Virginia City is once again transforming into a Halloween destination with the return of Hauntober, a month-long celebration filled with ghost tours, haunted train rides, themed parades, and events for all ages.
“Hauntober" is our way of embracing the legends and lore that make Virginia City one of the most haunted towns in America,” said Todd Tuttle, tourism director. “From ghost tours and haunted carriage tours to trick-or-treating and spooky train rides, the entire month is packed with ways for visitors to experience the supernatural side of our town while experiencing our haunted past. We welcome both first-time guests and returning spirit enthusiasts to join us in celebrating the season in true Virginia City fashion.”
Kicking off with Haunted Hills, Mills & Mansions on October 3-4, visitors can explore some of the area’s most notable paranormal sites.
Other attractions running throughout October include Spooky Off-Road Tours through cemeteries and Voices from the Past at Silver Terrace Cemetery, where actors portray 19th-century Comstock residents.
Families can enjoy a seasonal ride on the V&T Railroad Pumpkin Patch Train headed to the Gold Hill Pumpkin Patch, or climb aboard the new Haunted Hayride, a 25-minute ghost-story experience.
A signature event of the month, Redrun VII: The Resurrection, returns Saturday, Oct. 11, after a seven-year break. The immersive event blends elements of a race, scavenger hunt, and escape room across haunted locations in town. Participants will solve clues, overcome challenges, and race against time. Tickets are available at liquidblueevents.com/redrun.
Halloween Week is packed with activities:
- October 25: The Spirits Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl from 1–5 p.m. includes themed drinks and a haunted scavenger hunt. Later that evening, Spirits with the Spirits at Piper’s: Nightmare on B Street offers cocktails and ghost stories from 6–7:30 p.m.
- Victorian All Hallows’ Eve Ball takes place at the Fourth Ward School Museum with music, dancing, tarot readings, and flashlight tours.
- Haunted House at Mackay Mansion and the Virginia City Haunted House at the Freight Depot both open October 25. The depot attraction runs nightly through Oct. 31.
- Haunted Hayrides are available Oct. 25 and 31. Tickets start at $25 for adults and $10 for children.
From October 27–29, a Ghost Investigation and Sleepover at St. Mary’s Art Center offers an overnight paranormal experience.
On October 31 and November 1, the Haunted Halloween Graveyard Train returns for 40-minute spooky rides to the Gold Hill Graveyard.
Halloween night includes:
- Silver Terrace Cemetery After Dark from 6–10:30 p.m. ($5 adults, $3 children 12 and under)
- Hauntober Costume Contest and Parade, with check-in at 4:30 p.m. and the parade at 5 p.m.
- Safe Trick-or-Treating along C Street from 6–8 p.m.
Throughout the month, The Washoe Club offers weekend ghost tours through its historic halls, and Piper’s Opera House hosts paranormal investigations.
Other options include the Bats in the Belfry Ghost Tour, Haunted Virginia City Escape Room, and Ghost Town Adventure.
For a full list of events and tickets, visit visitvirginiacitynv.com/hauntober.
