We probably won't see massive Halloween parties this year, but celebrating the spookiest of the seasons is still very possible. Here are some events taking place in September and October that will metaphorically be the caramel to your apple. Be safe, have fun and get creative this Halloween season.
Note: this list will be updated regularly as Halloween-themed events are announced.
Boozy Bard's virtual production of "Macbeth Raw (ish)"
Boozy Bard – colloquially known as the "drunk Shakespeare group" – is offering its first virtual experience this year. So grab something boozy to drink and watch a live, interactive production of "Macbeth" via Zoom. The shenanigans take place October 7th and 28th at 7 p.m. Find out more and register right here.
Captain Pabst's "Dark Listening Sessions"
For a unique, immersive and electrifying way to celebrate Halloween check out Captain Pabst Pilot House’s “Dark Listening Sessions” this coming Halloween weekend Oct. 29-31. Each night, and twice on Halloween, the Pilot House, 1037 E. Juneau Ave., will fire up its 20,000+ watt state-of-the-art sound system and turn off the lights and rock out to one of these classic rock albums. Tickets are limited for each session to allow for appropriate social distancing and the cost is $25 per person. Get tickets HERE.
- Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. – Alice Cooper’s “Welcome To My Nightmare”
- Friday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. – Black Sabbath’s “Black Sabbath”
- Saturday, Oct. 31 -- Sessions at 7:30 and 10 p.m. – Metallica’s “Black Album” and costume contest
City Lounge "Nightmare on Layton Ave." pop-up
City Lounge has transformed its space many times, so it's no surprise the bar is about to become the "wicked-est" watering hole in Cudahy. The terrifying fun runs Oct. 9 through Nov. 7 and will feature a nightly horror-themed party, both indoors and out. Read more about it here.
The Domes' "Legend of Sleepy Hallow"
The Domes have reopened to the public! The show dome will be decked out for the annual fall show, which this year is "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." Guests can find clues in the colonial autumn garden to solve the mystery of the Headless Horseman. For public health and safety, pre-registration is required, so go here.
Gothic Milwaukee's Downtown Ghost Tour
Take a spooky tour of Downtown with Milwaukee author and personality Anna Lardinois. As a gifted storyteller, lover of folklore and expert historian, Anna will help you look beyond what you see every day and explore a world of hidden pasts and dark secrets, restless spirits and eerie sightings. Masks are required. Go here for tickets and more info.
The Hill Has Eyes
The Rock Sports Complex’s wildly popular outdoor scare fest, The Hill Has Eyes returns for its ninth year on Friday, Oct. 9 at 7900 Crystal Ridge Rd. in Franklin. The 45-acre field of screams is entirely outdoors and boasts a full hour of terror. Also back is The Not So Scary Halloween Party, which puts a little kid focus on The Hill Has Eyes on from 2:30 until 4:45 p.m. on Sundays through Nov. 1. This version of the experience is aimed at kids ages 8-12. Information on The Hill Has Eyes COVID-19 plan, as well as ticket and time information can be found here.
Milwaukee Food Tours' "Ghouls and Spirits Adult Trick-or-Treat"
This tour combines a haunted city walk with food and Boo-ze (thus, you must be 21 to attend). Mask up, dress up in costume and enter to win a prize via the tour's costume contest. For those not comfortable taking a public tour, a Home-aween Kit is also available. Go here for the deets on everything.
Party at Paulie's
Paulie's Pub in West Allis is hosting a Halloween bash on Sat., Oct. 31 from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with a costume contest and drink specials. Dress up and drink up! Here's more.
Sculpture Milwaukee's Scavenger Hunt and Costume Contest
This Saturday, Sculpture Milwaukee will host a socially distant scavenger hunt and social-media driven costume contest. An optional in-person component will also take place. It's all happening on Saturday, Oct. 31st from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., where masked and distanced volunteers will be on-site to distribute materials and assist with the scavenger hunt. The in-person festivities will take place outdoors beginning at the “pocket park” in the 400 block of E. Wisconsin Avenue. These free activity books are great for kids under 12. More info here.
Spooky Camp on Old World Third
This week, check out "Spooky Camp," a boo-zy pop-up attraction located inside Deer Camp, 1023 N. Old World 3rd St. Spooky Camp will be open Thursdays through Sundays throughout the month of October, with the spookiness starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays, 3 p.m. on Fridays, noon on Saturdays and noon until 10 p.m. on Sundays. Here's more info.
Wisconsin Feargrounds' "The Compound"
Wisconsin Feargrounds returns to the Waukesha Expo Center with two all-new haunted houses. Health and safety procedures are in place due to COVID-19. The ghoulish attraction is open every Friday and Saturday in October from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Find out the deliciously dark deets here.
To stay informed of all the haunted house news in Wisconsin, including what's open and what's not this year, go here.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.