Beneath the Hudson

Beneath the Hudson
An Immersive Halloween Adventure at EMPAC
Friday, October 30, 2026, 3–10PM
EMPAC — Troy, NY USA
FREE

Everyone in Troy knows the river. Few know what lies beneath it.

Night falls over Troy. An unnatural fog rises from the Hudson, extinguishing every light. From within the mist comes the desperate signal of a steamboat, but no vessel can be seen.

Local legend tells of a steamer destroyed by a mysterious explosion more than a century ago, its burning wreck drifting for days before sinking beneath the waters. Sailors whispered it was no accident—something ancient emerged from the fog, claimed the ship, and has waited below ever since . . .

Now the fog has returned. And it’s calling for a new crew to enter the depths.

Will you follow it Beneath the Hudson?

Inspired by Troy's maritime past, EMPAC transforms local history into a supernatural adventure for one night only. Be part of the story as you journey through the haunted remains of the lost vessel. You’ll encounter ghostly sailors, forgotten lockkeepers, strange river creatures, and the relentless pull of an unseen guide. Uncover what happened on board the ship, and see if you can escape the curse before it claims you, too.

The adventure spills throughout EMPAC with Halloween festivities for all ages. Trick-or-treat through the building, pose with a treasure trove of theatrical props from Proctors Theatre, and grab a spooky snack at Evelyn’s Café. Halloween movies screen all evening, while Troy’s FlagSSSDay Collective leads a hands-on craft activity and brings out regalia from its legendary Crow Procession (keep an eye out for crows flocking throughout the party!). Make masks for the party that can also be worn at the Crow Procession on December 12th.

Before the night is through, cheer on the costume contest with guest judges—or take the stage yourself. After the kids head home, the lights go down and the party gets darker with a DJ and cash bar.

Schedule

Studio 1—Goodman
- 3–10PM: Haunted Ship Experience (recommended for ages 9+)

Evelyn’s Café
- 3–10PM: Spooky snacks and Proctors Theatre photo booth
- Beer/wine bar opens at 7PM
- 7–10PM: Hellseeker Club DJs: Rachel Rave + 100 Psychic Dreams

Studio 2
- 3–10PM: Chill Out Space

6th Floor Mezzanine
- 3–7PM: Mask Making with FlagSSSDay Collective

7th Floor Lobby
- 3–10PM: Trick-or-treat

Theater
- 4–5PM: Kids’ Costume Contest
- 5PM: Muppet Treasure Island (Rated G, 1996)
- 7PM: Adult Costume Contest
- 8PM: Lake Placid (Rated R, 1999)

Event details

Haunted Ship Experience: Journey through the haunted remains of a lost ship. This immersive experience is recommended for ages 9 and up.

Spooky Snacks and Proctors Theatre Photo Booth: Grab a bite to eat or a movie theater snack to keep you going all night. Beer/wine bar opens at 7PM. Capture the moment at a selfie booth decorated by EMPAC’s designers, with props from the historic Proctors Theatre.

Hellseeker Club DJs: Rachel Rave + 100 Psychic Dreams: Troy’s own NO FUN Goth Night DJs Rachel Rave and 100 Psychic Dreams team up to bring the evening closer to the dark side as the hour grows later.

Chill Out Space: If the festivities get to be too much, this quiet space with cushions, couches, and lamp light offers a cozy place for sensory rest.

Mask Making with FlagSSSDay Collective: Join the FlagSSSDay Collective for a hands-on mask-making craft activity—wear your mask tonight or save it for the next Crow Procession on December 12. Regalia from past Processions will also be on display.

Trick-or-Treat: Fill your treat bag at tables hosted by local businesses and RPI student clubs and learn more about their activities.

Kids’ Costume Contest: Strut your stuff on stage in this kids-only costume contest with special guest judges and prizes from Capital Region candy shops.

Muppet Treasure Island (Rated G, 1996): Grab a movie theater snack from Evelyn’s Café on Level 5 and catch this pirate adventure on the big screen.

Adult Costume Contest: Strut your stuff on stage in this adults-only costume contest with special guest judges and prizes from Capital Region candy shops.

Lake Placid (Rated R, 1999): Grab a movie theater snack from Evelyn’s Café on Level 5 and catch this creature-feature on the big screen.