Sleepy Hollow’s witch paddle on the Hudson: times, $8 tickets and the rain date

Costumed paddlers in witch hats will take to the Hudson River at the SUP Witches Festival in Sleepy Hollow on Saturday, Oct. 10. The festival runs from noon to 5 p.m. at Kingsland Point Park, whose street address is 299 Palmer Ave., and moves to Sunday, Oct. 11, if it rains.

The main event is a big group paddle along the village waterfront. Dozens of paddleboarders in Halloween costumes hold up broomsticks as they float down the river. On shore, an area called Witches Hollow has live bands, food, local craft beer, artisan vendors and family activities. The Headless Horseman has been known to show up during the paddle.

Sleepy Hollow witch festival tickets and times

Watching from shore costs $8 if you buy ahead and $10 on the day. Kids younger than 8 come in free when accompanied by an adult with a ticket. Advance tickets and details are at supwitchfest.com. The main launch is at 2 p.m., and spectators should arrive between 1 and 1:30 p.m.

Paddlers had to register by Oct. 7. Entry was $35 for those bringing their own board or kayak and $50 with a SUP rental, with limited rentals for Rivertowns SUP & Yoga customers. Paddler check-in runs from 11 a.m. to noon, and the park closes to vehicles unloading gear at 11:30 a.m. Paddlers need river experience, must be able to swim, and must wear a costume, a SUP leash and a personal flotation device. Wetsuits or quick-dry layers are strongly recommended because the river is cold in October.

How the Halloween paddle began

Tara Scheller, owner of Rivertowns SUP & Yoga, started the festival in 2020 as an informal group paddle. The Village of Sleepy Hollow later partnered with her to make it an official fall tradition. It now draws thousands of spectators each October.

Drivers coming up from the city can face severe traffic delays on Route 9 on October weekends, and parking at the park is extremely tight.