Step Right Up! The Haunt: The Carnival Comes to Deadwoodville Returns to the MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center

The HAUNT fundraiser
September 26, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Sandee Buckley | Sandee@hopartscenter.org | 508-435-9222 x102

Step Right Up! The Haunt: The Carnival Comes to Deadwoodville Returns to the MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center

MetroWest YMCA and Hopkinton Center for the Arts team up for third annual fundraiser, presented by UniBank

Hopkinton, MA — (September 24)– A spooky Halloween tradition is back! The MetroWest YMCA and Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) are proud to announce the return of The Haunt, an outdoor, interactive theatrical experience that transforms the YMCA’s Outdoor Center into the fictional town of Deadwoodville. This year’s theme—The Carnival Comes to Deadwoodville—invites thrill-seekers into a world where the “undead” step into the center ring.

Guests will wander under tattered big-top tents, enjoy circus clowns and soaring acrobats, and step into a carnival filled with eerie games, haunting music, and fog-shrouded surprises—making The Haunt one of MetroWest’s most unique Halloween events.

Performances will take place on:

● Fridays & Saturdays: October 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 p.m.

● Rain Dates: Sundays, October 19 & 26 at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 p.m.

● Kid-Friendly Haunt: Sundays, October 19 & 26 at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m. (a daylight version designed for younger families).

The HAUNT takes place at the MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center (45 East Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748). Timed entry will be at the top of each hour.

New this year: The “Run Away with the Circus” option invites participants to step directly into the story. For an additional $100 donation, guests can become part of the show, complete with exclusive swag and a photo opportunity with the cast.

Birthday/Halloween Party Package is available for $550. Includes 12 tickets to the show and an area to host your party for one hour before or after the show. Additionally, it features a "runaway with the circus experience" for one person. You provide food, cake, and party decorations. Additional tickets are available to purchase for $35 for Friday or Saturday night parties and $25 for Sunday parties. If you are interested in a party package, please email info@hopartscenter.org

“The Haunt is one of our favorite community traditions because it combines creativity, fun, and purpose,” said Bartt Pinchuck, Executive Director of the MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center. “When you purchase a ticket, you’re not just enjoying a one-of-a-kind Halloween event—you’re helping ensure that more people in our community have access to the programs and opportunities they need to thrive.”

“The arts bring people together in powerful ways, and partnering with the Y for The Haunt allows us to connect creativity with community impact,” said Kelly Grill, Executive Director of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. “We’re excited to welcome guests back for another unforgettable Halloween season in Deadwoodville.”

Presented with Support from UniBank

The MetroWest YMCA and Hopkinton Center for the Arts are proud to recognize UniBank as the premier sponsor of this year’s Haunt. Their generous support helps ensure that proceeds from the event directly benefit community programs that promote inclusion, creativity, and wellness for all.

Tickets & Proceeds

Proceeds from The Haunt support the MetroWest YMCA and Hopkinton Center for the Arts, ensuring both organizations can continue providing inclusive, accessible programs for all members of the community.

Tickets are available now at www.hopartscenter.org/thehaunt2025

About the MetroWest YMCA

The MetroWest YMCA is a cause-driven nonprofit dedicated to strengthening community by nurturing youth potential, promoting health and well-being, and inspiring action for the common good. We welcome everyone—regardless of age, income, or background—and believe that every person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at metrowestymca.org

About the Hopkinton Center for the Arts

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts is a visual and performing arts center that offers a vibrant array of arts education, lessons, and cultural programming, fostering creativity and artistic expression in the community. Learn more at hopartscenter.org

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