Virginia City, Nevada, is embracing its storied past this October with a month‑long series of events dubbed “Hauntober.” Tourism Director Todd Tuttle describes the program as a chance for the town’s history to come alive, offering something for every visitor – from families seeking safe trick‑or‑treating to adults looking for a spooky night out.
Historic tours and paranormal experiences
The schedule kicks off with the Spooky Candlelight Tour at the historic Mackay Mansion on October 9 and 16, 7‑8 p.m. Guests explore dimly lit rooms while hearing stories of the mansion’s past and reported paranormal encounters. Tickets start at $35 per person.
For those who prefer a walking experience, Bats in the Belfry Ghost Tours offers nightly tours through the town’s historic streets for $20 per person, blending local history with firsthand accounts of unexplained activity.
The Gold Hill Hotel adds its own haunted tour every Thursday night, 5‑9 p.m. Visitors can enjoy dinner at Crown Point Restaurant before the tour, with tickets priced at $35 for the tour alone or $65 for the full dinner‑and‑tour package.
Live history at Silver Terrace Cemetery
Funtime Theater presents Voices from the Past, a living tour where actors portray 19th‑century Comstock residents. Attendees can “talk to the dead” while learning about the people who shaped the region.
Railroad adventures
The V&T Railroad adds a seasonal twist with two special trains. The Pumpkin Patch Train shuttles riders from Virginia City to the Gold Hill Pumpkin Patch, where families can pick a pumpkin and enjoy autumn scenery. Evening “Dusk Trains” provide a sunset version of the ride.
For a darker experience, the Graveyard Train runs October 29‑31, traveling toward the Gold Hill Graveyard. Passengers encounter an “Executioner” character and other Halloween frights.
Family‑focused festivities
On Friday, October 23, Mackay Mansion hosts Mr. Mackay’s Tricks & Treats, a children’s event for ages 6‑11. Kids can trick‑or‑treat through the historic mansion, enjoy spooky stories, mini games and candy. Tickets are $13 per child, and reservations are required.
Adult‑only celebrations
Saturday, October 24, sees the Spirits Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl, a 1‑5 p.m. tour of Virginia City’s historic saloons for participants 21 and older. Guests sample themed cocktails, treats and learn more about the town’s haunted past.
That evening, the Fourth Ward School Museum holds its fourth annual All Hallows Eve Victorian Ball Fundraiser inside the 1876 schoolhouse. The adults‑only event features Victorian‑themed décor, flashlight tours, tarot readings, light snacks and drinks.
Halloween night highlights
October 31 begins with the Hauntober Costume Contest at 5 p.m., welcoming families, pets and costumed revelers. Check‑in starts at 4:30 p.m. at the Virginia City Jerky Company.
Following the contest, families can enjoy Hauntober Safe Trick‑or‑Treating along C Street from 6‑7 p.m., with local merchants handing out treats.
For those seeking a more eerie experience, Silver Terrace Cemetery opens from 6‑10:30 p.m. for a self‑guided after‑dark stroll using a downloadable audio guide. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under, with proceeds supporting the Comstock Cemetery Foundation.
The night culminates with the Nevada Statehood Ball at historic Piper’s Opera House, a masquerade‑themed celebration of Nevada’s admission as the 36th state in 1864. The event runs 7‑10 p.m., offering hors d’oeuvres, dancing and live music by Renegade Orchestra. Guests 13 and older are encouraged to dress in period attire.
Plan your visit
All Hauntober events are listed on visitvirginiacitynv.com. With options ranging from family‑friendly trick‑or‑treating to adult‑only historic balls, Virginia City provides a unique way to experience the Comstock’s haunted heritage throughout October.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
