It was probably composed in 1907 and was part of Three Outdoor Scenes, a collection of pieces that also included Central Park in the Dark.

[1] As the composer himself explained, Hallowe'en is "but a take-off of a Halloween party and bonfire – the elfishness of the little boys throwing wood on the fire, etc.

[3] There is also a possibility that no dates are correct, since it is not clear whether Ives wrote "Hallowe'en (on the 1st of April!)"

This performance took place in a concert of music and dance organized by Martha Graham and her group and sponsored by the Pan American Association of Composers.

The Ives works performed on this occasion also included The Pond and The Gong on the Hook and Ladder, all being premiered as an instrumental interlude.

[3][6] Hallowe'en was only published in 1949 by Bomart Music Publications, initially intended to be the first movement of a short suite for orchestra entitled Three Outdoor Scenes, the other pieces being The Pond and Central Park in the Dark.

[8] Ives provided two ways in which the piece can be played: It has been observed by friends that three times around is quite enough, while others stood for the four—but as this piece was written for a hallowe'en party and not for a nice concert, the decision must be made by the players regardless of the feelings of the audience.

In fact, he used the term workmanship with positive connotations to refer to Hallowe'en, which he described as music that is both organized and original.