 13, through Friday, October 17, at Berea Community Park and Trail, located at 1 Pirate Parkway.

According to the event organizers at Berea Parks and Recreation, Sally lost her pumpkins on the way to the farmers market and needs help finding them. Participants will follow clues posted daily on the Berea Parks and Recreation Facebook page beginning Monday, October 13, to locate all 10 hidden pumpkins throughout the park.

Each pumpkin features a special word. Families who find all 10 pumpkins and write down the words can bring their completed list to the park office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to claim prizes.

The scavenger hunt is free and family-friendly, offering an outdoor activity that gets kids exploring the park while enjoying the fall season. Berea Community Park features walking trails, playgrounds, and open spaces perfect for families to spend time together.

Clues will be released throughout the week on the Berea Parks and Recreation Facebook page. Participants can complete the hunt at their own pace during the five-day event.

Other family-friendly Halloween activities in the area include “We Are Monsters,” a children’s musical at The Spotlight Playhouse, with performances October 17-26. The show follows human kids who sneak into a monster cabaret and discover that monsters deal with the same issues as humans, learning the importance of friendship and celebrating differences. Tumbleshine Athletics in Berea will host a Trunk or Treat event on October 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. at 60 Old Wallaceton Road.

For more information about the Sally Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, visit the Berea Parks and Recreation Facebook page or contact Berea Parks and Recreation at bereaky.gov.

BEREA, KY – The Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen will host its 57th Annual Fall Art Market this weekend on the lawn of the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea (I-75 Exit 77), bringing together dozens of talented artisans to showcase handcrafted works that celebrate the region’s rich creative heritage.

The two-day event takes place Saturday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors will find a wide variety of handmade items including pottery, jewelry, woodwork, textiles, paintings, sculptures, and other fine crafts created by Kentucky Guild members. The Fall Art Market has become a beloved tradition in Berea, drawing visitors from across the region to experience the work of skilled artisans who carry on Kentucky’s craft traditions.

“This event showcases the incredible talent of Kentucky’s artists and craftspeople,” said organizers. “It’s an opportunity for the community to support local artisans while finding unique, handcrafted pieces you won’t find anywhere else.”

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea serves as a year-round showcase for Kentucky-made products, but the Fall Art Market brings additional artists and special works created specifically for the seasonal event. Many artisans will be on hand to discuss their techniques and creative processes with visitors.

The event is free to attend and family-friendly. The Kentucky Artisan Center offers ample parking and is easily accessible from Interstate 75, making it convenient for both local residents and travelers passing through the area.

For those planning a full weekend in Berea, Saturday morning also features the Berea Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chestnut Street Pavilion. The Spotlight Playhouse presents “Lizzie Borden of Fall River” with performances Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 4:00 p.m.

Berea has long been recognized as the “Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky,” and events like the Fall Art Market reinforce that reputation. The city’s commitment to preserving and promoting traditional and contemporary crafts continues to draw artists, collectors, and craft enthusiasts from throughout the region.

For more information about the Fall Art Market, visit the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen website or contact the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.