10 Can’t Miss Halloween Experiences

Hey boo! Like a ghost, Halloween season is here and then it’s gone. Get your spook on with these ghost tours, haunted houses, and costume and candy-filled events. 
 

1. Haunted History Evansville Ghost Walks 

History, mystery and tragedy, oh my! This walking tour hosted by the Haynie's Corner Arts District takes place in the Riverside Historic District and will regale it’s history, architecture, prominent residents, ghost stories and spooky sightings. Look for spirit appearances by Edward Reitz, Annie Fellows Johnston (the Penny Lane ghost), Major Albert Rozencranz and more. The walk lasts approximately 75 minutes and is family friendly. Tickets are $15.

 

2. Haunted New Harmony Ghost Walks

New Harmony is the site of two Utopian societies and some say many of its former occupants never left. Join author and paranormal investigator Joni Mayhan on a walk down the moonlit streets as she explains the history and hauntings that set the town apart. Will any ghosts come out to play? One can only hope. Walks are 90 minutes and tickets are $20.

 

3. Halloween Illuminations

You only have 6 days to catch this self-guided walk along the Rivertown Trail in historic Newburgh. Family-friendly ghosts, carved pumpkins and over 10,000 lights illuminate the woods along the trail each night. Tickets are $5 per person or $20 for a family 5-pack. 

 

 

2 Haunted Houses... 2 Blocks Apart!

The Olde Courthouse Catacombs and the House of Lecter

This haunted attraction launched in 1980, making it one of the longest running Halloween events in the United States. The Olde Courthouse Catacombs is located underground beneath the Old County Courthouse, built in 1888. Meanwhile, the House of Lecter dates back to the early 1900s and sits on downtown Evansville’s darkest corner. Both haunted houses have been authentically documented as haunted by the Indiana Ghost Watchers Association. This year’s theme is The Burial Grounds. If you’re dying to get in, purchase your season, unlimited, or single passes before their last night October 31st. 
Happy Haunting!

5. Newburgh Civitan Zombie Farm

Serving spooks since 1989, this haunted house is a premiere area attraction featuring over 50 live action actors and staff. Proceeds go toward funding for Newburgh Civitan, as well as Easter Seals, Special Olympics and more. Outside, you’ll need to survive the zombies and ghouls. Inside, you’ll meet the haunted house of freaks. A single ticket gets you through.
 

6. Boo at the Zoo

An annual favorite, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden’s family Halloween event provides live entertainment, trick-or-treating, magic shows, animal encounters, nightly costume contests and more. Tickets are available online for $8 a piece.

 

7. Pride Trunk or Treat

Candy, food trucks, games, and free admission? Sign us up. River City Pride and Greater Evansville Youth co-host the first ever Pride Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, October 29. All ages are welcome. There will be a costume contest, so dress to impress.

VHS
Halloween Is Meowgical

Howl-O-Ween Bash at VHS

It’s another free event, and it’s dog friendly! Bring your friends, family, and fur family to the Vanderburgh Humane Society (VHS) parking lot for trick-or-treating (for kids and dogs), pumpkin painting, fall food from the legendary VHS Fall Festival booth, Monster Mash cake walk, bake sale, 12 foot skeleton photo opportunity, plus more spooky seasonal activities. Some activities are paid. Costumes are encouraged.
Howl-O-Ween Time!

9. Halloween in the Park at Friedman Park 

For just $5 per car, you can enjoy one of the community’s favorite, family-friendly Halloween events. Halloween in the Park is Sunday, October 23 from 1-5pm with trick-or-treating, food trucks, live music, costume contests, hayrides, spooky stories and a fun, interactive photo booth. Visit the Warrick Parks Foundation for a list of their seasonal events. 
 

10. Halloween Stroll and Trunk-or-Treat Car Show

Trunk-or-Treat with car show participants AND trick-or-treat at more than 20 Downtown Evansville businesses. Trophies will be awarded for several car categories. There will also be face painting, Halloween inflatables, craft stations for kids, and a costume contest for families, kids and dogs. The event is free on Saturday, October 29 from 11-2.
 

Have a safe and happy Halloween!