More than a century has passed since Irving's death, but the Legend gains in popularity every year. Day and evening events are scheduled throughout the weekend, including haunted nights at Philipsburg Manor, an evening of scary tales at Sunnyside, a Harvest Ball at Van Cortlandt Manor and more. The grounds are transformed into a haunted landscape for an evening of entertainment that has become one of the most popular events of the year. As visitors explore the grounds, eerily lit with candles and bonfires, they will encounter a chilling selection of ghouls, witches and other characters from Hudson Valley folklore. The Headless Horseman himself, riding a black stallion, appears in the back pasture.
Refreshments are available indoors and out.
Children enjoy pumpkin carving, a craft activity, and shelling corn to grind in the water-powered grist mill. Visitors may stroll across the street for a look at this well-known graveyard, where Washington Irving himself is buried. Legend Weekend at Sunnyside Washington Irving lived at Sunnyside, a picturesque cottage along the shore of the Hudson River in Tarrytown, during the mid-19th century. Food will be available for purchase throughout the day, with picnic tables and fall scenery provided. Adults who are in the Halloween spirit themselves may want to pay a return visit to Sunnyside on Friday night when Sunnyside presents an evening of chilling stories told by renowned actor and comedian Robert Klein.